This is the Explore Minnesota Birding Report Newsletter as of , with information provided courtesy of the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union, and brought to you by Explore Minnesota Tourism. For lodging specials and incredible deals, check out
www.exploreminnesota.com, otherwise dial 1-888-TOURISM (868-7476) to have a travel counselor help you plan your next Minnesota getaway using Journey, our free customized travel planning service. While you are a subscriber to this newsletter, we will send you a weekly update reporting bird sightings throughout the state. To subscribe to or unsubscribe from any of our email newsletters, visit
http://www.exploreminnesota.com/travel/enewsletter/index.aspxIn general, the first half of May is the best time to view warblers and songbirds in their full breeding plumage. Some of the favorites include Indigo Bunting, Scarlet Tanager and Rose-Breasted Grosbeak. Towards the end of May, birders have another opportunity to see these beautiful birds in the far northern regions of Minnesota.
The following is a list of recent, significant sightings:
On May 22nd, Kim Eckert found an ARCTIC TERN on Park Point in Duluth at the 12th Street Parking Lot. It was seen through the 23rd at various locations along the lake shore. Also at Park Point were at least seven RED-THROATED LOONS, a LITTLE GULL and a PARASITIC JAEGER, specifically at the the 31st Street/Lafayette Square access to Lake Superior. Up to 13 WHIMBRELS were at Hearding Island on the bay side of the Point, and a PIPING PLOVER made a brief stop here on May 21st. And a SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER was reported on the 23rd at the far end of Park Point near the Superior Entry.
On May 23rd, an IBIS was found by Ken LaFond in the grassy area at the extreme northwestern portion of Pool #4 at Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area, in Anoka County. It was about 500 feet west of Pool #10 Road.
On May 20th, a male PAINTED BUNTING was photographed at a feeder northeast of Silver Bay in Lake County. The homeowners are open to visitors. The location is the 6400 block of Highway 61, which is roughly one-half mile southwest of the intersection of Lake County Road 6 and Highway 61. The feeders are on the the lakeside of the house. The bird is very skittish and the homeowners said if they are home that visitors should knock on the front door that faces the driveway. If they are not home, visitors should walk around the house on the highway side to view the feeders. Please use caution and discretion if going to see this bird.
Conny Brunell found a BELL'S VIREO at the Kasota Prairie in Le Sueur County on May 20th. The bird was singing from the Prairie parking lot on the north side of the road.
Dave Bartkey reported a male HOODED WARBLER on the east side of Cannon River Wilderness Park in Rice County on May 21st. To access the east side of the park, take State Highway 3 south through Northfield to the southern edge of town. Travel east on County Road 20 for 2.8 miles to a wide spot on the right shoulder. Park here and walk the trail down the steps and through the bottom of the ravine. Look for a spot that levels off on the right with a hillside on the left. This was where the bird was singing.
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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."
