This afternoon, during a walk through Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, Anoka County, we spotted our first-of-season Northern Shrike. It was perched in a small tree along the west shore of Cenaiko Lake, near Pavilion 4.
We also saw our FOS White-crowned Sparrows southwest of Cenaiko Lake. All 4 were hatch-year birds.
Other birds of note: 2 adult Bald Eagles perched at the upstream end of the island below the dam 1 Pied-billed Grebe in Cenaiko Lake.
Date: 10/21/17 3:14 pm From: Steve Wilson <clevergrayjay...> Subject: [mou-net] First Announcement: Savaloja Proposals Sought
MOU is seeking proposals for bird-related projects to be funded from the Savaloja Memorial Fund. Grants are awarded for projects that increase our understanding of birds, promote preservation of birds and their natural habitats, or increase public interest in birds. Proposals that involve populations currently underrepresented in Minnesota's birding community are especially welcome as a means of broadening public support for birds and their habitat.
Awards typically range from a few hundred dollars up to as much as $4000. In 2017 a record $17,000 was awarded by MOU to eight diverse, bird-related education and research projects (http://moumn.org/grants.html). We don’t know how much money is available for 2018 yet, but through the generosity of MOU members (you can donate at http://moumn.org/signup.html) we hope to at least equal the amount awarded this year.
Application information may be obtained at the first link given above. The deadline for receipt of grant applications is January 31, 2018. Grant recipients will be notified by April 1, 2018.
Date: 10/21/17 9:58 am From: Brian and Risa Smith <brsmith...> Subject: [mou-net] Smith's Longspurs/Redwood County
Hi,
Earlier this morning I walked a large grassland at the Lamberton WMA in south east Redwood county in search of Smith’s Longspurs and I was fortunate to find a number of them (I estimated at least 30). The area that I searched is a grassland that has been mowed by the DNR recently and it’s the ankle high type grass that the Smith’s prefers. There were at least 4 or 5 flocks (some 2 or 3 others up to a dozen). The white lesser coverts were visible on a number of them as well as the buff colored bellies. All of the Longspurs I flushed gave the diagnostic rattle call of the Smith’s. Directions for anyone interested in trying is to go north on Redwood Cty. 17 from Hwy. 14 and go about 1/2 mile. The field is on the west of Cty 17.
Date: 10/20/17 10:21 pm From: Steve Weston <sweston2g...> Subject: [mou-net] MRVAC program this Thursday
*Greg Hoch – Minnesota DNR*
*The Greater Prairie Chicken*
October 26, 2016 – 7:30 pm
For ten months of the year, the Greater Prairie Chicken's drab colors allow
it to disappear into the landscape, however, in April and May this grouse
is one of the most outrageously flamboyant birds in North America.
Competing with each other for the attention of females, males gather before
dawn in an explosion of visual and audio displays - "booming from the mists
of nowhere" as Aldo Leopold wrote decades ago. There is nothing else like
it, and it came perilously close to being lost. Greg Hoch shows that we can
ensure that this iconic bird flourishes once again. He wrote the definitive
book on the Prairie Chicken, "Booming from the Mists of Nowhere", which he
will have available at the meeting.
*When: * Please join us on October 26th from *7:00-7:30 pm *to socialize
over cookies. A brief business meeting and the featured speaker begin at *7:30
pm*. The meeting will conclude before 9:00 pm.
*Where:* Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center 3801
American Blvd E, Bloomington. Accessible by Hiawatha Light Rail line, get
off at the American Blvd. stop. Driving, take Hwy 494 to 34th Ave – go
south to American Blvd; turn left, go 2 blocks. Use the staff entrance in
the middle of the building.
*MRVAC meetings are free and open to the public.*
Steve Weston
On Quigley Lake in Eagan, MN
<sweston2...>
Date: 10/20/17 7:47 pm From: Paul - Koni Fank <0000005b43ae1f8e-dmarc-request...> Subject: [mou-net] locations for: Went out birding by Dassel & Litchfield yesterday.
Went out birding by Dassel & Litchfield yesterday and was able to see and get pictures of these birds, Gadwell, Blue-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Redhead, Canvasback, Ruddy Duck, Wood Duck, Northern Shoveler, Cackling Goose, Hooded Merganser, Brewers Blackbird and lots of Trumpeter Swans and American Coot. The areas I went to are, Lake Ripley in Litchfield, very good for ducks, also South of Litchfield on Hwy 22 to 230th street to Round Lake on the east side of the Hwy, also, Hwy 15 south of Dassel, south of 180th St there is a water hole on the west side of the road in the field, Butternut Lake south of Dassel, 220th St and 723rd Ave, on 220th is where the Horned Lark was seen, also, the Dassel WWTP is a spot to check now and then, just north on Dassel on Hwy 15. Another spot, south of Dassel on Hwy 15 to 200th St,195th St to 196th St. That road has pot holes and lakes, Porter and Mud Lakes are the ones I know. These areas are very good waterfowl birding. Koni
Date: 10/20/17 7:01 pm From: Jeanie Joppru <ajjoppru...> Subject: [mou-net] Harlequin Duck in Cass County
Still there at 4pm this afternoon. Very windy, but the lagoons are easy to view, and the Duck was hanging out in the far back corner opposite the only place where it is possible to park so not too bad.
I saw a hermit thrush in Edina, MN yesterday (Hennepin Co).
On Fri, Oct 20, 2017 at 3:47 PM, marshall or janet howe/mcmillen < <howe.mcmillen...> wrote:
> Normally we will have seen many hermit thrushes by this time in the fall > here in Hubbard County. This year none so far. This past April we had a > prolonged ice storm and hermit thrushes were on the roadsides everywhere by > the hundreds over several days. I think it likely that perhaps many tens > of thousands or more may have perished in this part of Minnesota during > that storm. Has anyone else noticed a dearth of hermit thrushes this fall, > or earlier during breeding bird surveys? > > Marshall Howe > > ---- > Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net > Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html >
Normally we will have seen many hermit thrushes by this time in the fall here in Hubbard County. This year none so far. This past April we had a prolonged ice storm and hermit thrushes were on the roadsides everywhere by the hundreds over several days. I think it likely that perhaps many tens of thousands or more may have perished in this part of Minnesota during that storm. Has anyone else noticed a dearth of hermit thrushes this fall, or earlier during breeding bird surveys?
Date: 10/20/17 8:51 am From: Paul - Koni Fank <0000005b43ae1f8e-dmarc-request...> Subject: [mou-net] Ducks around Dassel and Litchfield 0n Oct 19
Went out birding by Dassel & Litchfield yesterday and was able to see and get pictures of these birds, Gadwell, Blue-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Redhead, Canvasback, Ruddy Duck, Wood Duck, Northern Shoveler, Cackling Goose, Hooded Merganser, Brewer\u2019s Blackbird and lots of Trumpeter Swans.
(Posted by Don Hoppe <dhoppe.tml...> via moumn.org)
I saw a female Rusty Blackbird under my feeders this afternoon. I live on
Ten Mile Lake in Cass County, Minnesota. It was on the ground feeding on
mixed bird seed and sunflower seeds with Dark-eyed Juncos, a Fox
Sparrow, and a juvenile Chipping Sparrow. I have photos of all these birds,
which I could send. Don Hoppe
This is the Northwest Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday, October 19, 2017 sponsored by the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce. You may also hear this report by calling (218)847-5743 or 1-800-433-1888.
We are enjoying a lovely few days in the northwest. Temperatures have been in the high 60's and low 70's but winds have been high so the leaves have almost all come down, except for a few oaks and the poplars. Migration is proceeding. There are many reports of migrant American robins, dark-eyed juncos, and several species of sparrows. Raptors are also being seen and a few rough-legged hawks have been reported this week.
Charlene Nelson was at the N. Ottawa Impoundment in Grant County on October 13 and reported SNOW GOOSE, CACKLING GOOSE, many BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS, WESTERN GREBES, BONAPARTE'S GULL, BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER, and NELSON'S SPARROW. Ron Taube was there on October 16 and found LINCOLN'S SPARROW, and AMERICAN PIPIT. He also said that the ibis is still there.
In Douglas County, Ben Eckhoff observed a BALTIMORE ORIOLE at the Lake Carlos SP feeders on October 16.
In Wilkin County, Matt Mecklenburg saw a ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK along CR 52 south of Barnesville on October 16.
