During the month of September, not only are there fewer mosquitoes and beautiful fall color, there is a special opportunity to view large numbers of raptors at Hawk Ridge in Duluth. Just some of the birds passing through include sharp-shinned and broad-winged hawks, and peregrine falcons. This migration continues into November. And the forests become alive in September with the sounds and colors of the many migrating songbirds.
The following is a list of recent, significant sightings:
On September 19, a Sabine?s Gull was at the Ironton wastewater treatment ponds along Crow Wing County Road 30, roughly two miles north of town.
Also on the 19th, a Prairie Falcon was reported in northeastern Pipestone County at the Woodstock Wildlife Management Area.
Over the weekend, several Parasitic Jaegers were seen in Minnesota waters from Wisconsin Point at the end of Park Point in Duluth. A possible Long-Tailed Jaeger was also reported here on the 18th, and two unidentified Jaegers were seen on September 18 at Park Point?s Recreational Area.
Common Moorhens are still being reported along the Auto Tour Road at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge in Sherburne County.
And first arrivals of southbound migrants include Ross?s Goose, Cackling Goose, Gray-Cheeked Thrush, Hermit Thrush, Orange-Crowned Warbler, White-Crowned Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Harris?s Sparrow, and Rusty Blackbird.
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.?
