Great Gray Owls are famous in and around Duluth, Minnesota. The best time to see them is during the winter when all the leaves have dropped. These mysterious owls can be found on the edge of meadows near bogs or forest in the Sax-Zim Bog. Other amazing owls that can be present include Northern Hawk Owl, Snowy Owl, and Boreal Owl. With abundant feeders and an incredible mix of habitats around the bog, many other hard to find species could be seen. See below for our target list. We start and end the tour from Duluth International Airport (DLH). Two full days in the field and two other half days, we are sure to see many terrific species. We might even see a Snowshoe Hare or a Pine Martin. Let me show you the best winter birds Duluth has to offer.
Minnesota’s Winter Owls
| Dates | 2026, February 2-5 |
| Duration | 4 days / 3 nights |
| Limit | 4 (1 guide) |
| Price | $1595 / Single Room $225 |
| Focus | Birding, Photography |
| Pace | Moderately Easy |
| Includes | hotels, ground transportation, guide, and food as noted on the itinerary, 80mm Swarovski scope available for group use |
| Deposit | $500 |
Additional Information
Pace
Depending on our destinations, we will do some walking along road edges, near feeders, and across boardwalks. The walking is level but could have snow and ice. Expect a total of one mile of walking each day. Bathrooms are available at the Visitors Center and gas stations along our path.
Weather in Duluth, Minnesota
The average winter temperatures range from 4 to 26 degrees Fahrenheit with a few more cloudy days than sunny ones. Wind speeds this time of year an average of 9 MPH. Plan on standing outside to enjoy these spectacular owls and other winter birds. For more fun birding, make sure you have proper winter clothing including boots, gloves and a hat. You might even want some hand/feet warmers. A warm birder is a happy birder!
What is Included
Pick up and drop off from Duluth International Airport (DLH), lodging and all meals from lunch on day one through lunch on day four, a private tour with one expert guide and a maximum of four clients. We strive for inclusivity, knowing where to find good birds, and a fun atmosphere.
What is Not Included
Optional tips to the She Flew Birding Tour guide, any luggage porters used, and transportation to the starting point and departure travel after the tour has completed are not included. In addition, alcoholic beverages, travel insurance, excursions not included in the tour itinerary, extras in hotels such as laundry service, minibar, room service, telephone calls, and personal items, medical fees, other items or services not specifically mentioned as being included are not included.
Here are our target species for this trip. Let’s see how many we can find!
WINTER OWLS
Snowy Owl
Northern Hawk Owl
Barred Owl
Great Gray Owl
Boreal Owl
Northern Saw-whet Owl
OTHERS
American Black Duck
Common Goldeneye
Ruffed Grouse
American Herring Gull
American Goshawk
Rough-legged Hawk
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Black-backed Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
Northern Shrike
Canady Jay
Boreal Chickadee
Evening Grosbeak
Pine Grosbeak
Purple Finch
Redpoll
White-winged Crossbill
Pine Siskin
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