Even though the weather cannot decide whether it is Winter or Spring, the sound of birds singing is a sure sign of Spring. For those looking to attract the feathered messengers of Spring a few websites offer tips and tricks on what types of feeders and seed to use.
The Minnesota DNR offers information of the types of feeders and seed to use based on what season it is. They also give recommendations for deterring unwanted visitors. You can also order the information in book form.
Minnesota Birds has a variety of information related to attracting wildlife. You can learn about not just feeders and seed choices, but also about how the types of plants and landscaping that will attract certain birds. You can also email them your birding questions.
National Bird Feeding Society provides information on bird feeding around the country. They have information on nests, habitats, feeders, seed and more. A great site to check out for those looking to go beyond the basic feeder and sunflower seeds.
The Minnesota Ornithologist's Union is the place to head to identify the birds that flock to your new feeders. You can also report your sitings and see where other birds are often found.
Spring will arrive like it always does, but this year you can insure that it brings with it a chorus of well-fed birds.
Showing posts with label Outdoors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Outdoors. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Snow Forts
With the recent falling of fresh snow and the likely hood of it happening again I thought I would share a few websites that offer tips on building snow forts. Snow people and igloos are not the only things one can construct, there are fortresses for snowball fights and other creations. Just use your imagination.
WikiHow has a step by step guide as well as tips, tools, and warnings for building your own fort.
The BBC has instructions for making a snow lantern, which is a pile of snowballs with a votive candle inside that then illuminates the snow. There is a picture on their site. If you scroll down there are tips on building snowmen and having snowball fights.
Enviro-Tech International takes an emergency situation approach to building a snow cave and the practical information one would need to keep in mind if building a snow cave for survival.
Calvin and Hobbes links to a gallery of their unique approach to the creation of snowmen.
Remember to stay safe, as for help and beware of melting and cave-ins when building. Winter does not stay forever, even if it may feel like it. So get outside and enjoy it while the snow's still shining.
WikiHow has a step by step guide as well as tips, tools, and warnings for building your own fort.
The BBC has instructions for making a snow lantern, which is a pile of snowballs with a votive candle inside that then illuminates the snow. There is a picture on their site. If you scroll down there are tips on building snowmen and having snowball fights.
Enviro-Tech International takes an emergency situation approach to building a snow cave and the practical information one would need to keep in mind if building a snow cave for survival.
Calvin and Hobbes links to a gallery of their unique approach to the creation of snowmen.
Remember to stay safe, as for help and beware of melting and cave-ins when building. Winter does not stay forever, even if it may feel like it. So get outside and enjoy it while the snow's still shining.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
The Raptor Center
As Spring gets closer you start to see and hear more song birds returning. They perch on telephone wires and eat in our front yards. Raptors and other birds of prey are not as common, unless you happen to be visiting the Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota. Their facility at the college of veterinary medicine works not only at educating their students, but the public as well. On their website they state that, "the essence of our mission is to strengthen the bond between humans and birds, to improve the quality of life for both, and to contribute to the preservation of the natural world."
The Raptor Center is open from Tuesday-Friday and on weekends. Saturday and Sunday's they host the Raptors of Minnesota Program from 1-2pm, where you can meet several live raptors and also tour the facility. To register you can call 612-624-9753. Their website also has links to information about other educational programs, volunteering and donation, as well as links to more information about Raptors and birds in Minnesota and across the country.
So for those interested in learning more about the majestic birds in the sky, The Raptor Center is a great place to start.
The Raptor Center is open from Tuesday-Friday and on weekends. Saturday and Sunday's they host the Raptors of Minnesota Program from 1-2pm, where you can meet several live raptors and also tour the facility. To register you can call 612-624-9753. Their website also has links to information about other educational programs, volunteering and donation, as well as links to more information about Raptors and birds in Minnesota and across the country.
So for those interested in learning more about the majestic birds in the sky, The Raptor Center is a great place to start.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Minnesota Wildlife Refuges
With the sun beginning to shine and the snow slowly disappearing outdoor activities are looking more and more appealing. Minnesota's Wildlife Refuges offer a wide variety of activities for family and individual alike. There is something for everyone.
