Beginning Birding

WRITTEN BY: JEFFREY MILLER

The afternoon sun slanted through the autumn foliage, dappling the forest floor. With nary a breath of wind, I caught a flicker of movement out of the corner of my eye. Focusing my binoculars in the general area, I was shocked to see a pair of pileated woodpeckers. While I have often seen individuals of the duck-sized bird, it was my first encounter with a male and female pair. The next ten minutes were spent observing the pair, bowhunting deer forgotten.

Birding, or the act of going into habitats and looking for bird species, is incredibly popular across the country. While numbers are difficult to estimate, as unlike hunting or fishing, birding doesn’t require a state-issued license., There are no doubt millions of Americans that head afield each year to participate in the activity.

Gear:

Happily, birding requires very little gear. My good friend, Dr. Mike Bush, is a lifelong birder. When I asked him what he recommends for a birding first timer, he said, “No question, the most important piece of the birder’s kit is a pair of quality binoculars.” The best way to purchase binoculars is to visit local sporting goods stores and trying out various models. Binoculars vary widely in price, and what works great for one person may not appear as clear or user friendly to another. Look through many in the price range decided upon before making a purchase. Binoculars are a tool that will last a lifetime.

After obtaining binoculars, the next item to obtain is bird identification guides. Bush recommends either the Sibley or National Geographic guides as well as the Audubon and Merlin apps. “The apps are pretty incredible; they can identify birds by photos or sounds.” I’ve used the Merlin app many times in the field when I hear a bird but can’t see it. Like any app or computer program, they aren’t infallible but are of value to beginning birders or birders in unfamiliar areas. I used mine extensively last summer on a trip to the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Clothing is important when trying to view undisturbed birds. While camouflage isn’t necessary, drab Earth tones are helpful. Birds can see color, and bright clothing will spook many species. Comfortable, quiet clothing, matched to the season, is important.

Many birders combine photography with watching. While I dabble in photography, I don’t have the skill or knowledge to recommend camera gear. Internet birding forums are a great place to learn about the art of photography.

One interesting twist on photography is using camera traps, also known as game cameras. Attached to a tree or post, the camera is triggered by movement that occurs in front of it. Placed on suet, bird feeders or animal remains, camera traps can catch some truly remarkable bird images. When using camera traps, however, landowner permission must be obtained, and using them on public lands is not recommended.

Seasons and Locations:

Our beginning birder is now outfitted in the right clothes and carrying a high-quality pair of binoculars. All is for naught, however, if they don’t know where to find birds.

The timing of the season is of great importance to bird species. Many of them migrate through our area, appearing during the spring and fall on their way to summering and wintering grounds. Some species stay all year, adapted to our hot summers and cold winters. The birder should understand the seasonal shifts, as that knowledge will help to find birds.

Spring and fall migration are peak times to see the widest assortment of birds. A myriad of ducks, geese and swans, collectively known as waterfowl, are winging north to their nesting grounds. The migration is a grand spectacle, filling the air with the calls and cries of avian creatures. Songbirds like Lapland Longspurs and Horned Larks come through early in the spring, with sparrows, warblers, vireos, thrushes, and flycatchers appearing later in the spring. There is also a large uptick in raptors such as hawks, falcons, and owls.

Summertime birds include a variety of sparrows, pipits, buntings, and phoebes. Around water, ducks and geese are raising young along with shorebirds like Common Snipe, Grebes, and Coots. One of my favorite species, the Belted Kingfisher, can be seen hunting for fish along rivers and lakes.

During the fall the cycle repeats, with many of the same birds heading south. Winter is a sparse time for local birds. Around bird feeders Black Capped Chickadees, Dark-Eyed Juncos, Cardinals and Blue Jays flit and fight, and in open country Snow Buntings, American Crows, Bald Eagles, and the occasional Snowy Owl patrol the land.

Species adapted to woodland habitats can be found in riparian areas along rivers and lakes, while prairie species seek out wide-open spaces to make their home.

Where to Start:

Fargo/Moorhead has many acres of public lands to spot birds. Any of Fargo or Moorhead’s less developed parks hold a tremendous abundance of birds, as well as the area south of Fargo in the Orchard Glen and Forest River area. Native grasses and forests swarm with beautiful creatures all over the metro area.

Local Organizations:

Joining Audubon Dakota is a great first step to learning the nuances of birding. A local chapter of the Audubon Society, Audubon Dakota works to preserve and improve habitats for birds and other wildlife. Many members are hard-core birders and are happy to share their knowledge. Pheasants Forever and Ducks Unlimited, while thought of as only a hunter’s organization, are also committed to wildlife habitat preservation, and include those interested in birding as well. All across the globe, habitat is the key to maintaining healthy wildlife populations for now and for the future. •

WRITTEN BY: BEN HANSON PHOTOS BY: URBAN TOAD MEDIA

Thanks to the stomach flu running rampant throughout my house, I needed to postpone my date with KFGO’s Tyler Axness. I had a lot of bleaching to do, for one, and I figured emergency sprints to the bathroom might hamper his on-air routine. Axness was graciously accommodating to my last-minute schedule change, which I suppose comes with the territory — he just crossed the five-year mark of hosting his daily radio show, Afternoons Live.

