October 20, 2010 Explore Minnesota Birding Report
From early September through mid-November, large numbers of broad-winged hawks, sharp-shinned hawks, peregrine falcons, turkey vultures and other raptors can be seen traveling south along the North Shore of Lake Superior. An excellent site to view the migration is Hawk Ridge in Duluth. And, late October is a great time to travel Hwy. 61 along the Mississippi River in southeastern Minnesota to see waterfowl in the Weaver Bottoms.
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:
A Common Ground-Dove was discovered by Bill Stauffer on October 18 in the city of Richfield, in Hennepin County, and it was present all day Tuesday, October 19. The bird is near the western side of Hyland Park Reserve. From the junction of I-494 and East Bush Lake Road, travel south for two and three-quarter miles to the entrance to the Hyland Park "Play Area" on the left. Turn east and drive about one-half mile to the parking lots near the end of this road. Park in the lot on the right, and look for the dove on the ground near the curb of the lot on the north.
On the morning of October 17, a White-Winged Scoter was on Lake Harriet in Minneapolis, and it was seen on Lake Calhoun in the afternoon.
In Aitkin County, Warren Nelson found a Great Gray Owl on the 17th along Aitkin County Road 18, roughly two and three-quarter miles east of U.S. Highway 169.
And on the 15th, two jaegers were at the Park Point Recreation Area in Duluth. One was a Parasitic Jaeger and the other was probably also a Parasitic Jaeger.
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."
