How to Visit the Pine to Prairie Birding Trail in Minnesota
Bird-watching is one of the many reasons to get outside in Minnesota, particularly in the fall. That's when many birders head to the home of the Pine to Prairie Birding Trail.
Stretching more than 200 miles, and spanning a large portion of the state, the trail boasts more than 275 species of birds, with 51 viewing sites along the way. It’s an exceptional spot for birding thanks to the region’s diverse terrain, from tallgrass prairies to pine forests to sand dunes.
Here's how to make the most of a trip here.
Where is the Pine to Prairie Birding Trail?
The Pine to Prairie Birding Trail is a 200-mile stretch of Minnesota that spans more than 200 miles between Fergus Falls in the south and Warroad in the north. In 2009, the trail was extended 300 miles north to Manitoba, Canada, to become the Pine to Prairie International Birding Trail.
Other communities along the trail include Detroit Lakes and Pelican Rapids in Otter Tail County, and Thief River Falls, Roseau, Hallock, Red Lake Falls, and Warren. Some of the most popular trail sites can be found in Hayes Lake State Park, Lake Bronson State Park, Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge, Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, Dunton Locks County Park (also home to one of Thomas Dambo's incredible Trolls), and Maplewood State Park.
Look for the green birding trail logo and signs to identify trail sites or find nearby sites. There are also interpretive signs featured at select trail sites. The trail includes four distinct biomes: conifer/mixed forest, tall grass aspen parklands, deciduous forest, and prairie grassland.
While on the trail, visit the local communities to find charming main streets, restaurants, shops, festivals, outdoor recreation, places to stay, and more. A popular birding event is the Detroit Lakes Festival of Birds every May.
What kinds of birds can I expect to see?
Around 275 species reside along the Pine to Prairie Birding Trail, including elegant trumpeter swans, majestic bald eagles, the iconic common loon, 10 species of owl, and lesser known names like the marbled godwit. During the fall migration, visitors will likely spot various species of warblers, swans, ducks, eagles and herons. In September and October, sandhill cranes on their southward journey from Canada may be found at Lake Bronson State Park and the Roseau River and Twin Lakes Wildlife Management Areas.
Betsy Beneke, one of the trail’s founders, says that the national wildlife refuges along the trail are good places for novice birders to start. Prairie Wetlands Learning Center in Fergus Falls, Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge north of Detroit Lakes, and Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge near Thief River Falls all have staff to point visitors in the right direction.
The Tamarac Refuge is home to 30 nesting pairs of trumpeter swans, which have nearly 100 babies yearly. Visitors in the fall can see the swans, thousands of ring-necked, and other ducks from the observation platforms, says Kelly Blackledge, visitor services manager.
Birders interested in spotting some more unique species should head to the north end of the trail, says Beneke, where the great gray owl, three-toed and black-backed woodpeckers, and more than 20 species of warblers reside in the boreal forest. At the south end between Detroit Lakes and Fergus Falls, prairie chickens, short-eared owls and prairie sparrows are among the inhabitants.
What are some tips for getting into birding?
Dawn and dusk are the best times to spot the most birds since they are active and looking for food. Birders should pack binoculars, cameras, insect repellent, good walking shoes and a field guide. Smartphone apps are even available to help identify birds by picture and song.
Find more tips about birding in Minnesota. For trail maps, a bird checklist, and more, visit mnbirdtrail.com, which also posts a weekly report of bird sightings.