Written by Bronwyn Earthman, Kroening Center Naturalist
Depending on the year, March in Minnesota can mean prolonged winter; icy, snowy and chilly, or it can mark the early beginnings of spring as temperatures warm and the world begins to thaw. This in-between season is always an active time for many animals in Mississippi Regional Park, as some return north after overwintering in warmer places to the south, and many prepare to or are already raising their young. As the river ice starts to melt, more open water becomes available for migratory waterfowl. Keep an eye out for ducks and geese along the river in these open spots, such as wood ducks on the hunt for a good nesting spot. Eastern bluebirds could be returning around mid-March as well, looking to nest in familiar breeding grounds. Great Blue Herons are likely to return to the river soon, and at the end of the month, they will begin nesting at the Heron Rookery, an island in the Mississippi across from Marshall Terrace Park where herons roost in mass.
Owls are well into their nesting season now, and owl chicks will likely begin hatching this month and into April. Owl courtship and mating began in January and February, and many of our local owl species have already begun nesting in tree cavities or abandoned nests. As female owls are busy keeping their eggs warm, her mate will do the hunting. Great Horned Owl chicks will likely begin to hatch in early March, while Barred Owl chicks will hatch a little bit later in the month. After the owl chicks hatch, they will remain in the nest and be fed by their parents until about seven or eight weeks, when they will leave their nests and take to the sky.
Coyote and fox pairs are busy raising their young this time of year as well, holed up in cozy dens, nursing young pups and kits. Coyotes will have litters of 5-10 pups, while foxes generally have between 3-8 kits. These animals may be easier to spot this time of year as they are out hunting in the park to provide food for their growing young. They are both omnivores, though this time of year, before plants have begun to produce any fruits, their meals will consist primarily of mice, squirrels, rabbits or other smaller rodents, and the occasional deer for the coyotes. Keep an eye out for coyotes and foxes around dawn and dusk, as they are most active during these times.
Join us for a program at the nature center this month and see what early signs of spring you can spot in the park!
Nature Tots: Weather Wonders · Saturday, March 1, 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Free | Ages 2-6 with an adult | Activity #15439. Ever wonder why we have weather? Where does it come from? Explore air, wind, clouds, and rain through games and activities to determine the wonders of weather.
Wood Burned Birdhouses · Tuesdays and Thursdays, Session One: March 4-13, 10 a.m.-noon, Session Two: March 18-27, 10 a.m.-noon | Free for residents | Ages 55+ | Activity #17229, #17230. Learn the basics of wood burning and birding! The class will be led by Teneka Graves, a multi-disciplinary artist out of Saint Paul Minnesota. This event is open to all and holds space for all who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color.
Family Funday: Signs of Spring · Saturday, March 8, 10:30 a.m.–noon | Free | All Ages | Activity #15447. What animals live in and around our park? Join a naturalist to look for clues like homes, tracks, and other signs of our animal neighbors then meet one of our education animals up close.
Homeschool Day: Trees in Winter · Thursday, March 13, 1-3 p.m. | Free for residents | Ages 5-12 | Activity #15469. Explore tree adaptations and learn to identify trees using a dichotomous key by comparing the different features such as bark, buds, and branching. Then, walk through the park to practice your identification skills and learn how to tap a tree.
Bird Watching: Feathered Fridays · Friday, March 14, 9-10:30 a.m. | $9/person | Ages 18+ | Activity #15601. Learn distinguishing characteristics of birds in the park including plumage, bird songs and calls, and behavior, while strolling through the park with a naturalist.
Nature Art: Critter Creations · Saturday, March 15, 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Free | All Ages | Activity #2901. Have you ever noticed a pinecone that looked just like an owl? Or a burr that looked just like a mouse? Combine found and natural objects to make delightful creatures for decoration or play.
Nature in Focus: Owls · Saturday, March 22, 1-2:30 p.m. | $9/person | Ages 18+ | Activity #15714. Learn about the owl species native to Minnesota and their adaptations. Compare owl skulls and feathers to those of other raptors, learn about owl biology, and go on a walk to find evidence of owls’ prey.