Minnesota Birding Report Friday, May 15In general, the first half of May is the best time to view warblers in full breeding plumage as they travel to summer destinations. Look for stunning indigo bunting, scarlet tanager and rose-breasted grosbeak. And birders will want to take advantage of the multitude of birding tours and field trips that are offered this time of year. One of the most popular birding events is the Detroit Lakes Festival of Birds held May 14-17. For information, and for a full online program, visit
www.visitdetroitlakes.com, or dial 1-800-542-3992
The following is a list of recent, significant sightings:
On May 13, there were two brief observations of an Arctic Tern at the western end of Lake Byllesby in Dakota County, but with the recent change in weather the bird has apparently moved on. And, there was a female Ruff at this same location on the 14th.
A male Prairie Warbler was banded near the town of Dundas, in Rice County, on May 13, but there is no further information regarding its current whereabouts.
In Minneapolis, a White Eyed Vireo was reported from the 3500 block of 34th Avenue South on May 12.
In Duluth, a Piping Plover was seen May 14 on the lake side of the Park Point Recreational Area.
There was a report of a Summer Tanager from Waseca County, but no specific location, date, or details were provided. Another was seen in Good Thunder, in Blue Earth County, on the 13th, at the feeders of John Nelson.
And last, recent returning migrants include Black-Bellied Plover, Sanderling, Western Kingbird, Marsh Wren, Veery, American Pipit, Mourning Warbler, and Scarlet Tanager.
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.”