In Hubbard County, Becca Engdahl found a HARLEQUIN DUCK at the Walker WTP on October 18. The bird was relocated today by Bob Eckblad. Marshall Howe reported BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE on October 14, and MARSH WREN on October 15. A large movement of DARK-EYED JUNCOS came through the county this week.
Wayne Perala found a leucistic DARK-EYED JUNCO at Tamarac NWR in Becker County on October 17.
In Polk County, Shelley Steva reported a flock of 20 LAPLAND LONGSPURS and two flocks of BREWER'S BLACKBIRDS along CR 21 on October 19. Sandy Aubol reported a NORTHERN SHRIKE at the Agassiz Aububon Center on October 17. Also seen were SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, many SANDHILL CRANES, WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, HARRIS'S SPARROW, GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, BROWN CREEPER, and RUSTY BLACKBIRD. AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS were spotted a few miles south. At the impoundment were AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS and a few shorebirds including PECTORAL SANDPIPERS.
A FERRUGINOUS HAWK was observed and photographed by Paula Cater near Plummer in Red Lake County on October 18. Shelley Steva saw a flock of about 200 LAPLAND LONGSPURS in Red Lake County on October 18.
50 WILD TURKEYS were seen by Zeann Linder along Pennington CR 7 on October 17. On October 15, a flock of GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS came through the yard here. On October 19, there were two HARRIS'S SPARROWS, WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, and many DARK-EYED JUNCOS. Another large flock of migrating AMERICAN ROBINS descended on the crabapple trees this week. On the way into Thief River Falls today, I saw three BALD EAGLES.
FRANKLIN'S GULLS were seen at Paul Bunyan Park in Bemidji, Beltrami County by Alex Burchard on October 16.
Please report bird sightings to Jeanie Joppru by email, no later than Thursday each week, at <ajjoppru...> <mailto:<ajjoppru...> OR call the Detroit Lakes Chamber's toll free number: 1-800-542-3992. Detroit Lakes area birders please call 847-9202. Please include the county where the sighting took place. The next scheduled update of this report is Friday, October 27, 2017.
Date: 10/19/17 1:41 pm From: Bob Ekblad <ekblad...> Subject: Re: [mou-net] Harlequin Duck at Walker WTP
The Harlequin Duck is still at the Walker WTP (3:30pm) - in the lower eastern pond at the NE corner. Thanks to Becca for passing on the info on the sighting.
> On Oct 19, 2017, at 1:31 PM, <mou...> wrote:
>
> (Posted by Becca Engdahl <bemidjibecca...> via moumn.org)
>
> Decided to go on a little search for sea ducks this morning, and although I've really been
> hoping to find some scoters around here, I have to say I am much happier with what we found
> at the Walker Waste Treatment Plant this morning! While sorting through the Buffleheads
> feeding in the lower ponds, I came across a duck I have never seen before, but knew
> immediately to be a HARLEQUIN DUCK! I could hardly believe my eyes! We quickly realized
> how rare this must be and began frantically trying to get photos as three adult Bald Eagles
> continued to swoop above the ponds, scaring the waterfowl from pond to pond. A lifer for us
> and extra exciting because it turns out to be a first record for Cass County! Bird was still there
> when we left at about noon, but had flown to the upper pond.
> ----
> Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net > Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
Date: 10/19/17 11:33 am From: <mou...> Subject: [mou-net] Harlequin Duck at Walker WTP
(Posted by Becca Engdahl <bemidjibecca...> via moumn.org)
Decided to go on a little search for sea ducks this morning, and although I've really been
hoping to find some scoters around here, I have to say I am much happier with what we found
at the Walker Waste Treatment Plant this morning! While sorting through the Buffleheads
feeding in the lower ponds, I came across a duck I have never seen before, but knew
immediately to be a HARLEQUIN DUCK! I could hardly believe my eyes! We quickly realized
how rare this must be and began frantically trying to get photos as three adult Bald Eagles
continued to swoop above the ponds, scaring the waterfowl from pond to pond. A lifer for us
and extra exciting because it turns out to be a first record for Cass County! Bird was still there
when we left at about noon, but had flown to the upper pond.
----
Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
Date: 10/16/17 3:00 pm From: <mou...> Subject: [mou-net] Lots of Rough-Legged Hawks Showing Up
(Posted by Jason Frank <jmfrank84...> via moumn.org)
In the past couple of days, I've noticed quite a few Rough-Legged Hawks showing up in
western Yellow Medicine and Lac qui Parle Counties, and also Deuel and Grant Counties, along
the SD border. My count for today was 6 live individuals, and I have a second-hand report of
another just west of Dawson along Hwy 212.
Unfortunately, I also found a dead specimen, which had been crucified on a wire fence at the
entrance to a public SNA. It had been shot repeatedly.
These birds, of course, frequent public lands with good habitat in search of small rodents.
This being pheasant opener, it wasn't hard for me to imagine some guy (or group of guys)
blaming the dismal pheasant numbers in this region on the recent influx of (mostly migratory)
raptors.
I took the bird off the fence and brought it down into the fen for a proper funeral.
> On Oct 16, 2017, at 4:27 PM, Doug Kieser <chewy2b...> wrote: > > Three Surf Scoters continue this afternoon on Lake Calhoun, viewable from > Thomas Beach. > > Doug Kieser > Hennepin County > >> On Oct 15, 2017 2:12 PM, "Scott Meyer" <meyerscottb...> wrote: >> >> The six Surf Scorers are now visible from the North side of Lake Harriet. >> >> Scott B Meyer >> Hennepin County >> >>> On Oct 15, 2017 11:35 AM, <mou...> wrote: >>> >>> (Posted by Tom A. Tustison <tomtustison...> via moumn.org) >>> >>> At 11:15 I saw a flock of six birds on Harriet that may be the birds >>> reported earlier by CMB. >>> I had distant scope views with heat distortion but am pretty sure these >>> are the birds based >>> on what sketchy details I saw. Maybe someone wants to investigate >> further. >>> >>> Tom Tustison >>> >>> ---- >>> Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net >>> Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html >>> >> >> ---- >> Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net >> Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html >> > > ---- > Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net > Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
As I watched them they were moving toward the boat landing.
Sent from my iPhone
> On Oct 16, 2017, at 4:27 PM, Doug Kieser <chewy2b...> wrote: > > Three Surf Scoters continue this afternoon on Lake Calhoun, viewable from > Thomas Beach. > > Doug Kieser > Hennepin County > >> On Oct 15, 2017 2:12 PM, "Scott Meyer" <meyerscottb...> wrote: >> >> The six Surf Scorers are now visible from the North side of Lake Harriet. >> >> Scott B Meyer >> Hennepin County >> >>> On Oct 15, 2017 11:35 AM, <mou...> wrote: >>> >>> (Posted by Tom A. Tustison <tomtustison...> via moumn.org) >>> >>> At 11:15 I saw a flock of six birds on Harriet that may be the birds >>> reported earlier by CMB. >>> I had distant scope views with heat distortion but am pretty sure these >>> are the birds based >>> on what sketchy details I saw. Maybe someone wants to investigate >> further. >>> >>> Tom Tustison >>> >>> ---- >>> Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net >>> Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html >>> >> >> ---- >> Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net >> Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html >> > > ---- > Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net > Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
Three Surf Scoters continue this afternoon on Lake Calhoun, viewable from Thomas Beach.
Doug Kieser Hennepin County
On Oct 15, 2017 2:12 PM, "Scott Meyer" <meyerscottb...> wrote:
> The six Surf Scorers are now visible from the North side of Lake Harriet. > > Scott B Meyer > Hennepin County > > On Oct 15, 2017 11:35 AM, <mou...> wrote: > > > (Posted by Tom A. Tustison <tomtustison...> via moumn.org) > > > > At 11:15 I saw a flock of six birds on Harriet that may be the birds > > reported earlier by CMB. > > I had distant scope views with heat distortion but am pretty sure these > > are the birds based > > on what sketchy details I saw. Maybe someone wants to investigate > further. > > > > Tom Tustison > > > > ---- > > Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net > > Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html > > > > ---- > Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net > Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html >
Spotted yesterday afternoon (10/15), over Hwys 169 & 7 in St. Louis Park/ Hopkins. I've never seen the ritual in person - quite the sight!! Erica Forman Hopkins
Date: 10/15/17 12:12 pm From: Scott Meyer <meyerscottb...> Subject: Re: [mou-net] Surf Scoter ? Lake Harriet
The six Surf Scorers are now visible from the North side of Lake Harriet.
