Minnesota Birding Report Friday, October 17
In general, October offers a wonderful opportunity to see the migration of birds of prey along Hawk Ridge in Duluth. This location is an excellent vantage point for birders wanting to see sharp-shinned and broad-winged hawks, peregrine falcons, and other raptors.
The following is a list of recent, significant sightings:
On October 16, an immature Golden-Crowned Sparrow was discovered at Pelican Island on Leech Lake in Cass County. The bird was found on private property on the island. No further information is available at this time. Any additional information will be posted immediately if birders are allowed to visit.
A Pacific Loon was found at Wigwam Bay on the western side of Lake Mille Lacs in Mille Lacs County on October 11. Two Red-Throated Loons were at Mille Lacs Lake’s Garrison Harbor in Crow Wing County on the 14th. A Red-Throated Loon was at Park Point’s 31st Street/Lafayette Square access in Duluth on October 12, and another was seen near the Sky Harbor Airport on the same day. And, two Surf Scoters appeared flying out from the airport on the 13th.
An adult Lesser Black-Backed Gull can be seen on the Minnesota River south of Memorial Bridge in Mankato on the Blue Earth County/Nicollet County line.
And, the fall’s first Varied Thrush was reported on October 11 from the city of Moorhead, in Clay County. This sighting is roughly one month earlier than normal. The bird was seen on the Minnesota side of the Red River across from Jack Williams Stadium and south of the Moorhead Country Club.
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 membership@moumn.org
“The information in this report is provided courtesy of the Minnesota Ornithologists’ Union and Explore Minnesota Tourism.”
