Minnesota hosts occasional influxes of bird species in the winter that don’t usually frequent our area. Called irruptions, these influxes can occur in response to an increase in species’ populations or a change in movement patterns based on food availability. Below is a video showing some species you may be fortunate to observe in your backyard as a result of irruptions, including: Purple Finch, Evening Grosbeak, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-winged Crossbill, Common Redpoll, and Pine Siskin.

Adapted from an article by Guest Contributor KATRINA HASE in January/February 2023 Bird’s-Eye View Newsletter.