In general, mid- to late April is an excellent time to view the migration of shorebirds. Look for yellowlegs, willets, dunlins and other sandpipers on the shallow wetlands and mudflats throughout the state. And, early songbird migration typically begins the last week of April. Possible sightings include yellow-rumped warbler, ruby-crowned kinglet, and palm warbler.
Consider donating to the wildlife checkoff fund on state income and property tax forms to help Minnesota's wildlife. Tax-deductible donations provide 80 percent of the funding for the DNR Nongame Wildlife Program. To learn more, visit
www.dnr.state.mn.us The following is a list of recent, significant sightings:
The GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE is now into its fourth month visiting the feeder in the town of Mountain Lake, in Cottonwood County, and it was seen as recently as April 4th. To view this bird, begin at State Highway 60, exit onto 3rd Avenue, and drive to 10th Street. Turn north on 10th Street and drive to the edge of town to a cemetery and lake on the left. The feeder is in front of the pale green house, which is the second to the last building on the right side of the road.
Bob Williams found three SHORT-EARED OWLS at the Rush Wildlife Management Area just northeast of the town of Mahnomen, in Mahnomen County, on March 30th. Two birds were on the south side of the Wildlife Management Area, and one was just to the north.
On March 30th, there was still a TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE at the Carpenter Nature Center in Washington County. The bird was located near the park's lodge.
On April 4th and April 5th, a VARIED THRUSH was seen in Duluth amongst a group of American Robins. It was at the feeders near 21st Avenue East, between Jefferson and Greysolon roads.
Denny Martin found a GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE at Mud Lake in Watonwan County on April 1st.
And despite the recent cold snap, there have been recent reports of LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE, BROWN CREEPER, WINTER WREN, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, and an early LE CONTE'S SPARROW.
"The information in this report is provided courtesy of the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union and Explore Minnesota Tourism."