Scott B Meyer Hennepin County
On Oct 15, 2017 11:35 AM, <mou...> wrote:
> (Posted by Tom A. Tustison <tomtustison...> via moumn.org) > > At 11:15 I saw a flock of six birds on Harriet that may be the birds > reported earlier by CMB. > I had distant scope views with heat distortion but am pretty sure these > are the birds based > on what sketchy details I saw. Maybe someone wants to investigate further. > > Tom Tustison > > ---- > Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net > Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html >
Date: 10/15/17 9:36 am From: <mou...> Subject: [mou-net] Surf Scoter ? Lake Harriet
(Posted by Tom A. Tustison <tomtustison...> via moumn.org)
At 11:15 I saw a flock of six birds on Harriet that may be the birds reported earlier by CMB.
I had distant scope views with heat distortion but am pretty sure these are the birds based
on what sketchy details I saw. Maybe someone wants to investigate further.
Early this morning I observed 6 Surf Scoters together on Lake Harriet in Minneapolis, Hennepin Co. They were in close proximity to 8 Rudy and 3 Buffleheads that were flying around. Unfortunately, while I was enjoying them in my scope view all the SUSC got up and flew past me and did not return. I also checked Lake Calhoun and did not refind them there either.
Date: 10/14/17 10:41 am From: <mou...> Subject: [mou-net] Harlan's Red Tail - Yellow Med.
(Posted by Jason Frank <jmfrank84...> via moumn.org)
While out searching for Kim Eckert's Vermilion Flycatcher (no luck) on the morning of Oct
13, I spotted a large adult Harlan's Hawk along 250th St, one of the minimum maintenance
roads that criss-cross Mound Spring SNA/WMA. It was perched in a leafless tree in a pasture
on the north side of the road, near the red gate with the cattle. It flushed quickly but spent
a good 5 minutes soaring overhead. Very dark overall (but not totally black).
Also saw loose groups of Harris's Sparrows rummaging through the brush in the ditches.
The first one I saw had a crest on account of the breeze, which made me shout "Rustic
Bunting!" A good moment to be birding with only my dog.
Lapland Longspurs were present as well.
Heard an Eastern Screech Owl last week along the West Branch of the Lac qui Parle River,
just west of Prairie Marsh Farm in Garfield Towship, Lac qui Parle County. Found another
Rough-Legged Hawk along highway 212 between Dawson and the border.
Lots of Wood Ducks and Mallards in the flooded woods around Lac qui Parle State Park. The
low-lying areas of Montevideo are flooding right now.
This is the Northwest Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday, October 12, 2017 sponsored by the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce. You may also hear this report by calling (218)847-5743 or 1-800-433-1888.
With the windy weather of the past few days, and the temperatures flirting with frost, most of the colored leaves have come down, leaving the yellows of the aspens, and the reds of the sumacs and cranberry bushes. Most of the area has had at least a light frost. We are seeing the end of the passerine migration now with AMERICAN ROBINS, DARK-EYED JUNCOS, and RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS passing through in large flocks. NORTHERN FLICKERS have largely gone already, and sparrow migration is in full swing with all the resident sparrows being reported and also those from northern nesting areas.
Keith Corliss reported a PHILADELPHIA VIREO at Lake Bemidji SP in Beltrami County on October 4.
Two small flocks of SMITH'S LONGSPURS were reported by Keith flying over the Thief River Falls lagoons in Pennington County on October 6. Here at the feeder, today I had WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS , DARK-EYED JUNCOS, and a HARRIS'S SPARROW.
Sandy Aubol observed a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK in her yard in western Polk County on October 12. Heidi Hughes reported at least a 1000 SANDHILL CRANES staging in a field along 280th Ave. NW at 190th St. NW this week.
A BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER was seen by Patrick Beauzay in Clay County on October 7.
From Hubbard County, Marshall Howe reported ten RED CROSSBILLS on October 7 that seemed different from the locally breeding ones. Both RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS and GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS were seen that day. On October 8th, he reported at least nine different species of sparrow moving through, and on October 9, he saw RED-TAILED HAWKS and one BROAD-WINGED HAWK. By the 10th the warblers and kinglets were getting scarce, but the sparrows remained.
Wayne Perala in Otter Tail County on October 5th was already reporting HARRIS'S SPARROW, WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, and FOX SPARROWS. On October 12, Alice Martin observed PINE SISKINS, DARK-EYED JUNCOS, EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE, SANDHILL CRANES, and AMERICAN ROBINS in eastern Otter Tail County.
At the N. Ottawa impoundment in Grant County on October 10th, Wayne Perala saw LINCOLN'S SPARROW, HARRIS'S SPARROW, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, and many SAVANNAH SPARROWS. He also reported probable WHITE-FACED IBIS, LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER, BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS, and RUSTY BLACKBIRDS. An ibis was also reported by Charlene Nelson at the WTP near Elbow Lake.
Please report bird sightings to Jeanie Joppru by email, no later than Thursday each week, at <ajjoppru...> <mailto:<ajjoppru...> OR call the Detroit Lakes Chamber's toll free number: 1-800-542-3992. Detroit Lakes area birders please call 847-9202. Please include the county where the sighting took place. The next scheduled update of this report is Thursday, October 19, 2017.
Date: 10/11/17 3:01 pm From: <mou...> Subject: [mou-net] Pine Warbler
(Posted by Ben Cizinski <naturbosis...> via moumn.org)
Hi, I was at Chimney Rock in Whitewater SP yesterday and was certain I saw a pair of pine
warblers. There were a ton of yellow rumped around, but it had yellow in the face and black
and white wings with wingbars. I noticed them in the jack pine trees. I've never seen them
before so was hoping for confirmation, are they still around this time of year?
----
Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
In St. Anthony (Hennepin Cty) just west of Hwy 88, we saw six juncos under the suet feeder Monday 10/9, frost and a flock of 20-25 juncos Tuesday 10/10, and a flock of 30 common redpolls today 10/11, vying for water in the birdbath.
Allegra
On Oct 11, 2017, at 11:25 AM, Richard Brasket <rbrasket...><mailto:<rbrasket...>> wrote:
Eden Prairie, Hennepin County, Round Lake area...fos 2 Juncos
In St. Anthony (Hennepin Cty) just west of Hwy 88, we saw six juncos under the suet feeder Monday 10/9, frost and a flock of 20-25 juncos Tuesday 10/10, and a flock of 30 common redpolls today 10/11, vying for water in the birdbath.
________________________________
From: Minnesota Birds <MOU-NET...> on behalf of Bob Dunlap <bob.dunlap321...>
Sent: Tuesday, October 10, 2017 12:14 PM
To: <MOU-NET...>
Subject: [mou-net] 2017 MOU Paper Session exhibitors
Hello MOU members and MOU-net subscribers,
We're less than two months away from the MOU Paper Session at the *Minnesota
Landscape Arboretum* on *Saturday, December 2*. Some of you have contacted
me already and reserved an exhibition table. If you have not done so yet
and would like to be an exhibitor at this year's Paper Session, please send
me the following information:
1. Name of exhibit
FRIENDS OF SAX-ZIM BOG
KOLLATH-STENSAAS/STONE RIDGE PRESS:
2. Contact person
SPARKY STENSAAS FOR BOTH
3. Telephone number
218.341.3350
4. Email address
<sparkystensaas...>
5. One or two tables requested, or any other special needs
2 ADJACENT TABLES (1 FOR EACH)
6. Will you be selling anything? If so, what?
FRIENDS OF SAX-ZIM BOG: MUGS, CALENDARS, SHIRTS, SWEATSHIRTS, HATS, PATCHES, STICKERS
KOLLATH-STENSAAS/STONE RIDGE PRESS: BOOKS
Please let me know if you have any questions. You can either email me at
this address or call my cell at 952-250-2271.
Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you and seeing you in December!
Date: 10/10/17 10:15 am From: Bob Dunlap <bob.dunlap321...> Subject: [mou-net] 2017 MOU Paper Session exhibitors
Hello MOU members and MOU-net subscribers,
We're less than two months away from the MOU Paper Session at the *Minnesota Landscape Arboretum* on *Saturday, December 2*. Some of you have contacted me already and reserved an exhibition table. If you have not done so yet and would like to be an exhibitor at this year's Paper Session, please send me the following information:
1. Name of exhibit
2. Contact person
3. Telephone number
4. Email address
5. One or two tables requested, or any other special needs
6. Will you be selling anything? If so, what?
Please let me know if you have any questions. You can either email me at this address or call my cell at 952-250-2271.
Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you and seeing you in December!
Date: 10/9/17 1:56 pm From: Paul Worwa <Pworwa...> Subject: Re: [mou-net] Lack of Birds at Bird Feeders
Thanks for your report Jason. The potential link between your observations and the decrease in bird sightings is very disturbing, to say the least. Big Ag is slowly poisoning our air, water, and land, and there seems to be little we can do to stop it.
My wife and I were in South Africa a few years ago, and visited several vineyards just outside of Cape Town. What a world of difference in how they view the land and wildlife when compared to the majority (but certainly not all) of our agricultural community. The vineyards we visited had areas of natural vegetation interspersed in the growing areas. There were also tall T shaped poles spread at intervals throughout the vineyards. It was explained to us that typically chemicals were not used in the vineyards, and they welcomed wildlife since it was considered to be a natural part of the landscape. The natural vegetation areas also provided cover for rodents, which would feed on the grapes, so their answer was to provide poles in the vineyards which were used as perches by Owls, which fed on the rodents and kept the populations under control. We were told this works very well and is standard practice for vineyards in South Africa. I can attest to the abundance of birds around the vineyards. Much to the chagrin of my wife, I spent more time birding at the vineyards than sampling the wines, most of which were excellent, as was the birding. I don't know if these practices carry over to the growing of other crops in South Africa, but it was certainly a wonderful experience to see the harmony between nature and agriculture.
Paul Worwa
-----Original Message-----
From: Jason Frank [mailto:<jmfrank84...>]
Sent: Monday, October 9, 2017 2:42 PM
To: <MOU-NET...>
Subject: Re: [mou-net] Lack of Birds at Bird Feeders
I've noticed it too here in southwest MN. I work in Canby, and in early August people began mentioning to me that their feeders were deserted. The most conspicuous absence was Robins. Other "town birds"
like Chickadees, Grackles, Catbirds, Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers, Mourning Doves, Nuthatches were scarce as well.
Most of the towns in Lac qui Parle and Yellow Medicine Counties are full of Eurasian Collared Doves, but they prefer to feed on spilled grains at the elevators, so I don't think they're out-competing the others. Back in May, I located a few pairs of nesting Bluebirds, but after the heavy rain and cool weather mid-month, they either starved or abandoned their sites. Very few pheasant and turkey nestlings survived that period.
There weren't as many Chimney Swifts this year. Nighthawks were fine, but all summer long, I hardly saw any bats, and a lot of other people have mentioned this to me.
Wild grapes, berries, and nuts did very well this year.
One pattern that's apparent is that the birds we're missing are all likely to live close to human activity.
Beginning in August, Canby began spraying twice a week for a strange late-season mosquito infestation (there were virtually no biting bugs in May, June, or July). The spray had no effect on the mosquitoes, but coincided with the emptying of the feeders. Area farmers sprayed more this year than any year I can remember (the amaranth out here is now resistant to Roundup, so they're spraying Dicamba, which is more prone to drift and even the fumes will poison nearby plants during evaporation); in the last 2 weeks of July and first 2 weeks of August, we had crop dusters in the sky EVERY day, even during extremely windy conditions. I noticed some elderberry shrubs along field edges whose leaves showed the telltale cup-shaped shriveling associated with Dicamba, and the berries (which were intact) were stripped as soon as they ripened. Considering how much wild fruit grows along fencelines and field edges, and also knowing that it's decimated beehives around the country, I'm wondering if this summer's slash-and-burn pesticide offensive may have something to do with it. Circumstantially, the timing works out: peak wild fruit time, and also about the time when Goldfinches are nesting and eating wild thistle seeds.
Jason Frank
Lac qui Parle
On 10/9/17, Alan Stankevitz <alan...> wrote:
> Since August, our bird population at our feeders has been way down
> here in SE MN. Others in Houston County who regularly feed birds are
> also noticing the same scenario. I do see and hear a few chickadees,
> titmice, woodpeckers, blue jays and goldfinches but currently only the
> goldfinches seem to be eating regularly at the feeders.
>
> I have been on the lookout for predators such as hawks and kestrels,
> but haven't noticed any depredation as the cause.
>
> I'd be curious to know if this is only local to our area, or elsewhere
> in the state. We have had other years where things slow down during
> this time of year, but never to this extent. My speculation is that
> food is in abundance right now and that most birds are feeding
> naturally. Last year due to a late freeze we had very little (if any)
> tree nuts, but this year nuts are in abundance.
>
> Alan Stankevitz
> Mound Prairie Township
> Houston Co. MN
>
>
> ----
> Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net > Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html >
Date: 10/9/17 1:00 pm From: linda whyte <0000004e7b0e779a-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: [mou-net] Lack of Birds at Bird Feeders
Both interesting and concerning, Jason; thanks for sharing your observations. Linda Whyte
On Mon, Oct 9, 2017, 2:42 PM Jason Frank <jmfrank84...> wrote:
> I've noticed it too here in southwest MN. I work in Canby, and in > early August people began mentioning to me that their feeders were > deserted. The most conspicuous absence was Robins. Other "town birds" > like Chickadees, Grackles, Catbirds, Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers, > Mourning Doves, Nuthatches were scarce as well. > > Most of the towns in Lac qui Parle and Yellow Medicine Counties are > full of Eurasian Collared Doves, but they prefer to feed on spilled > grains at the elevators, so I don't think they're out-competing the > others. Back in May, I located a few pairs of nesting Bluebirds, but > after the heavy rain and cool weather mid-month, they either starved > or abandoned their sites. Very few pheasant and turkey nestlings > survived that period. > > There weren't as many Chimney Swifts this year. Nighthawks were fine, > but all summer long, I hardly saw any bats, and a lot of other people > have mentioned this to me. > > Wild grapes, berries, and nuts did very well this year. > > One pattern that's apparent is that the birds we're missing are all > likely to live close to human activity. > > Beginning in August, Canby began spraying twice a week for a strange > late-season mosquito infestation (there were virtually no biting bugs > in May, June, or July). The spray had no effect on the mosquitoes, but > coincided with the emptying of the feeders. Area farmers sprayed more > this year than any year I can remember (the amaranth out here is now > resistant to Roundup, so they're spraying Dicamba, which is more prone > to drift and even the fumes will poison nearby plants during > evaporation); in the last 2 weeks of July and first 2 weeks of August, > we had crop dusters in the sky EVERY day, even during extremely windy > conditions. I noticed some elderberry shrubs along field edges whose > leaves showed the telltale cup-shaped shriveling associated with > Dicamba, and the berries (which were intact) were stripped as soon as > they ripened. Considering how much wild fruit grows along fencelines > and field edges, and also knowing that it's decimated beehives around > the country, I'm wondering if this summer's slash-and-burn pesticide > offensive may have something to do with it. Circumstantially, the > timing works out: peak wild fruit time, and also about the time when > Goldfinches are nesting and eating wild thistle seeds. > > > Jason Frank > Lac qui Parle > > > On 10/9/17, Alan Stankevitz <alan...> wrote: > > Since August, our bird population at our feeders has been way down here > > in SE MN. Others in Houston County who regularly feed birds are also > > noticing the same scenario. I do see and hear a few chickadees, titmice, > > woodpeckers, blue jays and goldfinches but currently only the > > goldfinches seem to be eating regularly at the feeders. > > > > I have been on the lookout for predators such as hawks and kestrels, but > > haven't noticed any depredation as the cause. > > > > I'd be curious to know if this is only local to our area, or elsewhere > > in the state. We have had other years where things slow down during this > > time of year, but never to this extent. My speculation is that food is > > in abundance right now and that most birds are feeding naturally. Last > > year due to a late freeze we had very little (if any) tree nuts, but > > this year nuts are in abundance. > > > > Alan Stankevitz > > Mound Prairie Township > > Houston Co. MN > > > > > > ---- > > Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net > > Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html > > > > ---- > Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net > Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html >
Date: 10/9/17 12:42 pm From: Jason Frank <jmfrank84...> Subject: Re: [mou-net] Lack of Birds at Bird Feeders
I've noticed it too here in southwest MN. I work in Canby, and in early August people began mentioning to me that their feeders were deserted. The most conspicuous absence was Robins. Other "town birds" like Chickadees, Grackles, Catbirds, Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers, Mourning Doves, Nuthatches were scarce as well.
