In general, March is an excellent time to view early returning migrants, such as Canada geese, bald eagles, and American kestrels. Eastern bluebirds and wood ducks also return in March to look for nest boxes.
The following is a list of recent, significant sightings:
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www.dnr.state.mn.us Most of the birding news this week involves returning spring migrants. And while the list of arrivals is long, there have not been any sightings that are unexpected.
The GYRFALCON was still west of Hastings in Dakota County on March 20th. To view this bird, check along 180th Street, just east of U.S. Highway 52.
On March 18th, Jan Green reported a flock of 10-12 LONG-TAILED DUCKS off Stoney Point in St. Louis County.
Brian Smith counted more than twenty small shorebirds at the Sleepy Eye sewage ponds in Brown County on March 22nd. He was able to get close enough to identify at least a few BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS.
The first TREE SWALLOW of the year was reported by Mike Elling from the Mississippi River in St. Paul. Other spring migrants reported for the first time or again but from numerous locations include TUNDRA SWAN, ROSS'S GOOSE, TURKEY VULTURE, OSPREY, AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN, SANDHILL CRANE, WILSON'S SNIPE, BELTED KINGFISHER, and FOX 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."
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