CHIPPEWA COUNTY — As snow levels continue to drop with a warming trend, wildlife is starting to bounce back following a long, snowy winter here in west central Minnesota.
Earlier this week, at a handful of spots along Minnesota Highway 40 in Chippewa County, gatherings of bald eagles could be seen snacking on animal carcasses revealed through the melting of the snowpack, proving that warmer temperatures, green grasses and a transition away from winter is just around the corner.
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
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Music lovers flocked to Rice Park in Willmar for an evening of free music performed by Prairie Winds Summer Band on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.
The musical will be performed three weekends in June at The Barn Theatre in downtown Willmar.
More than 20 bands play at various stages throughout downtown New London during Porchfest on Saturday, June 23, 2023.
Green Lake BMX hosts MN BMX State Qualifier in Spicer on Saturday, June 3, 2023.
Willmar Senior High School held its Class of 2023 commencement at the Willmar Civic Center on Sunday, June 4, 2023.
Little Crow Ski opened its summer season Friday at Neer Park. The team will perform through the end of August, 2023.
Novice and advanced spoon carvers converge in the small town of Milan for the 17th annual Spoon Gathering this weekend.
More than two dozen Memorial Day ceremonies took place throughout west central Minnesota on Monday, May 29, as residents paid respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Sibley State Park teaches children fishing basics on Lake Andrew over Memorial Day weekend on Saturday, May 27, 2023.
Graduation ceremony sees 23 students walk across the stage to receive their diplomas on Saturday, May 27.
Veterans and community members come together to place American flags on veteran graves, raise 100 flags at memorial the morning of Friday, May 26, 2023.
Willmar students won the Minnesota Technology and Engineering Educators Association Supermileage Challenge at Brainerd International Raceway with a car that recorded a top performance single run of 532.55 miles per gallon.
Red fox kits are visible from a home den in Chippewa County on Saturday, May 20, 2023.
Section 5A golf at Eagle Creek Golf Club on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, in Willmar.
Norwegian celebration fills Milan's downtown streets as residents celebrate their heritage Saturday, May 20, 2023.
Twin Cities magician Justin Alan brings, laughs, curiosity and fun to Willmar during his magic show at the Willmar Community Center on Thursday, May 18, 2023.
PHOTOS: Flowers, trees and green grass make a resurgence in west central Minnesota after sunny skies
Area trees, foliage burst back to life as temperatures and long, sunny days mark their return this spring season.
Fishing season for popular fish including walleye, bass and northern pike kicks off over the weekend.
Proud parents, family and friends fill sidewalks and theatre to watch students in prom grand march on Saturday, May 6, 2023.
Willmar Senior High School hosted grand march and prom festivities on Friday, May 5, 2023.
On May 4, 2023, the day before this year's Willmar Senior High School prom, school staff dress up for staff prom.
Children bike, roll and ride scooters to school during National Bike & Roll to School Day on Wednesday, May 3, 2023.
Vendors, games and a color run for kiddos highlight annual Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 29, 2023, in Willmar.
New ambulance exhibit donated by CentraCare revealed at museum's five-year celebration on Friday, April 28, 2023.
As area lakes and streams thaw, waterfowl moving north inundate open waters throughout Kandiyohi County.
Members of the Ridgewater Welding program constructed a life-size stainless steel German shepherd sculpture, which will be displayed at the Law Enforcement Center.
A weekly drum circle on Wednesdays at the Willmar Community Center focuses on community, engagement and a way to decompress while having a little fun.
First-ever Daddy Daughter Formal is a smashing success as hundreds register for night of dancing.
Law enforcement and community members pay their respects to slain Pope County Sheriff's Deputy Josh Owen during his funeral at Minnewaska Area High School on Saturday, April 22, 2023, in Glenwood, Minnesota.
Folks gathered for music, guest speakers and more at the Willmar Civic Center during the annual Life Connections event on Friday, April 21, 2023.
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources volunteers are being asked to go to one lake on one day from June 30 to July 10 to help with a loon-monitoring effort.
The insects that carry Lyme disease, which plagues humans, are now also carrying the deer-killing CWD.
The Voyageurs Wolf Project finds that wolves catch and eat spawning suckers every spring.
Lawmakers adjourn after making “historic” improvements for the environment and outdoor recreation.
Volunteers improve habitat in hopes sharp-tailed grouse will return.
The walk begins at 8 a.m. May 13 at the Sedge Meadow Classroom near the Refuge Maintenance Shop and will be about two hours long.
Volunteers with Prairie Pothole Conservation Association ready Willmar area wood duck nesting houses
Volunteers with the Prairie Pothole Conservation Association ready wood duck nesting houses for the season starting now.
Despite snow on the ground, spring turkey seasons start next week.
Defendant now faces three misdemeanor charges instead of one.
Conserving grasslands is essential to preserving populations not only of prairie chickens, but other iconic prairie species such as the western meadowlark and monarch butterfly.
News reporting
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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