Minnesota Birding Report: April 10, 2009
Posted: 10 Apr 2009 09:05 AM PDT
Common Loon
Common Loon
This is the Explore Minnesota Birding Report Newsletter as of Friday, April 10, with information provided courtesy of the Minnesota Ornithologists’ Union, and brought to you by Explore Minnesota Tourism.
In general, mid to late April is an excellent time to look for migrating waterfowl. Check for yellowlegs, willets, dunlins and other sandpipers in shallow wetlands and mudflats throughout the state.
And, the last week in April typically marks the arrival of the first wave of early migrant songbirds, particularly yellow-rumped warbler, ruby-crowned kinglet, and palm warbler.
The following is a list of recent, significant sightings:
A male Barrow’s Goldeneye was found on April 8 at the Grand Rapids sewage ponds along Itasca County Road 3, roughly one mile southeast of Airport Road. Visitors must check in at the office, which is located about one-half mile northwest of the ponds.
Long-Tailed Ducks have been reported from several locations along the north shore of Lake Superior. More than 20 were seen on April 4 just west of Gooseberry Falls State Park. Four Long-Tailed Ducks were at Agate Bay in Two Harbors on the 9th. And three were seen on April 5 near Duluth at the Lakewood Pumping Station.
A very early Ruby-Throated Hummingbird was seen in Detroit Lakes, in Becker County, on April 2. Other returning migrants include Franklin’s Gull, Winter Wren, Chipping Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, and Eastern Meadowlark. And last, a few White-Winged Crossbills and many Common Redpolls can still be seen at feeders, backyards, and pine plantations in southern parts of the state.
Information in this statewide birding report is provided by and financially supported by the Minnesota Ornithologists’ Union (MOU), Minnesota’s oldest and largest bird club. The report is composed from reports submitted by MOU members and other birders throughout the state. You can support this weekly birding update by submitting your bird reports to Anthony Hertzel at axhertzel@sihope.com or by calling the hotline directly at 763-780-8890 and leaving a detailed message. MOU members receive the organization’s quarterly journal “The Loon,” and the bi-monthly magazine, “Minnesota Birding.” For membership information, send an e-mail message to our membership secretary at membership@moumn.org
“The information in this report is provided courtesy of the Minnesota Ornithologists’ Union and Explore Minnesota Tourism.”