Most of the towns in Lac qui Parle and Yellow Medicine Counties are full of Eurasian Collared Doves, but they prefer to feed on spilled grains at the elevators, so I don't think they're out-competing the others. Back in May, I located a few pairs of nesting Bluebirds, but after the heavy rain and cool weather mid-month, they either starved or abandoned their sites. Very few pheasant and turkey nestlings survived that period.
There weren't as many Chimney Swifts this year. Nighthawks were fine, but all summer long, I hardly saw any bats, and a lot of other people have mentioned this to me.
Wild grapes, berries, and nuts did very well this year.
One pattern that's apparent is that the birds we're missing are all likely to live close to human activity.
Beginning in August, Canby began spraying twice a week for a strange late-season mosquito infestation (there were virtually no biting bugs in May, June, or July). The spray had no effect on the mosquitoes, but coincided with the emptying of the feeders. Area farmers sprayed more this year than any year I can remember (the amaranth out here is now resistant to Roundup, so they're spraying Dicamba, which is more prone to drift and even the fumes will poison nearby plants during evaporation); in the last 2 weeks of July and first 2 weeks of August, we had crop dusters in the sky EVERY day, even during extremely windy conditions. I noticed some elderberry shrubs along field edges whose leaves showed the telltale cup-shaped shriveling associated with Dicamba, and the berries (which were intact) were stripped as soon as they ripened. Considering how much wild fruit grows along fencelines and field edges, and also knowing that it's decimated beehives around the country, I'm wondering if this summer's slash-and-burn pesticide offensive may have something to do with it. Circumstantially, the timing works out: peak wild fruit time, and also about the time when Goldfinches are nesting and eating wild thistle seeds.
Jason Frank Lac qui Parle
On 10/9/17, Alan Stankevitz <alan...> wrote: > Since August, our bird population at our feeders has been way down here > in SE MN. Others in Houston County who regularly feed birds are also > noticing the same scenario. I do see and hear a few chickadees, titmice, > woodpeckers, blue jays and goldfinches but currently only the > goldfinches seem to be eating regularly at the feeders. > > I have been on the lookout for predators such as hawks and kestrels, but > haven't noticed any depredation as the cause. > > I'd be curious to know if this is only local to our area, or elsewhere > in the state. We have had other years where things slow down during this > time of year, but never to this extent. My speculation is that food is > in abundance right now and that most birds are feeding naturally. Last > year due to a late freeze we had very little (if any) tree nuts, but > this year nuts are in abundance. > > Alan Stankevitz > Mound Prairie Township > Houston Co. MN > > > ---- > Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net > Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html >
Date: 10/9/17 5:54 am From: Uwe Kausch <uwe...> Subject: Re: [mou-net] Lack of Birds at Bird Feeders
At least here in NE MN, we had an abundance of rain (we are about 10" above normal for the year). I have about 9 acres of open land, upon which I have planted a number of different wildflowers over the years. They did extremely well, along with the grasses and have produced along with them, a great number of seeds. This past weekend, I filled up my bird feeder with flax seed. Chickadees were coming in to feed but I also noticed many feeding on wild sunflower seeds as well. I had a lot of Juncos moving through this weekend as well. Besides more natural food, another factor could be that we have had fairly mild weather, with no frost event yet, so they may be less inclined to leave yet.
I would be curious to see what others are observing.
Regards,
Uwe Kausch –Duluth Township
-----Original Message-----
From: Minnesota Birds [mailto:<MOU-NET...>] On Behalf Of Alan Stankevitz
Sent: Monday, October 09, 2017 6:07 AM
To: <MOU-NET...>
Subject: [mou-net] Lack of Birds at Bird Feeders
Since August, our bird population at our feeders has been way down here in SE MN. Others in Houston County who regularly feed birds are also noticing the same scenario. I do see and hear a few chickadees, titmice, woodpeckers, blue jays and goldfinches but currently only the goldfinches seem to be eating regularly at the feeders.
I have been on the lookout for predators such as hawks and kestrels, but haven't noticed any depredation as the cause.
I'd be curious to know if this is only local to our area, or elsewhere in the state. We have had other years where things slow down during this time of year, but never to this extent. My speculation is that food is in abundance right now and that most birds are feeding naturally. Last year due to a late freeze we had very little (if any) tree nuts, but this year nuts are in abundance.
Alan Stankevitz
Mound Prairie Township
Houston Co. MN
Date: 10/9/17 4:37 am From: Alan Stankevitz <alan...> Subject: [mou-net] Lack of Birds at Bird Feeders
Since August, our bird population at our feeders has been way down here in SE MN. Others in Houston County who regularly feed birds are also noticing the same scenario. I do see and hear a few chickadees, titmice, woodpeckers, blue jays and goldfinches but currently only the goldfinches seem to be eating regularly at the feeders.
I have been on the lookout for predators such as hawks and kestrels, but haven't noticed any depredation as the cause.
I'd be curious to know if this is only local to our area, or elsewhere in the state. We have had other years where things slow down during this time of year, but never to this extent. My speculation is that food is in abundance right now and that most birds are feeding naturally. Last year due to a late freeze we had very little (if any) tree nuts, but this year nuts are in abundance.
Alan Stankevitz Mound Prairie Township Houston Co. MN
Date: 10/8/17 9:38 am From: Doug Kieser <chewy2b...> Subject: [mou-net] Sabine's Gull, Le Sueur County
An immature Sabines Gull is currently present at the Waterville Fish Hatchery ponds west of Waterville. Third pond west of entrance road. I would guess this is the same bird previously roported from Rice County.
Date: 10/8/17 9:22 am From: Rick Gibson <rjoegibson...> Subject: [mou-net] Sabine's Gull, Rice County
I'm a little unclear as to who initially spotted it but a Sabine's Gull was found and reported on ebird yesterday. It is still present in Warsaw (Rice County) flying back and forth over the channel bridge (Farwell Ave).
Additionally, there is a group of 10 Avocets in amongst the gulls on the lake on the western end of town viewable from Finland Ave.
Date: 10/6/17 8:40 am From: KIm Eckert <eckertkr...> Subject: [mou-net] Smith's Longspur in Duluth
First found Tuesday by Clinton Nienhaus and others in the grassy gravel flats at the old Stella Jones pier in west Duluth and still present today. Mixed in with Lapland Longspurs and Horned Larks and moving around a lot.
Take Central Ave exit off I-35 and go S to Waseca Industrial Rd stop sign. Turn E here and then S as the road curves over RR tracks. Turn E on Lesure St at Grassy Point sign and go maybe 100 yards and turn right onto the flats of the vacant pier.
This is the Northwest Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday, October 5, 2017 sponsored by the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce. You may also hear this report by calling (218)847-5743 or 1-800-433-1888.
Fall cleanup is in full swing, and songbird migration is nearly over, as we are now starting to see the last sparrows, and a few of the feeder birds that we see in late fall. Colors are at or near prime and a few windy days forecast for this weekend may bring the show to a close.
On September 30, Charlene Nelson reported GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET and BROWN CREEPER , and a HARRIS'S SPARROW showed up on October 3 at Elbow Lake in Grant County. She also reported a SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER at the N. Ottawa Impoundment on September 29. Wayne Perala was there that day also and reported NORTHERN HARRIER, two PEREGRINE FALCONS , two RUSTY BLACKBIRDS, as well as the GREAT EGRETS and WESTERN GREBES that we have been reporting all summer.
At Maplewood SP in Otter Tail County, Wayne saw FORSTER'S TERNS, FRANKLIN'S GULLS, and four COMMON LOONS on October 3.
From Kabekona Lake in Hubbard County , Becca Engdahl reported several BLACK SCOTERS on the lake on September 28. Marshall Howe observed DARK-EYED JUNCOS, WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, and a BLUE-HEADED VIREO on September 29. On September 30, he recorded a female SCARLET TANAGER, PINE SISKINS, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, SWAMP SPARROW, and PURPLE FINCH; GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET and a PINE WARBLER were seen on October 3.
In Becker County , at Tamarac NWR, Lisa Keitel reported TRUMPETER SWAN, and seventy PIED-BILLED GREBES on September 29. A TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE was seen along MN 225 near Osage by Adrian Azar on October 3.
Patrick Beauzay observed a late RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD in Clay County on October 1.
Several ROSS'S GEESE were seen by Sandy Aubol near East Grand Forks in western Clay County on October 2.
In Beltrami County, Doug Johnson saw a FIELD SPARROW along Sunnyside Road on September 29, and a SEMIPALMATED PLOVER at the Parker's Lake Road ponds on October 4.
