Sax-Zim Bog in Minnesota - winter bird photo destination

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Many birders and bird photographers are familiar with the Sax-Zim Bog in northern Minnesota. . Wherever I go in the U.S., any time I meet a serious birder or bird photographer, conversation seems to turn to the Bog at some point. . Audubon lists it as an Important Bird Area and eBird lists it as a Birding Hotspot.

Sax-Zim is primarily known for the Great Grey Owls and Northern Hawk Owls that spend the winter there - those species are the biggest draw. . But there are many other boreal bird species, and some mammals, that can be found there, that are hard to find or photograph elsewhere in the lower 48 states. . Species of note that are frequently or infrequently seen and photographed in the area include:

Moose


I made a quick day-and-a-half stop at the Bog last February when I was road-tripping across the country. . Absolutely loved it there and wish I had had more time. . I was so impressed with the area and its bird and mammal photo possibilities that I am planning a trip for this coming winter.

I've been doing a lot of research to learn more about the wildlife, find nearby areas that also offer good opportunities, and to nail down the logistics of making it all happen on a thin budget. . Funding a 3,000+ mile road trip that covers 2 weeks is tough with these wretched gasoline and lodging prices.

Have any of you ever gone to the Bog for bird or wildlife photography? . Any of you ever heard about it, and hope to go someday? . If so, I'd love to hear about your experiences there, or about your aspirations for getting there someday in the future. . Perhaps this thread could be a place where we can share info about the Bog and help one another plan ventures.

Please share any info you have that could help or encourage others to plan a trip of their own! . More links to webpages about the Bog would be quite helpful.

https://www.audubon.or​g …ird-areas/sax-zim-bog-iba

https://saxzim.org/

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Replying, as this is a place I fully intend to visit, hopefully this winter. It's about a 6 hour drive from me.

Great info. Thanks Tom. My son lives in Minneapolis so this would make a great add-on to a visit there. Is December to early in winter?

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MatthewK wrote in post #19437029
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Replying, as this is a place I fully intend to visit, hopefully this winter. It's about a 6 hour drive from me.
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A 6 hour drive ..... lucky you! Being that close would allow you to do trips to there affordably.

I'm not so fortunate when it comes to driving to the Bog ...

downhillonwater wrote in post #19437244
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Great info. Thanks Tom. My son lives in Minneapolis so this would make a great add-on to a visit there. Is December to early in winter?
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Yes, a great add-on indeed!

As far as timing your trip for December, just last week I talked to Sparky, the founder of the Friends of the Sax-Zim Bog, about just that. . He said that the birds will have arrived by early December, but that there is a good chance there will not be snow cover until after Christmas. . But they start putting feeders out in early December, so you'll have those working for you, as a means of concentrating the birds to given locations.

So you can find birds in December, and get good photos, but if you want photos taken in a winter wonderland, then is's best to plan for January of February. . December could have good snow cover, but it's not very likely. . Just don't wait too long, as many of the birds start leaving by the first of March.


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Sounds like a really awesome spot. About 8 hours from me. Might have to put it on the "must see" list

Tom, I could swear there have been photos on this site from Sax-Zim. It is, of course, a pilgrimage site for birders. Did you do a search for photos? I know there was/is a poster here from Rainy Lake, MN. His/her name escapes me.

Definitely on the ToDo list for a visit...particularly for the big Owls in snow. Did you pick up any info on what travel conditions and available transport are like in Jan/Feb? I would be more inclined to fly in and rent a rig than to try and drive out that far in the winter months, assuming they have something like Alaska 4x4 to rent from.

Thanks Tom. Appreciate your help. Steve

Scrumhalf wrote in post #19437286
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Tom, I could swear there have been photos on this site from Sax-Zim. It is, of course, a pilgrimage site for birders. Did you do a search for photos? I know there was/is a poster here from Rainy Lake, MN. His/her name escapes me.
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I haven't done a search here, but that's a good idea.

