Category: Birding

Birding 101: Rainy Lake Birding for Beginners

3/23/2020

Birding is a hobby you can take with you anywhere. Even some of the coldest, most remote places in the world have various types of birds that live or migrate there seasonally. It’s a hobby you can bundle into two: hiking and birding, boating and birding, four-wheeling and birding, to name a few. If you’re outside, look to the sky and listen carefully. This hobby changes with the seasons, bringing new species of birds to new locations for an array of colors, sizes, and sounds.

At Rainy Lake, it’s easy to slow down and notice the sounds and sights you might otherwise miss. The warmer temperatures in the spring mean birds that migrate south return to mate, nest, and settle in for a beautiful summer. With more bird activity and a greater chance to see rare birds that are out to socialize, April is a great time to hone your birding technique. Grab a pair of binoculars, get outside, and look or listen for a few of our favorites.

By Color:

Northern Cardinal: The male Northern Cardinal is easy to spot thanks to its vibrant red feathers with dark black accents. Though small, it’s not easily missed against the brown and green backdrop of early spring. Females also have pink/red wings but may be easier to miss than their male counterpart.
Blue Jays: On a clear blue day, these birds may be tougher to spot. With grey bellies and bright sky-blue feathers, they stand out on budding tree branches in early spring. They are larger than the Northern Cardinal and often louder. It’s hard to miss a Blue Jay call, so follow the sound and you’ll be able to locate this brilliant blue bird.
American Goldfinch: Nothing says spring like an array of bright yellow feathers. The American Goldfinch is hard to miss with its cheerfully vivid yellow body and dark black feathers. Males are significantly brighter while females tend to blend in with the brown branches.
Baltimore Orioles: With blazing orange bellies and black heads, male Baltimore Orioles are easy to spot. Their female counterpart, though not as bright, still have yellow-orange bodies and brown wings which make them noticeable amidst budding green branches.

By Sound:

Mourning Doves: This might be a common bird that you hear in and out of the city, but Mourning Doves have a very distinct call. Chances are you’ll hear them before you see them due to their dull brown and tan bodies. However, their heads and necks have an opalescent, peach glow that adds to their beauty. Listen carefully and take notice of these stunning, singing birds next time you’re outside.
Black-Capped Chickadee: Easily mocked by many, the Black-Capped Chickadee has a distinct call that almost sounds repetitive. But what many don’t know is that the longer the cry, the greater the threat. For Black-Capped Chickadees, their call is about survival. Listen close to observe next time!
Bald Eagle: You will likely hear this bird before you see it. Frequently perched high above open prairies and fields, this bird of prey has a piercing, loud call. Once endangered, this bird can be frequently seen soaring above open bodies of water and land in search of food.
Northern Mockingbird: We couldn’t talk about bird songs without mentioning the mockingbird. Known for its repetitive nature, the Northern Mockingbird sticks to its tune. Cross your fingers for a song you like and listen closely for the same verse over and over.

We’ve named just a few common spring-time birds here at Rainy Lake, but consider taking our birding challenge and download a printable list of birds you can scout for next time you’re outside. Want to encourage birds to visit your yard? Check out these tips from Minnesota DNR for bird feeding in the spring!

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Rainy Lake: Spring Grouse

3/27/2019

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While hunting grouse in the fall is the most popular of small game hunting activities in Minnesota, there is another way to experience the elusive bird in the Spring. Between mid April and the end of May grouse perform their mating ritual referred to as "drumming." It's when the male grouse shows off his stuff by standing on a fallen log and flaps his wings vigorously which makes a distinctive sound that can be heard by humans and the female grouse as well. Hiking trails in the Rainy Lake area near International Falls have abundant places where the grouse can be heard. While their feathers blend into the woods around them, making them almost invisible, their drumming reveals their whereabouts. Hunters can note these locations for better success in the fall and nature lovers can enjoy the effort of catching site of a male doing his best to attract a mate. This is hiking with a purpose. Maps of hiking trails can be obtained at area lodges as well as the Voyageurs National Park.

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Wintering Birds Rainy Lake, Minnesota

2/26/2019

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Birds can make the winter season more entertaining; the snow is a pleasant backdrop to their flights of fancy. Providing food for birds will bring them to your yard, and it will aid in the birds' survival.

Chickadees and cardinals are permanent residents. Winter visitors of boreal regions are unpredictable.

Species that fly far from their normal ranges to find food:

Red-breasted nuthatches
Common and Hoary redpolls
Pine siskins
Red and White-winged crossbills
Pine grosbeaks

Winter Bird Feeding: large seeds, small seeds, and suet.

Large Seeds

Black-oil sunflower
Striped sunflower
Safflower
Peanuts
Shelled corn
Ear corn
Cardinal mixes that contain sunflower, safflower and peanuts

Birds that enjoy sunflower seeds:

Northern cardinals
Blue jays
Black-capped
Chestnut-backed chickadees
House and Purple finches
American goldfinches
Evening and Pine grosbeaks
Gray and Steller's jays
Nuthatches
Crossbills
Titmice

Peanuts are enjoyed by:

Black-capped chickadees
Nuthatches
Woodpeckers
Blue jays

Seeds and mixes

Millet is enjoyed by:

Dark-eyed juncos
Mourning doves
American tree
Fox
Harris'
White-throated, White-crowned and Golden-crowned sparrows

Suet

Suet in winter offers an energy boost to birds when they need it most.

Use onion sacks, wire mesh feeders or placed on open platforms.

Peanut butter may be smeared on pine cones for a yummy treat!

Feeders

Use a heating element to keep water from freezing. Bird baths with heating elements can be found at bird-feeding supply stores.

Keep feeders closer to the windows to prevent collisions. Reducing the gap makes it harder for birds to build up speed.

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Birding 101: Rainy Lake Birding for Beginners

Rainy Lake: Spring Grouse

Wintering Birds Rainy Lake, Minnesota

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