Guides- Sally Siko & Isaac McShane
Birdwatchers and wildlife photographers of all skill levels are encouraged to join us as we spot the interesting birds at the world renowned birding hotspot of Sax-Zim Bog, MN.
BOOK YOUR SELECTED TOUR BY CLICKING ON THE TRIP DATE SHOWN IN THE GREEN BLOCK ON THE CALENDAR BELOW
Over the course of this 2 day 8 hour driving trip, we’ll explore the fields and wood lines of this incredible winter wonderland. Driving caravan style on the patchwork of roads that crisscross Sax-Zim Bog, we will search for various species of boreal birds including Finches, Grouse, Buntings, Magpies, Jays, Woodpeckers, Hawks, Grosbeaks, Owls, Eagles and other Raptors.
Two bird guides will lead this trip with Isaac taking the lead on getting you on the birds while I (Sally) will assist with guest photography recommendations as well as species ID.
Viewing Recommendations:
A zoom/telephoto lens (200 mm or more), spotting scope or binoculars are recommended for this trip.
Attire Recommendations:
Dress for cold weather! Warm jackets, snow pants, and layers are best when visiting cold climates. Insulated boots with very low temperature ratings (-20F or -40F) are great, as cold feet is never a good thing. Wool socks and under layers are also important and much better suited for cold climates than cotton. Hats and gloves are also important and even buffs and scarves can be helpful against wind chill. I also recommend bringing hand warmers which you can even place in your boots if needed. Remember though, much our birding will be done from a car…or near a car, so do not dress too warm where you are sweating in the car en route to feeders.
Physical Difficulty:
Easy to moderate (walking on level grass, boardwalk decking, snow and dirt paths) .5 miles possible per day)
Most of the birding will be done by car and if we do get out it will only be to walk for a very short distance (weather permitting).
Lodging:
Is not included on this trip however there are multiple hotel accommodations available within an hour’s drive of the Bog.
*My first recommendation for a place to stay is Alesches Accommodations as this lodge is located just a few minutes outside of the Bog!
Alesches Accommodations – 10477 Pinewood Dr, Meadowlands, MN 55765 (218) 427-2122
Hampton Inn Hibbing – 4225 9th Ave W, Hibbing, MN 55746
(218) 262-0000
Americas Best Value Inn Hibbing- 1411 E 40th St, Hibbing, MN 55746 (218) 263-8982
Hibbing Inn & Suites – 1411 E 40th St, Hibbing, MN 55746
(218) 263-8982
Super 8 by Wyndham Eveleth – 1080 Industrial Pkwy, Eveleth, MN 55734
(218) 297-0782
Comfort Inn & Suites Mountain Iron and Virginia – 8570 Rock Ridge Dr, Mountain Iron, MN 55768
(218) 741-7411
Transportation:
Is not included on this trip.
See commonly asked questions below regarding transportation…
*Are the roads plowed? Yes, but not all roads are plowed at the same time. When in doubt, we will stay off un-plowed roads.
*Do I need to rent an S.U.V or 4×4? As far as needing an SUV or 4×4, I would recommend that you rent/drive a vehicle like that during the our winter trip in the Bog! Snow tires help immensely on 2-wheel drive cars too. All that being said, remember, this is FLAT country…No hills to contend with. The county does an amazing job of plowing the roads quickly after a snowfall. Keep in mind that certain bog roads are LOW priority for the county so we won’t drive down a road that we don’t see any tracks on.
Here is a list of rental car agencies in the area if you need to rent a vehicle…
Acar Auto Rental11038 Minnesota 37 Range Regional Airport, Hibbing, MN 55746 (218) 263-8943
Avis Car Rental 4701 Grinden Dr, Duluth, MN 55811 (218) 727-7233
Enterprise Rent-A-Car702 Belknap St, Superior, WI 54880
(715) 395-9900
