The Southern Migration usually peaks sometime during early half of January and the Northern Migration peaks around the middle to the end of February. Crow, American Migratory flyways. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Blackbird, Red-winged After stopping at the visitor center to see exhibits and learn about ranger-led programs, walk the two-mile trail, which passes through coastal forest and reaches two bayous. Our email newsletter shares the latest programs and initiatives. Small families of sandhill cranes also raise young along the river and marshes. The sandy beach can have wading birds, shorebirds, gulls, and terns, and winter can bring sightings of scoters, Red-breasted Merganser, and Northern Gannet. Map by ABC. More than 325 bird species make the round-trip each year along the Mississippi Flyway, from their breeding grounds in Canada and the northern United States to their wintering grounds along the Gulf of Mexico and in Central and South America. Song birds, raptors, ducks and wading birds all travel this route this season. Membership benefits include one year of Audubon magazineand the latest on birds and their habitats. Over 300 pairs of bald eagles nest on the refuge year round, but the late winter also brings migratory bald eagles who are slowly making their way farther north back to their nesting grounds. Andrew Farnsworth The Cornell Lab Mar 17, 2021. The provinces and territories these birds head toward include Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan and Yukon Territory. National Audubon Society Bald Eagle. Additional details about the status of each species is included in the full list. Red-shouldered Hawks nest in the refuge and up to 24 pairs have been recorded in one year. Photo: Dick Dickinson/Audubon Photography Awards, All along the Gulf Coast, Audubon conserves, restores, protects, and monitors coastal sites for colonial and beach-nesting birds More. Grab a pair of binoculars, because you won't believe the variety of fowl that nests along the Mississippi. Driving through the refuge or walking one of its two hiking trails, birders may find nesting species including Wild Turkey, Anhinga, Mississippi Kite, Yellow-throated Vireo, Wood Thrush, Prothonotary Warbler, Hooded Warbler, and Painted Bunting. This is a very popular summer recreation area, so the best seasons are fall through spring. The Mississippi River Delta Restoration Campaign is organizing a fall migration . These majestic waterbirds fly in formation as they cruise over Clinton on their daily journey inland. Canada geese build nests on top of muskrat huts and other high viewpoints near the water. The Frontenac area is known throughout the birding community as one of the main and most famous areas in the state to view the May migration of warblers and other neotropical migrants. Order a FREE Great River Road 10-state map, St. Its the least you can do. Nesting birds here include Wood Duck, Double-crested Cormorant, Anhinga, Mississippi Kite, Red-headed Woodpecker, Prothonotary Warbler, Painted Bunting, Dickcissel, and Orchard Oriole. Audubon protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Winter eagle roosts are located at Read? The Mississippi units of the Gulf Islands National Seashore encompass six major islands and one tract on the mainland thats accessible by vehicle. Birding The Great River Road connects you with some of the best birdwatching opportunities in the world. This list includes 81 Species of Greatest Conservation Need from Minnesota? Shiny Cowbird has been seen occasionally, and Bronzed Cowbird is a regular visitor. National Audubon Society "The largest US barge operator warned customers it won't be able to make good on deliveries. Nineteen species of waterfowl have been recorded during fall migration on the Upper Mississippi River NWR. One of the finest wildlife-viewing sites in the region, Noxubee is located about 13 miles south of Starkville. MN ?V 1d The Mississippi River is one of the most important Bald Eagle wintering areas in North America. Our email newsletter shares the latest programs and initiatives. Looking at its total system, the Mississippi extends more than 3,700 miles across the country and is the 4th longest river system in the world. Sediment deposition and both Stop the Destruction of Globally Important Wetland. Wilson gave the kite the Latin binomial name of Falco mississippiensis: Falco means "falcon", while mississippiensis means from the Mississippi River in the United States. Latin: They typically spend winter in Central America or Mexico, and as early as February, they begin migrating north to the southern U.S. for breeding. Cloud, Minn., Map from Little Falls to Anoka (River Mile 970 to 870), Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn., Map (River Mile 870 to 823), Red Wing, Minn., Map from