This is your monthly Explore Minnesota Birding Update. Happy birding!
October phenology notes
According to Jeannie Joppru, compiler of the Northwest Minnesota/Detroit Lakes Rare Bird Alert, the mixture of migratory species is changing with warblers and flycatchers becoming less common, and late migrants becoming more prevalent. According to the Minnesota DNR, impressive numbers of sandhill cranes can often be seen at wildlife refuges in October. One such refuge is the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge in Zimmerman where thousands of sandhill cranes converge in October to prepare for their long journey south. Download a copy of their self-guided tour map to see where the cranes are currently staging within the refuge.
Another great site to view late migratory birds is the Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center in Hastings. Birders will enjoy several hiking trails running through 425-acres of restored prairie, deep ravines, river bluffs, pine and deciduous forest located along the St. Croix River. Watch for migrating saw-whet owls in the bluffs overlooking the St. Croix River. This area will also be ideal for vivid fall color this week and weekend!
Cool new tools
A variety of birding apps are available to novice and experienced birders, and it can be difficult to choose which one is best. Timothy Boucher tested seven iPhone birding apps and offers his recommendations based on features such ease of use, number of images, number of songs, and ability to compare birds. Check out Boucher’s Birding Blog: Apps for the Smart Birder — Which One Should You Use?
Did you know?
Many factors affect when a bird migrates. There are also large differences in the height of the flight, the length of the journey, and speed at which they fly. Did you know that ducks and geese may fly as high as 10,500 feet? That's almost two miles above ground! And loons can travel at speeds of nearly 70 miles per hour! Learn more about bird migration at Splendid Fliers!
Upcoming birding events
Afton State Park in Hastings will present Let's Go Birdwatching on Saturday, Oct. 17. This event is for novice and experienced birders alike. Spectacular fall colors will make this event even more enjoyable! For further information, dial 651-436-5391
Birding for Beginners will be offered at Fort Snelling State Park in St. Paul on Saturday, Oct. 24. Join the park naturalist for a birding hike and learn basic techniques of bird identification. Binoculars are provided. Dial 612-725-2724 to register.
The St. Croix Valley Bird Club will offer a Bird Hike at Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center in Hastings on Saturday, Nov. 7. Field guides and binoculars are available. Please register at 651-437-4359.
Rare bird alerts & sightings
Roger Everhart, the self-proclaimed Bird Nerd, found mostly late migrant species during a recent bird-banding event in Apple Valley. Some of the more common birds were sparrows and hermit thrushes. Unusual sightings included northern parula and wood thrush.
A first-year, male Scarlet Tanager was banded by Dan Tallman in Northfield on Oct. 12. This is fairly late for this bird to still be in Minnesota.
Check the Duluth/North Shore Rare Bird Alert (RBA) by Jim Lind, and the Northwest Minnesota/Detroit Lakes RBA by Jeanie Joppru for other significant sightings.
