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An observer in Carver County has seen 56 species of birds there in the past three days, including 18 species of waterfowl and a Great Horned Owl in a tree eating a duck. Our yard has finally welcomed its first Red-winged Blackbird of the season, and our hibernating muskrat has made an appearance.

James J. Williams , Star Tribune

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A 225 percent increase in the area of overwintering habitat occupied by Monarch butterflies since last year's estimate has been announced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The acreage occupied by the butterflies this winter is 10 acres, compared to 2.8 acres last winter. Each winter the population is estimated by the total area occupied in the overwintering grounds.

Monarch population has decreased by 90 percent since peak populations in the mid-90s. Loss of milkweed and prairie habitat in the United States, along with loss of habitat in the overwintering grounds have contributed to the decline.

You can buy milkweed seed to plant. There are many on-line sites. Google "buy milkweed seeds".

Learn more about Monarchs at:
http://www.fws.gov/midwest/news/MonarchPopulation2016.html
http://www.fws.gov/midwest/monarch/

Monarchs in a meadow last fall.