To find a refuge in your area you can visit the Federal Wildlife Refuge website or their map of Minnesota Refuges. Both will lead you to the home pages of the different refuges.
Each refuge's landscape is unique as well as the activities and events available at each. There are trails, interpretation stations, photography opportunities at each one. The types of wildlife you will see, the events that are hosted and whether you can hunt or fish there varies and you should consult their website and/or local visitor information.
While it still may feel like winter, there is no reason not to head outside on a clear day and watch and listen for the sites of other creatures trying to enjoy a sunny day.
To find a refuge in your area you can visit the Federal Wildlife Refuge website or their map of Minnesota Refuges. Both will lead you to the home pages of the different refuges.
Each refuge's landscape is unique as well as the activities and events available at each. There are trails, interpretation stations, photography opportunities at each one. The types of wildlife you will see, the events that are hosted and whether you can hunt or fish there varies and you should consult their website and/or local visitor information.
While it still may feel like winter, there is no reason not to head outside on a clear day and watch and listen for the sites of other creatures trying to enjoy a sunny day.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Minnesota and History
Part of learning to appreciate Minnesota comes from learning about its history. The best place to start for historical information is The Minnesota Historical Society's website. From there you can check out the calender of events, learn what exhibits are going on and see upcoming events.
Minnesota's historical museums and sites have a lot to offer for everyone. For those who like to conduct their own research, the Library is a great place to start. Every Saturday morning there is a free class conducted to show people how to use the library and its resources. Not only can one learn all about Minnesota's history, but also their own at the library. Family records can be accessed and the library conducts classes for those interested in genealogy. While the intro course to the library is free, the other courses offered are not.
Be sure to click on the link to places from the MHS website. It will take you to a listing of the 26 historic sites and museums, most of which are open seasonally. There is also a link to a listing of all registered historic sites in MN, some of which are open to the public and most are still privately owned. If you are more interested in the geography of the area there is a site for that too. With the history behind place names and a brief history of each county.
The Minnesota History Center has something for everyone as well. They make history come alive with their history players. Actors who portray a specific person in Minnesota history, from a school teacher to a newspaper editor and even a WWII pilot. You can call ahead to find out which one will be performing before you arrive. There are also plenty of exhibits about MN History, Art, and Culture going on at the history center as well. You can even take in a show at the Museum's Theater.
Admission fees to visit most of the exhibits ranges from $5-$10 dollars with special events sometimes costing more. Be sure to check out the earlier post about Libraries, there is a special event going on where you can "checkout" and admission ticket for free at some twin cities libraries. Another way to cut cost would be to get a membership to the MHS. A family membership is $75, members get in free to exhibits and it is a worthwhile purchase for a family of 4 or larger who wish to visit the museums and historic sites more than twice in one year. Students and seniors receive discounts at many locations also.
So don't let cabin fever set in, Spring is on its way and there are plenty of indoor and outdoor opportunities to explore with the Minnesota Historical Society!
Minnesota's historical museums and sites have a lot to offer for everyone. For those who like to conduct their own research, the Library is a great place to start. Every Saturday morning there is a free class conducted to show people how to use the library and its resources. Not only can one learn all about Minnesota's history, but also their own at the library. Family records can be accessed and the library conducts classes for those interested in genealogy. While the intro course to the library is free, the other courses offered are not.
Be sure to click on the link to places from the MHS website. It will take you to a listing of the 26 historic sites and museums, most of which are open seasonally. There is also a link to a listing of all registered historic sites in MN, some of which are open to the public and most are still privately owned. If you are more interested in the geography of the area there is a site for that too. With the history behind place names and a brief history of each county.
The Minnesota History Center has something for everyone as well. They make history come alive with their history players. Actors who portray a specific person in Minnesota history, from a school teacher to a newspaper editor and even a WWII pilot. You can call ahead to find out which one will be performing before you arrive. There are also plenty of exhibits about MN History, Art, and Culture going on at the history center as well. You can even take in a show at the Museum's Theater.
