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Sax-Zim Bog Birder & Photographer Welcome Center: Help us build it!
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Visit the Sax-Zim Bog

The Sax-Zim Bog is prime habitat for bog specialists such as Great Gray Owl, Black-backed Woodpecker, Boreal Chickadee, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher and Connecticut Warbler. Bobcat, Lynx, Pine Marten, Fisher also use this habitat. Mature bogs are also important wintering habitat for Great Gray Owl, N Hawk Owl, White-winged Crossbill, Pine Grosbeak, Common Redpoll and Hoary Redpoll.

The best time for the winter specialties is mid December through late February. Migrant warblers move through the bog in the second half of May. Breeding birds are in full song during June and even first week in July.

Located an easy 50-minute drive north west of Duluth, Minnesota, the Bog is easily accessible by many dirt and paved roads (see maps below). Lodging is available in Duluth, Floodwood, Cloquet, Eveleth, Virginia and Hibbing. There are also several local B&Bs.

GUIDES

Check here for local birding guides.

SAX-ZIM MAP

SAX-ZIM BIRD CHECKLIST

SAX-ZIM BIRD CHECKLIST (PRINTABLE LAYOUT)

WHY CARE ABOUT BOGS AND PEATLANDS?

Great Gray Owls are symbols of the bogs of northern Minnesota. Birders, photographers and videographers travel from all corners of the globe to our boreal forests to find, watch and photograph our bog birds. But most residents of our state are unaware of the quantity of life in the peatlands and the international attention its resident critters draw. 

And the best ambassador of bogs has to be the “Phantom of the North”—the Great Gray Owl—which needs bogs for all aspects of its life. But Black Spruce bogs—and peatlands in general— are unknown, ignored, or scary places for most folks. And because of this, most think of bogs as dark, dank, mosquito-ridden swamps. But the reality is that they are places of light, delicate wildflowers, rare orchids, fascinating mammals and of course, home to millions of breeding birds—owls, warblers, flycatchers (and, yes, mosquitos). But even the hated mosquito has its place—it is the foundation of the northern forest food pyramid.

Bogs cover millions of acres across northern Minnesota, Canada and Alaska in North America and they are under increasing pressure due to logging, especially for pulp and paper. This environmental factor does make an educational film even more timely and important. We protect and care for what we know. 

 

SAX-ZIM BIRDER/PHOTOGRAPHER WELCOME CENTER
The vision is for FRIENDS OF SAX-ZIM BOG to own several tracts of Black Spruce/Tamarack bog in the heart of the Sax-Zim birding area. Each tract would have a small parking area, info kiosk and trails and/or boardwalk. The idea would be to get out and explore the Bog on foot (or snowshoe) and not just bird from the roads.
The building would be a small (very small!..at first) cabin-like building with large windows for viewing the abundant bird feeders. Inside would be a wood stove, a board for sharing sightings, merchandise/souvenirs and displays on the natural history of Black Spruce/Tamarack bogs. A small parking lot would accomodate several cars and a modern outhouse. An outdoor kiosk would allow visitors to report and view recent bird observations and locations. Feeders and perches will also be set up for visiting photographers. The center would be staffed by enthusiastic volunteers from December through February, and again in late May and June.

 

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

1. IS IT COLD IN WINTER?

Yes, it is cold in winter. But temps can range from 40 above (rare) to 50 below (rare). Average December high is +20, low +4; January avg high is +17, low -2, February avg high is +23, low +3.

2. WHAT CLOTHES SHOULD I BRING FOR WINTER BIRDING?

The warmest stuff you can get. Insulated boots are a must. Dress in layers. Long underwear works great. Hats and gloves. Some folks swear by hand warmers and even place in their boots. Remember though, much birding is done from the car.

3. ARE THE ROADS PLOWED?

Yes, but not always right away. If in doubt, stay off unplowed roads.

4. DO I NEED AN S.U.V OR 4X4?

No, but it doesn't hurt either! Many of us bird in all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive vehicles.

5. WHAT IS THE BIGGEST DANGER IN WINTER?

The biggest hazard is probably pulling over too far and getting your wheels stuck in the ditch. Many folks have had to be pulled out by 4x4s or tow trucks (which are scarce and expensive). And you may not be found for quite a while. And though cell phone reception is good over most of the bog, it is not complete coverage for all carriers.

6. IS THERE CELL PHONE COVERAGE?

Cell phone reception is good over most of the bog, it is not complete coverage for all carriers. It can even be spotty for AT&T and Verizon customers.

7. ARE THE MOSQUITOS BAD IN MAY/JUNE?

They can be, but often late May and early June birding is early when cool temps may keep them down. Bring bug dope! The best bug dope is one with a low percentage of DEET.