Explore Minnesota Birding Update

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This is your monthly Explore Minnesota Birding Update.  Happy birding!



August Nature Notes

Despite being in the midst of summer, some birds are already preparing to migrate to their wintering grounds. Waterfowl are testing their wings. Some young are flying for the very first time, and the adults are flying once again following their molt -- they have been unable to fly since mid-June! Sandhill crane families are emerging from nesting marshlands, feeding heavily in nearby hayfields and grasslands. Shorebirds are beginning to migrate, and can be seen in groups in shallow wetlands and mudflats. Watch for piping plover, glossy ibis, little blue heron, and least tern. And purple martins, the largest of the swallow family, are starting to gather. All of these early fall migrants must spend additional time feeding in order to store fat reserves for their impending migrations.

Did You Know?

Ruby-throated hummingbirds are also feeding more often as they attempt to store extra fat for their long journeys south. Ruby-throated hummingbirds travel individually, and the males leave earlier than the females to secure wintering territories. This is a good time to set out additional feeders. If you keep them full, you will be rewarded with greater numbers of resident and migratory bird species.

Audubon just released the top 100 bird photos chosen from thousands of images submitted for the 2017 Audubon Photography Awards. Check out these stunning images and discover the stories behind them.

Upcoming Birding Events

Aug. 4, Houston
International Owl Awareness Day
The International Owl Center will host a free open house, complete with owl-themed refreshments and programs for different audiences. Enjoy the Owls and Us Game Show, Owl Detectives, and Owls Through the Ages.

Aug. 5, Elba
Owl Prowl
Most of us are unfamiliar with the elusive creatures known as owls. Learn how to identify owls, then go "prowling" for owls using your new owling skills. Whitewater State Park. 507-932-3007

Aug. 6, Altura/east of North Branch
The Migration Game
Join the naturalist at the St. Croix Lodge and play a giant migration board game. Learn about the challenges faced by migratory birds and see if you can survive the journey. St. Croix State Park. 320-384-6591

Aug. 6 & 18, Taylors Falls
Bird Basics: Investigation Station
Soar into the world of our feathered friends as you discover what makes each bird unique, then take a bird walk with an identification guide to practice your new skills. Interstate State Park. 651-465-5711



Aug. 16 & 23, Battle Lake
Nature Explorations: Birds and Blooms
The prairie is bursting with color this time of year. Take a walk along colorful trails filled with flowers, and view the birds that benefit from the shelter and food these plants provide. Glendalough State Park. 218-864-0110

Aug. 19, Henderson
Henderson Hummingbird Hurrah
Celebrate the ruby-throated hummingbird and learn all about these tiny birds, how to attract them, and keep them coming back. A licensed hummingbird bander will catch and band birds, allowing you to see them up close. There will also be garden tours, speakers, book signing sessions, children's activities, and a Hummingbird Mall. Don't forget to bring your camera! 507-665-6570

Aug. 20, Red Wing
Cannon River Bottoms Bird Hike
Hike a productive but little known state forest trail near Red Wing. Birds often seen along this trail include acadian flycatcher, scarlet tanager, cerulean warbler, ovenbird, wood thrush and yellow-billed cuckoo. Cannon River Bottoms. 612-978-3993

Aug. 25, Duluth
Migration: Who's Moving Now?
Explore the only Minnesota pine forest on Lake Superior's sand dunes. This site is the perfect place to witness early bird migration, especially shorebirds. Bring binoculars if you have them, or borrow a pair from the guide. Minnesota Point Pine Forest Scientific & Natural Area. 218-525-0001, 218-753-2580

Aug. 26, St. Paul
Birding For Beginners
Join the naturalist for a birding hike and learn about the basic techniques of bird identification. Binoculars are provided. Fort Snelling State Park. 612-725-2724

Sept. 2-4, Warroad
Northwestern Minnesota Birding Weekend
Expect to see roughly 150 bird species when visiting sites in and around Roseau County such as the Roseau River and Thief Lake wildlife management areas, the migrant traps along the Warroad waterfront and Springsteel Island, and the always productive sewage ponds in Warroad, Roseau and Greenbush.

Rare Bird Alerts and Recent Sightings

On Aug. 1, a blue grosbeak was found by Gerlad Hoekstra near the Flying Cloud Airport. These birds are considered "rare regulars" in Hennepin County in the summer season.

On July 30, a white-breasted nuthatch was found by Allan Meadows near Rainy Lake. White-breasted nuthatches are considered "uncommon" in Koochiching County in the summer season.

A Le Conte's sparrow was observed by Marsha Shuff on July 23 near the town of Littlefork. Le Conte's sparrows are classified as "uncommon" in Koochiching County in the summer.

 

Check the Duluth/North Shore Rare Bird Alert and the Northwest Minnesota/Detroit Lakes Rare Bird Alert for other recent bird sightings.