Come for the peonies, Stay for the birds
The first flight of migrating robins returned to the farm this past weekend — a sure sign that spring is stretching awake here in Spring Grove, Minnesota. Their bright orange chests dotted the crabapple trees, announcing what we already hoped was true: the season of peonies (and birds) is on its way.
If you get the chance to visit us this spring, you’ll of course gaze at the flowers, but I also recommend devoting a little attention to the birdlife here on the farm!
Eagles Overhead
Few experiences rival looking up from a row of blushing peonies to see an eagle soaring overhead. An eagle family regularly visits the farm, gliding along the ridges and circling above the valley. A mating pair and their three children are always a sight to see. Their massive wings catch the thermals as they survey the open fields below — a breathtaking reminder that this land supports far more than flowers.
For many guests, spotting an eagle becomes the unexpected highlight of their visit.
Hawks, Kestrels and Other Sky-Dancers
Several hawk varieties call the area home, quietly patrolling the skies above the peony fields. Their presence helps maintain the natural balance of the farm, and their sharp silhouettes against a summer sky are unmistakable.
If you’re lucky, you might even spot an American kestrel. These small falcons hover midair before diving swiftly toward their prey — a flash of rust, slate, and motion that’s easy to miss if you’re not watching closely.
Bluebirds Along the Edge
Each year, bluebirds nest in boxes along the edge of the peony field. Their vibrant blue feathers and cheerful songs add another layer of beauty to the landscape. Visitors often pause mid-bouquet to watch them flit from post to post, carrying insects back to hungry nestlings.
It’s one of the quieter joys of early summer on the farm.
Rare & Colorful Guests
Birdwatchers are often especially delighted by sightings of red-headed woodpeckers — a striking and increasingly uncommon sight in many areas. Their bold crimson heads and black-and-white wings make them unforgettable.
Orioles flash brilliant orange through the treetops. Rose-breasted grosbeaks bring their raspberry-colored bibs and rich song. Hummingbirds dart from bloom to bloom, sometimes seeming to inspect the peonies just as closely as our human guests do.
And a personal favorite, the tropical and unmistakable song of the pileated woodpecker.
Together, they create a living soundtrack and spectacle that changes by the hour.
A Farm That Feels Alive
Peonies may bloom for a few short weeks, but the birds are here from early spring through late summer. The open fields, mature trees, native plantings, and peaceful rural setting create habitat that supports raptors, songbirds, and pollinators alike.
It’s part of what makes a visit feel restorative. The colors. The fragrance. The birdsong overhead. The unexpected thrill of spotting something wild.
So yes — come for the peonies.
Stay for the birds.
And if you happen to wander near a patch where red-winged blackbirds have chosen to nest in the peonies… just remember: they take “personal space” very seriously. We recommend admiring those blooms from a respectful distance — unless you’re in the mood for a little aerial encouragement to keep moving.
