May 21, 2010 Explore Minnesota Birding Report
The month of May can be one of the busiest and most exciting times for birders, with an abundance of migratory activity and subsequent special birding events and activities. One of the most popular birding events is the Detroit Lakes Festival of Birds, held at various sites in and around the city of Detroit Lakes, May 20-23.
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:
A Black Vulture was reported by Jan Green on May 15 at the west end of Stoney Point Drive in St. Louis County. It was relocated on the morning of the 16th, but it has not been seen since.
On May 14, Kim Eckert and Don Kienholtz found a Say's Phoebe in Worthington, in Nobles County. To view this bird, begin at the corner of I-90 and U.S. Highway 59, head north for half a mile and then continue half a mile east. Check the fence line outside of the settling ponds.
At Park Point in Duluth, Peder Svingen found three Red-Throated Loons off the Recreation Area, and three Whimbrels at Hearding Island near 36th Street on May 18. A Piping Plover was seen by Shawn Zierman on the 16th at Park Point near the Sky Harbor Airport, and Laura Erickson reported a Northern Mockingbird on the 18th just east of the runway.
Chad Heins found a Snowy Egret on May 15 in a flooded field at the corner of Watonwan County Roads 58 and 15.
Henslow's Sparrows were found by Julian Sellers at Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area in southern Washington County on the 19th.
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."
