This is one of my all time favorite stop ins during spring migration, for it never fails that something interesting is lurking in the small spaces. Spotted Towhee, Blue-winged Warbler, and Lazuli Bunting to name a few in the last 20 years. Its a quick stop for a short walk, and even if the birds are not present it provides a good place for a stretch of the legs, or quick lunch on a long trip.
Tag Archives: Park
Shetek State Park
Lake Shetek and Shetek State Park offer diverse birding in one location. The big water of Lake Shetek has regularly draws a wide array of waterbirds, including an occasional Loon. The State Park – with its mature oaks, and prairie potholes – offers more diversity than most areas in Southwest Minnesota. One can find Western Grebe, Commer Tern, Virginia Rail, Bay-breasted Warbler, and Spotted Towhee all in a few short hours in this area.
Other than the lake itself, a few areas of particular interest include Loon Island, and the Webster, and Hanover Slough areas.
Look for just about anything in migration, but don’t expect anything. The big water is sometimes empty, and the woods silent. But catch this location during a potential migration stop site from bad weather, and the bounty could be great!
CLICK HERE for a birding checklist
Upper Sioux Agency State Park
Upper Sioux Agency State Park contains the site of the Upper Sioux or Yellow Medicine Agency. The park was established in 1963 to preserve and interpret the remains of the old Agency site. The park covers 1,280 acres and offers diversity: open prairie knolls, bluffs, and cool, wooded slopes. From the vistas, visitors enjoy the trails which are ideal for birding – especially with the Minnesota River serving as a suitable corridor for migrants.
DIRECTIONS: From the town of Granite Falls at the intersection of State Hwy 212 and 23, go south about one block to State Hwy 67. Turn left on 67 and go eight miles to park entrances. The first of the park’s three entrances will take you to the horse rider campground. The second entrance takes you to the main park entrance. The last entrance takes you to the campground.
Watch for white pelicans and great blue herons along edges of shallow pools. Spotted sandpipers, killdeer and other shore birds frequently hunt for insects on the gravel bars and mud flats along the river. Red-tailed hawks, turkey vultures and white pelicans catch the air currents above the valley. Bald eagles winter in the Minnesota River Valley.
Migrations brings warbler diversity, includeing Blue-winged, and Black-throated Green warblers. Tanagers and Flycatchers are diverse as well, with Yellow-bellied Flycatcher being observed as recently as 2006. Towhee and other sparrow species can be found in abundance in the camping area, and bluebirds nest throughout the park.
The landscape in the park is diverse with grasslands, wetlands, woods, rivers, open prairie knolls, old fields and meadows. Scattered bur oaks are the oldest trees in the park. The Minnesota River flows along the park’s northern boundary. The rugged scenic beauty of the river valley can be viewed along the trails and the prairie knolls.
Click Here for the Bird Checklist at Upper Sioux Agency State Park.
Southwest Minnesota Birding Resources 