Minnesota Birding Report, April 13,
In general, mid- to late April is an excellent time to view the migration of shorebirds. Look for yellowlegs, willets, dunlins and other sandpipers on the shallow wetlands and mudflats throughout the state. And, early songbird migration typically begins the last week of April. Possible sightings include yellow-rumped warbler, ruby-crowned kinglet, and palm warbler.
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:
There is a credible report of seven WHOOPING CRANES seen April 9th in Polk County, Minnesota. These birds are presumed to be from the wild Texas flock, having been observed near the Platte River in Nebraska on March 28th, and Mantador, North Dakota on April 5th. The cranes were seen by Ross Hier in Section 36 of Polk County, 12 miles southeast of Crookston.
The GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE is still visiting the feeder in the town of Mountain Lake, in Cottonwood County, and it was seen as recently as April 7th. To view this bird, begin at 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.
On April 10th, there was a report of a BLACK VULTURE in Sherbure County, but the bird was seen only briefly as it flew overhead. No further information has been provided by the observer.
In Cass County, a male BARROW'S GOLDENEYE was seen on April 10th at Kabekona Narrows on Leech Lake. This is likely the same bird that has been in this area since late March.
There was an unusual report of three FERRUGINOUS HAWKS at a slough near the Big Stone Wildlife Management Area in Big Stone County. Two were reportedly on the west side of U.S. Highway 75 near the Plover Prairie, and another was near the Minnesota River, east of U.S. Highway 75.
Bob Williams reported a BLACK SCOTER on Allie Lake in the northeastern corner of Renville County. The bird can be seen from County Road 24. There have also been recent reports of HORNED GREBE, RED-NECKED GREBE, AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER, PECTORAL SANDPIPER, and CHIPPING SPARROW.
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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."
