Friends of Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge

Wildlife Festival Pictures from Sept. 17, 2011 continued

2011-11-06T21:48:00.001-06:00

**http://www.exploresherburne.org/

Wildlife Festival at Sherburne NWF Sept. 17, 2011

2011-11-06T21:38:00.004-06:00

Wildlife Festival pictures from September 17, 2011

**http://www.exploresherburne.org/

Sandhill Crane Tour Number 1 A Success

2011-10-17T00:10:00.006-05:00

October 15, 2011, Zimmerman, MN

Refuge headquarters was abuzz as fifty crane aficionados and five group leaders prepared for the 6:30 AM departure to the western edge of the refuge where 4068 sandhill cranes had been counted by refuge staff two days earlier. The cranes roost in the St Francis Pool area at night, then fly out to surrounding farm fields to forage and fatten up for their fall migration to Florida. The viewing and listening are spectacular in the morning as flights of cranes depart and at sundown as they return. The unforgettable calls of the sandhill crane invite us to reflect on it's origin, millions of years ago, as one of the oldest of existing bird species.

Early Morning Crane Watchers

A Flight of Cranes Bound for a Day of Foraging

At 9:00 AM the group returned to headquarters, said farewell to a few members and added some new members for the second part of the tour, a venturing forth to observe cranes in the surrounding farm fields where hundreds of cranes could be seen in one view. Observed crane behavior consisted primarily of standing around and looking like cranes. From time-to-time a couple would break into a bit of bond-reinforcing crane dance.

Sandhill cranes are wary. The size of the large group caused them to avoid flying directly overhead in the morning flights. In the fields they tended to fly further away as the car caravan approached. Cautiously moving individuals or small groups should have even better viewing than this group.

The parking area for crane viewing is to the left of County Road 3 about one-half mile west of County Road 5 and just before the split of County Roads 3 and 70.

phlox

2011-06-23T15:24:00.001-05:00

phlox

Mid-June on the Drive

2011-06-23T13:51:00.006-05:00

June 21, 2011. On the wildlife drive. The seasonal parade of bloom continues. The lupine flowers that filled the fields with blue-on-blue two weeks ago have become the familiar pea-like seed pods. But new marchers have joined the parade. The cool wet weather has helped extend the bloom times of some and probably suppressed others. Here's what I noticed today.

Hoary puccoon, above, signals the shift from springtime's blue and white color theme to summertime's yellows and reds. This year the blooms are spectacular and seem to be longer lasting than usual. The flowers seem to be lighter yellow, less orange in tone this year.

Prairie rose is another early summer plant that signals a shift in nature's color scheme that changes with the seasons. The roses are just starting to open and should make a gorgeous display in the days ahead.

Another harbinger of summer is the prairie phlox. It brightens the early summer prairie with its outstandingly pink bouquets. Like all the prairie flowers we should enjoy it while it's here for it will soon be only a memory until next year.

The slender penstemon, or beards tongue, is about at its peak. Not the most noticeable of spring bloomers, a close up view of its unique tubular flowers is a joy. As the roses lead us into summer the blooming of the penstemons is one of springs ways of signaling us farewell.

The eastern kingbird, a member of the flycatcher family is one of the most common summer birds on the Wildlife Drive.To me it always seems that the eastern kingbird carries an air of elegance unless - - -

it happens to be a cold, wet, wind-tossed individual like this one.

This killdeer, nesting in the road at the Nelson Pool overlook, escaped the wind. A member of the sandpiper family, killdeers seem to think that any patch of gravel is a good nest site.

It's always fun to look in on the Canada goose families to see how the young ones are coming along. A few weeks ago these little ones were just tiny puffs of yellow. How quickly time must seem to pass if you're a goose.

May 21 on the Refuge

2011-05-22T11:14:00.006-05:00

Dancing like a bee was taught to kids to display how the bees communicate the location of food.

Bee hives are in competition for food sources and must find and return food to hive in very short time to ensure health of the entire community. Here two bee hives(kids running to flowers) scurry for food to bring back to hive.

Honey tasting has no problem getting volunteers out of the crowd. Four different honeys from around the world were sampled.

Bees dance for the hive to display location and distance to food supplies. They also use fragrance as means of communication.
____________________________________________________________

School House Pond from Wildlife Drive. In the bushes below was the Baltimore Oriole found in following picture. Many turtles out on logs, many Tree and Barn Swallows swooping about enjoying the very obvious insect supply.

May 21 saw very changeable weather on the Refuge. The day started with Buzz about Bees held at top of hill from Old School House parking lot. The tents were set up and taken down in the rain, but for the most part the presentations from 10 to 12 A.M. were given under dry skies. The speakers brought out in very illustrative and engaging fashion the very different social characteristics of bees, the new very real challenges to bee survival, the importance of pollinators in general, and the many devices and clothing needed to keep bees and harvest honey. Several games for kids to learn about bee communication and behaviors were played. Great tasting session at end for all to enjoy honeys from around the world.

After this event I waited for the best 2 hours of weather the day would offer between 3 and 5 PM and made my way around the Wildlife Drive. Found many animals out sunning and feeding (see the 4 turtles in a row above) also taking advantage of sunny skies and temperatures in the mid 60's. Just a great day to spend at the refuge.

