Birding on Mount Rose

Bineshiinyag (Birds) on the Mount Rose Trail Bineshiiyag (birds) are a constant presence along gichi onigamiing from Lake Superior to the Pigeon River. Songbirds give voice to nagamowin akiing, the singing land. The mixed hardwood-conifer, southern boreal forest on Mount Rose and around Grand Portage provides increasingly rare nesting habitat for migratory birds, many of which require large patches of unbroken forest for nesting success. The most prevalent species are the Northern Parula, Ovenbird, American Redstart, and Nashville Warbler. Hike up to the Mount Rose landing from the Heritage Center parking lot, where you can sit and observe the tops of trees for movement. Further up the trail, you'll come to a clearing in the forest where you might see a Merlin. Listen carefully. Often you'll hear birds even if you can't see them. Hike the path all the way to Lake Superior to look for Herring Gulls, Bald Eagles, and a variety of waterfowl and shorebirds. For the adventurous, hike part or all of the eight-and-a-half mile Grand Portage Trail that spans forest, wetland, and a river corridor. Download a bird checklist for the Grand Portage area. For printing purposes, legal (8.5" x 14") sized paper is best. Learn more about the birds of Grand Portage.