Minnesota Birding Update. Happy Birding!
August Nature Notes
While it’s hard to believe, some bird species are already preparing for migration. Sandhill crane families are emerging from marshlands and beginning to stage for their long journey south. Many species of shorebirds are gathering for their return south, including piping plover, glossy ibis, little blue heron, and least tern. Migratory birds consume more than usual this time of year. Ruby-throated hummingbirds are feeding more often, with greater numbers visiting feeders due to newly fledged young. This is a good time to add feeders and keep them full to assist them prior to their arduous journeys to new territories. You will be rewarded for your efforts with sights of additional resident birds, along with additional migratory species.
Did You Know?
Are you new to birding and/or know someone who is curious about becoming a birder? If so, the National Audubon Society offers some helpful and motivating tips at How to Begin Birding.
Self-proclaimed Minnesota Bird Nerd, Roger Everhart, heard a baby bird in his yard begging for food on Aug. 2. He discovered the sound was coming from a baby cowbird. Soon after, a chipping sparrow arrived to feed the “oversized” baby. View pictures of the odd parent and child pair at the Minnesota Bird Nerd Blog Spot.
The American Bird Conservancy has created a list of 25 “priority birds” which it considers to be at risk. One of these birds is the ruby-throated hummingbird. Learn more about the risks it encounters.
Upcoming Birding Events
Aug. 20, Marine on St. Croix
Birding for Kids and Adults
Learn how to ID a bird in flight, make your own binoculars then head out on a birding journey with a naturalist. Kids will also learn how to become a Jr. Park Naturalist, and earn a free patch. William O'Brien State Park. 651-433-0500
Aug. 20-21, Morris
Minnesota Birding Weekend: Stevens & Big Stone Counties
This late-summer MBW has now become an annual tradition, evolving into our shorebird ID workshop. If the water levels are right, 20 shorebird species or more are a real possibility here, where there are several productive sewage ponds plus countless natural prairie wetlands in Big Stone County.
Aug. 26, Hastings
Public Bird Banding
Observe bird banding experts catch, band and release songbirds. Carpenter Nature Center's Minnesota campus. 651-437-4359
Aug. 27, Elba
Live Eagle Program
Staff from the National Eagle Center in Wabasha will explain how the bald eagle made a tremendous comeback, and why the Mississippi River and the Blufflands are so important to the eagle's survival. Also meet a live eagle! Whitewater State Park. 507-932-3007
Sept. 3-5, Thief River Falls
Minnesota Birding Weekend: Northwestern Minnesota
Expect to see as many as 160-170 species when visiting sites in Kittson, Marshall, and northwestern Polk counties. Sites include Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge, Thief Lake and Twin Lakes Wildlife Management Areas, the Agassiz Audubon and other impoundments, and Thief River Falls and other sewage ponds.
Rare Bird Alerts and Recent Sightings
On Aug. 10, a female indigo bunting was found in Lutsen, in Cook County. Indigo buntings are considerd occasional in Cook County in the fall.
Steven Brown located one of several yellow-billed cuckoos seen and heard calling in Minnesota Valley State Park near Jordan. Yellow-billed cuckoos are uncommon in Scott County in the fall.
On Aug. 8, a Wilson's warbler was discovered in Lutsen, in Cook County. Wilson's warblers are considerd uncommon in Cook County in the fall.
