Sparky Stensaas & Friends of Sax Zim Bog

Sparky Stensaas

Today, Nate and Evan sit down with Sparky Stensaas, founder and director of Friends of Sax Zim Bog. Located outside of Duluth Minnesota, Sax Zim Bog is a dream destination for winter birders from all over the world. It just so happens that Evan & Nate are heading there next week to chase some lifers.

They begin by talking about birds they are currently seeing in the respective areas. Sparky also gives some ID tips on the ravens, which are the predominant corvid species found in the bog this time of year. He also gives us an owl update for the week.

We get to know Sparky, his history of birding, and the spark bird he saw when he was 13. What is the significance of the bog to birding? Why did Sparky found this conservation and preservation group to protect the bog? How does birding and tourism impact the local residents during the winter? What advice does he have for people wanting to travel to the bog?

Sparky addresses all of these questions and more during the show. He additionally gives information about the "virtual field trips" and webinars that Friends of Sax Zim are putting out currently.

We hope you find this as fun and informative as we have. If you are looking for inspiration to take your first birding trip, this may be the one for you...or may not.

Be on the lookout for Part 2, when we record live from Minnesota about the highs and lows of the trip.

Happy listening and happy birding.

Useful links

https://saxzim.org/

https://www.youtube.com/c/SparkyStensaas