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:
Molly Malecek and Ben Wieland found a first winter BLACK-THROATED SPARROW at Lake Winnibigoshish in Cass County on September 22nd. To locate this bird, begin at U.S. Highway 2, take Cass County Road 91 northwest for 3.3 miles, then turn right on Painted Turtle Road. Travel roughly one mile to a dead end at a campsite near the lake shore. The bird was seen feeding on the ground near the woods on the right side of the campsite.
Phil Chu reported two immature SABINE'S GULLS at Salt Lake in Lac Qui Parle County on the morning of September 22nd. Three SABINE'S GULLS were at Park Point in Duluth on the 21st. Jim Lind found them while scanning Lake Superior from the Sky Harbor airport. Both POMARINE JAEGER and LITTLE GULL have also been reported from this area.
Kim Eckert found a SAY'S PHOEBE on Park Point in Duluth on September 25th. The bird was on the beach near the 16th Street access.
On September 18th, an immature YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON was discovered near Minnehaha Creek and Lake Hiawatha in south Minneapolis. Check the trees on the north side of the creek near the intersection of 28th Avenue South and 47th Street East.
A WESTERN TANAGER was seen in Duluth on September 20th. It was near the evergreen trees at the back of the Comfort Inn at Canal Park.
There have also been recent fall reports of ROSS'S GOOSE, SNOW GOOSE, CACKLING GOOSE, LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL, and THAYER'S GULL.
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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."
