Rice paddies, fields, pastures, shrubby grasslands, woodland edges, calcareous fens, conifer and hardwood seepage swamps.
Gully Fen SNA, a 1,610 acre natural area managed by the Minnesota DNR, includes a calcareous seepage fen and a lowland tamarack swamp. Birds associated with lowland conifer such as the White-Throated Sparrow are common here. The privately owned rice paddies nearby, when water-covered, are great places to view waterfowl and shorebirds, especially in migration. At times, hundreds of swans can be seen here.
Waterfowl, including Snow Goose and Tundra Swan; Rough-legged Hawk; Peregrine Falcon; Marbled Godwit and other early shorebirds; Snowy and Short-eared Owls. Watch for Ross’s Geese mixed with Snow Geese.
Excellent area to visit in early spring. As migration proceeds, migrant songbirds are common in the area also. Paddies are privately owned so please stay on main roads. Interesting and rare plant communities and beautiful wildflowers. Waterproof footgear is recommended.