8.12.2009

Minnesota Vacation

My mother has always been interested in wildlife. I remember her pointing out various trees, birds, and plants while walking with her on the farm where she grew up. Had she grown up in a different decade I believe she would have pursued a career involving wildlife conservation. Instead she studied business, specifically book-keeping, accounting, and taxes. Since she has retired, her interest in wildlife has rekindled. Her interest in birds has been infectious and for the past few months the two of us have been traveling around the parks of Kansas City trying to spot various birds. I feel like we've been fairly successful. I'm enjoying it so much I am now hooked.

A few weeks ago it came time for the annual family vacation to Minnesota. Armed with our binoculars and field guides, my mom and I viewed our vacation as an extended bird outing with occasional breaks for other activities such as fishing, sailing, and card games. Since we stay on a lake with both timber and grasslands nearby, we were pretty excited about the birding opportunities.

The first few days were pretty exciting. Occasionally while fishing on the dock in front of our cabin we caught the sight of a Bald Eagle perching in the large cottonwood trees farther down along the shore. It was quite an
impressive sight! I also had no idea there could be so many sweet little nuthatches about! They were a joy to watch as they darted around/up/down the trees. Along with the nuthatches, there was a constant parade of woodpeckers...Downy, Hairy, Red-bellied, Northern Flicker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. The property owner told us there was a Pileated that came by occasionally, but unfortunately we did not catch a glimpse of it. Boo!

Mom and I made several excursions to state parks and conservation areas around Detroit Lakes. One of the places we visited was Hamden Slough. We saw several birds while we there, but my favorite were the Cedar Waxwings. There must have been a large flock feasting on some nearby berries. As soon as I turned onto the road leading up to the visitor's center, the birds seemed to play leap-frog back and forth across the road in front and over my car. A few even came and fluttered near my open window as though they were trying to peer inside at me. I couldn't help but smile.

Altogether our vacation to Minnesota did not disappoint. We added several birds to our "seen" list. I look forward to next year!

-Susan

1 comment:

  1. My mom looooved to watch birds- she had all of these little books with images and descriptions of their sounds etc. They are fun little creatures.

    I'm so glad you commented on my blog! I'm always excited to find more kc bloggers :)

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