EDIT: I just did a forum-wide search for the term "Sax-Zim". . According to the search results, the only times that term has ever been used is here in this thread and in another thread that I started about it last winter. . Totally forgot that I had started that other thread!
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Snydremark wrote in post #19437295
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Definitely on the ToDo list for a visit...particularly for the big Owls in snow. Did you pick up any info on what travel conditions and available transport are like in Jan/Feb? I would be more inclined to fly in and rent a rig than to try and drive out that far in the winter months, assuming they have something like Alaska 4x4 to rent from.
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I've traveled to and through northern Minnesota in winter several times over the past 15 years. . Was actually at the Bog this past February. . The snow was over 3 feet deep everywhere, but the roads and parking areas and boardwalks and trails were all clear or well compacted, and getting around was easy.

I haven't had any trouble getting around in my little 1 wheel drive Toyota Corolla (yes, it only gets power to the passenger's side front tire). . They plow the roads and parking areas, so they're easy to get around in. . I carry a metal shovel and tire chains with me, so I can fare okay in winter conditions, despite my car's shortcomings. . If there's a heavy snowfall, then I just sit tight in my lodging for a half day or a full day, however long it takes for them to get the roads plowed. . As soon as the roads are plowed, I'm right back out there.

When I wanted to walk off-trail to get better photo opportunities, then I wore my heavy neoprene chest waders to walk through the waist-deep snow. . That is HARD, and I can only go about 60 or 80 yards before I am completely exhausted. . And it is really hard to set a tripod up in 3 foot deep snow that kinda has a little crust here and there, but also kinda doesn't have a crust.

Snowshoes would have been good to have, except that I don't own them, nor know how to walk in them. . Plus, there are only a few times you'll want to go off trail, and then you'll only need to go a short distance to get a better angle at a bird or whatever. . I was the only human going off trail at all - the other photographers were all quite content to shoot from the trails and boardwalks, even when a short walk through the deep snow would yield a much better looking photo.

As far as flying goes, the Duluth International Airport is the one to fly into that isn't too far. . It is just an hour southeast of the Bog. . There are 3 airlines that have flights to and from Duluth: . Delta Airlines, United Airlines, and Sun Country Airlines. . It would be much easier, and presumably cheaper, to fly into Minneapolis, but Minneapolis is about 3 hours from the Bog, compared to 1 hour for Duluth. . But maybe the abundance of flights would more than compensate for the extra couple hours of driving.

Many people who go to the Bog for winter birding stay in Duluth, but I found that the small city of Virginia, MN was much closer to the Bog. . Virginia was like 20 minutes to good shooting areas within the Bog, compared to a full hour or more from Duluth.

What do you mean by Alaska 4x4? . Is that a type of vehicle, or a rental company that specializes in off road vehicles?

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Tom Reichner wrote in post #19437503
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I haven't done a search here, but that's a good idea.

EDIT: I just did a forum-wide search for the term "Sax-Zim". . According to the search results, the only times that term has ever been used is here in this thread and in another thread that I started about it last winter. . Totally forgot that I had started that other thread!
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I've traveled to and through northern Minnesota in winter several times over the past 15 years. . Was actually at the Bog this past February. . The snow was over 3 feet deep everywhere, but the roads and parking areas and boardwalks and trails were all clear or well compacted, and getting around was easy.

I haven't had any trouble getting around in my little 1 wheel drive Toyota Corolla (yes, it only gets power to the passenger's side front tire). . They plow the roads and parking areas, so they're easy to get around in. . I carry a metal shovel and tire chains with me, so I can fare okay in winter conditions, despite my car's shortcomings. . If there's a heavy snowfall, then I just sit tight in my lodging for a half day or a full day, however long it takes for them to get the roads plowed. . As soon as the roads are plowed, I'm right back out there.

When I wanted to walk off-trail to get better photo opportunities, then I wore my heavy neoprene chest waders to walk through the waist-deep snow. . That is HARD, and I can only go about 60 or 80 yards before I am completely exhausted. . And it is really hard to set a tripod up in 3 foot deep snow that kinda has a little crust here and there, but also kinda doesn't have a crust.

