September 2, 2010 Explore Minnesota Birding Report
During the month of September, many species of migrating birds, including broad-winged hawks, peregrine falcons, turkey vultures and bald eagles, begin to travel south along the North Shore of Lake Superior. The largest concentrations of hawks typically occur September 10-25, when tens of thousands of broad-winged hawks can be seen flying overhead at Hawk Ridge in Duluth. Fall woodlands are full of migrating songbirds in early September. Adding to the beauty, are the fiery red, blazing orange, vivid yellow and stunning coral leaves, which are already developing in the maple, aspen, and other tree species.
Birders have a special opportunity to contribute to the Minnesota Breeding Bird Atlas (BBA). BBAs are used throughout the world to document and map the distribution of breeding birds. Surveyors record evidence of breeding status for each species observed, and volunteers are needed to help gather data. Everyone is eligible to participate. Detailed information about the atlas and becoming a surveyor is available at the Minnesota Breeding Bird Atlas web site.
Karl Bardon reported a Mississippi Kite from Hawk Ridge in Duluth on September 1. The bird flew past the main overlook in the early afternoon.
The following is a list of recent, significant sightings:
Large numbers of Common Nighthawks, Chimney Swifts, Cliff Swallows, Cedar Waxwings, and a few other neotropical migrants have been reported in the past few days from around the state. On August 29, Diana Doyle found a Black-Throated Blue Warbler along Minnehaha Creek east of Lake Hiawatha in Minneapolis. It was just west of the 34th Avenue Bridge on the south side of the creek, and visible from the pedestrian path. Other species reported moving south include Buff-Breasted Sandpiper, Wilson's Phalarope, Eastern Kingbird, Magnolia Warbler, Black-Throated Green Warbler, Mourning Warbler, Rose-Breasted Grosbeak, and Orchard Oriole.
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@gmail.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."
