(Urban Bird Collective)
Mike Moen
ST. PAUL, Minn. (Minnesota News Connection) – Minnesota bird enthusiasts should keep their binoculars handy. April is a good month to spot various species migrating back to the region. Experts have tips on making it easier for them to settle in.
A good place to start for “birding” during spring migration is the Mississippi River corridor, a key flyway for birds traveling between their winter and summer homes. In the greater Duluth area, folks might also notice a lot of raptors, such as hawks and eagles, this time of year.
Monica Bryand, executive director of the Urban Bird Collective in the Twin Cities, considers this a worthwhile and fun activity.
“I’ve only been a birder for over 20 years, and I didn’t realize what was out there until somebody took me birding,” she said, “and, of course, now I’m just absolutely hooked.”
As birds fan out across the state, Bryand says residents can do their part to keep obstacles and threats out of the way. That includes limiting backyard time for outdoor cats. And since birds tend to migrate at night, dimming or turning off outdoor lights is helpful, so long as personal safety isn’t compromised. Applying window treatments such as films with UV patterns reduces bird strikes.
The latest State of the Birds report from national science and conservation groups is out, showing continued population declines, especially for grassland birds.
Bob Dunlap, a zoologist and data specialist for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, said that aligns with his research.
“We’re down to 1% or less of the original prairie in Minnesota,” he said, “and over time, that’s definitely going to take a toll on these birds that do need grasslands to survive.”
Researchers, along with the nonprofit Friends of the Mississippi River, have noted that habitat restoration has allowed species such as the Henslow’s sparrow to see a turnaround. Meanwhile, Dunlap encouraged birders to use the “e-Bird” app when they’re out. He called it a reliable tool for citizen scientists to enter sightings.
“And so, the more data we have,” he said, “the better to keep track of some of these trends.”
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