March 5, 2010 Explore Minnesota Birding Report
Increased daylight and warmer temperatures in March make it a great time to get out and look for the first signs of spring. Early returning migrants include Canada geese, bald eagles and American kestrels. The first eastern bluebirds and woods ducks return in March in search of nest boxes, and some of the best waterfowl migration occurs from mid-March through mid-April. Spring weather in southern Minnesota arrives roughly two to three weeks earlier than along the Canadian border, so anyone anxiously awaiting spring should head to Minnesota's southwest prairie wetlands, or to Minnesota's southeast hardwood forests and river valleys.
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.
The following is a list of recent, significant sightings:
As many as 23 Long-Tailed Ducks were at Agate Bay in Two Harbors, in Lake County, on February 28. In Benton County, a Long-Tailed Duck was still being seen on the Mississippi River near Sartell as of the 27th.
Five Spruce Grouse were found in Lake County on February 26 along Stony River Forest Road, seven miles south of State Highway 1.
On the 28th, a few Bohemian Waxwings were seen in a flock of Cedar Waxwings in Chisago County. The exact location was along the Sunrise River near its junction with the St. Croix River, just across from the Wild River State Park parking lot.
Several birders have noted that Red-Winged Blackbirds have returned to the marshes located throughout the southeastern portion of Minnesota. Other species that have been reported exhibiting territorial or nesting behavior include Bald Eagle, Red-Tailed Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, Mourning Dove, Great Horned Owl, Northern Saw-Whet Owl, Red-Bellied Woodpecker, Common Raven, Gray Jay, White-Breasted Nuthatch, Black-Capped Chickadee, and Northern Cardinal.
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."
