October 8, 2010 Explore Minnesota Birding Report
From early September through mid-November, large numbers of broad-winged hawks, sharp-shinned hawks, peregrine falcons, turkey vultures and other raptors can be seen traveling south along the North Shore of Lake Superior. An excellent site to view the migration is Hawk Ridge in Duluth. And, late October is a great time to travel Hwy. 61 along the Mississippi River in southeastern Minnesota to see waterfowl in the Weaver Bottoms.
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 Band-Tailed Pigeon flew past the overlook at Hawk Ridge in Duluth on the morning of October 7, but it has not been seen since. The bird was heading north.
At least one Parasitic Jaeger is still being seen at the far end of Park Point in Duluth. Since October 1, two Red-Throated Loons have been seen from the Point's Recreation Area.
Observations of southbound migrants continue to come in slowly. There have been recent reports of Ross's Goose, White-Winged Scoter, Common Merganser, American White Pelican, Red-Breasted Nuthatch, and Evening Grosbeak. There was also a very unusual report of a Rose-Throated Becard, which was reported from Ramsey County on October 5.
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@gmail.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."
