A book describing birding opportunities in Minnesota's 75 state parks and recreation areas is in final proofing stage, with publication hoped for March. This will be a must-have for anyone birding beyond their backyard.

The title is "Birds of Minnesota State Park," the author Robert B. Janssen. He spent 11 years making multiple visits to the parks, to cover both nesting species and migrants.

All of the parks are here, from Beaver Creek Valley State Park deep in the southeast corner of the state to Zippel Bay State Park on the shore of Lake of the Woods. Parks are arranged by counties within the state's four biomes: tallgrass prairie, tallgrass aspen parkland, hardwood forest, and pine forest.

Janssen's text covers habitat of each park, pointing out landscape features that can offer particular birding opportunities. He describes in general the bird families likely to be seen, along with particular areas recommended for close examination for particular species.

The book is fat with maps showing park locations, and details within each park — trails, campsites, water access, parking, and more. Many bird species of particular interest appear in color photos.

The book has 218 pages plus index. The American Birding Association Code of Ethics for birders is included.

Janssen is author of "Birds in Minnesota," a guide to the distribution of 400 species of birds in Minnesota. It was issued in paper by the University of Minnesota Press in 1987, and remains in print. It can be considered an essential for serious birders here.

"Birds of Minnesota State Parks" will be published by the Minnesota Division of State Parks and Trails. It will appear under the guidance of Carrol L. Henderson, who guides non-game wildlife programs for the Department of Natural Resources.

The comprehensive bird lists found in the book are available online at mn.dnr.gov