Minnesota Birding Report October 31
In general, late October is an excellent time to view an abundance of waterfowl in the Weavers Bottom vicinity of the Upper Mississippi National Wildlife Refuge, located just south of Kellogg at the town of Weaver. Then, the first few weeks of November offers a wonderful opportunity to see thousands of migrating Tundra Swans. The drive along Highway 61 also offers birders a chance to see numerous Bald Eagles, especially at Read’s Landing.
The following is a list of recent, significant sightings:
A Harlequin Duck was at Agate Bay in Two Harbors, in Lake County, on October 24, and another was between 22nd Street and 31st Street on Park Point in Duluth on the 26th.
In Roseau County, a Snowy Owl was at the Roseau River Wildlife Management Area on October 23. It was seen on the main dike south of Pool #2. On the same day, a Snowy Owl was at the Breckenridge waste water treatment ponds in Wilkin County. Another was seen on the 24th in Pennington County along State Highway 32 just north of the town of St. Hilaire.
Two Northern Hawk Owls were reported from the Gunflint Trail in Cook County on December 29. One was just south of the Moose Viewing Area, roughly 23 miles north of Grand Marais. The other was 37 1/2 miles north of Grand Marais.
There was an unusual sighting of a Black-Backed Woodpecker in Dakota County on October 29. It was foraging at the southern edge of Acacia Park Cemetery in Mendota Heights.
A Townsend’s Solitaire was seen on October 27 at Good Harbor Bay in Cook County, roughly four miles southwest of Grand Marais.
A Varied Thrush appeared in Brainerd, in Crow Wing County, on October 27, however no further information is available regarding the specific location.
On October 30, a female Summer Tanager was seen in Two Harbors, in Lake County, along the 300 block of 2nd Avenue.
And a Smith’s Longspur was reported from the Lutsen sewage ponds in Cook County on October 26.
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.”
