February 26, 2010 Explore Minnesota Birding Report
Late in the winter, owl sightings can become more prevalent, with a chance to see Snowy, Boreal, Great Gray and Northern Hawk owls. Bald Eagles congregate at open-water areas on the Mississippi River during winter months, including at Colvill Park and the city park in Red Wing, and at Reed's Landing south of Wabasha - to learn more, check out "Eagle Watching" on the Upper Mississippi River Refuge web site. Birders will also want to consider a trip to Monticello to view the many Trumpeter Swans, with up to 1000 swans viewed most winter seasons on the east side of town just off Mississippi Drive. More information can be found at the Monticello Chamber of Commerce web site.
Birders have a special opportunity to contribute to the Minnesota Breeding Bird Atlas (BBA). BBAs are used throughout the world to document and map the distribution of breeding birds. Surveyors record evidence of breeding status for each species observed, and volunteers are needed to help gather data. Everyone is eligible to participate. Detailed information about the atlas and becoming a surveyor is available at the Minnesota Breeding Bird Atlas web site at
www.mnbba.orgInformation has been provided courtesy of the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union. This report is brought to you by ExploreMinnesota.com.
The following is a list of recent, significant sightings:
A Northern Pintail, perhaps an early spring migrant, was near Point Douglas in Washington County on February 21. The bird was seen on the Minnesota side of the Mississippi River across from Prescott, Wisconsin.
As many as seven Short-Eared Owls were near the Lawndale area of Wilkin County on February 16. On the 20th, a Snowy Owl was seen along Polk County Road 55, one mile east of County Road 13. Another Snowy Owl was seen in the Duluth Port Terminal over the weekend.
A Hoary Redpoll was reported on February 25 in the Sax-Zim Bog of St. Louis County at the feeder along Arkola Road, three-quarters of a mile east of Owl Avenue.
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."