Cottage Grove to Kellogg (River Mile 823 to 755), La Crosse, Wis., Map from Kellog, Minn., to New Albin, Iowa (River Mile 755 to 674), Prairie du Chien, Wis., Map from New Albin, Iowa, to Sageville, Iowa (River Mile 674 to 586), Dubuque, Iowa, Map from Sageville, Iowa, to Clinton, Iowa (River Mile 586 to 507), Burlington, Iowa, Map from New Boston, Ill., to Keokuk, Iowa (River Mile 437 to 361), Top 5 birds to see on the Great River Road, Birdwatching hotspots on the Great River Road. Frontenac Point is the subject of one of the most beautiful dioramas at the Bell Museum of Natural History at the University of Minnesota. Barn Bluff is another beautiful spot to see eagles, located in Red Wing, Minnesota. A River of Birds From the headwaters of the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico More than 325 bird species make the round-trip each year along the Mississippi Flyway, from their breeding grounds in Canada and the northern United States to their wintering grounds along the Gulf of Mexico and in Central and South America. During the spring and fall, millions of birds, from tiny warblers to giant white pelicans, make their way along the Mississippi River. amounts of public lands along the river corridor. The Great River Road National Scenic Byway follows the path of the Mississippi Flyway, a migratory route used by 35 percent of North American birds. Birds are on the move above the Mississippi River! Mississippi River - Pool 9; Mississippi River - Pool 10; Mississippi River - Pool 11; Mississippi River . Over 290 species of birds migrate through the refuge across its 240,000 acre stretch, utilizing the bottomland forest, marshland, river, and prairie ecosystems on their journeys. These spots provide habitat for waterfowl, wading birds, and woodland species such as the Red-headed Woodpecker and Prothonotary Warbler. Birds are on the move above the Mississippi River! From Minnesota, where we successfully lobbied the Environmental Protection Agency to stay the permit of a sulfide ore mine, to shorebird stewardship projects in Mississippi, we are there for the birds. Black-billed Cuckoo Mid-winter counts ranged from 321 in 2004 to 58 in 2005 between Winona and LaCrescent, as viewed from the Minnesota side of the river. Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge has been a haven for migratory birds, fish, wildlife and people since 1924. Bell? Its usually possible to see the species at clusters of nests on the aptly named Woodpecker Trail. Alligators are usually easily seen except in winter. Bald Eagle. ?s Habitat for the Wild and Rare - The Blufflands Subsection in southeastern Minnesota, dominated by the Mississippi River, is characterized by bluff prairies, steep bluffs,and stream valleys, often 500 to 600 feet deep. Type in your search and hit Enter on desktop or hit Go on mobile device. Frontenac State Park regularly records between 20 and 30 species of migrant warblers and the total number of species recorded there is 263, the second highest for a Minnesota State Park. Membership benefits include one year of Audubon magazineand the latest on birds and their habitats. Trout Stream Map-Mississippi River. With an estimated 3.7 million annual visitors, it is the most heavily visited Refuge in the System. The sandy beaches and barrier islands of Gulf Islands National Seashore allow observations of shorebirds and seabirds, including the Magnificant Frigatebird and Northern Gannet. Pledge to stand with Audubon to call on elected officials to listen to science and work towards climate solutions. Forestry is There are four significant migratory bird flyways in North America: the Pacific Flyway, the Central Flyway, the Mississippi Flyway, and the Atlantic Flyway. The Mississippi Flyway is a bird migration route that generally follows the Mississippi, Missouri, and Lower Ohio Rivers in the United States across the western Great Lakes to the Mackenzie River and Hudson Bay in Canada. However, warmer fall weather has delayed their arrival over the last few years. Type in your search and hit Enter on desktop or hit Go on mobile device. In Kentucky, birdwatchers should not miss the Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge, with its bottomland forests of cypress, oaks and tupelo gums. Much of the refuge is, understandably, closed to avoid disturbance to the cranes. Rare gulls have been seen at the lakes outflow among the common Bonapartes, Ring-billed, and Herring gulls. + Migratory Game Birds. It is an important site for migrating waterfowl, particularly Canvasbacks and Tundra Swans as well as nesting waterbirds, and breeding and wintering Bald Eagles. It lies within Pool 4 of the Mississippi River and includes all of Lake Pepin, Perched Valley WMA near Wacouta, Frontenac State Park, Bald Eagle SNA and Hok Si La Park. Bald eagles sit in the water, on