DNR NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 7, 2009
Media contacts: Colleen Coyne, DNR communications director, 651-259-5023; Dean Holm, assistant park manager, Hayes Lake State park, 218-425-7504.
Breakfast with the birds at Hayes Lake State Park
The public is invited to Hayes Lake State Park on Saturday, May 16, for "breakfast with the birds." Visitors are encouraged to come for breakfast and stay for a morning of bird watching.
The Friends of Hayes Lake will serve the campfire breakfast at the beach picnic shelter beginning at 8 a.m. The cost is $8, with proceeds going to future Friends of Hayes Lake group projects.
After breakfast, park staff will lead a guided birding tour, looking for a variety of species that have returned to the park for the season.
"Hayes Lake State Park is located on the western edge of Beltrami Island State Forest, which is a vast area of wilderness woodlands and boreal bog," explained Dean Holm, assistant park manager. "The park provides a transition from the forested area on the east to tallgrass aspen parkland on the west, and thus includes a variety of bird habitats with excellent birding opportunities."
According to Holm, up to 16 breeding species of neotropical warblers can be found in the park. He said it is especially interesting to see the presence of nesting Connecticut warblers. Birders may also encounter boreal species, such as the spruce grouse, black-backed woodpecker, evening grosbeak and gray jay.
Reservations, which are required for this breakfast event, may be made by contacting Hayes Lake State Park at 218-425-7504.
A vehicle permit is required to enter the park. Daily permits are available for $5. An annual permit good for year-long access to all 72 of Minnesota's state parks and recreational areas is just $25. Permits are available at the park office.
The entrance to Hayes Lake State Park is located 15 miles south of Roseau on State Highway 89, then nine miles east on Roseau County Road 4.
For more information about the park or to download a bird checklist, visit www.mnstateparks.info.
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