

The Brainerd Lakes Area offers visitors a plethora of birdwatching opportunities. We caught up with Judd Brink, Owner and Guide at MN Backyard Birds, for some Q&A. He offers a few tips and tricks that will help maximize your birding experience!
Now that spring is here, what bird species that have made their back to the Brainerd Lakes?
The Brainerd Lakes Area is now seeing the peak of the spring bird migration! Many of our colorful birds have taken long flights from Central and South America—a difficult and challenging journey just to arrive here! Many of our lakes are home to our state bird the common loon, a sure sign of summer. The spring bird migration happens in stages starting in March through early June with May being the peak month. Just a few species that just arrived include orioles, hummingbirds, tanagers, warblers, hawks, eagles, and many of the waterbirds.
Where are the best places locally to see a variety of birds?
A few of the hotspots for wildlife viewing in the lakes area includes the Crow Wing State Park, Northland Arboretum (Important Bird Area), Rotary Park/Kiwanis Park, Crosslake Recreation Area, and the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway.

What’s your favorite part of birding?
Birdwatching is the 2nd largest activity in the country! I have been birding for over 30 years, and I still love the challenge and the excitement in finding rare and or a new bird for my life list! Birding is just full of surprises you never know what you might see or photograph! I also have been guiding for over 15 years, and so it’s fun to share and teach others about birds.
How to get kids involved with birding?
I started in my own backyard when my parents had a few bird feeders. I think it’s important to get kids outside and let them explore and enjoy what nature teaches us. The Northland Arboretum offers summer nature camps for kids.

What are things you can do to increase your chances of seeing birds in your own yard?
MN Backyard Birds offers birdscaping to help attract and enjoy more colorful songbirds to your property! We design “songbird sanctuaries” to increase the number and variety of colorful songbirds using only the best bird feeders and fresh seed. Planting native fruiting trees and shrubs, adding a water bath are just a few ways you can enjoy more birds at home.
Share:
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn
Explore Brainerd Lakes
Our mission is to celebrate the Brainerd Lakes Area and the experiences that are made here. We are your premier resource of tourism information in central Minnesota.
Get Social
Most Popular
Explore More
Get The Latest Updates
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Explore
Related Posts

Fall Break (MEA Weekend) Brainerd lakes Lodging Availability
Fall Break (MEA Weekend) Lodging Availability in the Brainerd Lakes Come Up North for fall fun! Looking for a quick family getaway during Minnesota’s fall break October 19-22? You’re in luck! We’ve gathered openings from

Where to See Fall Colors in the Brainerd Lakes Area
Where to See Fall Colors in the Brainerd Lakes Area Fall is the perfect time to visit the Brainerd Lakes Area and enjoy the glorious colors of autumn! Don’t delay booking your fall up north

Homeward Bound: Relocating to the Brainerd Lakes Area
Homeward Bound: Relocating to the Brainerd Lakes Area If after vacationing here you find yourself not wanting to say goodbye, consider relocating! We are much more than a summer vacation destination. The beautiful natural resources,

Lodging with Open Availability in Brainerd August 21–September 4
Brainerd Lakes Area Lodging with Open Availability August 21–September 4, 2023 Lodging Availability for Labor Day Weekend, 2023 Planning a visit to the Brainerd Lakes and are looking for lodging? You’re in luck! We’ve gathered

Lodging with Open Availability in Brainerd August 1-20
Brainerd Lakes Area Lodging with Open Availability August, 2023 Lodging Availability for August 1-20, 2023 Planning a visit to the Brainerd Lakes and are looking for lodging? You’re in luck! We’ve gathered openings from lodging