fallen logs or in trees watching for easy meals. Autumn offers some of Minnesota's best bird watching, with mild temperatures, congregating flocks and vibrant forests enhancing bird hikes and road trips. Photo: Dick Dickinson/Audubon Photography Awards, Mile 10, Natchez Trace National Parkway, Mississippi. Bobolink 2. Oriole, Baltimore At 4:37 PM, she experienced contractions, although she remained laying down and the contractions were not . It is little wonder then that this large, south-flowing river forms the core of one of North America's great flyways and offers birders wonderful opportunities to observe a wide variety of species. The Mississippi kite was first named and described by the Scottish ornithologist Alexander Wilson in 1811, in the third volume of his American Ornithology. Our email newsletter shares the latest programs and initiatives. Or take action immediately with one of our current campaigns below: The Audubon Bird Guide is a free and complete field guide to more than 800 species of North American birds, right in your pocket. Lake Pepin, which is basically a widening of the Mississippi River contained between beautiful bluffs, provides magnificent vistas of the surrounding countryside and is one of the most scenic areas in Minnesota. The Pacific Flyway follows the west coast and overflies major parts of . The Lower Lake (the area below the dam) can be a good birding spot as well. Wood Thrush Birds and the Mississippi River Each day, birds must find food, water, shelter, and places offering refuge from predators. Black-and-white Warbler 11. Osprey nests in this area, and depending on water level the lake can attract wading birds and shorebirds. Click below to see maps for some of the different segments on the route. Here you can make the trek up the 500 foot bluff for views of where the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers meet. National Audubon Society Operated in conjunction with Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge, its an Audubon Important Bird Area with a bird list of more than 250 species. Hok-si-la Park is also noted as an important migratory stopover for songbirds in both spring and fall. Ornithological Summary. The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge is actually 240,000 acres and 261 miles long, running through Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois and lies within the Mississippi Flyway, the migratory path for birds. Order a FREE Great River Road 10-state map, Top 5 birds to see on the Great River Road, Birdwatching hotspots on the Great River Road. Stay up to date on the latest Great River Road events, contests and deals. 111 E. Kellogg Blvd., Suite 105 Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge, Photo by Upper Mississippi National Wildlife Refuge. We protect birds and the places they need. ?s Landing and Whitman Dam. The Davis Bayou area, in Ocean Springs, offers a chance for birders to walk through a maritime forest and scan marsh, bayou, and open water, and can be especially good in spring migration. By using our website, you agree to our, How to Attract Wrens to Your Backyard Bird Feeders, 6 Native Plants That Will Attract Hummingbirds to Your Regional Garden. Up to 50,000 waterfowl may winter at the refuge, with abundant dabbling ducks such as Gadwall, Mallard, and Northern Shoveler. The park is the only place in Mississippi where migrating raptors can be found in concentration. Many portions of the river remain open, even during the severest of winters, providing winter feeding sites for the eagles. Nesting birds in this area include Wild Turkey, Anhinga, Least Bittern, Mississippi Kite, King Rail, Purple Gallinule, Common Gallinule, Red-headed Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Wood Thrush, Prothonotary Warbler, Kentucky Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, and Summer Tanager. BIRD MIGRATION: MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY Stop at the Grand Bay Coastal Resources Center, just a few minutes south of Interstate 10, for maps and advice. Tours to see cranes are offered in fall and winter. The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. All About the Mississippi Flyway and the Birds That Travel It Kentucky Warbler perched on a branch As the name indicates, this migration path follows the Mississippi River, spanning the Gulf of Mexico all the way to Canada. Bird enthusiasts of all ages will love Minnesotas National Eagle Center. Vast wildlife refuges, state forests, federal forests and parks protect the habitat and food sources these birds depend on. Mississippi River Bird Cam | Explore.org livecams Films Looks like we're having trouble loading the page It seems there was an issue trying to load the page. Mississippi Birding Hot Spots Sixty species were seen in at least 30 of the 32 