Hennepin County (p. 299) is the most populous county in Minnesota and spans a total area of approximately 607 square miles. It is frequently birded, especially in the south and east. Our goal is to explore the western and northern portions of this diverse county. There are interesting places outside the metro with regional parks, WMAs and SNAs to explore. Breeding birds will be feeding young. Resident sparrows, thrushes, and swallows will be on territory. Predators needing to feed their young will also be looking for meals including Cooper's Hawk, Merlin, and Peregrine Falcon. Craig Mandel and John Quinn both live in the county so you can double your confidence in finding good birds. (Base: TBD)

Well known for the National Wildlife Refuge we will also search other good locations as including walking trails for American Woodcock and looking and listening for nesting warblers, Bobolinks, Dickcissel, several species of sparrows and wading birds. We may be able to observe Sandhill Crane with colts. Eastern Whip-poor-will in Ann Lake Campground is possible if we’re early enough or stay up late enough with long daylight hours. (Base: Princeton.) (Sherburne County p. 327)

Dakota has diverse habitats bordered and bisected by many rivers and streams including the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. Great habitat abounds. Dakota county deserves multiple days so our day will be hard choices between good and better birding opportunities.  Tufted Titmouse and Blue Grosbeak are regular summer birds, as are Sora and Virginia Rails, and all of the herons and bitterns. Early fall migration could bring shorebirds provided a few locations have suitable habitat. (Base: TBD.) (Dakota County p. 275)

This an ecologically diverse central Western Region county. Variety is the spice of life for this county. You can expect to bird prairie potholes for migrating shorebirds and waterfowl; wetlands for Marsh Wren, bitterns and rails; lakes for Western and other grebes, and waterfowl; grasslands for Upland Sandpiper, Lark and Henslow’s Sparrows. Finally, we will confirm that Eckert Lake is named after Kim. We will light a ceremonial fire and pay homage. You don’t want to miss this county trip. (Base: Alexandria.) (Pope County p. 144)

MBW’s and the MOU advocate birding in lesser known and under birded parts of Minnesota. It’s important from a scientific and conservation perspective but also fun and interesting to see what might turn up and explore parts of the state you wouldn’t otherwise. And why can’t you be that person to find the second state record Common Eider and watch it swim to Otter Tail to become the first. This county is similar to Otter Tail but falls into the Southeast Region in the Birder’s Guide to Minnesota with greater habitat variations. Browerville Waste Treatment facility is a good location to find unusual water birds including scoters and Red Phalarope. (Base: Wadena.) (Todd County p. 339)

This annual tradition leverages the counties adjacent to Lake Superior – St. Louis, Lake, and Cook. In two ways. Migrating loons, grebes, and diving ducks use the lake as a stopover. More importantly for birders, the size of the lake creates a barrier during migration. Prevailing winds carry birds south and east from Canada and the western US where they encounter the lake. Rather than fly over a large water body they funnel down the lake towards Duluth. Hawk Ridge has been documenting this migration pattern for years, but passerines are also impacted. Rarities, like last year's Black Pheobe and Mountain Bluebird, blow in and hang out. At that same time northern birds are available – Bohemian Waxwing, Spruce Grouse, and others. This popular trip often yields surprising results. (Base: Tofte.)

This annual tradition leverages the counties adjacent to Lake Superior – St. Louis, Lake, and Cook. In two ways. Migrating loons, grebes, and diving ducks use the lake as a stopover. More importantly for birders, the size of the lake creates a barrier during migration. Prevailing winds carry birds south and east from Canada and the western US where they encounter the lake. Rather than fly over a large water body they funnel down the lake towards Duluth. Hawk Ridge has been documenting this migration pattern for years, but passerines are also impacted. Rarities, like last year's Black Pheobe and Mountain Bluebird, blow in and hang out. At that same time northern birds are available – Bohemian Waxwing, Spruce Grouse, and others. This popular trip often yields surprising results. (Base: Tofte.)

Last year Kim resurrected this trip as part of his 40th year anniversary schedule. Southeastern Minnesota counties – Wabasha, Winona, Houston – are part of the Mississippi River flyway – particularly for waterbirds. Thousands of Tundra Swans are present. Geese and ducks fill the backwaters and levees. Raptors take advantage of a ready food supply. Golden Eagles are possible away from the river in the Driftless region as are other good woods birds including last year’s Townsend Solitaire. (Base: Le Crescent.)