April 30, 2010 Explore Minnesota Birding Report
The month of May can be one of the busiest and most exciting times for birders, with an abundance of migratory activity and subsequent special birding events and activities. Highlights include a Warbler Weekend at Villa Maria on Lake Pepin near Frontenac and located right on the Missisippi flyway, May 7?9; the Urban Bird Festival at various metro area birding sites, May 13-16; and the Detroit Lakes Festival of Birds in Detroit Lakes, May 20-23.
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:
The Cinnamon Teal in Carver County was still in the fields along Salem Avenue southeast of Norwood-Young America on April 26. To view this bird, take U.S. Highway 212 west to Salem Avenue, turn south and continue about one and one-half miles. The bird has been seen in the fields both north and south of a small dairy farm and on the west side of the road.
In Redwood County, a Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher was seen on the 24th just south of the Minnesota River. From the west end of the town of Renville, take Renville County Road 6 south to the Minnesota River and into Redwood County. Continue south for three miles to Redwood County Road 9. Turn east and travel two miles to County Road 17, and then turn north. Go nine-tenths of a mile and turn east on an unmarked road and look for fire call number 380. Turn east here to a pasture on the left.
On April 26, two Surf Scoters were reported by Steve Millard at Jewett Lake, in Otter Tail County. This is just north of Fergus Falls along County Road 22.
On April 23, fifteen White-Faced Ibis were found by Scott Clark at the Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge in Lac qui Parle County. The location was roughly one half-mile south of the Wildlife Refuge office building on County Road 19.
In Big Stone County, a few Cattle Egret were reported from along U.S. Highway 75 on the 24th, two miles north of Madison. And, two American Avocets were found one mile east of the town of Barry.
On the 28th, a Red-Throated Loon was found by Peder Svingen near the Beach House at the Park Point Recreation Area in Duluth.
On the 26th, in Aitkin County, Jody Provost reported that she heard a few Yellow Rails at the French Lake Waterfowl Management Area northeast of the town of Aitkin. Later that day, Warren Nelson found American Bittern, Sora, and Le Conte's Sparrow there.
On April 24, Steve Rosenberg found a Cerulean Warbler at Carver Park Reserve along Carver Park Road in Carver County. There have also be recent reports of Solitary Sandpiper, Willet, Long-Billed Dowitcher, Whip-Poor-Will, Pine Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, Eastern Towhee, Grasshopper Sparrow, and Lark Sparrow.
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."