years. For the average backyard bird-lover, that can mean a surge of new visitors to feeders. Wednesday, Nov. 16, on the Mississippi River near Ferryville in this U.S. Red-billed Tropicbird 7. The northern (eastern) boundary is the MN/WI state line. Pick up a copy of the free guide Selected Birds of the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and Vicinity to enhance your birding. Among the most notable fall concentrations are those of Canvasbacks, representing up to 50% of the continental population, and Tundra Swans with an estimated 20% of the eastern North American population. The Mississippi River borders Iowa for more than 300 miles, entering the state between swift bluffs that rise four to six hundred feet above the river level. The mighty river serves as a natural highway for more than 325 migrating bird species, according to the . Cardinal, Northern The site is easily accessed by U.S. Highway 61 as well as the Mississippi River for the entire length of the area. The U.S. Swan, Tundra Other mammals include gray and fox squirrels, cottontails, jackrabbits and white-tailed deer which are abundant in the timbered areas. The current genus of Ictinia originated with Louis Jean . Stewards of the Upper Mississippi River Refuge installed five wildlife viewing cameras on the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. These forecasts come from models trained on the last 23 years of bird movements in the atmosphere as detected by the US NEXRAD weather surveillance radar network. Native: Species naturally occurs in park or region. Working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. Spring Minnesota is well . August is also the peak period for migrant shorebirds; look for them resting and feeding in impoundments managed for their needs. Your support helps secure a future for birds at risk. Roughly 325 species of birds and about 40 percent of waterfowl use this "super highway" during migration. Let us send you the latest in bird and conservation news. Millions of birds depend on coastal habitats along the Great Lakes for shelter, rest, and nourishment for their long journeys during migration. "It travels in what we call a wedge." To stop the encroaching wedge, the corps built a $5.8 million sill on the bottom of the river. Anhinga 13. 2020), moving from non-breeding and wintering areas in the Caribbean and . Jay, Blue Its the least you can do. Believe it or not, forces of nature can compel this river to combat its nature and flow in the opposite direction. The Mississippi Flyway is not only a tremendously important flyway for waterbirds, but also for raptors and all other migratory birds. It may be best known, though, for the masses of wading birds that flock here in late summer, including large numbers of Wood Storks. Osprey and peregrine falcons also occasionally spotted along the river. Save 5% with coupon. The best places to see bald eagles are around the Lock and Dams on the Mississippi River, where the churning water stays open most of the year. Spread the word. Fall migration on the Great River Road Thursday, October 08, 2020 Travelers on the Great River Road this season may notice they have some company. On the south (west) this IBA runs along Hwy 61 out of Red Wing to Wacouta, and then jogs south to include the Perched Valley WMA and Frontenac State Park. Width At Lake Itasca, the river is between 20 and 30 feet wide, the narrowest stretch for its entire length. Mallard Pipeline Road in the Pearl River Wildlife Management Area has become a favored drive for birders in the vicinity of Jackson. Birds are on the move above the Mississippi River! Red-headed Woodpecker ?s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy. The forest here was badly damaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, but is recovering and can still be a migrant trap in spring migration, when birds that have flown across the Gulf of Mexico stop to rest and feed. The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Yazoo has many miles of roads for wildlife watching, as well as a quarter-mile boardwalk trail and two observation platforms. The Cornell Lab's Handbook of Bird Biology provides even more information on the . They even offer eagle viewing field trips that will take you to hotspots along and near the river. Please follow directions on each of the pages to view other cams. "The supply chain snarl comes just as harvesting . The Mississippi Flyway is used by 325 bird species and roughly 40 percent of shorebirds and waterfowl in North America. Bald Eagle. Stop the Destruction of Globally Important Wetland. Let us send you the latest in bird and conservation news. Adjacent: Species is known to occur in areas near to or contiguous with park boundaries. Vulture, Turkey But with low flows during drought, the Gulf of Mexico starts to push saltwater