December 17, 2010 Explore Minnesota Birding Report
During the month of December, keep an eye out for Great Gray, Boreal and Northern Hawk owls which often invade the state at this time of year.
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:
On December 14, there was a report of a possible Acorn Woodpecker in Eden Prairie, Hennepin County, but despite extensive searches, the bird has not been seen since. Directions to locate this bird are to take Flying Cloud Drive west from its junction with Pioneer Trail for three miles. Turn north on Dell Road and drive three-quarters of a mile to where Dell Road splits off to the east from Stable Path. Staying on Dell Road, drive 300 yards further to Geisler Road. Turn right on Geisler Road and drive another 300 yards to the left turn at Laforet Drive. Turning onto Laforet Drive, after 500 feet, look for the short turn off to the right. Park and walk the paths in these woods to the east and southeast.
On December 8, Beth Siverhus saw a Northern Hawk Owl in Roseau County along State Highway 11 just east of Salol. Seven more were found by David Alexander over the weekend along State Highway 72 between Kelliher in Beltrami County and Baudette in Lake of the Woods County. A Snowy Owl was banded on Wheeler's Point Road on the west side of Baudette about one-quarter of a mile north of State Highway 11.
And last, on the 15th, Scott Loss found an Iceland Gull on the Mississippi River in South St. Paul south of the I-494 bridge.
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."
