While birders from across America travel to Minnesota and Sax-Zim Bog to see our Great Gray Owls and other winter birds, where do I go owling / winter birding? The answer is included within this post, and my readers will discover over the next few days whether Owl Quest 2023 is a BOOM or a BUST. I have done significant research, both via eBird reports, books on habitat (Birder’s Guide to Southeastern Manitoba … out of print but purchased used via Amazon), and questions to various birders.

I have personal knowledge of the areas within the United States, but the Manitoba regions are new for me. For the past week I have watched the weather forecast and am thrilled to start my expedition late this afternoon after a winter storm clears the area. My hope is when I start serious birding early tomorrow morning I will encounter very hungry birds after two days of ugly weather limited the ability to eat.

Tonight I will stay in Bemidji … travelling there when roads allow. My second night is in Steinbach, Manitoba. My Maps … I will be looking for Snowy Owls just north of the border (and south of Winnipeg) … then on to birding Great Gray Owls in the Marchand, Manitoba and Lost River State Forest (Roseau), Minnesota regions. I also have very specific GPS Google Maps points.