up the Mississippi River. The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Woodpecker, Hairy Type in your search and hit Enter on desktop or hit Go on mobile device, From the headwaters of the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico. Spring is an incredible time to go birdwatching along the Mississippi River! The bottom of their tail has distinct white and black dots/streaks and a soft orange tint on the tips of their wings. Ducks nest in the summer months: wood ducks and hooded mergansers in the bottomland forest; blue-winged teal in marshy areas, and mallards in grasslands or tall plants along the islands in the river. The Mississippi River is truly massive, combining three major tributaries that together drain 32 US states and two Canadian provinces, from Alberta to New York to New Mexico. Audubon protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Gull, Herring In spring 2006, daily high counts of 2,499 on 12 March, and 3,450 on 17 March were recorded. With many hardwood forest trees losing their leaves in the fall, winter is great time to look for woodpeckers and other hardy residential birds in the forests and marshes. They are relatively common in the Southeast . This area in southeast Minnesota comprises the Mississippi River Valley from the Hwy 63 bridge in Red Wing (Goodhue County) to Reads Landing (Wabasha County). I dream of spending several weeks combing every shoreline, wetland, prairie, and upland forest of the 240,000-acre Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish . Watch on. The Mississippi Kite makes a streamlined silhouette as it careens through the sky on the hunt for small prey, or dive-bombs intruders that come too close to its nest tree. Local birders often drive the 8.5 miles of Beach Boulevard that runs along the Gulf of Mexico shoreline from the Highway 90 bridge in Bay St. Louis to its end at Bayou Caddy. Finch, House Photo: Howard Arndt/Audubon Photography Awards, Great Egret. The Upper Mississippi Valley provides habitat for 305 species of birds, 57 species of mammals, 45 species of amphibians and reptiles, and 134 species of fish. Or take action immediately with one of our current campaigns below: The Audubon Bird Guide is a free and complete field guide to more than 800 species of North American birds, right in your pocket. Type in your search and hit Enter on desktop or hit Go on mobile device. Where possible data cited below is limited to the Minnesota portion of the river, however this is often impractical, and biologically illogical. This is a very popular spot and is less crowded during weekdays. Tour routes of great scenic drives on National Wildlife Refuges. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Be sure to explore the effigy mounds while you birdwatch. Checking all these sites, birders can find many species of ducks in migration, Brown Pelican, wading birds, Clapper Rail, American Oystercatcher, gulls, terns, Barred Owl, Red-headed Woodpecker, Brown-headed Nuthatch, and Seaside Sparrow, to name just a few possibilities. ?s landing on the south end of the IBA are both noted for attracting wintering eagles. The Service . Occurrence values are defined below. MN ?V 2b Twenty-seven criteria 2b species occur on the refuge. Hawk, Red-Tailed The Mississippi Flyway is a bird migration route that our winged friends generally follow along the Mississippi River when migrating south in the fall and north in the spring. Be aware that this is a hunting area in parts of fall and winter. Dedicated to one of the rarest bird subspecies in the world, this refuge was established to protect the Mississippi Sandhill Crane, a nonmigratory form that nests in the pine savannah along the Gulf Coast. Membership benefits include one year of Audubon magazineand the latest on birds and their habitats. systems is an important conservation objective in this subsection. Among those species, there are plenty of feeder birds, including: With all these birds moving through the North American flyways, its very important to offer them easy to access food and water. Bald Eagle is another winter visitor and has nested here. Birds that nest on the reserve include Mottled Duck, Northern Bobwhite, Least Bittern, Tricolored Heron, Osprey, Clapper Rail, Black-necked Stilt, Wilsons Plover, Least Tern, Gull-billed Tern, Red-headed Woodpecker, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Seaside Sparrow, and Orchard Oriole. Our job is to fly above the Mississippi River at a about 120 feet going about 100 mph and count and ID ducks. So whats the best way to see these beautiful creatures? One estimate suggests that 326 species use the flyway. Bluffs diminish in size and spectacular appearance from Bellevue southward. Each spring approximately 500,000 Sandhill Cranes and some endangered Whooping Cranes use the Central