Join us for an outing in western Steele County to look for Short-eared Owls, Northern Harriers, Red-tailed Hawks, Snow Buntings and Horned Larks. Shake off your mid- winter boredom by traveling to Steele County, just 60 miles south of the Twin Cities. Rather than joining the hordes at Sax Zim Bog, travel to this area just three counties south of Hennepin and Ramsey.

We’ll meet at the Holiday gas station just east of I-35 in Owatonna (695 W. Bridge Street, Owatonna, 55060). From here we will carpool about 10 miles east to Rice Lake State Park, looking for raptors on the way. We can scan Rice Lake for waterfowl and eagles and hike around in the park. From here we will drive a few miles north to Armstrong Wetlands. Be sure to bring your cameras and spotting scopes. In what is called ’the golden hour,’ the half hour before dusk, Short-eared Owls start to make an appearance. There can be as many as a half dozen or more
of these beautiful birds. Make sure to dress for the weather. For questions, contact Bart at the number above or email at andersonbartlee@gmail.com.