By Chris Lawton 2021-03-18 13:12:02
Spanning more than 200 miles between Fergus Falls and Warroad, the Pine to Prairie Birding Trail is Minnesota's foremost birding destination. Its route includes pine forests, native tallgrass prairie, sand dunes (remnants of Glacial Lake Agassiz), deciduous woodlands and more, shaping a habitat well-suited to support over 275 species of birds. There are 45 designated viewing sites along the trail, identifiable by green birding trail signs. Two stops along the way are designated Important Bird Areas by the National Audubon Society: Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge near Thief River Falls, and Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge north of Detroit Lakes. Agassiz is a large, expansive refuge that is an excellent place for birding during migration periods. Tamarac is known for its woodland and boreal species, including the great gray owl. THE GREAT GRAY OWL The great gray owl is one of the many rare species that draw birders from across the country to this area to complete their life bird lists. TAMARAC SWANS Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge is known for supporting a wide variety of waterfowl—particularly the trumpeter swan. The refuge served as the base for the release of trumpeter swans in 1987 and remains a reliable place to spot them over 30 years later. AMERICAN THREE-TOED WOODPECKER The American three-toed woodpecker is a highly sought-after bird on the trail. Look closely for its yellow crown patch and messy white bars and spots on its body. Listen for its soft “pweek” call. PINE GROSBEAKS Despite their name, pine grosbeaks are actually very large finches. Large numbers can be found along the trail when fruit crops are minimal in the north. DISCOVER MINNESOTA BIRDING Learn more about the Pine to Prairie Birding Trail and Minnesota’s other great birding opportunities! ExploreMinnesota.com/Birding MORE #ONLYINMN
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