Snowshoes would have been good to have, except that I don't own them, nor know how to walk in them. . Plus, there are only a few times you'll want to go off trail, and then you'll only need to go a short distance to get a better angle at a bird or whatever. . I was the only human going off trail at all - the other photographers were all quite content to shoot from the trails and boardwalks, even when a short walk through the deep snow would yield a much better looking photo.

As far as flying goes, the Duluth International Airport is the one to fly into that isn't too far. . It is just an hour southeast of the Bog. . There are 3 airlines that have flights to and from Duluth: . Delta Airlines, United Airlines, and Sun Country Airlines. . It would be much easier, and presumably cheaper, to fly into Minneapolis, but Minneapolis is about 3 hours from the Bog, compared to 1 hour for Duluth. . But maybe the abundance of flights would more than compensate for the extra couple hours of driving.

Many people who go to the Bog for winter birding stay in Duluth, but I found that the small city of Virginia, MN was much closer to the Bog. . Virginia was like 20 minutes to good shooting areas within the Bog, compared to a full hour or more from Duluth.

What do you mean by Alaska 4x4? . Is that a type of vehicle, or a rental company that specializes in off road vehicles?

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Great details, thanks Tom! Yeah, Alaska 4x4 is a rental agency in Anchorage that we found last time we were out there. They are the only outfit that rents real AWD or 4x4 vehicles and allows you to take them on non-highway roads (like the road to McCarthy) without penalties.

It's a'me!

A great idea for a thread and I'm very much looking forward to hearing about your trip Tom. It is on my to do list and your report might be a determining factor on my planning. I have seen it mentioned a little on FM but can't remember it coming up much here.

I just did a search here and if you just use "sax zim" with no hyphen there are 5 results but most are 11+ years old.

Tom Reichner wrote in post #19435780
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Many birders and bird photographers are familiar with the Sax-Zim Bog in northern Minnesota. . Wherever I go in the U.S., any time I meet a serious birder or bird photographer, conversation seems to turn to the Bog at some point. . Audubon lists it as an Important Bird Area and eBird lists it as a Birding Hotspot.

Sax-Zim is primarily known for the Great Grey Owls and Northern Hawk Owls that spend the winter there - those species are the biggest draw. . But there are many other boreal bird species, and some mammals, that can be found there, that are hard to find or photograph elsewhere in the lower 48 states. . Species of note that are frequently or infrequently seen and photographed in the area include:

Great Grey Owl

Northern Hawk Owl

Boreal Owl

Pine Grosbeak

Hoary Redpoll

Common Redpoll

Boreal Chickadee

Black-backed Woodpecker

Three-toed Woodpecker

Ermine . a.k.a. Short-tailed Weasel

Snowshoe Hare

Grey Wolf

Pine Marten

Moose


I made a quick day-and-a-half stop at the Bog last February when I was road-tripping across the country. . Absolutely loved it there and wish I had had more time. . I was so impressed with the area and its bird and mammal photo possibilities that I am planning a trip for this coming winter.

I've been doing a lot of research to learn more about the wildlife, find nearby areas that also offer good opportunities, and to nail down the logistics of making it all happen on a thin budget. . Funding a 3,000+ mile road trip that covers 2 weeks is tough with these wretched gasoline and lodging prices.

Have any of you ever gone to the Bog for bird or wildlife photography? . Any of you ever heard about it, and hope to go someday? . If so, I'd love to hear about your experiences there, or about your aspirations for getting there someday in the future. . Perhaps this thread could be a place where we can share info about the Bog and help one another plan ventures.

Please share any info you have that could help or encourage others to plan a trip of their own! . More links to webpages about the Bog would be quite helpful.

https://www.audubon.or​g …ird-areas/sax-zim-bog-iba

https://saxzim.org/

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Hey Tom! If you haven’t already, google Sparky Stensaas on YouTube. He has some great info on this place, especially in the winter. Have fun.ߘ

KT29 wrote in post #19453804
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Hey Tom! If you haven’t already, google Sparky Stensaas on YouTube. He has some great info on this place, especially in the winter. Have fun.ߘ
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Great suggestion!

