Minnesota Hiking: Lake Elmo Park Reserve
Birds, Deer, Landscapes & More!
I recently visited Lake Elmo Park Reserve, and while the sun wasn't fully cooperating, the park still offered a beautiful hiking experience. The abundance of water creates a haven for birds, and their songs filled the air even on a cloudy day.
One of the highlights was seeing a variety of birds. I managed to capture a few photos of a gull (though I'm not entirely sure of the species), a grey heron in flight, and a red-winged blackbird perched on the reeds. I was also lucky enough to spot an osprey nest and get a few shots of the bird adding sticks to it.
The landscape itself was also quite diverse. There were groves of pine and birch trees, and I enjoyed the stark contrast between the white bark of the birch and the trail. The prairie offered a different kind of beauty, although the sound of gunshots in the distance was a bit distracting.
Overall, we walked over five miles, exploring different trails and taking in the scenery. While the weather wasn't ideal and the vegetation was still in its in-between phase, I can definitely see the potential of this park in the spring and fall. I'm sure it will be even more vibrant during those times of the year. We'll likely be back to experience it then.