A week after recovering from the plague, I met Tyler at Drekker’s Brewhalla, which by the time this story goes to print will likely have celebrated its post-remodel/expansion grand reopening. After exchanging typical introductions and handshakes (yes, we still shake hands in the Midwest, covid be damned), Axness immediately went to the bar to order a beer… and I immediately knew this would be a fine interview. And so it was.

How’d you end up on the radio?

I was out in the state senate doing my thing there, and once the first session got done, Mike McFeely — who had the afternoon spot back then — asked if I would guest host. I filled in and that day the Casselton train derailment disaster happened. It was my first day ever hosting, and I guess I showed I could do the job. So I guest-hosted a few more times over the years, and when Mike moved back to the Forum, they [KFGO] called and asked if I'd consider doing the job full time.

What’s a typical day look like for you now that you’ve been on air for five years?

Now I’m full time 8-5. I do prep work during the day, talking to people who know what’s going on to get the pulse of what people are talking about. The unwritten rule is one hour on air takes two hours of prep, so beyond office work, I’m also out at events, meeting people… it’s kind of like an ongoing campaign.

Any interest in getting back into politics one day? A lot of things would have to change. Politicians today seem more interested in wanting to become a celebrity. We need to get back to priorities like funding things and making things better for people. The mentality now is “I want my team to win at all costs,” and until you get away from that, you won't see good people run again. And that’s a bad spot for all of us to be in.

What was the strangest political interaction you’ve ever had?

Door knocking led to interesting moments! There was one time this couple came together to the door wearing just bathrobes, and I think they were able to put together what was going through my mind. It was a brief conversation!

Who would win in a celebrity death match, Tucker Carlson or Sean Hannity? Importantly, the ghost of Rush Limbaugh is the referee…

Well, there’s always bias there if you got Rush involved. Tucker may be more nimble, easier to get around, but Sean is going to be one of those immovable objects and come off that turnbuckle with a nasty clothesline. I think Hannity has the advantage in this one.

What’s something you got in trouble for as a kid that you would totally get away with now that you’re an adult? This… what we're doing right now. Sitting in a dimly lit place and consuming a cold beverage just shooting the breeze. Also, indoor water gun fights. My parents weren't fans. I also grew up less than an hour away from Canada, so we made a few trips up there. I once went through the border and the security guy asked if I planned to leave anything behind… I said, “maybe a few golf balls.”He immediately said, “OK, pull ahead to the left, get out of your car.” Don’t joke around at the border!

How long does it take you to pack for vacation compared to your significant other?

Oh God, it’s a whole day for her! We both over pack, but I’m of the throw stuff in and I’ll make it work mantra. If it’s an event for work, you gotta have brand new clothes in her opinion, which means shopping…. It’s a whole day-plus affair for her to pack.

What was your favorite cartoon growing up, and what cereal were you eating when you watched it?

Fruity Pebbles for sure. I grew up with two older brothers, so I got into watching Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Transformers, and of course good old fashioned Looney

Tunes. Tom and Jerry is classic. Pinky and Brain was a great show. Same with Animaniacs.

What’s the dumbest thing you’ve ever said on air?

Well I don’t enunciate all that well sometimes, so just listen daily 2-5 and you can pick. But one time I was at the Legion up in Harwood, and they had music videos playing, which you’re going to watch if you’re there. So Ronnie Milsap is on and playing, and I said he looked like a cross between Elton John and Ray Charles, as he was doing the sway, with the sunglasses and whatnot. And people had to tell me that Ronnie Milsap was blind. I got roasted by listeners.

If you hosted a radio show when you were 12, what would the show be about?

Life was so much more simple back then. Again, small town life, you’re out hunting, driving around, all the ins and outs of how to get away with stuff. And of course WWF wrestling! The Tuesday shows would be lit with what happened Monday night. That would've been the cornerstone of the show at 12.

Were you stunned to learn that PBS’ favorite travel guide Rick Steves is a total pothead?

Yes, absolutely! This is the travel guy who's advocating legalizing it everywhere. He was a pretty good spokesman for why legalization should be everywhere. His travels really showed him where legalization really is beneficial to society. He was so educational, it made you want to donate to PBS.

What does the good life mean to you?

The good life to me is being able to find your passion and do it for a living. Doesn't feel like work then. Being able to celebrate and spend time with family and close friends. And being comfortable and able to do what we want when we want, together. •