I Live in Minnesota and This Is My Favorite Way to Celebrate Spring

A few years back, I was sitting on top of a picnic table in a clearing where a creek flows out of a lake in the western suburbs of the Twin Cities in Minnesota. It was early May, and I was taking a break along one of my favorite Metro Area trails in a spot that I visit at least once a week (probably more often). As I lingered, I began to notice tiny birds flitting back and forth, darting in and out of the trees and bushes along the stream. There were literally hundreds of them, singing in high, musical voices - a symphony of birdsong - and they were all brightly colored. It was like sitting in a swirling storm of Fruity Pebbles, and though I'd always prided myself as a nature lover, I had no idea what was happening.

I texted my brother, an avid birder, and described what I was seeing. His reply: Where are you?! I told him, and he shot back, Be right there! I had unknowingly plopped myself right down in a flock of migrating warblers, an event that bird lovers in Bold North wait all year long to see. And it was such a magical experience for me that watching for the warblers' arrival has become my favorite way to celebrate spring in Minnesota.

The numbers vary a bit, but it's estimated that around 53 warbler subspecies make their homes in North America. Of these, more than 30 subspecies can be found on a seasonal basis in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. In fact, northern Minnesota is home to the continent's highest density of breeding warblers - and most pass through the southern part of the state on the way from their tropical wintering areas to their summer breeding grounds. This is why I think watching for warblers is a wonderful way to mark the spring season in the Bold North.

Another wonderful thing about warbler watching is that they tend to have excellent taste in breeding grounds. The large burst of colorful warblers in southern Minnesota usually only lasts a few days at most, although certain species like the yellow and yellow-rumped warblers will stick around all summer long. But if you head Up North to some of our awesome state parks, Voyageurs National Park, the Superior National Forest, or the Sax-Zim Bog, you'll be able to spot these little winged jewels for a couple of months, usually May through July.

One of my favorites is the magnificent yellow, black, white, and orange Blackburnian warbler. I got my best-ever look at one - see above - while I was in Gooseberry Falls State Park, standing right at the base of Middle Falls. Can you imagine a more perfect setting in which to see such a pretty bird? I sure can't!

Start looking for warblers in late April, especially in southern Minnesota, along lightly forested streams and lakeshores. Most are insect eaters, so anywhere the bugs are hatching is where you'll find them. Later, up north, they'll be in nesting mode, so you're more likely to see them in trees, but usually still near water. You'll want to bring a good pair of binoculars, download apps like Merlin and AllTrails Plus, and by June, slap on some insect repellent. If you've never looked for these beautiful birds before, warbler watching just may become your favorite way to welcome spring in Minnesota, as well.

We'd love to hear how you celebrate the arrival of spring in Minnesota.