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The adventure of viewing the grouse from a blind is an incredible experience. Arriving in the dark, before sunrise and listening to the pounding feet of the dancing grouse right in front of you is amazing. Watching the antics of the sparring birds as the sun rises is an intimate experience, not to be missed. They extend their wings, with heads down and stomp their feet while spinning in circles. This complicated dance is most often seen during the spring mating season, but Sharp-tailed Grouse are known to do a modified dance during the winter months, too. Contact the Aitkin office of the MN DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife, 218-927-6915 for reserving the blinds. Many species of sparrows inhabit the open grasslands; even a Henslow’s Sparrow was found near the intersection of 450th Street and 310th Avenue a few years ago. Also, look along 310th Avenue for Black-billed Magpie, which nest in the trees along the edge of the fields, Bobolink, Clay-colored Sparrow and Brewers Blackbird or in winter for Snowy Owl and Northern Shrike.
The town of Palisade is home to several bird feeders worth checking for winter finches and Northern Cardinal.
Directions: From Palisade, east on State Highway 232 to County Road 5, south three miles, west on 450th Street.
Contact Information: Minnesota DNR, Area Wildlife Office, 1200 Minnesota Ave S, Aitkin, MN 56431, Phone: 218-927-6915.
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