Shorebirds are finally moving into the area in decent numbers. In the past week, White-Faced Ibises have been seen frequently; in recent days, flocks of various Peeps have arrived, and there appears to be a high number of Grebes in the area.
Ken Larson had not a trifecta, nor a quadfecta, but a proper "pentafecta" of species (Western, Red-Necked, Horned, Eared, and Pied-Billed) at the Sweetwater/Bolson Slough area along CR 12 in Lac qui Parle County last weekend. Other sites where I've seen large numbers of Grebes include Salt Lake, Perry WMA, Big Stone Lake, and Caerulean WMA. Ken also reported approximately 200 Pectoral Sandpipers, various Peeps, and some Hudsonian Godwits in the flooded fields at the Hwy 75/212 intersection. That particular area is drying out fast, but there are plenty of soggy grain fields, pastures, and hay meadows in the area where we can expect to find more shorebirds. Areas east of Nassau along CRs 24 and 28 just east of Nassua, and the Gollnick/Northeast Four Corners WMA areas along CR 14 (220th) between Marietta and Madison still show good potential. >From Brandon Semel of Big Stone NWR, I have an early report of a Red-Headed Woodpecker. The auto tour probably won't be open, as that area is still flooded. Sapsuckers have arrived, along with a wave of migrant sparrows (White-Crowned, White-Throated, Fox, Lincoln's, Harris's). Ducks are still largely holding tight in the area, but the big flocks of Snow Geese and White-Fronted Geese have largely moved on. Gravel roads are greatly improved, with most of them having been graded at this point. The Minnesota River at Montevideo is expected to remain in moderate flood stage through the weekend, but running waters elsewhere in our count area have dropped down to typical levels. Marsh Lake remains high, but is drawing in lots of waterfowl. Friday is expected to be cool, cloudy and windy, while Saturday is forecast to stay cool (high of 50) with partly sunny conditions and light to moderate winds for most of the day. Jason Frank ---- General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html During the pandemic, the MOU encourages you to stay safe, practice social distancing, and continue to bird responsibly.
