Last TWO hours SAVES this BIRDING/PHOTO Trip! NW Minnesota Bog to Prairie—Glacial Ridge NWR

Yowza! What a difference a year makes. Last winter I did this same route and had the opposite results. In "Sucky to Super 2025" I had ZERO luck in northwest Minnesota's Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge, but amazing success in the Big Bog: Pine Marten, White-winged Crossbills, Snowshoe Hare. But this winter it was the complete opposite. ZERO birds or critters along the Big Bog boardwalk, but Glacial Ridge and prairie/aspen parkland surroundings really came through! FORTY-SIX Gray Partridge in seven coveys was unbelievable! And I was able to photograph one group up close by hiding behind my van. Other highlights included multiple Rough-legged Hawks, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Greater Prairie-Chickens, American Goshawk, Great Horned Owl, and a Northern Shrike retrieving a cache of food! February 1-2, 2026