September 9, 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, ash, 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.
The following is a list of recent, significant sightings:
Since September 6, a few Parasitic Jaegers have been seen over Lake Superior near Duluth, but so far they have all been in Wisconsin waters.
Three Ross's Geese were seen by Kim Eckert on the 3rd at the Greenbush sewage ponds in Roseau County. A juvenile Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron was found on the previous day in Warroad, in Roseau County, in a pond at the campground just past the casino.
There have been several new reports of southbound migrants, including Philadelphia Vireo, Red-Breasted Nuthatch, Ruby-Crowned Kinglet, Swainson's Thrush, Wilson's Warbler, Lincoln's Sparrow, and White-Throated Sparrow.
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."