Admission fees to visit most of the exhibits ranges from $5-$10 dollars with special events sometimes costing more. Be sure to check out the earlier post about Libraries, there is a special event going on where you can "checkout" and admission ticket for free at some twin cities libraries. Another way to cut cost would be to get a membership to the MHS. A family membership is $75, members get in free to exhibits and it is a worthwhile purchase for a family of 4 or larger who wish to visit the museums and historic sites more than twice in one year. Students and seniors receive discounts at many locations also.
So don't let cabin fever set in, Spring is on its way and there are plenty of indoor and outdoor opportunities to explore with the Minnesota Historical Society!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Letterboxing
Letterboxing is a great activity to do solo, as a couple, or with the family. It is an activity that gets people outside and offers the excitement of an adventure. A letterbox is a waterproof box hidden somewhere (usually on public land) that contains a logbook and rubber stamp. Clues are given to aid in finding the box. These clues may be very straightforward or take some deciphering. Typically once a person has found a letterbox they will stamp their own log book with the stamp in the letterbox. To show that you found the letterbox you also stamp the logbook with your own stamp. The stamp in the letterbox and the personal one are traditionally supposed to be hand-made rather than bought. Often times erasers are used. Once a box is found remember to seal it carefully and re-hide it for someone else to discover.
Letterboxes are often hidden in scenic or remote areas of a park. Choose a sunny day to better enjoy the experience. Remember not to get too focused on the search, part of the fun of letterboxing is discovery the beauty of the area it was hidden in. Also be respectful of the area where searching. A letterbox should be easy to retrieve without damaging the plants or property nearby.
To search for a letterbox all one needs is a sense of adventure and the clues. Occasionally a compass, map or other tools are necessary. The clues will often specify if you need any special items. Not all letterboxes contain ink pads, or they may have become dry so it is usually a good idea to bring your own.
Letterboxing is a great activity for the whole family, just remember to monitor children when handling letterboxes to ensure that they are properly resealed when re-hiding. Since letterboxes are hidden outside be careful of poison ivy, oak, snakes, spiders and other outside irritants.
Letterboxing is seen by many to be an art and like art you can choose how involved you wish to be. Will you admire it and only find the boxes, dabble in it by making your own stamp, or become totally immersed and hide your own box and hunt for boxes nation wide. What ever the level of involvement that you choose there are a couple websites with loads of information and resources to help you out along the way.
Letterboxing in America has a list of clues by region, facts, getting started, links, and more.
Letterboxing.info gives the background info on where Letterboxing got its start, tools, links, making your own and more.
Letterboxes are often hidden in scenic or remote areas of a park. Choose a sunny day to better enjoy the experience. Remember not to get too focused on the search, part of the fun of letterboxing is discovery the beauty of the area it was hidden in. Also be respectful of the area where searching. A letterbox should be easy to retrieve without damaging the plants or property nearby.
To search for a letterbox all one needs is a sense of adventure and the clues. Occasionally a compass, map or other tools are necessary. The clues will often specify if you need any special items. Not all letterboxes contain ink pads, or they may have become dry so it is usually a good idea to bring your own.
Letterboxing is a great activity for the whole family, just remember to monitor children when handling letterboxes to ensure that they are properly resealed when re-hiding. Since letterboxes are hidden outside be careful of poison ivy, oak, snakes, spiders and other outside irritants.
Letterboxing is seen by many to be an art and like art you can choose how involved you wish to be. Will you admire it and only find the boxes, dabble in it by making your own stamp, or become totally immersed and hide your own box and hunt for boxes nation wide. What ever the level of involvement that you choose there are a couple websites with loads of information and resources to help you out along the way.
Letterboxing in America has a list of clues by region, facts, getting started, links, and more.
Letterboxing.info gives the background info on where Letterboxing got its start, tools, links, making your own and more.
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