Minnesota's Northwoods

Great Gray Owl © Erik Bruhnke

The boreal forests and bogs of northeast Minnesota are the setting for a spring birding vacation rich in specialty birds and beautiful landscapes.

The vast expanses of northeastern Minnesota are rich in unique ecosystems and memorable birds. This region, sometimes referred to as the “Northwoods,” will be the focus of our activities for the entire tour. The deepest reaches of Minnesota’s bogs and boreal forest are noteworthy breeding grounds for many northern specialty birds. Ruffed Grouse, Great Gray Owl, Black-backed Woodpecker, Canada Jay, and Boreal Chickadee are characteristic and enticing permanent residents of the region. Also nesting here are Yellow-bellied and Alder flycatchers; Philadelphia Vireo; over 20 species of warblers including Connecticut, Mourning, Cape May, Golden-winged, and Canada; and many other passerines singing on territory.

With a bit of luck, there is also the possibility of finding a Northern Goshawk, Barred or Northern Saw-whet owl, American Three-toed Woodpecker, or Red or White-winged crossbills. The exceptionally scenic North Shore of Lake Superior offers stunning ocean-like vistas where other birds can be found.

As an added bonus, our activities will be based from a single site.

Very good quality, single-site accommodations; cuisine very good to excellent; physical demands range from light to moderate with easy walking on roads and trails combined with an amble or two over wet, boggy terrain; a couple of days include early starts; weather can vary greatly from cool and mild to warm and humid, from sunny and clear to overcast and stormy.

Golden-winged Warbler © Brian Gibbons