Explore Minnesota Birding Report Update March 26, 2012
Bald eagles are migrating back to Minnesota in large numbers due to the mild winter. Good overlooks and viewing spots for both over-wintering and migrating eagles can be found along the Mississippi River in Wabasha County. And while in the area, be sure to visit the National Eagle Center in the city of Wabasha.
The following information has been provided courtesy of the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union and their affiliates. This report is brought to you by ExploreMinnesota.com.
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The following is a list of recent, significant sightings:
In Lake County, a Purple Sandpiper was discovered by Heidi Pinkerton on March 17th on the beach at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, but it has not been seen since. From the main park entrance, follow the signs to the campground and take the trail from the campground parking lot east toward Lake Superior. The bird was seen at the base of the small island southwest of the lighthouse.
In Cook County, a Harlequin Duck was found on the 15th in the Grand Marais Harbor and it was still present on the 20th. On March 18th, two White-Winged Scoters were seen along State Highway 61 at Five Mile Rock of Lake Superior. Two Long-Tailed Ducks were at Agate Bay in Two Harbors on the same day.
On a visit to Itasca State Park in in Hubbard County on March 21st, Connie Cox reported Tundra Swan, Wild Turkey, Red-Tailed Hawk, Great Blue Heron, American Woodcock, Wood Duck, Winter Wren, American Tree Sparrow, and Evening Grosbeak.
Steve Midthune reported three Lesser Yellowlegs at Bisson Lake in Becker County on March 20th, along with Common Merganser, Bufflehead, and Sandhill Cranes--during a March 21st visit, he added Wilson's Snipe, and Eastern Phoebe. Ron Erpelding and Herb Dingmann found Greater White-Fronted Goose, Snow Goose, Brown Creeper, Lapland Longspur, and Rusty Blackbird in Becker County on March 20th.
On the 17th, a Carolina Wren was still at the Wild River State Park Visitor Center feeders in Chisago County where it has been since December 10th.
Recent spring arrivals now include Wood Duck, Common Loon, Eastern Phoebe, Northern Rough-Winged Swallow, Tree Swallow, House Wren, Golden-Crowned Kinglet, Ruby-Crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Chipping Sparrow, and Field Sparrow.
Information in this statewide birding report is provided by the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union (MOU), Minnesota's oldest and largest bird club. To submit a bird sighting, email the MOU birding report compiler at rba@moumn.org.
