During the month of October, there is a special opportunity to view large numbers of raptors at Hawk Ridge in Duluth, along with lots of beautiful fall color. Just some of the birds passing through include sharp-shinned and broad-winged hawks, and peregrine falcons. This migration continues into November. Towards the end of October, a drive along Highway 61, southeast of the Twin Cities, offers views of an abundance of waterfowl in the Weaver Bottoms in the Upper Mississippi National Wildlife Refuge.
The following is a list of recent, significant sightings:
On September 27, a Sabine?s Gull was at the southeastern corner of Cannon Lake in Rice County, just off of County Road 95, west of Faribault. On the 29th, a Black-Headed Gull was back at the grade along Jackson County Road 2 on the north end of Big Spirit Lake.
On September 28, a Red-Throated Loon was reported on Lake Mille Lacs in the Garrison harbor in Crow Wing County. A Pacific Loon was on Lake Superior in Duluth on the 26th.
Also in Duluth, a Northern Mockingbird was at Bayfront Park on the 27th. Up the shore and on the same day, a Townsend?s Solitaire was discovered at Tofte Peak in Cook County. Another Northern Mockingbird was in Rochester, in Olmsted County, on the 30th, at 1400 block of Sunset Avenue SE.
And a few Snow Buntings were in Lake of the Woods County on September 28, along State Highway 72, just north of the Beltrami County line.
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.?