Please report bird sightings to Jeanie Joppru by email, no later than Thursday each week, at <ajjoppru...> <mailto:<ajjoppru...> OR call the Detroit Lakes Chamber's toll free number: 1-800-542-3992. Detroit Lakes area birders please call 847-9202. Please include the county where the sighting took place. The next scheduled update of this report is Thursday, October 12, 2017.
Date: 10/3/17 10:13 am From: CRAIG MANDEL <EgretCMan...> Subject: [mou-net] Carver County - Rapids Lake Education & Visitor Center - 10/3/2017
10/3/2017
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Rapids Lake Education & Visitor Center
Field Trip Report
Our morning walk turned out to be very enjoyable. The rain cleared out just as the walk began and there were lots of migrants. The highlight of the walk was the LeConte's Sparrow, observed along the main path just South of the Visitor Center. Additionally, there were lots of Orange-crowned Warblers, White-throated Sparrows and Kinglets.
Here are a few of the species observed by the group today;
Great Blue Heron
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Cooper's Hawk
Spotted Sandpiper
Belted Kingfisher
House Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Orange-crowned Warbler
LeConte's Sparrow
Field Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Lincoln's Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Common Grackle - Fly over
Here are the dates of some of my upcoming programs.
MVNWR - Bird Walks
October 9 - Bass Ponds
October 14 - Rapids Lake Visitor Center
October 28 - Bass Ponds
November 11 - Bass Ponds
All these walks begin at 8:00 am
MRVAC - Field Trips
October 5/6 Central Minnesota Birding Days
Based in Little Falls
October 26 - MRVAC Membership Meeting Held at the MVNWR Bloomington Visitor Center
Greg Hoch - Minnesota DNR - The Greater Prairie Chicken
7:00 pm - Treats
7:30 pm - Meeting starts
October 27
Sherburne County Birding Day
8:00 am
Thanks, Craig
Minnetonka, Hennepin County
<EgretCMan...>
952-240-7647
Date: 10/2/17 10:01 am From: Vic Lewis <azvegasvic...> Subject: [mou-net] Westwood Bird Walk
Hi Birders, We will have a walk Wednesday October 4th at 8:00 am! Bring Binoculars Scopes and warm clothes!(Cameras too) We will meet after to compile our list at Nature Center building. Everyone is invited! Vic Lewis Birder and soon to be Arizona Migrant!
Date: 10/1/17 11:04 am From: CRAIG MANDEL <EgretCMan...> Subject: [mou-net] Hennepin County - MVNWR - Bass Ponds - 10/1/2017
10/1/2017
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Bass Ponds
Field Trip Report
Had a very enjoyable walk this morning at the Bass Ponds. There were Sandhill Cranes calling and lots of migrants on the move. Mixed in with a large raft of American Coots were some Gadwall, American Wigeon, Northern Pintail and Wood Ducks. There were also lots of Sparrows and a few Warblers and Ruby-crowned Kinglets observed in mixed flocks.
Here are a few of the species observed by the group today;
Trumpeter Swan
Wood Duck
Gadwall
American Wigeon
Northern Pintail
Green-winged Teal
Pied-bill Grebe
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Wilson's Snipe
Belted Kingfisher
Marsh Wren
Orange-crowned Warbler
Pam Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Dark-eyed Junco
White-crowned Sparrow
Harris's Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow - mainly heard
Lincoln's Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Here are the dates of some of my upcoming programs.
MVNWR - Bird Walks
October 3 - Rapids Lake Visitor Center
October 9 - Bass Ponds
October 14 - Rapids Lake Visitor Center
October 28 - Bass Ponds
November 11 - Bass Ponds
All these walks begin at 8:00 am
MRVAC - Field Trips
October 5/6 Central Minnesota Birding Days
Based in Little Falls
October 26 - MRVAC Membership Meeting Held at the MVNWR Bloomington Visitor Center
Greg Hoch - Minnesota DNR - The Greater Prairie Chicken
Date: 9/29/17 8:13 am From: Jeanie Joppru <ajjoppru...> Subject: [mou-net] Northwest Minnesota Birding Report-Friday, September 29, 2017
This is the Northwest Minnesota Birding Report for Friday, September 29, 2017 sponsored by the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce. You may also hear this report by calling (218)847-5743 or 1-800-433-1888.
Leaves are turning rapidly in the last days, and the first big wind will bring a lot of them down, but for now the world here is beautiful in the early morning light. Migration is proceeding rapidly with the most commonly reported birds everywhere in the last two weeks being ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS and large flocks of NORTHERN FLICKERS, BLUE JAYS, and WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS.
In Warroad, Roseau County, Beth Siverhus reported a male NORTHERN CARDINAL at her feeder on September 24.
Larry Wilebski in Kittson County found a young LONG-EARED OWL on September 25.
Here in Pennington County, in the last few days we have been inundated with WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, NORTHERN FLICKERS, and RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS. ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, NASHVILLE WARBLER, PINE SISKINS, and HARRIS'S SPARROW have also been seen. Yesterday a large flock of DARK-EYED JUNCOS arrived. Shelley Steva reported a large flock of PINE SISKINS at her home in Thief River Falls this week also.
In Oklee, Red Lake County, Shelley also reported RED CROSSBILLS on September 21.
Sandy Aubol reported that a RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD still was coming to her feeder on September 27. On September 24, she observed a WINTER WREN in the yard, and continues to have more than 100 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, HARRIS'S SPARROW, DARK-EYED JUNCOS, and PINE SISKINS there.
In Clay County, various observers have reported GRAY CATBIRD, BROWN THRASHER, NORTHERN CARDINAL and WHITE-THROATED SPARROW this week. PHILADELPHIA VIREO, WOOD THRUSH, and MOURNING WARBLER were also reported in Clay County this week. Kara Susag reported RED CROSSBILLS there also.
From Hubbard County, Marshall Howe reported a number of migrating warblers, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK, and CLAY-COLORED SPARROW on September 14. A large number of RING-BILLED GULLS were seen that day also. On the 15th, he reported PINE WARBLER and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER. WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, RED-EYED VIREO, and YELLOW-THROATED VIREO were observed on the 16th, and a PEREGRINE FALCON on September 19.
I have a secondhand report of a YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT in Fergus Falls in Otter Tail County on September 26.
Charlene Nelson reported RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER at Elbow Lake in Grant County on September 15. DARK-EYED JUNCOS came on September 25. At the N. Ottawa Impoundment, Wayne Perala reported WHITE-FACED IBIS on September 17.
Please report bird sightings to Jeanie Joppru by email, no later than Thursday each week, at <ajjoppru...> <mailto:<ajjoppru...> OR call the Detroit Lakes Chamber's toll free number: 1-800-542-3992. Detroit Lakes area birders please call 847-9202. Please include the county where the sighting took place. The next scheduled update of this report is Thursday, Oct 5, 2017.
Date: 9/29/17 7:30 am From: Kyle TePoel <kctepo00...> Subject: [mou-net] Influx of yard birds (Washington Co.)
Must have been a good movement last night, as this morning I've got a ton of birds in my yard/woods in Stillwater Township. Most of them not unusual, but does include several Red-Breasted Nuthatches, Creepers, dozens of both Kinglets, and a few new "yard" birds for me (most notable to me being Gray-Cheeked Thrush and Winter Wren).
Date: 9/28/17 6:46 pm From: <jslind...> <jslind...> Subject: [mou-net] Smith's Longspur in Two Harbors
This afternoon I found a Smith's Longspur in downtown Two Harbors in the grassy field below the black historic train display. It skulked mostly in the edges of taller grasses without ever coming out into the open. It was loosely associating with a small flock of Lapland Longspurs.
Jim LindTwo Harbors
Date: 9/28/17 5:25 pm From: William Marengo <mntallboy...> Subject: [mou-net] Nelson's Sparrows - Tiger Lake Carver County
Three Nelson's Sparrows were found this morning at the Tiger Lake WMA.
This WMA is located just west of Norwood-Young America on the north side of US212.
Basic directions to the birds:
From the parking lot, walk the trail north to the railroad tracks. Follow the tracks left/west. The birds were located in the reeds and bull-rushes along the north side of the railroad tracks within 50-100 feet from the trail.
Note this WMA is open for pheasant and waterfowl hunting.
