The unique lands and habitat in the Brainerd Lakes Area make it one of the top birding destinations in the nation. The bird species change and migrate with the seasons, so there’s always something new to see.

Six of the top 12 species listed by the American Birding Association members as “most wanted to see” can be found in Minnesota: boreal owl, great gray owl, Connecticut warbler, northern hawk owl, yellow rail, snowy owl. Gyrfalcon, another highly sought bird, also can be found in Minnesota most winters.

In 2004, the DNR conducted the first osprey survey in Minnesota. A total of 600 active nests were found. With 89 nests, Crow Wing County has more nesting ospreys than any other county. Cass County was second with 28.

	The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway offers a specific birding brochure to help scout and track the birds along that route. Click here to request the Birds of the Byway publication
	Sightings of the majestic bald eagle are common in the lakes area. For more information on bird watching, visit the DNR and Minnesota Ornithologists Union. The DNR also has a wealth of knowledge on our region's plants, non-game wildlife and geology.