RoverView1

http://www.exploresherburne.org/

May 14 International Migratory Bird Day Outing

2011-05-22T10:59:00.005-05:00

May 14 saw gray skies with windy, cool temperatures in the 50's. The occasional mist dampened the spirits of many birders as there were only 9 attendees to the 7:00 A.M. bird tour and fewer than that at 8:30 A.M. outing. The winds made bird sightings and listening difficult and after 4 hours there were only 74 species counted. This is down at least 10 % from prior years. Thanks to Jay Hammernick and Doug Stucki for guiding this tour. Highlights included spotting a resting Nighthawk on a branch right over Blue Hill hiking path, Warblers including Chestnut-sided, Yellow, Yellow-rumped, Black and White, Blackpoll and Palm and American Redstart . Also identified were Eastern Towhee and White Pelicans. Others noted on Friends website under WILDLIFE OBSERVATIONS/BIRD SIGHTINGS.

Posted by RoverView1

**http://www.exploresherburne.org/

May 7 Bird Tour at Blue Hill Trail

2011-05-22T09:21:00.006-05:00

May 7th was the 2nd of many Bird Tours at the Refuge this Spring and Summer. 41 people attended this tour led by Doug Stucki and Barb Kull. The weather was beautiful as 54 species were identified including Ruby-crowned and Golden Kinglets, Hermit Thrush, Warblers included Yellow, Chestnut-sided, Black and White, and Yellow-rumped. More complete list on Web Site http://www.exploresherburne.org/ under WILDLIFE OBSERVATIONS/Bird Sightings.

It must be spring!

2011-05-04T16:39:00.003-05:00

The Wildlife Drive at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge opened for the season on Saturday April 23rd. On May 3rd I made my first circuit of the year as a Roving Wildlife Interpreter. The bright sun, blue sky and small clumps of white clouds cast a strange light on the brown remnants of last years vegetation. The long cold winter and our cold spring weather seem to have retarded that welcome first flush of green. Birds were not plentiful. The only advantage in having no green grass in most areas was that the little ground-dwelling birds that normally hid there were fully exposed to view. Good for birders perhaps, but not good for them.

My spirits picked several notches when I came across this woodcock, a member of the sandpiper family. The odd ritualistic mating flights of this bird have provided many evenings of rapt viewing for birders and have made this bird an icon of spring in our part of the birding world. Maybe warmer spring weather is just around the corner.

Woodcock

Here a link to a couple of U-Tube videos. This one shows the mating dance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9deSfyqkEQ&NR=1

This one from my friends at Eagle Optics is on how to locate woodcocks at night.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtqxREKfvPM&feature=fvsr

A Midwinter Stand-off

2011-01-27T15:17:00.003-06:00

Birding in the subarctic

2011-01-14T15:27:00.001-06:00

East Central Minnesota isn't really the subarctic, but our area has had its share of record-breaking snow and low temperatures this year. So I've become more of an arm-chair birder for the present.

Most of the live birds I see are at the feeder on the deck. The crowd is made up of the usual suspects -four species of woodpeckers, dark-eyed juncos, white-breasted nuthatches, chickadees, and an occasional blue jay.

The other day I was surprised to see a northern shrike perching on the roof of the feeder for a fraction of a minute. I guess it was just passing through because I haven't seen it since. But I'm glad it tarried here because it was the first time I saw this species and so I added it to my list.

Now my bookshelf provides a little armchair birding. Most of my bird books are field guides which provide me with a chance to refresh my knowledge for next summer.

The most prolific source of armchair birding experiences is the internet. Here I find pictures of birds by professionals and amateurs. And I find pictures of birds in many poses shot from various angles. And internet birds appear in seasonal plumage the way it really looks. One of the great things about the bird photos on the internet is that many of them deviate widely from the perfectly posed birds in perfectly colored peak plumage that we see in the field guides. That's not a put-down for field guides. The reality is a field guide has to represent a huge amount of information in a very limited space. But the internet is virtually infinite in extent and is populated by hordes of picture-making birders. So the birds of the internet provide me with the challenge of recognizing a species in many guises. It's great exercise for my bird brain.

Beyond this internet birding provides an element not found in any book. Live action. That's video of birds doing what birds do best - bird behaviors. Watching behavior is how we get to really know and understand any animal. It's the ultimate familiarity.

So where are some good electronic birding hot spots? Since we're in Minnesota why not start at the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union, moumn.org. Birds.com, wildbirds.com, whatbird.com, and allaboutbirds.org are all excellent sites. Audubon.org is the portal to a whole world of birds and birding. Just put the word "birds" in your browser and you'll have a plethora of leads. If you want to go birding in the wild just go to Flickr.com or any other photo sharing site and enter the name of a bird in the search box. These links can supply you with an entire winter of birding adventure and then some.

I'll wrap up with the video link that started my thinking about this posting. It was sent to me by Betsy Beneke, Visitor Services Manager at Sherburne NWR. I haven't seen the featured bird but when I do I'll already have some familiarity with its behavior.

http://www.youtube.com/labofornithology#p/u/30/1NvU8WG9bg0

Christmas Bird Count 2010

2010-12-21T20:03:00.013-06:00

Volunteers gathered at refuge headquarters early Saturday morning December 18 to get this years count underway. The temperature was below zero at the outset, but fortified with coffee, pastries, and maps the group of about two dozen set off in teams to systematically drive all the roads within 15 miles of refuge headquarters. Each team was given a route map and a checklist with the objective to count and record all the birds seen along the way.

Some of the more athletic members of the group covered the Mahnomen and Blue Hill Trails within the refuge on cross country skis.

