April 23, 2010 Explore Minnesota Birding Report
The month of April is the best time to view greater prairie chickens and sharp-tailed grouse displaying on their breeding grounds. Lake Bronson State Park, located two miles east of the town of Lake Bronson, offers reservations at their Sharp Tailed Grouse Viewing Blind through May 15, with a chance to witness the comical and entertaining display of the male Sharp Tailed Grouse as they attempt to attract a mate. This is truly one of nature's most spectacular events. Viewing is best at dawn. Reservations are required and are limited to one per day. To learn more, dial 218/754-2200, or visit Lake Bronson State Park's Web site.
Birders have a special opportunity to contribute to the Minnesota Breeding Bird Atlas (BBA). BBAs are used throughout the world to document and map the distribution of breeding birds. Surveyors record evidence of breeding status for each species observed, and volunteers are needed to help gather data. Everyone is eligible to participate. Detailed information about the atlas and becoming a surveyor is available at the Minnesota Breeding Bird Atlas web site.
The following is a list of recent, significant sightings:
On April 18, John Cyrus found a Cinnamon Teal in a flooded corn field in Carver County along Salem Avenue. This location is southeast of Norwood-Young America. To view this bird, take U.S. Highway 212 west to Salem Avenue, turn south and continue roughly one and one-half miles. It's been seen in the fields both north and south of a small dairy farm and on the west side of the road. The bird was still present on the 22nd.
A Long-Tailed Duck was on Leech Lake in Cass County on April 20. Andrew Birch found it near Pelican Island.
In Aitkin County, Warren Nelson found three Short-Eared Owls on April 20 at the junction of County Roads 18 and 5.
A Northern Mockingbird was reported in Afton, in Washington County, on the 21st. It was seen at the junction of 42nd Street and Paradox Court.
On April 19, Jim Mattsson reported an early Grasshopper Sparrow at the Great River Industrial Park near Randolph, in Dakota County. Dave Bartkey reported the first Chimney Swift of the year on the 21st in Rice County. Other returning migrants include American Bittern, Black-Crowned Night-Heron, Sora, Virginia Rail, Baird's Sandpiper, Forster's Tern, Brown Thrasher, Pine Warbler, Eastern Towhee, Lark Sparrow, and Yellow-Headed Blackbird.
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."