But of course I already know Sparky - have been on the phone with him a few times over the past couple months. . He's the best source of info there is on the Bog, and will gladly share current conditions and what species are being seen there.

Sparky told me to wait until January or early February this year, because many species are late getting to the bog, and there isn't even a foot of snow on the ground yet. . I'll take his advice and schedule accordingly.


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I was just at the Bog for 3 1/2 days. . Some things to report:

It was completely overcast the whole time I was there. . Literally did not see the sun once during 3 1/2 days, which is GREAT for bird photography because you can shoot all day without blown highlights and nasty contrast in the backgrounds and surroundings.

There is an irruption of Evening Grosbeaks this year. . Over 100 Evening Grosbeaks showing up daily at the feeders at the Welcome Center, and dozens showing up daily at Mary Lou's feeders. . I also saw Evening Grosbeaks at Auggie's Bogwalk, the Bob Russell Boardwalk, and the end of Gray Jay Way.

Pine Grosbeak numbers are way way down. . Usually crowing the Welcome Center feeders in great numbers, this year they are few and far between. . A couple show up at the Welcome Center each day, but don't hang around very long. . The best place I found for Pine Grosbeaks was the feeding station at the very beginning of the Bob Russell Boardwalk on Murphy Road.

There are barely any Common Redpolls, nor Hoary Redpolls. . Usually showing up in abundance, in flocks of hundreds, there was only one sighting that I am aware of during my time there - someone reported briefly seeing a flock of about 150 Redpolls along Arkola Road, between Owl Land and Highway 7. . They may all arrive later this month, or they may simply not come this year in the numbers we are all accustomed to. . Who knows?

A male Pileated Woodpecker is coming in to the suet feeders at the Welcome Center regularly - a few times a day, every day. . He allows for some really close up photography, like from 8 or 10 feet away, but he is on a feeder, so it does not allow for a natural photo free of manmade objects. . Feeder photos suck!

A Boreal Chickadee is coming in very reliable to the suet feeder at the end of Gray Jay Way. As those familiar with the Bog know, this requires a half mile walk to get to. . A Boreal Chickadee would be a lifer for most North American birders, so this is pretty special to have one making very regular appearances. . If you want good photos, you will have to set up your own perch and suet (or peanut butter), as the existing feeder is not at all conducive to the Chickadee landing on a perch that is suitable for high quality photography.

A few Pine Grosbeaks are also being seen there at the end of Gray Jay Way, albeit irregularly. . I saw a Snowshoe Hare there by the feeders, but it did not stick around long enough for a decent photo. Some folks also saw an Ermine there feeding on the ribcage that was set out by the feeders. . A Shrew is also putting on quite a show under the spruces to the east of the feeders, dashing across the top of the snow on a frequent basis.

Boreal Chickadees are also being seen daily at a feeder that a guide has set up along Arkola Road, on the north side of the road about a quarter mile east of the junction with Owl Lane.

Eastern Blue Jays are being seen regularly at the feeder on Murphy Road, between the intersection with Highway 7 and the parking are for the Bob Russell Boardwalk.

Everybody wanted to see a Black-backed Woodpecker, but no one that I am aware of was successful with this during my time there.

Great Grey Owls are being seen on a regular basis along Overton Road, McDavitt Road, and Admiral Road. . But they are mostly only making an appearance at dawn and dusk, when there is very little light. . I didn't bother looking for Great Grays because everyone said they are staying far off the road, which is okay for birders but not at all good for photographers, especially those who are picky and only want nicely lit, frame-filling types of images.

Here's the Boreal Chickadee. . Still gotta Photoshop the peanut butter off of the twigs. . Spent an hour with him (or her?) on Saturday afternoon and another 3 1/2 hours with him on Sunday, and got hundreds of pics. . What a great way to spend New Year's Eve and New Year's Day!