The event leader collects the results from all the field teams and tallies them. The results are then forwarded to the Minnesota Ornithological Union where they become part of the historical record used to track trends in bird populations. The count at Sherburne is just one small part of an effort that covers the entire country.

Refreshments and talk dispel the effects of early rising

on a cold day and set the mood for the morning.

Betsy Beneke photo

CBC 2010 leader Dean Kleinhans checks the route

assignments while Ken Brennen checks the master map.

Betsy Beneke photo

Dean makes sure the drivers know where to go.

Betsy Beneke photo

Then it's bundle up and out the door for three

or four (or more) hours of driving and counting.

Betsy Beneke photo

Winter Wonderland

2010-12-12T07:38:00.006-06:00

The heavy snowfalls of December have turned the Refuge into a winter wonderland.

A fine outing on a day where the visual impressions of your Wildlife Refuge are striking.

Come enjoy the winterscape in all it's wonder.

http://www.exploresherburne.org/

Mahnomen Trail offers XC Sking Thanksgiving Day

2010-11-25T17:01:00.002-06:00

Just barely enough snow covering the trail for reasonable XC Ski outing. But it was fun and fast enough to keep us warm as we skied along, occasionally stopping to review an animal track or pick up a downed branch on the trail.

http://www.exploresherburne.org/

Snow Buntings !

2010-11-14T20:54:00.010-06:00

October 31, 2010
Zimmerman, MN

In an earlier entry for today entitled "Serenity" I mentioned that this was a very quiet day on the Wildlife Drive. In the chill of this frosty morning even the usual small winter birds were hiding somewhere. I thought the water fowl and a few raptors would fill out the mornings birding.

But as has been said so often about the natural world, "You never know what's around the next bend." Today it was a wonderful surprise: snow buntings. . I felt the thrill of discovery. These birds are not even included in the "Uncommon" column of the Sherburne Refuge bird list even though my field guide says they are common in this area.

A group of these small sparrow-like birds was pecking in the gravel road just beyond the Big Bluestem Pool. In my four years in the Zimmerman area I have seen only one solitary snow bunting. That in itself was unusual because, like juncos, they usually travel as a flock. Now at last I was seeing a small flock.

Snow Buntings Through The Windshield

As I tried to slowly drive closer to them to have a better view and take a picture they would burst into flight, then settle back into business as usual further down the road. Finally I took my foot completely off the accelerator and idled very slowly toward them at a snails pace. This time they ignored my approach until I was reasonably close.

What handsome birds they are with their buffy cheeks, white breasts and contrasting brown and black wings. This first impression would probably fade into familiarity if flocks of snow buntings were common here. But they would still be handsome.

Snow Bunting, Side View

Snow Bunting, Front View

Snow Bunting, Rear View

I pulled off to the side then sat and watched these buntings doing nothing more than hopping around and pecking at the gravel. It was a very relaxing fifteen minutes until a car came by at full speed (twenty per) and scattered them into the distance. The people in that car were probably not aware of what they were missing as they hurried on. But once more I found joy in the small stuff.

Serenity

2010-11-02T12:13:00.009-05:00

Sunday October 31 brought a beautiful morning to the Wildlife Drive. There was a chill in the still air, the sky was clear, and the streaming sunlight illuminated the frost clinging to the prairie grasses as though they were lighted from within.

I stopped to chat with one of our regular visitors. We noted that the summer birds were all gone, leaving the refuge particularly quiet, and that on this peaceful morning we hadn't seen much wildlife beyond a collection of trumpeter swans near the entrance and a red tailed hawk stationed in a distant tree.

As we parted the visitor said "It's time to get on with today's dose of serenity. I love this place. It keeps my life from getting too complicated."

Immediately I was reminded that underlying all of our nature-oriented activity is a quest for serenity. We often overlook serenity when we talk about our nature connections, yet it is is the most potent cure nature offers the flagging human spirit.

The dictionary defines serenity as being calm and tranquil. I experience it as a kind of floating above the details of life's busyness, a complete state of relaxation while still being aware of my surroundings but not much else. This is a step beyond the active searching, observing, thinking parts of the mind. Our nature-oriented activities such as hiking, photography, drawing, or driving bring us close enough to serenity that we can feel it rubbing out some of our cares. But true serenity means letting go of even these activities and basking in a feeling of being alone with ones self and being at peace.

So the next time you're driving around fruitlessly searching for a turn-on in a nature venue that really reaches out to you, stop. Try floating in the ambiance of the place. Just enjoy being here at this moment in a place that holds off the bustling concerns of your usual life. With a little exploration you'll probably find a special spot where you can experience serenity at Sherburne Refuge. It will be your secret hide-out from the rest of the world.

Fall Colors Still Attractive

2010-10-24T12:13:00.004-05:00

Cooler temperatures common now along with occasional gray skies and rain don't diminish the rich colors of late fall. Come out to the refuge now to see the migration in full swing. Along with cranes in number, Hooded Mergansers also can be spotted in the pools.

**http://www.exploresherburne.org/

Memorial Outlook pictures of good hunting

2010-10-23T22:06:00.005-05:00

This eagle found good hunting near Memorial Outlook. The drawdown this spring and summer apparently keeps this falls ducks and geese in good food stores. This is the pond to check out this fall.

