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We believe in connecting people with nature.
Most of our programs are FREE and open to the public. Check our calendar and join the fun! Recent happenings:
January 4, 2025 - Bird Walk at Quarry Hill
Birds and people alike were "fluffed up" trying to conserve their warmth on our walk at Quarry Hill this morning. The sunshine was much appreciated, a north wind and temps in the single digits less so. After gathering near the bird feeders our group of 16 decided to warm up a bit by going in to the Nature Center for a few minutes to view birds from the bird room. All the regulars were seen plus we also got to see a Brown Creeper - a very nice winter bird that we don't always find. The we went out to walk around the pond. A Red-tailed Hawk was spotted perched in a tree far down the meadow, some crows were about aa well as a few woodpeckers, juncos and sparrows. Otherwise the woods were very quiet. So to save our freezing fingers and toes we headed back to the warmth of the bird room and continued watching from there. Those who stayed the longest were rewarded with good views of a Red-breasted Nuthatch - another uncommon winter bird. All in all we saw 17 species today. Many thanks to Joyce and Terry Grier for leading today and to Dave Gross for spotting both the Creeper and the Red-breasted Nuthatch. Species list: Mourning Dove, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, House Sparrow, House Finch, American Goldfinch, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow. Northern Cardinal Photos by Sandy Hokanson January 1, 2025 - Whitewater Christmas Bird Count
It was cloudy, very windy and light snow flurries were in the air while birding teams scoured the area around Whitewater State Park and the Wildlife Management Area on their annual Christmas Count today. Several ZVAS members took part and found some great birds to start off their 2025 lists. We won't have the official tally for a few days yet, but an informal count numbered around 30-35 species - a very respectable number for mid-winter in Minnesota. Some highlights included Merlin, Tufted Titmouse, Golden Eagle, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Northern Pintail, lots of Cedar Waxwings and American Robins, and even 2 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers (which should have flown south long ago!). Several people stopped for lunch in the Visitor Center and watched birds at the feeders before heading out again in the afternoon to continue searching. It was a really fun day and we'd like to thank Jeremy Darst and the other staff at Whitewater SP for organizing this event (and providing coffee and muffins to start the day)! Getting photos was a challenge in the field (much easier at the feeders.) I've included the tally sheet for Section 5 as that's the only one I have at the moment. We'll post again when I have all the numbers. Reported by and photos by Sandy Hokanson December 14, 2024 - Christmas Bird Count
Conditions were not ideal for our Christmas Bird Count on Saturday, Dec. 14. Last year we tolerated misty conditions but this year we had actual ice to contend with. Roads were slick first thing in the morning - then we had a bit of a break mid day before conditions deteriorated and forced most of our teams to give up by 3pm. It was just too dangerous to be out. All was not lost though, and our nine teams were able to locate 52 species on count day. Eleven additional "count week" birds were found making a grand total of 63 species for 2024. In 2023 year we found 57 species on count day plus 7 count week birds giving us a total of 64 - so pretty close to the same. Incredibly, a Gray Catbird was found this year by Dave Gross. It's the first time a Catbird has been found on our count - and he even got a photo! Other great finds included Red-shouldered Hawks, an immature Northern Harrier, Eastern Screech Owl, Red-headed Woodpeckers, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Ross' Goose, Snow Bunting and Rusty Blackbirds. Several teams were able to meet up for a quick lunch at Quarry Hill that day, but icy roads later in the day meant our traditional pot luck and final tally was not well attended. We want to thank our coordinator Clifford Hanson, our team leaders and the 30 volunteers who went out in search of birds. Thanks also to the folks that sent in feeder reports and to Quarry Hill for the use of their facilities during the day, Click here to see the species list (scroll down on the page). Zumbro Valley Audubon needs your help to pay for programs, printing brochures and outreach supplies to teach kids and adults about nature. Donate to Zumbro Valley Audubon via giveMN.org
© ZVAS 2023 - Zumbro Valley Audubon Society - PO Box 6244 - Rochester, MN 55903
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