Birding in Itasca County

Nearly 250 species of birds can be seen here

Bird watching is one of the fastest growing outdoor activities in the United States and in Minnesota.  More than 420 species of birds have been recorded in Minnesota with 313 considered regular species.  Experts have noted that Itasca County is part of a narrow forest belt that supports a higher diversity of breeding songbirds than anywhere else in the United States and Canada.  Minnesota's extensive forest region is considered by leading ornithologists as one of only four remaining areas in the U.S. where the long-term conservation of forest birds can be accomplished.

Many of the most sought-after birds in North America can be found in Itasca County.  These include the Great Gray Owl, Bald Eagle, Boreal Owl, Northern Goshawk, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Black-backed Woodpecker, Boreal Chickadee, Gray Jay, Connecticut Warbler, and the Yellow Rail.  In the winter you can also see the Snowy Owl, Northern Hawk Owl, Northern Shrike, Gyrfalcon, Snow Bunting, crossbills,  redpolls and winter finches.

From the majestic bald eagle to the sweet sounding wren, over 230 species of birds can be found in the Chippewa National Forest alone. The greatest variety of birds can be found between the forest and open areas. Here smaller birds such as the warbler, sparrow and hawk can be seen perched in the pines or basking in the sun.

A soaring bald eagle is truly a sight to behold and your odds of seeing one are greatest in the Chippewa National Forest, as this area supports the highest breeding density of this endangered species in the United States. Eagles are often viewed soaring over the larger lakes of the area. Large fertile lakes, towering pine trees, and remote areas provide ideal nesting and feeding habitat. With a wingspan of over six feet, and the pure white head and tail of the adult birds, the eagle is truly a magnificent bird.

Bald Eagle	Great Gray Owl	Wood Duck	Peregrine Falcon	Canada Geese
Great Horned Owl	American Kestrel	Green-winged Teal	Hummingbird	Northern Pintail
Kingfisher	Common Loon	Mallard	Goshawk	Downy Woodpecker
Osprey	Redtail Hawk	Snowy Owl	Great Blue Heron	Chickadee

Here are some Minnesota birding-related links:

Email your bird sightings to the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union.

The Minnesota Ornithologists' Union is a tremendous resource for Birders.

American Birding Association – North America's largest membership organization for active birders.