Amid the fitting calls of nearby songbirds, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources released a substantive book during an event Thursday at Fort Snelling State Park: "Birds of Minnesota State Parks."
The book is a collaborative project between author Robert Janssen and the DNR that spanned more than 10 years to produce.
"Someone without a whole lot of knowledge about birds can still have an incredibly enjoyable experience. From families to kids to people who know a lot about birds," said Jennifer Conrad, visitors service supervisor, who worked with parks and trails interpretive staff as part of the book project. "So it's really meant to get people interested in birds and to parks, and just make it really user-friendly."
During the book launch, Janssen, 82, told students from Upper Mississippi Academy that there are 439 recorded bird species in Minnesota. "And just to brag a bit, I have seen 406 of those." His favorite: the turkey vulture.
Conrad said the DNR has a lot of bird-themed programming systemwide to complement the new book. Find the book ($19.95) at state parks with nature stores. Or order the book from Minnesota's Bookstore, on the web at www.tinyurl.com/kfxp7ay and by phone at 651-297-3000 or 1-800-657-3757.