Thanks to Mary Carlson for the pictures.

http://www.exploresherburne.org/

BIG SIT results from October 10 event

2010-10-17T10:44:00.003-05:00

Big Sit Results, October 10, 2010
Sunny, 75 degrees.
17 counters over the course of the day (6:30 am-6:30 pm)
43 species counted

Canada Goose
Trumpeter Swan
Wood Duck
American Widgeon
Mallard
Blue-Winged Teal
Ring-Necked Duck
Ring-Neck Pheasant
Wild Turkey
Bald Eagle
Northern Harrier
Red-tailed Hawk
Sandhill Crane
Mourning Dove
Red-bellied, Downy, Hairy and Pileated Woodpeckers
Eastern Phoebe
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
White-Breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper
Golden and Ruby-crowned Kinglets
Eastern Bluebird
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Cedar Waxwing
Orange-crowned Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Plam Warbler
Vesper, Fox, Song, Lincoln's, Swamp and White Throated Sparrows.
Dark-eyed Junco
Red-winged Blackbird
Eastern Meadowlark
American Goldfinch

This count of birds happens from observation point within 17 foot diameter circle and this year was located along the Wildlife Drive.

http://www.exploresherburne.org/

October Colors along Wildlife Drive

2010-10-17T10:29:00.002-05:00

Fall colors are waning but still impressive.

http://www.exploresherburne.org/

Wildlife Festival pictures

2010-10-10T11:18:00.007-05:00

The campfire (with sing along music) provides opportunity to roast a marshmallow and the Hospitality tent was busy with lunch activities including the Birthday cake celebrating 45th year the refuge has existed. Also in Hospitality Tent was silent auction items donated generously by local supporters of the refuge.

Petting the horses at end of the ride or posing for pictures with Major and Mika are always popular activities.

The Friends gift shop and Face Painting activity are always busy during the festival.

Puddles was seen all around the Festival sight and was found to be very interesting by Duke and Spike, two of the horses pulling a wagon for rides. Word has it that Puddles did not take a wagon ride this year.

The Raptor Center presentation was overflowing as usual.

The last Horse drawn wagon ride of the Festival happened just after a very brief rainfall (just sprinkles really). It didn't dampen anyones spirits but did provide for beautiful rainbow over the refuge at the end of the day.

Horse drawn wagon ride was as popular as ever. Over 600 people took rides this year. Major and Mika did the work pulling on this wagon as Mel drives the team. Friends volunteer interpretors ride along and answer questions and talk of refuge history, events and activities, and the mission of the refuge staff to ensure the future of the refuge.

Geocaching was a new activity for this years festival. Kind of a high tech scavenger hunt the participants were able to borrow a GPS unit and go around within walking distance to find caches. This activity is not allowed on federal lands on normal basis so special thanks go to Anne Sittauer, refuge manager to approve this one day event only.

Fall Colors in Late September

2010-10-10T11:04:00.005-05:00

Fall colors along trails and roadways of the Sherburne Nationals Wildlife Refuge

2010-08-26T07:21:00.007-05:00

TO SEE THESE BIRDS (and many more) JOIN BARB KULL AND DOUG STUCKI AS THEY LEAD THE FALL BIRD TOUR SEPTEMBER 4, 8 AM STARTING AT THE OLD SCHOOLHOUSE

Visit the Friends of Sherburne Website Events page for details

http://www.exploresherburne.org/

Regional Friends Conference April 16 - 18, 2010

2010-04-24T07:52:00.004-05:00

Representatives of Friends of Sherburne, along with Anne Sittauer and Nancy Haugen, attended the Region 3 Friends Conference in LaCrosse, Wisconsin recently. Many presentations focused on Friends activities, funding and teaching methods, Fish and Wildlife Service updates, NWRA speakers . Great opportunities to network with other Friend groups and those in the agencies we all work with. Early morning birding opportunities led by local guides made for complete weekend.

Sue Hix presenting along with Ron Jenson of Friends of Tamarack NWR

Many booths set up to review on other Friends groups gives good chance to share ideas on our many activities

Teaching methods for environmental education takes on many forms. Here are several outdoor sessions presenting new and useful approach to common topics.

Your Friends representatives looking well educated at the end of the conference.

**http://www.exploresherburne.org/

Animal Tracks seen in School House

2010-04-24T07:47:00.003-05:00

The Natures Circle Group meeting on April 11 studied animal tracks. Many plaster casts of actual tracks were presented for study and discussion. Next meeting is May 2 and is on Feng Shui in Nature.

Do you know what animal creates the track in the photo?

**http://www.exploresherburne.org/

Snowshoe Adventure February 27, 2010

2010-03-13T09:31:00.007-06:00

Two groups of around 40 snowshoers attended the Snowshoe Adventure held by the Friends of Sherburne. We traveled along some well packed trails and in some open fields, looking at signs of wildlife, plant communities, discussing the refuge and just enjoying the nice day.

Obvious beaver cuttings were seen along one pond, tracks identified ranged from mice to coyote and turkey. A Bald Eagle greeted the morning group while the afternoon tour witnessed a Trumpeter Swan leisurely swimming in the St. Francis River.

Thanks to Princeton School district for use of additional snowshoes to complement the supply at the Sherburne Refuge. Options were varied for style of snowshoe and type of binding. Many attending had not been on snowshoes and/or had not seen the refuge before this event. Options in length of hike and length of time outside were appreciated.

Since this is a new activity the Friends offer, we are looking for comments on how to improve the experience. If you attended on February 27, what would you like to see different for next year? We are considering offering an event like this each month of January and February in 2011. Would you like to have more opportunities to experience the refuge this way?

Thanks to Bill Krumholz for the pictures above.

