Explore Minnesota Birding Report Update May 3, 2012
According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, loons have returned to their Minnesota breeding lakes nearly three weeks earlier than usual. Over the last two years, 26 loons were fitted with satellite transmitters to learn more about their migratory movements and feeding habits. Before the use of this technology, scientists were unaware that most Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan loons travel to Lake Michigan, where they stay for a few weeks before heading on to the Gulf of Mexico. To watch the migratory patterns of loons from Minnesota and the other Great Lakes states, check out Common Loon Movements and Migrations 2011-2012.
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:
The White-Winged Dove found April 22nd in Lewiston, Winona County, was still present on the 29th. It was in a maple across from St. Johns Church.
A pair of Cinnamon Teal was found on April 29th at the Haydenville Wildlife Management Area in Lac qui Parle County, roughly five miles west of Madison.
In Duluth, ten Red-Throated Loons were seen on Lake Superior on May 2nd. They were out from the Sky Harbor airport on Park Point.
A Surf Scoter has been at the Prairie Island spillway in Winona, Winona County, since April 28th. Dedrick Benz found it just east of the entrance to McNally Landing, along Prairie Island Road, two miles northwest of Riverview Drive in Winona.
On May 1st, Chad Heins found an American Avocet on Perch Lake northeast of Mapleton. The best viewing site is from Blue Earth County Road 4.
On April 30th, Andrew Krenz found a Northern Mockingbird at the Watonwan County DNR station south of State Highway 60, west of Madelia. It was in the southwest corner of a burned area.
Dozens of new arrivals have been reported in the past week. Highlights include Upland Sandpiper, Wilson's Phalarope, Caspian Tern, Whip-Poor-Will, Chimney Swift, Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, Eastern Kingbird, Great Crested Flycatcher, Blue-Headed Vireo, Gray-Cheeked Thrush, Smith's Longspur, Golden-Winged Warbler, Wilson's Warbler, Northern Waterthrush, Scarlet Tanager, Le Conte's Sparrow, Rose-Breasted Grosbeak, and Baltimore Oriole.
