March 26, 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 wood 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 unusual, significant sightings:
A female Barrow's Goldeneye was found in Duluth on March 23 at Hearding Island. It was visible from the east side at 24th Street of Park Point.
In Blue Earth County, a Lesser Black-Backed Gull was seen on Crystal Lake in the town of Lake Crystal. It was initially spotted from the boat landing on the 23rd.
A pair of Eurasian Collared-Doves was in Dakota County on March 21. They were seen along Hogan Avenue, just north of 180th Street.
Also from Blue Earth County was a report of a Townsend's Solitaire at Minneopa State Park at the western end of the prairie road near the oak trees.
The first Eastern Phoebe of the year was seen in Dakota County on March 23. Other new migrants recently reported from many parts of the state include Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, Red-Breasted Merganser, Pied-Billed Grebe, Horned Grebe, Northern Harrier, Golden-Crowned Kinglet, Brown Thrasher, Fox Sparrow, Eastern Meadowlark, and Brown-Headed Cowbird.
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."
