Zim Minnesota has a population of 20 and Sax Minnesota a population of 10. It isn’t those tiny towns but the land nearby that brings so many up there. This land, this bog…it bring people from around the world to see the birds, critters and insects that make their homes there. Like much of “Up Nort”, many are part-time residents. Get up there come spring, summer, fall or winter and behold the beauty. If you need a pick-me-up, stop by Wilbert’s. I recommend the pie!
Three Rivers manages over 27,000 acres in Hennepin County. They have 25 parks/centers and reserves. You can enjoy hiking, biking, camping, swimming, boating, learn about nature, enjoy outdoor sports, horseback riding, archery and more. For me, the parks are all about getting outside and looking for insects. The trails lead you to great examples of Mother Natures amazing beauty. You and sit and observe, bring along a camera and when you are snapping that shot of a beautiful pollinator…along comes a photo-bombing hornet.
Taken July 13, 2016 at Crow Hassan Park Reserve, Hanover, MN
From the first time I visited Sherburne NWR, I knew it was a great place to come to and I would return time and time again. I have seen so many animals here from Sandhill Cranes to Coyotes to a mass emergence of Baskettail Dragonflies to a mother Kill Deer leading her babies down the road’s edge when they disappear into the grass while she feigns an injury to draw you away from them.
I have captured some of my best shots here. I have also seen some animal behaviors that astonished me like watching a Red-Tailed Hawk fly up and around a tree trunk to snatch a squirrel from a branch and fly away with his prey while numerous crows dive bombed the hawk. I have also seen a baby American Yellow Warbler as big as the parent beg for a meal on a branch not five feet from me.
Spring will be here soon and the Wildlife Drive will again welcome us.
Dragonfly emergence photographed on 5/27/2018 along Wildlife Drive.