RoverView1
http://www.exploresherburne.org/

2010-02-28T11:55:00.006-06:00

February 6 Winterfest Event had record turnout of 1250 people. This included US Senator Amy Klobuchar, MN Senator Lisa Fobbe, and US Fish and Wildlife Region 3 Director Tom Melius. The Senator toured the many activities including Snowshoe Hike and Bird Seed Cone making along with attending the afternoon Raptor presentation on Owls.

A beautiful winters day with occasional winds kept all in attendance moving to get to each activity. The serving of the cake celebrating the Refuges 45th Birthday was received well with lunch and silent auction in the Hospitality Tent.

Photos courtesy of Ken Brennan
Post by: Rover View1

http://www.exploresherburne.org/

Friends Annual Meeting January 12, 2010

2010-01-12T21:45:00.003-06:00

The 2010 Annual Meeting of Friends was held at the Old Schoolhouse January 12 at 7 pm. Well attended meeting included financial and activities report from 2009, as well as expected budget for 2010. The transition for Sherburne Friends group from that of efforts to help finance the building of Discovery Center (pre-financial fall) to that of focus on "Discovery Center without Walls" (post financial fall) to better encourage environmental education was covered by Susan Hix. The significant efforts in reaching out to communities and schools in the area have seen results. Very ambitious and exciting plans to develop educational programs and integrate them locally are well supported by the election of 5 new board members during this meeting.
Volunteers are welcome to join in the rewarding and learning process of meeting our future goals in support of the Sherburne Wildlife Refuge mission.

President Lee Johnson discussed the variety of activities carried out by Friends members and the list of regional supporters, both individual and corporate.

Sue Hix described the change in emphasis this past year to harness our Friends group strengths in reaching out to Schools, Businesses and Chambers of Commerce in the area.

Refuge Manager Anne Sittauer addresses the group, expressing thanks for the many ways the Friends activities contribute to the Sherburne Wildlife Refuge mission.

Rover View1

http://www.exploresherburne.org/

Women's Nature's Circles

2010-01-11T20:57:00.003-06:00

The first Sunday of each month has brought together a group of women interested in exploring more about the refuge and nature in general. This activity is open to all interested women and meets at the schoolhouse. Check out the flyer at Whats Happening at the Refuge Now page on the Friends of Sherburne website (exploresherburne.org) for more information.
The pictures below are from the January 3, 2010 meeting which included a snowshoe adventure. Temperatures near zero didn't cool the spirits of this group!

RoverView1
http://www.exploresherburne.org/

XC SKIING AT BLUE HILL TRAIL JANUARY 3, 2010

2010-01-03T21:35:00.004-06:00

Not much wildlife was out on such a cold day. Just scenery to view in scopes.

The Enchanted Forest is our favorite section of this trail. A few pine needles in the ski tracks but not a problem for skiing through easily.

When visiting during winter it is suggested you dress in layers and bring extra wind protection as much of this trail is in the open. As you can see we had to remove some layers as although temperatures on January 3 were sub-zero, there was no wind and we were overheating some.

Rover View 1
http://www.exploresherburne.org/

MAHNOMEN HIKING TRAIL

2010-01-03T21:27:00.003-06:00

Mahnomen Trail pictures from January 2, 2010. Temperatures near end of day were zero F.

Mahnomen Trail is recommended for foot travel in winter. The trail has been walked in by foot traffic and offers stunning winter landscapes and some great exercise during the sub zero weather.

Rover View 1
http://www.exploresherburne.org/

Fall Walk along Blue Hill Trail

2009-10-21T07:34:00.003-05:00

Fall hikes along Blue Hill Trail are pleasant with no flies or mosquitos and the temperatures allow comfortable hiking. The colors are muted this year but the views from the top of Blue Hill observation platform are still stunning.

Along the way around the short trail we passed through the Enchanted Forest and then found 8 Trumpeter swans leisurely feeding in Buck Lake. The observation platform added at the edge of the lake makes for a very comfortable stopping point. The viewing scopes brought the swans and some ducks into clear view.

If you have not been on the Blue Hill hiking trail yet, try it sometime for a refreshing and fun hike. There are three loop trail options from 2 miles to just over 4 miles in length.

Rover View 1

http://www.exploresherburne.org/

WILDLIFE FESTIVAL OCTOBER 10, 2009

2009-10-17T08:28:00.006-05:00

Snowy conditions greeted early morning festival attendees as they went with Refuge staff to a special place on the refuge to watch the Sandhill Cranes awake and fly off to their morning feeding areas. The snow and such cold is unusual for this time of year but the clear skies, sunrise and sights and sounds of hundreds of cranes flying easily warmed the spirits.

Puddles was on-location to greet Refuge visitors later in the morning.

Refuge firefighters present information on fire safety and practices used on the Refuge.

Many booths provide information on how to view and sustain the birds and animals we all enjoy around the refuge region.

Several hands-on activities stands offered an opportunity to learn about archery, fishing, air rifle marksmanship, and viewing wildlife using binoculars.

Face painting table is always a popular activity within the Old Schoolhouse.

Raptors of the Midwest presentation put on by the UM-Raptor Center staff is always interesting and well attended.

Who can take a horse drawn hay wagon ride without wanting to pet the horses Major and Minnie Pearl. This is always a well attended activity and this year there were two wagons in use so festival goers did not have to wait so long in the cold.

The festival offered many more activities from a performance by musician and storyteller Doug Wood to nature hikes around the immediate area and bus tours of the Wildlife Drive. Other display stations provided information on wildflowers seeds, animal pelts, bones and feathers, along with live reptiles on display. After taking in all this, lunch was available and a free piece of Refuge Anniversary cake celebrating Sherburne Refuges 44th year.

