Scavenger Hunt – Franz Jevne – Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota

BIRDS – Minnesota parks offer excellent birding opportunities.

#1. Bird - BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE

Friendly bird found throughout MN shows curiosity for humans as it flits around looking for seeds to eat. Male and female look alike.

Woohoo! You found a chickadee!

#2. 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!

Large white bird with huge yellow bill floating on water

#3. Bird - WHITE PELICAN

One of the largest birds in North America, its wingspan stretches 9 feet. They are quite graceful flyers with flocks flying in formation as they migrate from the Gulf of Mexico where they spend the winter.

#4. Birds - RUFFED GROUSE

Chicken-like bird with long squared tail. Male and female look alike. Found in deep woods. In spring the males loudly drum their wings.

Wow! Good eye finding this secretive bird.

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

#5. Mammal - CHIPMUNK

They are very active and inquisitive and find a home in hollow logs, tree cavities, or underground dens where they store piles of food.

Oh, lucky! These are fun to spot.

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 - BEAVER (or signs of)

Spends most of its time in water near its lodge, which they build from sticks and mud and enter from underwater. Look for tree stumps that have been chewed by beavers--this counts as finding this mammal.

Woohoo, you found a creature that plays an important role in Minnesota’s wetland ecosystem.

#8. Mammal - MOOSE

The largest member of the deer family, moose are about 6 feet tall and can weigh 1,000 pounds. Fun fact is that their hair is hollow, which traps air and helps with insulation.

Stupendous! Moose have rather poor eyesight, but acute senses of smell and hearing.

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

#9. Wildflower - GOLDENROD

Blooms Jul-Sep l Grows in the sunny areas. Plant grows 1-6 feet tall. MN has 17 types of goldenrod that look similar with small yellow flowers.

Yes! This is a very common flower that’s important for pollinators.

#10. 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!

#11. Wildflower - JEWELWEED

Blooms Jul-Sep | Grows in thickets, usually along shorelines or wetlands. Green seed pods form in late summer--gently pinch them to see the seeds explode outward!

Nice job! Were you able to see the exploding pods?

#12. Wildflower - WILD BERGAMOT

Blooms Jun-Aug | Grows in sunny fields, this flower has shaggy pink petals and is great for birds and butterflies.

Incredible job finding the bergamot, which also is called beebalm.

TREES – The lungs of our world

#13. Tree - BASSWOOD

Leaf is heart-shaped with jagged teeth. Bees love to make honey from basswood flowers.

Wonderful job finding this basswood!

#14. Tree - JACK PINE

Needles are pretty short, about 1-2" long and grow in clusters of two. They have serotinous cones, meaning the cone needs fire (or extreme heat) in order to release the seeds to grow new trees.

Nice job finding the Jack Pine!

#15. Tree - PAPER BIRCH

Leaf is oval to triangular shaped with jagged teeth. Bark is used in making some canoes and other crafts.

Great job!

#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 - ANGLER

Someone fishing

Does it look like their catching anything?

#18. Humans - CANOEIST or KAYAKER

Someone canoeing or kayaking

Great! What a fun way to explore the park!

#19. Humans - HIKER

Someone hiking

Great, you saw a hiker!

Scavenger Hunt – Franz Jevne