I love to show folks the boreal birds of Minnesota. I am available for reservations from late May through early July and December through March.
Winter northern Minnesota possibilities (December through early March):
Great Gray Owl, N. Hawk Owl, Boreal Owl, Spruce Grouse, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Ruffed Grouse, Black-backed Woodpecker, Three-toed Woodpecker, Boreal Chickadees, Bohemian Waxwings, Northern Shrike, Evening Grosbeak, Pine Grosbeak, White-winged Crossbill, Red Crossbill, Common Redpoll and Hoary Redpoll.
Summer northern Minnesota possibilities (late May through 1st week July):
Connecticut Warbler, Mourning Warbler, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Great Gray Owl, Northern Hawk Owl, LeConte’s Sparrow, Yellow Rail, Sedge Wren
I also am glad to share historical and cultural information on the area.
Fees:
Full Day 1-3 people: $175,
Full Day 4+ people: $200
, Half Day (dawn to noon) 1-3 people: $125
, Half Day 4+ people: $150
Half Day is sun-up to Noon. (not including drive time).
Full Day is sun-up to sun-down (not including drive time).
Gas is included
Vehicle is a Ford Focus wagon or Honda minivan but I am willing to drive your car.
Food is each person’s responsibility. We’ll stop at a local café for lunch if you want. Dinner and Breakfast are on your own.
Dress for COLD temperatures in winter. Conditions January through March can range from a 40 degree day (very rare) to brutal cold (Minus 40 degrees is not unheard of.) Most of the day is spent in the van with brief hikes to find or photograph birds.
Photographers welcome! BUT make sure all in your group have the same expectations of the trip.
Disclaimer: Birds have wings and move around so no species is a sure thing on any trip. We will try our hardest to find the birds you need but there will be NO REFUNDS OR DISCOUNTS if we miss a bird. I can guarantee we will have fun!
Birding Resume
Thirty-three years of birding experience (Since I was 14)
Guide for two National American Birding Association Conventions
Guide for Minnesota’s Boreal Bird Festival
ABA North America List of 643
Minnesota Life List of 350
Sax-Zim Christmas Bird Count Compiler since 1986
Breeding Bird Survey Route Volunteer since 1993
Hawk Ridge Chief Raptor Counter (two seasons)
Minnesota DNR County Biological Survey Field Ornithologist (seven seasons)
During the winter of 2004-2005 I guided dozens of folks from 17 states to witness the amazing owl invasion. One day our group found 106 Great Gray Owls and 32 Northern Hawk-Owls! Boreal Owls were also found on four trips.
Sparky Stensaas
218.341.3350
sparkystensaas@hotmail.com
thesparkygroup@gmail.com
Hi Sparky – I am a wildlife photographer, specializing in birds. I’m on Audubon Minnesota’s state advisory board, and I donate many of my bird images to them. I do not derive any income from my photography but use it for bird conservation. I am planning to drive up for an overnight (or two) and photograph Sax-Zim habitat and birds – probably the last week in January. Can you recommend a convenient motel nearby? Meadowlands? And is there any snow up there yet?!
Thanks.
Rebecca Field