Salt Lake Wildlife Management Area near Marietta is a haven for migrating shorebirds and waterfowl. This makes for fascinating and unique birdwatching.

Some bird species that have been seen in the area include: loggerhead shrike, ruddy turnstone, bobolink, Swainson's hawk, western grebe, and cinnamon teal. On an irregular basis, the site harbors breeding populations of eared grebes, Wilson's phalaropes and American avocets.

The Minnesota Ornithologists' Union takes a field trip to Salt Lake the fourth weekend in April. Typically, birdwatchers see more than 130 species on these outings. Snowy egrets, although rare in Minnesota, have become expected there.

To reach Salt Lake, head to Marietta on Hwy. 40. Go 3 miles south of Marietta on Co. Rd.7. Salt Lake Wildlife Management Area is 1 mile west on the township road. Park on the southeast end of the lake.

Marsh Lake, a man-made reservoir on the Minnesota River west of Appleton has one of the only two nesting colonies of white pelican in Minnesota.

Lac qui Parle Wildlife Management Area is a stopover for fall migrating Canada geese. Flocks of up to 100,000 can be seen during peak migration in late October. For more information call the Madison Area Chamber of Commerce at 320.598.7301.

More birdwatching information can be obtained by calling the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Morris Wetland Management District Office located south and east of Morris on Co. Rd. 10. The office and display area are open to the public Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.