Another fine Wildlife Festival and even though it was colder than many years, there were still over 800 attendees for the day long festivities. If you were not able to make it this year, plan ahead for nexts falls event.

Rover View1
http://www.exploresherburne.org/

2009-09-07T09:49:00.007-05:00

Notes from Fall Bird Tour at Sherburne Nat'l Wildlife Refuge September 5, 2009

An eager group met at the School House to go in search of birds along Blue Hill trail and the Wildlife Drive. Refuge volunteer Doug Stucki led the group along with help of volunteers Marsha and Dean.
In general we did not find the diversity of bird species that we thought might be passing through on fall migration, but we did spot Lincolns Sparrow, Black and White Warbler, Nashville Warbler, and the Red Headed Woodpecker. Also some great viewings of Eagles, White Pelicans, Sandhill Cranes and Cedar Waxwings. Many more of usual residents.

We also visited the newest display on the Wildlife Drive. The Eagle Nest Discovery Area is finished which offers interpretive display boards and an opportunity to walk inside a full size eagle nest (adapted for human use). This is located at the first parking lot near main kiosk on the Wildlife Drive.

It was an enjoyable 3 hours out looking at the refuge habitat and the visitors. If you have not taken advantage yet of the guided events such as Spring and Fall bird tours, it is highly recommended for learning how to better identify and recognize not only migratory birds you will only see on the refuge, but also those common visitors to your back yard. There is another opportunity to join such a group the morning of the Wildlife Festival October 10, 2009. See the Friends of Sherburne website (www.exploresherburne.org) for complete information.

Rover View1
http://www.exploresherburne.org/

Summer Views of Refuge

2009-07-23T05:56:00.004-05:00

Rovers Linda and Bob recently passed on some pictures from visits they have made to Sherburne Refuge. These are current views along the Wildlife Drive in July.

Marsh Wren

Thanks Linda and Bob for sharing your visits to the Refuge

Rover View 1

http://www.exploresherburne.org/

Wildlife Drive Residents

2009-07-12T07:06:00.010-05:00

Driving with care along Wildlife Drive recently some common residents were also using the roadway. One gets special care to make sure the nest is protected.

RoverView1

http://www.exploresherburne.org/

2009-07-06T16:27:00.008-05:00

July 4 brings the end of early season burning program and rebirth in many of the refuge plants. Visitors now see plants in full lush bloom that is dramatic after the fire operations clear away the dead foliage. Many animals are raising young or considering another brood. Opportunities abound to view feeding of young and the amazing growth of those newborns that were so cute a month ago.

Can you find the babies in the above pictures?

Using the spotting scopes can sometimes take a little practice. But if you are persistant you can see unexpected treasure as we did in June.

White Pelicans do not stay long on their travels through in spring, but we should be seeing them come through again in fall travels back south.

Right now with the weather getting hot and the bugs out in impressive numbers, it is nice to visit the Wildlife Drive and surrounding roadways of the refuge in the cool of the evenings. Some memorable moonrises are available for visitors this time of year.

RoverView1

http://www.exploresherburne.org/

2009-05-27T07:43:00.005-05:00

It is always a special time of year when the Lupines start to bloom. Memorial Day weekend brought on quite a show. Best viewing right near the Prairie Trail parking area, but there are scattered colonies of the short lived blooms all around the Wildlife Drive.

Hoary Puccoon is also appearing in bloom

RoverView1

http://www.exploresherburne.org/

New Observation Deck on Buck Lake

2009-04-17T06:15:00.011-05:00

Winter 2008 brings new Observation Deck along Buck Lake hiking trail.

RoverView1

http://www.exploresherburne.org/

Pasque Flowers at the Refuge April 2009

2009-04-16T21:14:00.022-05:00

One of the first signs of spring are Pasque Flowers in bloom. Ron Cleveland shares his photos of recent sightings. Seek out other new arrivals starting this Saturday as the Wildlife Drive opens Saturday April 18.

RoverView1
http://www.exploresherburne.org/

Special Visitors

2008-09-19T13:17:00.005-05:00

On September 4th the refuge had two special visitors, Congresswoman Michele Bachmann and Assistant Secretary of Interior Lyle Laverty. They were at the refuge to view plans for the Discovery Center and to meet with members of the Friends of Sherburne. What an exciting day. Thanks to Ron Cleveland for sharing these photos!

You can view all the photos from Ron here... http://ronc.zenfolio.com/p73744582/

Were you there for the visit? Post a comment and tell us all about it!

Bethany

http://www.exploresherburne.org/

photos from Ron

2008-07-30T21:30:00.000-05:00

Ron Cleveland visited the refuge this week and send me these beautiful photos. Thanks Ron!

http://www.exploresherburne.org/

photos from DeeAnn

2008-07-28T21:11:00.002-05:00

Thank you to DeeAnn Larson for sending in these great photos!

http://www.exploresherburne.org/

photos from Dean

2008-06-28T21:20:00.000-05:00

These are seven signets that were seen at the refuge. They are sticking close to their parents and learning how to eat grass seed. Thanks to Dean Kleinhans for sharing the photos!

http://www.exploresherburne.org/

My flowers are alive!

