Nature Happenings

• Project FeederWatch continues, feederwatch.org
• This is a finch irruption winter!  Watch for large, unusual flocks of Northern finches (like Pine Siskins, Common Redpolls, Evening Grosbeaks, White-winged Crossbills) that move into the state due to food scarcity (poor cone/seed crops) in their usual boreal habitats.
• Rare gulls and terns can be found along the Great Lakes.
• Listen for Great Horned Owls' "hoot" as they pair up for mating season.
• Great Horned Owls are building and/or refurbishing their nests. They will begin sitting on their eggs in late January or early February.
• See Bald Eagles congregate along the Mississippi River now through February.
• Look for Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers at suet feeders and in trees.
• Watch for Yellow-shafted, Northern Flickers at your suet feeders.
• Cardinals flocking; they're usually the first and last birds to be seen at feeders.
• Now through late March is a difficult time for birds; providing food and an open source of water is important.
• White-tailed Deer bucks are shedding their antlers, marking the end of breeding season.
• Black Bear cubs are born beginning in late January.
• Start planning your butterfly and bird gardens this month.
• Aldo Leopold's (Father of Wildlife Conservation) birthday Jan. 11
• Quadrantid Meteor Shower early in the month. See up to 60 falling meteors per hour!