Explore Minnesota Birding Update, Aug. 14, 2014
Bird sightings are on the rise now that shorebird migration is in full swing. Check shallow wetlands and mudflats to view these birds as they gather and prepare for their long journey south. Travel by canoe, kayak or row boat is a great way to access many of these sites, as well as providing a more memorable birding experience.
Information in this report has been provided courtesy of the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union and their affiliates. This report is brought to you by ExploreMinnesota.com.
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The following is a list of recent, significant sightings:
The Wood Stork is still being seen daily in Washington County. It can be seen west of Marine on the St. Croix along Manning Trail just north of 155th Street North.
Two Least Terns were discovered on Aug. 11th in Rock County, just east of the town of Luverne. To view these birds, begin at the town of Luverne and travel east on Rock County Road 4. Turn south into the city park and after entering the park turn left and follow the road across the railroad tracks and two bridges. After crossing the second bridge, look for a flooded field on the south side. The terns were seen among the shorebirds on the far side of the flooded field.
On Aug. 12th, a juvenile Plegadis Ibis was in a wetland in Yellow Medicine County, along 140th Street about 1/4 of a mile north of 170th Avenue. This is 6 & 1/2 miles southwest of the town of Canby.
In Hennepin County, four American Avocets were on the south side of Long Meadow Lake in Minneapolis on the 9th. They were visible from the overlook at the western end of the Hogback Ridge Pond at the Bass Ponds. And on the 10th, a Little Blue Heron was reported from Pine Tree Pond Park in Cottage Grove, Washington County. The park is along 80th Street South, about 1 & 3/4 miles east of U.S. Highway 61.
Recent southbound migration reports include Dunlin, Hudsonian Godwit, and Northern Waterthrush.
Birding events and weekend outings just around the corner include:
Henderson Hummingbird Hurrah Festival -Aug. 16 , Henderson
Minnesota Birding Weekends: Upper & Lower Red Lakes -Aug. 29, Bemidji
Minnesota Birding Weekends: Northwestern Minnesota II -Aug. 30-Sept. 1, Warroad
Information in this statewide birding report is provided by the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union (MOU), Minnesota's oldest and largest bird club. View photographs of recent sightings at the MOU website. To submit a bird sighting, email the MOU birding report compiler at rba@moumn.org.
