It is early morning and the reflection of sound off my tin furnace chimney alerts me that the flock has grown exponentially. From it, I can hear the sounds of thousands and thousands of waterfowl. I am across the street from Worthington’s Okabena Lake. It has become the Midwest’s staging area for Birders. Thousands of …
I live in a small community in S.W. Minnesota and within our community we have a beautiful body of water called Okabena Lake. I’m a student of history and enjoy keenly the journals of historic explorers that traversed this region in the early days of expansion. The name Okabena is purported to be a Siouian …
In Search Of The Elusive Great Northern Kiskadee! My interest in birding started at an early age. My cousin was filled with alarm and excitement when he identified a new species at the Blue Mounds State Park in South Western Minnesota. He willingly shared his enthusiasm by handing me his expensive binoculars. He pointed out …
The Blue Mounds State Park My companions are my wife, Les Rogers and Louise K and our new new found friends Wu and Dr. Ling Min from Taiwan. They have arrived in South Western Minnesota to spend a weekend and to build their life list of birds and friendships. Dr. Ling Min is a wildlife …
This year the delayed spring has had unintended consequences. The confusing spring warbler migration is being appreciated by an inordinate amount of folks because the leaves are not hiding their northerly progression. South Western Minnesota has been witness to the House Finch influx over the past decade. Many people confuse this bird with the Purple …
Our party is comprised of six people: Five-foot seven, five-foot eight, six-foot, six-foot two, six-foot four and six-foot six; all of that equals = 35 feet and then some. In Great Britain people who are bird watchers are often times called “Twitchers.” I suspect it sounds a bit derogatory? I find myself surrounded by my …
We meet all manner of people on the road and seldom find anyone that doesn’t have some curious background, hobby or interest. We see thousands of RV’s with detailed graphics painted on their vehicles lions, hawks, eagles, Harley Davidson logos and all manner of symbols of flags & patriotism. I confess that I think it’s …
At an early age I was introduced to birding, it was a family adventure. On the prairies in the deep south of Minnesota I remember the excitement of seeing and identifying my first and only Marbled Godwit with my cousin. We were the only ones in Rock County to identify this amazing and elusive …