Date: 9/28/17 5:17 pm From: Brian and Risa Smith <brsmith...> Subject: [mou-net] Snowy Egret/Brown County
There’s a Snowy Egret at Somsen W.M.A. (just west of Menards along Hwy 14 in New Ulm). It was found by Sarah Taylor yesterday and Mike Oetken reported it to me today. It’s probably a juvenile but according to Sibley some adults in nonbreeding plumage are similar.
> From: karen johnson <karoehrdanz...>
> Date: September 28, 2017 at 4:56:28 PM CDT
> To: <ajjoppru...>
> Subject: Connecticut warbler
>
> Hi Jeanie,
>
> I live in NE Minneapolis and love attracting any birds I can. My yard is a mix of native flowers and tall "weeds".
> Since 09/20
> I have been watching a Connecticut Warbler feeding around jewel weed, a very tall grand ragweed, big bluesteam, sunflowers and common ragweed.
> Sparrows, Chickadees, Wrens and Goldfinches do not seem to bother it.
>
> Thanks!
> Forever watching,
>
> Karen Johnson
>
>
I have 5 photos of birds that came to my water feature (peeing boy) last week (Olmsted County). Two of them took some time for me to identify. See if you find any of them to be difficult. Flickr is free and you can download the pictures if you want them. I get lots of birds at my water feature...you should add one to your yard.
Jeff Stephenson
1323 28th ST SW
Rochester, MN 55902
Cell: 507 254 8194
Home: 507 289 7635
My guesses are below....don’t peak until you look at pictures and decide what you think they are...If you disagree with me email me and we can talk about it.
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V
V
Number 1 --- Bay Breasted Warbler
Number 2 --- Nashville Warbler
Number 3 --- Tennessee Warbler
Number 4 --- Black Throated Green Warbler
Number 5 --- Northern Paraula
*9/25/2017. YESTERDAY <http://bit.ly/2xnJ67I>*, after sending the email
you see below this text to a number of listserv's related to *maladies **like
Cancer and blindness* I spent my last day in Del Ray Beach walking by this
building. To say I was "surprised'" by the *OMEN <http://bit.ly/2fG3TJj>* *and* the missing "A" doesn't do justice to the feeling of walking through
a story book designed to build Heaven that is woven into your life. I
hadn't written much about "HEALING THE SICK <http://bit.ly/2wlR1OI>" before
recently, focusing on the very clear proof that we are living in *VIRTUAL
REALITY; *and suggesting that with the *NEW TESTAMENT* as a guidebook we
were smart enough to figure out the kinds of things this DISCLOSURE
<http://bit.ly/2fzIUeb> delivers to us. I've since spent significant time
highlighting "*ENDING WORLD HUNGER <http://bit.ly/2fBBl6Q>*" with the flick
of MY LITTLE FINGER <http://bit.ly/2fAYO83> in addition to a number of *SOCIAL
PROBLEMS <http://bit.ly/2wmQZpy>* from *HELLISH CENSORSHIP
<http://bit.ly/2fBqolR> * to a lack of governmental progress (relating
to *TECHNOCRACY
<http://bit.ly/2gUz0nR>*) specifically highlighted by *EXODUS
<http://bit.ly/2xnshJQ>* and the BURNING BUSH <http://bit.ly/2fG3TJj>. I
suppose I was wrong not to do this earlier, *we all make mistakes. * If it
isn't very clear today, the censorship that has prevented this message from
reaching the news is an *ELE <http://bit.ly/2fBILHb>*. If you do not act
to remedy that problem today, *you are an ELE <http://bit.ly/2wmQZpy>*.
This is the Duluth Birding Report for September 27th, 2017sponsored by the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union. A RUFOUS/ALLEN’S hummingbird was found by Dee Kuder on the 23rdand 24th near Crane Lake in northern St. Louis County, but it hasnot been relocated. Karl Bardon and Tom Reed saw a PACIFIC LOON on the 22ndat the mouth of the Talmadge River near the McQuade Road, and it was relocated onthe 23rd at Stoney Point. Alex Lamoreaux saw a TOWNSEND’S SOLITAIRE fly by the HawkRidge overlook on the 23rd. JohnRichardson saw three YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRDS on the 26th at AgateBay in Two Harbors, and he saw one on the 25th at Hawk Ridge. Peg Robertson saw one in Tofte on the 25that the Holiday gas station. Migrating BLACK-BACKEDWOODPECKERS continue to be seen at many locations along the North Shore. There have been several good sightings from Wisconsin Pointin the past week including WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, BLACK SCOTER, RED-THROATEDLOON, a WESTERN GREBE, a LONG-TAILED JAEGER on the 19th, several PARASITICJAEGERS, FRANKLIN’S GULL, GREAT-BACKED GULL, and LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. Most of these have been seen from Lot # 1. Peder Svingen saw a ROSS’S GOOSE on the 24that 1412 East 2nd Street near Fairlawn mansion in Superior. This report is compiled from MOU-net postings, local eBirdchecklists, various Facebook group pages (some of which may require joining),and personal contacts. Please follow the links below for the most up-to-dateinformation: MOU-net: http://www.mail-archive.com/<mou-net...>/maillist.htmleBird:http://ebird.org/ebird/placesFacebook group pages:Minnesota Ornithologists Union: https://www.facebook.com/groups/moumn.group/Minnesota Birding: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mnbirding/Minnesota Rare Bird Alert: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1570731239835376/Northeast Minnesota Birding: https://www.facebook.com/groups/177159692431348/Sax-Zim Bog: https://www.facebook.com/groups/saxzimbog/Duluth Phenology: https://www.facebook.com/groups/duluthphenology/Information about bird sightings may be sent to the DuluthRare Bird Alert at <duluthrba...> The Duluth Birding Report is sponsored and funded by theMinnesota Ornithologists' Union (MOU) as a service to its members. For moreinformation on the MOU, write us c/o the Bell Museum, e-mail us <atmou...>, or visit the MOU web site at moumn.org.
I had a flock of about 15 American Pipits in the ag fields north of Folwell Ave on the St. Paul campus, UMN. There was also a large flock of sparrows in the buckthorn plots, the only one I was able to get a good look at was a Lincoln's.
Date: 9/26/17 9:22 am From: Steve Weston <sweston2g...> Subject: [mou-net] Al Batt speaking at MRVAC on Thursday
*Bird Stories + 50**th** Anniversary*
September 28, 2016 - 7:30 pm
Al Batt – Author, Humorist & Birder
If you have heard Al before, you know you are going to be in for a treat.
If you haven’t heard Al speak, plan to be here. What in the world is a
spark bird? What is your spark bird? Why is it your spark bird? Can you
trade spark birds with your friends? Al Batt will endeavor to answer your
spark bird questions.
*When: * Please join us on the 4th Thursday of the month from *7:00-7:30 pm
*to socialize over cookies. A brief business meeting and the featured
speaker begin at *7:30 pm*. The meeting will conclude before 9:00 pm.
*Where:* Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center 3801
American Blvd E, Bloomington. Accessible by Hiawatha Light Rail line, get
off at the American Blvd. stop. Driving, take Hwy 494 to 34th Ave – go
south to American Blvd; turn left, go 2 blocks. Use the staff entrance in
the middle of the building.
Steve Weston
On Quigley Lake in Eagan, MN
<sweston2...>
(Posted by Jason Frank <jmfrank84...> via moumn.org)
A beautiful day in Yellow Medicine County, with low-level clouds, an intermittent breeze, and
cold drizzle. The one peak of sun around noon coincided with another kettle of migrant
Buteos in the skies along the State Line Road just east of Gary, SD, with 22 Broad-Wings, 7
Red Tails (all apparently juvenile) and 1 Swainson's.
This evening, I drove around Mound Spring and Sioux Nation WMAs in search of more
hawks, and found my FOS Rough Legged Hawk, perched on a big round hay bale on 200th
St, about a quarter-mile east of Yellow Med CR 15. For what it's worth, this is the earliest
Rough Leg I've seen out here, the second-earliest being Oct 7, 2012.
At Mound Spring, there was an airborne flock of 19 Killdeers making their way south, calling
as my dog and I were out for a walk. The wild sunflowers at this location are incredible,
entire hillsides are gleaming yellow.
The sudden onslaught of cool nights and dreary days have drawn out the autumn crop of
oyster mushrooms emerging, from dead cottonwoods and box elders in the creekside
woodlands. Big flocks of Flickers are passing through; White-Throated Sparrows and a few
stray Juncos, FOS for me, have shown up as well.