2008-06-15T20:00:00.007-05:00

We went to the wildlife drive today and I was sooo excited to see these flowers. They are called Showy Penstemon. Last summer my family volunteered to be wildflower gardeners for a plot of prairie flowers on the wildlife drive. We had a newborn in the house and it was a HOT summer (that meant it was quite a challenge to keep the new plants alive). They were looking pretty scraggly by the end of growing season and I wasn't sure they'd even come back up this year. Evidently they had been putting down some good roots that first year because look at them now. So fun!
Robin Delong did the planting (since we had just had our son) and gave them water the week we were gone on vacation so she gets kuddos as well. :)

I just love it when the lupine is in bloom...
We saw this snake slithering across the wildlife drive. This is the first time I have seen a snake at the refuge. I don't know my types of snakes, can someone help me out and tell me what kind it is? Click on comments at the end of this post, I'm sure others are curious as well. Thanks!

Bethany

http://www.exploresherburne.org/

Lupine

2008-06-07T18:20:00.002-05:00

The lupine is in bloom at the refuge. A big thank you to David Berger for sharing this photo...

http://www.exploresherburne.org/

Photos from Ron

2008-05-30T22:00:00.001-05:00

Images of the refuge from this week courtesy of Ron Cleveland...

Great photos, Ron! Thanks so much for sharing!!

http://www.exploresherburne.org/

Hoary Puccoon

2008-05-28T22:41:00.004-05:00

Just got this update from Denise...

Common nighthawks were swooping at the entrance of the Wildlife Drive on 5/27. A killdeer and three chicks were hanging out at the kiosks. Prairie flowers in bloom include the hoary puccoon and prairie smoke. The lupines have just started. They should be in full bloom in a week. Make sure to drive the loop to see them!

Gets me excited to visit the refuge.

Bethany

http://www.exploresherburne.org/

iGive.com

2008-05-26T13:57:00.004-05:00

It doesn’t cost a cent to join and once you’re a member, every time you shop through the iGive.com Mall, our organization receives a percentage of each purchase.

Just think of it –– free money for the Friends of Sherburne, your choice of over 680 nationally known online merchants like Barnes & Noble, Staples, Lands’ End and PETsMART, your privacy guaranteed, plus money-saving deals and specials every day!

We hope you can’t resist!

Join http://www.iGive.com/exploresherburne today!

Bethany

Marsh Marigolds

2008-05-14T08:53:00.002-05:00

It is warbler time on the Wildlife Drive!
Spotted 5/13: blackburnian,Wilson's, palm, yellow, yellowrumped, common yellowthroat, American redstartin numbers all around the loop.
The marsh marigolds are also in bloom.

Thanks Denise for the update and photo!

http://www.exploresherburne.org/

Sunset on the refuge

2008-05-13T23:00:00.002-05:00

Bethany

http://www.exploresherburne.org/

Volunteer Awards

2008-05-13T13:00:00.000-05:00

C. Perry Schenk was named Volunteer of the Year at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge. Schenk volunteered more than 785 hours at the Wildlife Refuge over the past nine years. He has been involved in a wide variety of volunteer activities, including environmental education programs, collecting native wildflower seeds, assisting with festivals, and building wildlife quiz boards and other educational items.

Other volunteers receiving awards were Robin DeLong, Chuck Connell, and Judith Hidde.

The refuge recognized 782 volunteers for 6,374 hours of service during the last year.

Are you interested in volunteering your time and talents for either the Friends or the refuge? Follow this link to learn more...

http://www.exploresherburne.org/getinvolved/volunteer.html

Bethany

Images of the Refuge

2008-05-07T23:19:00.002-05:00

We finally made it to the wildlife drive yesterday for the first time this season. A great experience as always. A few images from the wildlife drive...

Bethany

http://www.exploresherburne.org/

New observation deck

2008-05-07T22:12:00.000-05:00

We checked out the new observation deck on the wildlife drive yesterday...

Bethany

http://www.exploresherburne.org/

More Warblers

2008-05-06T22:00:00.000-05:00

A big thank you to Denise for this update!

The warblers are arriving:
Palm, nashville, yellow and yellow rumped, and warbling vireo are everywhere on the Wildlife Drive. Also saw the first eastern kingbirds of the season.

Bethany

http://www.exploresherburne.org/

Warblers

2008-05-01T07:42:00.002-05:00

An update from Denise (wildlife drive rover) -
The warblers are starting to fly through the area. Palm, yellow-rumped and common yellow throat warblers were spotted on Tuesday evening.

http://www.exploresherburne.org/

Have you been to the wildlife drive?

2008-04-27T13:36:00.004-05:00

Click on "comments" and tell me (and everyone else) all about it!

Bethany

http://www.exploresherburne.org/

Pasque flowers

2008-04-21T12:35:00.001-05:00

Thanks so much to Denise for this great update...

The pasque flowers are blooming. One of the first flowers of the spring! Awhole field is in bloom on the refuge on County Road 4 just west of County15. They can be seen easily from the road--they are a fleeting flower, so this week is the time to catch them in bloom.

Bethany

http://www.exploresherburne.org/

Rover Joe says, "Squirrels and frogs and bugs, oh my!"

2008-04-19T13:18:00.003-05:00

Bethany Marie is my inspiration. In fact, her stories about her refuge trips with her boys prompted me to get out of my recliner and drive to the refuge this week. I saw some really cool swans on the way there--right along the county road and easy to see from the car.

I got to the parking lot by one of those trails just fine. I even got out of the car and felt pretty good standing in the parking lot--kinda reminded me of the old neighborhood in south Mpls. where I grew up. The air is nicer at the refuge though--you can take a good breath and not smell car exhaust.

