Scavenger Hunt – Cascade River – Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota

BIRDS – Minnesota parks offer excellent birding opportunities.

#1. Bird - BLUE JAY

Unmistakable bold blue and white feathers with crest on its head. Male and female look alike. Often heard making loud shrieks.

Woohoo! You found a blue jay!

#2. Bird - CEDAR WAXWING

Sleek looking bird with crest and black mask. Very social with flocks moving about together as they look for berries and insects to eat.

Nice!

#3. Bird - DOWNY or HAIRY WOODPECKER

These two woodpeckers are nearly identical with the Downy a little smaller at ~6" and Hairy ~9". The female doesn't have the red mark on head.

Great job finding this one!

#4. Bird - BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER

Yellow head and black & white mottled/striped bodies. Active high in conifer trees where they sing on perches. Males have bolder colors than females.

You have a good eye to have found this cute bird–nice job!

MAMMALS – Many mammals are hiding out there–can you find them?

#5. Mammal - RED SQUIRREL

A cute little critter with a loud bark/chatter. The white ring around its eye only adds to the cuteness.

Fabulous! Was it making noises when you saw it?

Male deer with antlers and females deer with fawn

#6. Mammal - WHITETAIL DEER

One of the largest mammals in MN yet camoflagued and stealthy. Sleeps in different spot each night. Only males grow antlers.

Nice job! Isn’t it amazing how quiet they can be.

#7. Mammal - BLACK BEAR

Usually all black but some brown. Keep your distance. Tend to avoid humans, but are incredibly strong and fast.

So special to see a black bear. Stay safe and stay back.

#8. Mammal - FISHER

Member of weasel family with dark brown fur. A remarkable predator that hunts in trees.

What a rare find! That is extra special.

WILDFLOWERS — nature’s artwork, these flowers are important part of the ecosystem.

#9. Wildflower - BLUE VERVAIN

Blooms Jun-Sep | Grows in sunny, wet ditches and shores. Plant is 1-3 feet tall. Flowers are on spikes 2-5 inches tall. They attract bumblebees and other important pollinators.

Wonderful! Look for bees and butterflies enjoying this plant.

#10. Wildflower - BUNCHBERRY

Blooms May-July | This cheery little ground flower grows in the shade of moist woods and bogs.

Isn’t this a sweet one? Nice job!

#11. Wildflower - CANADA ANEMONE

Blooms May - July | Grows in moist fields and along shores. Has 1-3 long-stemmed flowers with white petals and large jagged leaves.

Wonderful job finding this anemone.

#12. Wildflower - HAREBELL

Blooms June-Oct l Grows in the sun or part shade along rocky slopes or open woods. Flowers are about ¾ inch long, pale blue to violet to bright purple, bell shaped.

Great job!

TREES – The lungs of our world

#13. Tree - BALSAM FIR

Needles are flat, short and blunt-tipped. They swirl around the twig. Nicely aromatic.

Excellent job spotting this fir!

#14. Tree - QUAKING ASPEN

Leaf is rounded with saw-tooth edge and flattened leafstalk that helps with tremble in breeze.

Great job!

#15. Tree - WHITE CEDAR

Grows in northern Minnesota, usually in moist, stony places. Leaves are flat and scale-like and have aromatic scent.

Wonderful! Can you smell it?

#16. Tree - WHITE PINE

Needles are 3-5" and bound into clusters of five needles that are wispy. (memory device: 5 needles for the 5 letters in WHITE). A favorite for bald eagles to nest.

Great! Did you count the needles in the bundle?

HUMANS – Yes, we are mammals, but we do very unique activities, don’t we?

#17. Humans - BIRDWATCHER

Someone with binoculars

Wonder what they see?

#18. Humans - FLY FISHERS

Someone fly fishing

Isn’t it mesmerizing watching them cast?

#19. Humans - HIKER

Someone hiking

Great, you saw a hiker!

Scavenger Hunt – Cascade River