WMA and WPA wetlands are conspicuously (and depressingly) devoid of waterfowl in Lac qui
Parle and Yellow Medicine Counties. The silence surrounding a million acres of Minnesota
CRP lost to King Corn since the year 2000 is deafening.
Dave Cahlander can help you with this. You can reach him at <david...>
Regards,
Terry Brashear MOU-NET Moderator
On Mon, Sep 25, 2017 at 1:18 PM, Andrew <birderguy...> wrote:
> So anyone submit eBird checklist to MOU, if so how?? Following the page on > MOU about eBird looks to submit your entire eBird lifelist to MOU, I'm just > looking to submit the info for 1 checklist at a time into MOU DB. > > > > > > > > -- > > Andrew Longtin > > Corcoran (Hennepin Co.) MN > > > > Minnesota Ornithologists' Union Member > > www.moumn.org <http://www.moumn.org> > > Cornell Lab Member (PFW) > > https://birds.cornell.edu/pfw > > > > > > > ---- > Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net > Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html >
Date: 9/25/17 1:18 pm From: Andrew <birderguy...> Subject: [mou-net] eBird checklists and MOU
So anyone submit eBird checklist to MOU, if so how?? Following the page on MOU about eBird looks to submit your entire eBird lifelist to MOU, I'm just looking to submit the info for 1 checklist at a time into MOU DB.
Date: 9/24/17 3:52 pm From: Tim Wahl <tewahl...> Subject: [mou-net] help w hawk id?
We've been watching a hawk devouring a young red squirrel in our back yard and, as rather green birders, are having trouble with the id. We think it is an immature goshawk, but suppose it could be an immature coopers. I have a rather poor picture of the bird. Would someone be willing to take a look and help with id?
Thanks - hope this is not against posting rules.
Tim Wahl Roseville, MN <tewahl...> (h) <tewahl...> (w)
I have a a few tan-striped morph show up in my backyard in Saint Paul.
Sent from my iPhone
> On Sep 24, 2017, at 3:27 PM, Kathy Confer <kconfer...> wrote:
>
> ...and we had a number of them show up at Springbrook Nature Center Bird
> Banding this morning, too. That's in Fridley, Anoka County...
>
> Kathy Confer
>
>
>
> On Sun, Sep 24, 2017 at 6:59 AM, Radimecky, Linda C (DNR) <
> <linda.radimecky...> wrote:
>
>> At Afton State Park as well.
>>
>> Linda Radimecky
>> Area Interpretive Naturalist |Division of Parks and Trails
>> Afton State Park
>> 6959 Peller Ave S
>> Hastings, MN 55033
>> Phone: 651-231-6968
>> Email: <Linda.Radimecky...>
>> mndnr.gov
>>
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Minnesota Birds [mailto:<MOU-NET...>] On Behalf Of Bob
>> Holtz
>> Sent: Saturday, September 23, 2017 2:25 PM
>> To: <MOU-NET...>
>> Subject: [mou-net] White-throated Sparrow
>>
>> The first of the fall just showed up in my yard.
>>
>>
>>
>> Bob Holtz
>>
>>
>> ----
>> Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net >> Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html >>
>> ----
>> Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net >> Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html >>
>
> ----
> Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net > Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
...and we had a number of them show up at Springbrook Nature Center Bird Banding this morning, too. That's in Fridley, Anoka County...
Kathy Confer
On Sun, Sep 24, 2017 at 6:59 AM, Radimecky, Linda C (DNR) < <linda.radimecky...> wrote:
> At Afton State Park as well. > > Linda Radimecky > Area Interpretive Naturalist |Division of Parks and Trails > Afton State Park > 6959 Peller Ave S > Hastings, MN 55033 > Phone: 651-231-6968 > Email: <Linda.Radimecky...> > mndnr.gov > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Minnesota Birds [mailto:<MOU-NET...>] On Behalf Of Bob > Holtz > Sent: Saturday, September 23, 2017 2:25 PM > To: <MOU-NET...> > Subject: [mou-net] White-throated Sparrow > > The first of the fall just showed up in my yard. > > > > Bob Holtz > > > ---- > Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net > Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html > > ---- > Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net > Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html >
Date: 9/24/17 11:44 am From: GREG ELIZABETH CLOSMORE <closmore70...> Subject: [mou-net] Myrtles and white throats
In Washington county this morning
> On Sep 24, 2017, at 1:30 PM, Dee Kuder <deekuder...> wrote:
>
> Last night and again this morning, Sept. 24th, I had a Rufous/Allens Hummingbird visit my feeder in northern St Louis County at Crane Lake. I haven’t seen the bird since 8 am this morning despite watching all morning.
>
> Photos are posted on mourn.org recently seen.
> ----
> Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net > Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
Date: 9/24/17 11:30 am From: Dee Kuder <deekuder...> Subject: [mou-net] Selasphorus, species Hummingbird
Last night and again this morning, Sept. 24th, I had a Rufous/Allens Hummingbird visit my feeder in northern St Louis County at Crane Lake. I haven’t seen the bird since 8 am this morning despite watching all morning.
Date: 9/24/17 5:09 am From: Radimecky, Linda C (DNR) <linda.radimecky...> Subject: Re: [mou-net] White-throated Sparrow
At Afton State Park as well.
Linda Radimecky
Area Interpretive Naturalist |Division of Parks and Trails
Afton State Park
6959 Peller Ave S
Hastings, MN 55033
Phone: 651-231-6968
Email: <Linda.Radimecky...>
mndnr.gov
-----Original Message-----
From: Minnesota Birds [mailto:<MOU-NET...>] On Behalf Of Bob Holtz
Sent: Saturday, September 23, 2017 2:25 PM
To: <MOU-NET...>
Subject: [mou-net] White-throated Sparrow
Date: 9/23/17 11:02 am From: Kim Richard Eckert <eckertkr...> Subject: [mou-net] MOU awards nominations
It's again that time of year when the MOU Awards & Recognitions Committee is considering nominees to be recognized for their contributions to the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union. This annual tradition of recognition takes the form of presenting the Thomas S. Roberts, Brother Theodore Voelker, and Young Birder awards at the MOU Papers Session on December 2, 2017.
- Since 1963, the Thomas S. Roberts Award has traditionally been our lifetime achievement award: "For Outstanding Contributions to Minnesota Ornithology and Birding", as stated on the plaque. Previous recipients have contributed to the MOU in many different ways, which were sometimes not directly related to ornithology or birding. (Also note that our unofficial policy has been that a person would only receive the Roberts Award once, so please check the link below to see if the person you have in mind is a previous recipient.)
- The Bro. Theodore Voelker Award is "For Special Achievement in Field Ornithology" during this year. The original intent in 1988 was that this recipient's achievement would be related to field ornithology in one of three categories: significant bird sighting(s), something written (e.g., journal article, book, or technical paper), or a field research project. In some years, involvements in special events, conservation, mentoring, and education have also been included in the criteria for this award, and note that a person can receive the Voelker Award more than once.
- The Young Birder Award is for someone under 25 years old contributing to knowledge of Minnesota birds or to the MOU; as it reads on the plaque: "For Contributions to Birding in Minnesota". This is our newest award, presented for the first time in 2005.
The names of all previous recipients of these awards can be found on the MOU website: http://moumn.org/awards.html <http://moumn.org/awards.html>. Accordingly, please contact me if you have someone in mind for any of these awards, and include his or her qualifications and contributions which you feel would qualify your nominee as one of our recipients. If possible, I would like to receive all nominations no later than October 10, and the committee thanks you in advance for your interest and input in these awards. -Kim
Kim Richard Eckert, Chairman
MOU Awards and Recognition Committee
1921 W Kent Rd
Duluth MN 55812
<eckertkr...> <mailto:<eckertkr...>
Committee members:
Bob Dunlap, <bob.dunlap321...>
Barb Martin, <dbmartin...>
Bonnie Mulligan, <motmot5...>
Linda Sparling, <hagsela...>
Date: 9/22/17 3:49 pm From: Paul Waters <pwaters.kstate...> Subject: [mou-net] Birding and Citizen Science Survey
Hello,
My name is Paul Waters and I am currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Park Management and Conservation at Kansas State. As part of my studies I am doing research on the motivations of birders and their participation in citizen science projects. I would appreciate if you could assist with this research by taking a survey about your personal opinions of birding and citizen science. The results from this survey will inform my research that will enable citizen science project developers to better understand their participants and create or alter projects in order to better serve both birders and the scientific community. Your help is very important to the success of this project. The survey should take no more than 15 minutes.
