Dental Implants Near White Bear Lake, MN

Spring is in full swing. Birds are nesting and singing on their territories, and the landscape is transforming into a vibrant wonderland of life and sound. It is truly a breath of fresh air after the frozen quiet of winter.

Hundreds of bird species nest in Minnesota during May and June, all of them highly specialized to the specific habitats found here. Knowing the habitat preferences of these nesting species is sometimes enough to help with identification: for instance, a sparrow in a wide open prairie is more likely to be a Field Sparrow, and less likely to be a forest-dwelling species such as a White-throated Sparrow.

As these birds build nests and settle into their summer homes, they nudge us to look more deeply at the landscape around us. These are just a few of the birds that can be found in nesting in different kinds of Minnesota habitats this spring.

Forests

Oaks and cottonwoods that have been leafless all winter are now alive with showy orioles and quick-darting warblers. Many of the species that will nest in Minnesota in the coming weeks have traveled thousands of miles from the tropics of Central and South America. Some people enjoy attracting orioles to their yards with offerings of grape jelly and orange slices. Nectar-producing shrubs such as raspberries and crabapples can also draw orioles and hummingbirds, as well as a wide variety of pollinating insects, to your yard.

The treetops are alive with the frenzied activity of dozens of warbler species. Some will remain in our forests through the summer, while others are simply stopping by on the way to nesting grounds further north. The variety and splendid colors of these small, energetic birds are highly rewarding for anyone with the patience to sit a while with binoculars pointed up toward the trees. Some of the easier-to-spot species that will stick around to nest include Yellow-rumped Warblers, Yellow Warblers, and Common Yellowthroats.

Fields

Some species that once were at home on the open plains and prairies have adapted their lifestyles to suit farm fields and clearings. Eastern Kingbirds bring a formal flashiness to old fence lines and hedges with their stark black-and-white plumage. Grassy fields and farmland are also the areas to look for Eastern Bluebirds, Field Sparrows, Ring-necked Pheasants and American Kestrels.

Killdeer are an adaptable shorebird that can be found in a variety of habitats, often choosing open areas or places near bodies of water, or even puddles. They tolerate human presence well, and attend to their nest diligently, drawing predators away with a “broken wing” distraction display. When the eggs hatch, Killdeer chicks are almost immediately as mobile as their parents, making quick getaways on tiny, fast legs.

Wetlands

The first fluffy goslings are now bobbing along behind their parents. Every treetop and cattail near the water is defended ferociously by a Red-winged Blackbird. Look closer, and you’ll see some of the more secretive wetland nesters, such a Green-winged Teal. These small ducks are well camouflaged and can be difficult to spot as they feed along the edges of vegetation on ponds and lakes. The females are brown and mottled to hide them while they sit on the nest, while males display an eye-catching green-striped head and neatly dotted breast. Both sexes show an iridescent green patch on their wing feathers, which gives them their name.

Perhaps one of the most elegant birds of the wetlands, Great Blue Herons are now back in abundance. They will build nests high in the trees out of loosely woven sticks. It is common to see large colonies called rookeries along lakes and rivers, where the water adds extra protection from predators.

Special Habitats

Snags

Snags are dead, standing trees that provide an abundance of resources to nesting birds. They are often infested with insect colonies, which provide the majority of the diet of many woodpecker species. Woodpeckers will also drill holes into snags to use as nest cavities, and abandoned woodpecker holes also become habitat for other species that can’t drill holes, such as Wood Ducks, Eastern Bluebirds, and Black-capped Chickadees. A closer look at areas with snags can even reveal well-camouflaged Eastern Screech Owls, whose faces may be visible in the protection of tree cavities as they sleep through the daytime hours.

Hear a loud hammering sound in the forest? Northern Flickers and Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers will often seek out the most resonant dead, hollow trees to create the loudest sound, drumming to ward of rivals and get the attention of potential mates.

Shorelines

In addition to being rich in biodiverse wetlands, Minnesota also boasts a lot of lakeshore habitat. Sandy or rocky shorelines often provide the right conditions for nesting sandpipers. In areas along Lake Superior, shorelines are critical habitat for federally endangered species such as the Piping Plover.

Vegetated shorelines also play an important role in the life cycle of the Common Loon. These birds are specially adapted for aquatic life and build their nests on mats of vegetation they can access from the water. ◼

It’s all a part of Dog Days, where dogs (and their humans) will stroll through downtown to explore various rescue organizations, vendors and businesses.

2025 marks the ninth annual event. Organizer and dog lover Kim Schoonover, owner of Indulge Salon, Spa and Wigs, came up with the idea after visiting Dog Days on Grand Avenue in St. Paul.

“I thought it was such a neat event; what a great idea to do that here and bring all these people downtown to see all the businesses we

have down here,” she recalled. “It is a very dog-friendly community, so I thought it was something that might take off.”

She described the first year as “relatively small,” but it has “grown exponentially” since then. This year’s event is expecting a crowd of over 400.

New this year, all the dog rescue organizations will be located along Washington Square, instead of spreading out around the downtown area. Attendees are still encouraged to explore beyond Washington Square.

“It will be safe for the people and the dogs,” Schoonover explained.

There will also be new rescues and vendors joining in the fun. Twelve rescue organizations will attend the event, many of them with adoptable dogs. Rescues include Aussie Rescue of MN, Coco's Heart Dog Rescue, FaerieLand Rescue Inc., Healing Hearts Rescue, No Dog Left Behind, Retrieve a Golden of the Midwest, Second Chance Animal Rescue, The Rescue Pack Animal Rescue, Twin Cities Pet Rescue, Underdog Rescue MN, United Doberman Rescue/Canine Castaways of MN and Warrior Dog Rescue.

“My whole intention is to bring more people into White Bear that don’t know how wonderful our community is,” Schoonover said. “The main goal is to bring attention to dog rescue organizations so that people know what is out there and have the opportunity to adopt a dog if they would like to; it really does help all of these rescues get their name out there.”

Schoonover adopted one of her dogs, Louie, from the first Dog Days event. The Pyrenees husky mix is 12 years old. Her other pup, Mya, a pit bull mix, is also a rescue.

Several businesses will join in the fun. Indulge plans to hand out poop bags and bandanas and will have pools for dogs to swim in.

PLNT BSD will host its spring grand reopening from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and have frozen banana treats for pup visitors.

Artist and designer Susan Lofgreen will be at Haus Theory with a collection of dog-inspired art and vintage goods.

4 Deuces will open at noon with DJ Matt Kotefka until 3 p.m. There will be root beer floats for adults (Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream and Freddi’s Old Fashioned Root Beer), children (ice cream and Freddie's Root Beer) and pups (pup cup with whipped cream, beef broth and topped with a mini dog treat). There will also be a special Dog Days menu and cider samples from Minnesota’s own Wild State Ciders and giveaways. Dogs will be allowed on the patio, where they can enjoy the pup beer floats and swim in pools (weather permitting).

GoodThings plans to offer dog-related promotions from May 15 through May 18. There will be discounts offered on the store’s exclusive Minnesota dog squeaky toy as well as 20% off all items in the pet lovers’ collection.

“It is a family-friendly event,” Schoonover said. “Come be educated on dogs, dog rescues and other ways you can help … It is a casual and friendly way to go and visit all of the businesses.”