In general, March is an excellent time to view early returning migrants, such as Canada geese, bald eagles, and American kestrels. Eastern bluebirds and wood ducks also return in March to look for nest boxes.
Consider donating to the wildlife checkoff fund on state income and property tax forms to help Minnesota's wildlife. Tax-deductible donations provide 80 percent of the funding for the DNR Nongame Wildlife Program. To learn more, visit
www.dnr.state.mn.us The following is a list of recent, significant sightings:
The GREEN-TAILED TOWHEE is still visiting the feeder in the town of Mountain Lake, in Cottonwood County, and was seen as recently as March 7th. To view this bird, begin at State Highway 60, exit onto 3rd Avenue, and drive to 10th Street. Turn north on 10th Street, and drive to the edge of town to a cemetery and lake on the left. The feeder is in front of the pale green house, which is the second to the last building on the right side of the road.
The three GRAY-CROWNED ROSY-FINCHES at the Fond du Lac Resource Management Division office, just west of Cloquet in Carlton County, were all seen as recently as March 13th.
The GYRFALCON continues to be seen west of Hastings in Dakota County. To view this bird, check along 180th Street, just east of U.S. Highway 52. It was last seen on March 12th.
A GREAT GRAY OWL was along Hedbom Road in northeastern Aitkin County on March 9th.
Katie Haws reported a NORTHERN HAWK OWL on March 6th, three miles west of Baudette along State Highway 11 in Lake of the Woods County.
John Ellis found thirty-five SHORT-EARED OWLS at the Rothsay Wildlife Management Area in Wilkin County on March 9th.
Don Ambrose spotted a VARIED THRUSH at his bird feeder on March 13th. It was seen along the back bay of the Third Crow Wing Lake in Hubbard County.
Spring migrants reported this past week include CACKLING GOOSE, ROSS'S GOOSE, GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE, TUNDRA SWAN, GOLDEN EAGLE, SANDHILL CRANE, KILLDEER, FRANKLIN'S GULL, EASTERN PHOEBE, SONG SPARROW, FOX SPARROW, and EASTERN MEADOWLARK.
===============================================
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."
http://www.wisconsinoutdoor.com/birds.htm
