May 28, 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.
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:
A Black-Necked Stilt was at the Dahl Pool of Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge in Marshall County on May 23, and it was still present on the 27th. The area is closed to the public so birders are asked to inquire at the headquarters building for additional information.
A Ferruginous Hawk was reported on May 25 near Marietta in Lac qui Parle County, roughly seven miles west of U.S. Highway 75, a mile-and-a-half south of U.S. Highway 212.
A White-Faced Ibis was found by Bob Dunlap on the 23rd at Perch Lake in Blue Earth County. It was seen from the south end of the lake along Lakewood Road. Another ibis was found on May 26 by Paul Johnson in northwestern Santiago Township at the junction of Sherburne County Roads 23 and 3.
Several Long-Tailed Ducks were at Stony Point in St. Louis County on the 22nd.
Up to 102 Red-Throated Loons were seen by Peder Svingen at Duluth's Park Point on May 27. Karl Bardon reported a Pacific Loon on the 26th at the nearby Lafayette Square access. Jan and Larry Kraemer found 60 Whimbrels near Park Point's Sky Harbor Airport on the 27th.
And on May 22, Dave Bartkey found a Kentucky Warbler along the Trout Lily Trail at the River Bend Nature Center near Faribault, in Rice County.
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."