I was a little uneasy walking on the trail because last time I was there, the ground was white and everything was real quiet. This time it was brown with some grass starting to turn green, and there was STUFF there--like, you know, ALIVE stuff. Stuff that hopped and slithered and crawled and buzzed and ran around in the trees. Whoa--kinda too much wildlife for somebody who was raised in the shadow of the IDS!

Well, after a few steps into the woods I was freaked so I headed back to the car and down the county road again. This time I stopped to look closer at the swans and even rolled down my window. But then all of a sudden one of the swans stood right up in the water and started squawking real loud. That was enough for me! Guess I gotta ease into this wildlife stuff. As I drove home, I decided that Bethany Marie is not just my inspiration, she's also my hero and so are her little kids. If they can go out into the woods, I can probably do it too. Maybe next week.

Rover Joe

http://www.exploresherburne.org/

Wildlife drive

2008-04-19T07:57:00.004-05:00

Mark your calendar...
The wildlife drives opens on Saturday April 26th.

Bethany

http://www.exploresherburne.org/

Prescribed Burn

2008-04-18T22:09:00.002-05:00

I was on an adventure with my little boys this afternoon and happened to come across a prescribed burn on the refuge. Probably the first of the year. Here is a picture...

Want to learn more about prescribed burning?

Visit http://www.fws.gov/midwest/sherburne/burning.htm for some great information.

Bethany

http://www.exploresherburne.org/

Bald Eagle

2008-04-16T21:17:00.006-05:00

Today was a beautiful spring day here in Minnesota. I enjoyed a hike with my family this evening and it was so nice not to have to worry about boots and winter coats. We even packed a picnic supper, the first one of the year.
On the way home, we spotted a bald eagle perched in a tree right next to the road. Such an impressive bird! What a comeback that species has made. It is a testiment to the importance of protecting wildlife habitat. I love that the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge (30,000 acres!!) provides a safe haven for so many creatures.
Seeing the bald eagle made me think of the wildlife drive. As soon as the eaglets have hatched and have had a few days to acclimate to their surrounding the drive will be open for the season. I have heard a tentative date of Sunday April 27th. I'll let you know a for sure date as soon as I find out.

Bethany

http://www.exploresherburne.org/

Rover Joe Waiting for Spring

2008-04-14T08:41:00.002-05:00

Well, I've gotta say that Bethany Marie is more ambitious than I am. I thought about going for a hike yesterday too, but I figured I'd get my feet wet. Plus then it wasn't all that warm, and I woulda gotten cold feet because wet equals cold this time of year. So it was pretty nice in my recliner in the sun in front of the TV and I decided to stay put. I did see some some interesting birds out the window though, and I heard some cranes one time when I stuck my head out the door to yell at the squirrels for eating the birdseed. I really did think about the refuge yesterday. Does that count?
Rover Joe
http://www.exploresherburne.org/

Hiking the Blue Hill Trail

2008-04-13T22:43:00.008-05:00

What a beautiful sunny day today. The perfect day for hiking at the refuge with my son. As we started off we spotted a bird sitting on a sign along the trail. Seemed like the bird was there to greet us and welcome us to his world. What type of bird? I opted to take my camera with instead of my binoculars on the hike, so a small brown bird is the best I can do. Throughout the hike we could hear the happy sounds of birds darting among the trees as we approached, heard the rustling of the remaining oak leaves in the breeze, and the sloshing of the wet snow under our feet as we walked. As we hiked I was reminded how beautiful the refuge is and how it is constantly changing. Whenever I go for an adventure there I come away feeling more at peace. Today was no different. I'm looking forward to my next visit already.
One more thought from today...
When hiking with a 5 year old, quite a bit of the sound comes from all the interesting thoughts going through his head. As soon as we started hiking he saw the sign that reads "Please have your pet on a leash". He suggested that since we have leashes for our cats that we should bring them out hiking next time. Hmmm. No thanks.

Bethany

here are a few photos from today...

http://www.exploresherburne.org/

Snowy visitors

2008-04-12T15:17:00.000-05:00

Our neighborhood is right next to the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge. Here's what is going on in our neck of the woods. It has been snowing since Thursday afternoon. Everything is now covered under a blanket of snow. We have spent the first part of the day watching the birds dine on the sunflower seeds in the feeder on our deck. My husband thought the birds looked hungry so he so proceeded to spread handfuls of seed all over the yard. The next time we looked out the windows, the yard was full of birds. There were probably 300 birds out there! In addition to mostly dark eyed juncos, we spotted chipping sparrows and fox sparrows. I had never seen a fox sparrow before and enjoyed watching them scratch like chickens at the food.

Bethany

http://www.exploresherburne.org/

Have you been to the refuge?

2008-04-09T22:00:00.001-05:00

I spotted these two swans while I was at the refuge headquarters this evening at the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge (SNWR).
What is the SNWR you ask?
It is a place set aside forever as a refuge for not only wildlife, but for me and my family and you and everyone. It is an island of peace and tranquility in the middle of the craziness of everyday life. It is a place for me to take the boys to slow down and teach them about the important things in life. Have you ever been to the SNWR? You should, it will change you forever.

Bethany

http://www.exploresherburne.org/

Our new blog

2008-04-08T15:40:00.001-05:00

Welcome to our new blog. I am one of the board members for the Friends of Sherburne NWR. This blog will be a great way for us to share news, stories, and others things of interest. Be sure to come back often.
Bethany

http://www.exploresherburne.org/