Platte River Valley in Nebraska as a staging habitat during their migration north to breeding and nesting grounds in Canada, Alaska, and the Siberian Arctic. Earlier this week, Reuters writer Karl Plume reported that, "Commercial barge traffic on southern stretches of the Mississippi River was at a standstill on Tuesday as low water levels halted shipments of grain, fertilizer and other commodities on the critical waterway, shipping sources said. There are few lakes. The Upper Mississippi NWR is the longest NWR in the lower 48 states. Mile 10, Natchez Trace National Parkway, Mississippi. Visit NPSpecies for more comprehensive information and advanced search capability. After . Around 200 species have been recorded along this unpaved but well-maintained road. Watch for tree swallows, barn swallows, and cliff swallows diving over wetland waters. Dead waterfowl litter an island. Horned Grebe 5. Prothonotary Warbler With their graceful flight patterns, the white pelican migration is one of the most anticipated events for birders. Forestry is also an important land use, and outdoor recreational opportunities abound, with significant amounts of public lands along the river corridor. New analysis casts doubts. What birds migrate during the day? Like many national wildlife refuges, Yazoo was founded to preserve waterfowl populations, and in winter it can host 50,000 geese (Snow is most common) and 100,000 ducks. Tundra Swans (daily totals over 20,000 in pools 4-9) are a popular attraction for many bird watchers attracting viewers to towns along the river. Check out some of our favorite stops to watch the spring migration in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Tags: Arkansas, birding, fall, Louisiana, Minnesota, Wisconsin, MRPC Office: PO BOX 7395 | Madison, WI 53707-7395 Bald Eagle. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) intends to gather information necessary to prepare a Start Printed Page 11930 comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) for Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge and Bear River Watershed Conservation Area, pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and its implementing regulations. Significant 2005 daily high counts for selected individual species were: Canvasbacks (356,630); scaup (>135,000), Ring-necked Ducks (approx. Youll find plenty of songbirds here eastern bluebirds, warblers, catbirds, pileated woodpeckers, hummingbirds, but eagles and pelicans too. Eagle, Bald In the so-called Mississippi flyway, a bird migration pattern that goes through the middle of North America, birds tend to trace the path of the world-famous river and its tributaries as they work their way across the U.S., and, for some, up into Canada. Up to 50% of the world? Bald Eagle wintering numbers on this IBA vary both between, and within, years depending on weather and ice cover. Taxonomy. This includes 29 species of shorebirds and 33 species of warblers (10 breeding). In the so-called Mississippi flyway, a bird migration pattern that goes through the middle of North America, birds tend to trace the path of the world-famous river and its tributaries as they work their way across the U.S., and, for some, up into Canada. Your support helps secure a future for birds at risk. One of the best places to do that, Brink said, is along the shores of the Mississippi. In the 1970s there were only about 30 birds left, but conservation efforts raised the total to 129 in 2016. Daily counts of over 100 species are recorded each May by birders who come to this area to view the spring migration of warblers, vireos, thrushes, flycatchers and many other species of birds. Hwy 61 is the boundary through Lake City then County Roads 4 and 10 to Reads Landing. ?s 71 State Parks. The Mississippi River valley--along with its rich diversity of habitats--provides birds with those important resources. Photo: Howard Arndt/Audubon Photography Awards, Great Egret. Turkey vultures ride the air currents around the bluffs along the river. The fall season is a phenomenal time to see ducks, American white pelicans, geese, swans, American coot and other waterbirds. Bald Eagles also use this area as a migration route with a state daily high count of 1,213 recorded in spring of 2006. Saint Paul Spread the word. Grassland birds arrive in the summer months; look for summer migrants like dickcissel, eastern meadowlarks, eastern bluebirds and indigo buntings and listen for the calls of clay-colored sparrows, grasshopper sparrows, and savannah sparrows on the prairie. Frontenac State Park, with a total list of 263 species, is one of the most popular birding areas in Minnesota. Goodhue County with a composite list of 309 species and Wabasha County with a composite list of 292 species are considered to be in an area of prime birding in the State of Minnesota.