Explore Minnesota Birding Report 2.5.09
In general, a drive along Highway 61, from Hastings to La Crescent, offers birders a chance to see numerous bald eagles, especially at Read’s Landing. This is also a great time of year to check out the open water sites along rivers and near power plants for Canada geese, trumpeter swans and mallards. If you look closely, you may also find American black ducks, American mergansers and common goldeneyes.
The following is a list of recent, significant sightings:
In Duluth, the male Barrow’s Goldeneye was once again seen at Canal Park on February 3.
In Lake County, four Spruce Grouse were found on February 3 along County Road 2, one and one-half miles south of Forest Road 11. Just north of here, an American Three-Toed Woodpecker has been seen by several people along Spruce Road, which travels east from State Highway 1 roughly 14 miles northwest of Lake County Road 2. The bird was just east of Endless Waters Way Road.
A Snowy Owl was reported on February 5 near the Eagan Community Center in Dakota County, which is located just west of Pilot Knob Road between Lone Oak and Yankee Doodle roads.
There was an interesting report of a very early Osprey on the Mississippi River on February 1 at the Lake Street Bridge in Minneapolis. And, many birders continue to report Northern Flicker, American Robin, Common Redpoll, White-Winged Crossbill, and Red Crossbill.
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.”
