Minnesota Birding Report as of September 7
In general, September is an excellent time to visit Hawk Ridge in Duluth to see an abundance of migrating birds of prey, including sharp-shinned and broad-winged hawks, peregrine falcons, and other raptors. These birds can be seen from early September through mid-November, with peak migration typically occurring in mid-September.
The following is a list of recent, significant sightings:
A MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD was discovered on September 2nd by Jay Gilliam and Steve Dinsmore at Spirit Lake just south of the Minnesota/Iowa border. The bird has not been reported since the 3rd. Though the bird spent most of its time in Dickenson County, Iowa, it did make two very brief passes into Minnesota on the morning of its discovery. Birders remained at the Jackson County Road 2 location from noon until nightfall on the 2nd and again throughout the day on the 3rd. Although the frigatebird was still in the area, it did not venture back into Minnesota. Also of note was the BLACK-HEADED GULL seen both days on both sides of the state line.
The LONG-TAILED JAEGER reported from just south of Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge in Marshall County was seen up until September 2nd, but has now apparently left the area. Another was spotted by a birding group on the 3rd at Springsteel Island near Warroad, in Roseau County. And, a juvenile SABINE'S GULL has been reported by several people at the headquarters pool at Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge.
A dark morph PARASITIC JAEGER was found by Dave Benson on September 4th at the south end of the Park Point recreation area in Duluth. What was possibly a second jaeger had been reported from here earlier in the day. And, two WHIMBRELS were seen at the Park Point soccer fields.
Bill Unzen reported a NEOTROPIC CORMORANT on September 1st near the south end of Lake Lac Qui Parle in Lac Qui Parle County. The bird was on the rocks roughly 500 yards from the western shore.
On September 5th, Drew Smith found a sub-adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL at the far western end of Black Dog Lake in Dakota County. It was on the concrete structure that extends outward from the south shore.
Bob Ekblad reported as many as 100 BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS on the sod farms northeast of North Branch in Chisago County. They were near the north end of Jeffery Avenue, roughly two miles north of State Highway 95.
Terry and Sharon Frank found two BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKERS on August 30th east of Lake County Road 3 near the East Alger Grade.
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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."
