Birding on the Minnesota River Valley

Woodland, Wetland, and Riverine Environments Meet (MN) [1]

When the lakes surrounding the Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway are named after birds, as in the case of Swan Lake, or they are named because of them, such as Lac qui Parle - The Lake that Speaks, you know that there’s bound to be a reason for it. The byway lies within the great Mississippi Flyway, a path through which huge numbers of migratory birds travel, making it no understatement that the area is an excellent place for birding.

White Pelicans at Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge (MN) [2]

The geological legacy of the last ice age created an area rich with lakes and marshy areas, areas perfect for a wide range of bird species, especially wetland varieties. Such is the case in Big Stone Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Designated a Globally Important Bird Area, its 11,586 areas of marsh and open water provide habitat for many species of waterfowl, shorebirds, and grassland birds, displays of which can be particularly exceptional during spring and late summer. Expect to see Canada Geese, Wilson's Phalaropes, and Eared Grebes, as well as Least, Pectoral, and Stilt Sandpiper species.

Over 100,000 Canada Geese use Lac qui Parle, literally "The Lake that Speaks," a reference to the consistent noise of the avian inhabitants, as a stopover point during their great fall migration. Many other species frequent the area. Bald Eagles and pelicans also nest on an island sanctuary in the lake.

For additional fantastic birding opportunities, go to the Audubon Society Birding Trail or Upper Sioux Agency State Park. As a river area, their species composition are slightly different, making it a valued change in pace from the lakes. Spotted Sandpipers, Killdeer, and other shorebirds frequent the sides of the river, and Red-Tailed Hawks, Turkey Vultures, and White Pelicans circle the sky as they search for sustenance.

You'll be pleasantly surprised to know that these places represent only a small sampling of the birding opportunities along the byway, so be sure to have your binoculars – and your ears – at the ready. You never know what you might see or hear.