Itasca County and Chippewa National Forest Birding
Blackwater Lake is the name of the wide area of Mississippi River where it passes through the Minnesota Power and Light plant in Cohasset. Here the water is heated so unlike nearly every other lake and river in Itasca County, it stays open year round. During most late winter/early spring periods in Itasca, Blackwater Lake is the only sizable open water in the county. Check here December through April for concentrated waterfowl and overwintering birds like kingfishers and herons. You can scan the water from the bridge just south of the SA station in Cohasset as well as from several streets in town. If there aren’t a lot of fishermen, you can check the boat ramp by MP&L (just follow the smokestacks) and walk along the fence that runs along the river until you get to the spillway where waterfowl often stay. I often find Northern Shrikes along the MP&L fence as well. If you can get the plant to let you through the gate, the ash ponds in back are good for waterfowl as well.