February Happenings

Seasonal Update

February in Minnesota bridges winter and spring, with lingering cold giving way to early signs of life—returning raptors, singing finches, emerging chipmunks, flowing maple sap, and the first migratory birds.

What else can you expect this coming month?

Below are some entries from our Jim Gilbert’s Phenology Archives to help you compare months from one year to another. What else is happening this month?

For years, Minnesota naturalist and author Jim Gilbert recorded seasonal happenings in his phenology reports. Looking back at these reports, we can make educated guesses at what we can expect in the month ahead. Take a look at our archive of Jim Gilbert’s Phenology reports.

Make sure to read our January/February 2026 Bird’s-Eye View Newsletter. In this issue, discover Sax-Zim Bog as a winter birding destination, learn how to attract Northern Cardinals in the winter…plus, Chirps and Seasonal Notes.