In general, September is an excellent time to visit Hawk Ridge in Duluth to see an abundance of migrating birds of prey, including sharp-shinned and broad-winged hawks, peregrine falcons, and other raptors. These birds can be seen from early September through mid-November, with peak migration typically occurring in mid-September.
The following is a list of recent, significant sightings:
The BLACK-HEADED GULL is still being seen on the Minnesota-Iowa border. To view this bird, look along Jackson County Road 2 where it crosses Spirit Lake. The gull was most recently reported on September 12th.
A SABINE'S GULL was found on Lake Osakis in Todd County on September 11th. It was seen from the southeast side of the lake.
On September 9th, Scott Clark found a SAY'S PHOEBE at the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge in Sherburne County. It was seen along Auto Tour Road, approximately 100 yards before the sign for Bergenson Pool.
Dave Bartkey reported several BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS in Rice County on September 8th. The birds were east of Faribault at the northwest corner of the intersection of State Highway 60 and Ibson Avenue. Two more were at the Morgan Park mudflats in western Duluth on September 12th.
And in Fillmore County, Bob Ekblad found a CAROLINA WREN on September 10th at Forestville State Park. The bird was seen along the trail leading north of the parking lot, between the two sets of wooden steps.
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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 moumembers@yahoo.com.
"The information in this report is provided courtesy of the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union and Explore Minnesota Tourism."
