MPR News AM Update: Why you should go birding today

Good morning and welcome to Tuesday. Here’s what you need to know to start your day.

Foggy, but not cold. Twin Cities highs in the upper 30s with some patchy fog dissipating by the night. Statewide, patchy freezing fog in the morning with highs ranging from the upper 20s to upper 30s. More on Updraft. | Forecast

I went birding last week and was sold on it. An avid birder took photojournalist Evan Frost and me birding last week — in the cold and snow — and it was among the most peaceful winter activities this lifelong Minnesotan has tried. Read the case for winter birding here. And while you’re at it, check out our Outside in MN app for more outdoor adventure tips and ideas.

Here’s something to feel good about. MPR News’ Emily Bright asked our audience to tell her about an act of kindness you experienced this year. And you responded. Read this for some feel good stories that have happened in Minnesota this year.

When you’re the governor, many days feel like Christmas. Turns out people like to give the most powerful Minnesotan gifts, as MPR News’ Brian Bakst reports. Often, the gifts are sweatshirts. Sometimes, they’re a gourd painted to look like Jesse Ventura.