In general, March is an excellent time to view early returning migrants, such as Canada geese, bald eagles, and American kestrels. Eastern bluebirds and wood ducks also return in March to look for nest boxes.
Consider donating to the wildlife checkoff fund on state income and property tax forms to help Minnesota's wildlife. Tax-deductible donations provide 80 percent of the funding for the DNR Nongame Wildlife Program. To learn more, visit
www.dnr.state.mn.us The following is a list of recent, significant sightings:
A BARROW'S GOLDENEYE was found on March 26th at Kabekona Narrows on Leech Lake in Cass County. To view this bird, travel north from Walker on State Highway 371 for roughly three miles and turn right after the bridge to access the boat launch area where the bird was seen.
The GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE is still visiting the feeder in the town of Mountain Lake, in Cottonwood County, and was seen as recently as March 25th. From State Highway 60, exit onto 3rd Avenue and drive to 10th Street. Turn north on 10th Street and drive to the edge of town to a cemetery and lake on the left. The feeder is in front of the pale green house, which is the second to the last building on the right side of the road.
The three GRAY-CROWNED ROSY-FINCHES at the Fond du Lac Resource Management Division office, located just west of Cloquet in Carlton County, were all seen as recently as March 22nd.
Terry Brashear found a GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL at Point Douglas, in Washington County, on March 24th.
On March 25th, a SNOWY EGRET was reported by Connie Brunell on the mudflats at the western end of Lake Byllesby in Dakota County. In this same general area, several shorebirds were reported, including AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER, PECTORAL SANDPIPER, and SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER. In Scott County, a VARIED THRUSH was on the east side of Cleary Lake on the 29th. To locate this bird, drive to the parking lot near the golf club house. Look for the foot bridge across the creek. The bird was 50 yards down the paved trail beyond the bridge.
Migrants reported this past week include GREAT EGRET, EASTERN PHOEBE, BROWN THRASHER, SONG SPARROW, SWAMP SPARROW, EASTERN MEADOWLARK, and BREWER'S BLACKBIRD.
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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 moumembers@yahoo.com.
"The information in this report is provided courtesy of the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union and Explore Minnesota Tourism."
