During the month of October, there is a special opportunity to view large numbers of raptors at Hawk Ridge in Duluth, along with 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:
Both White-Winged Scoter and Long-Tailed Duck were in the harbor at Duluth on October 15.
A Gyrfalcon was banded in Duluth on the 10th, and another was near Moorhead in Clay County on the 13th, roughly one and one-half miles east of the intersection of U. S. Highway 75 and 28th Avenue North.
A Prairie Falcon was at the Mound Springs Scientific Natural Area in western Yellow Medicine County on October 12.
Also on the 12th, a Red-Throated Loon was seen from the beach at the Park Point Recreation Area in Duluth. On the 11th, a Bohemian Waxwing was also in Duluth.
Lingering birds reported since last weekend include Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, Least Flycatcher, House Wren, Brown Thrasher, and Rose-Breasted Grosbeak.
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.?
