Minnesota Birding Report 5.01.09
In general, the first half of May is the best time to view warblers in full breeding plumage as they travel to summer destinations. Look for stunning indigo bunting, scarlet tanager and rose-breasted grosbeak. And, birders will want to take advantage of the multitude of birding tours and field trips that are offered this time of year. One of the most popular birding events is the Detroit Lakes Festival of Birds held May 14-17. For more information, dial 1-800-542-3992
The following is a list of recent, significant sightings:
A Worm-Eating Warbler was reported on April 26 at the Eloise Butler bird sanctuary in Minneapolis, in Hennepin County, but it has not been seen since. Nevertheless, it was found along the northern-most path of the sanctuary near the first bench past the shelter.
A Snowy Egret was seen on April 25 in Lyon County at the Coon Creek Wildlife Management Area.
Two Yellow-Crowned Night-Herons were in a St. Louis Park yard, near Minnehaha Creek and Brookview Drive in Hennepin County, on April 23.
On April 25, a Red-Throated Loon was at Little Rock Lake in Benton County. It was seen from the park at the north end of the lake.
In Dodge County, 32 Willets were at the Claremont sewage ponds on April 30.
On April 27 and again April 30, a Hooded Warbler was at the Cannon River Wilderness Park parking lot in Rice County.
An immature male Summer Tanager was seen on April 29 and again April 30 in Blue Earth County at John Nelson’s feeders in the town of Good Thunder. A female Blue Grosbeak was also present there on the 30th.
A Western Tanager was reported on April 25 in St. Cloud, in Stearns County, but no specific location has been provided.
And, a few of the more common species reported over the past week include Cattle Egret, American Avocet, Upland Sandpiper, Whip-Poor-Will, Blue-Headed Vireo, Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher, House Wren, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Nashville Warbler, Black-Throated Green Warbler, Ovenbird, Dickcissel, Indigo Bunting, and Rose-Breasted Grosbeak.
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.”
