[mou] Sod Farms
We drove past the Dakota County sod farms yesterday afternoon and clearly, they had some really nice rain down there! At the Braun sod farm along County Road 66 where we saw the buff-breasted sandpipers two weeks ago, there were 50+ killdeer and some smaller shorebirds that were just too far away to ID. At the Jirik Sod Farms there were several areas of standing water that had many sandpipers. Most appeared to be Pectorals although there might have been others as well. One area of standing water right next to the road had at least 10 to 15 yellowlegs (lesser?). I don't imagine the standing water will be there too long but the birds are certainly enjoying it while they can! Gail Gail Wieberdink wieber64 at comcast.net -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20070816/39fbab41/attachment.html
[mou] Midwest Birding Symposium
I just noticed that there were no dates on my previous posting. My apologies. The Midwest Birding Symposium runs September 13-16, 2007. Al Batt ** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20070816/2050c882/attachment.html
[mou] Midwest Birding Symposium
The Quad Cities will host its second Midwest Birding Symposium. It will be held at the Stoney Creek Inn Conference Center in Moline, Illinois. This year's Midwest Birding Symposium will highlight fall migrants of the Upper Mississippi River Valley on morning and all day field trips accompanied by some of the country?s leading experts on birds. Afternoons will feature presentations on topics ranging from fall warblers to effects of global warming on birds. All kinds of birding merchandise will be available for purchase including premier optics, books, field guides, and feeders. A silent auction to benefit wildlife habitat, a reception at the Putnam Museum and a dinner cruise on the Mississippi River will also be featured. Kenn Kaufman, nationally recognized birding expert and author, will provide the keynote address. _http://www.visitquadcities_ (http://www.visitquadcities) . Al Batt Hartland, MN ** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20070816/c4652306/attachment.html
[mou] Aitkin, Sherburne, Mille Lacs
107 species seen and/or heard in the last week in Aitkin (last Saturday), Mille Lacs Sherburne Counties (latter two on normal walks). 18 species of warblers, including Canada, Cape May, Connecticut Wilson's in unexpected (migrating) locations. Probable Yellow-bellied Flycatcher on Blue Hill Trail, Sherburne NWR this morning (appearance only, not calling). Five Black-billed Magpies along Aitkin CR 5 were also highlights. Good birding (and wise posting) to all! Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs Sherburne Counties
[mou] Alert: Pomarine Jaeger - LaCrosse, WI
I apologize for not sending this to the Minnesota lists yesterday. I intended to, but got distracted. I am posting in case anyone is interested in a bird on the border. A few of us will be trying to relocate the bird today. If we are successful, I will post that sighting on a more timely basis. Yesterday's Message: I went Jaeger hunting (Jaeger Jaegering?) over the lunch hour and was able to relocate the Jaeger that Fred Lesher found and reported yesterday. When I found it, the bird was loafing on Lake Onalaska straight west of the observation deck at Nelson Park on the north end of French Island in the area where Fred found it yesterday. In total, I was able to watch the bird for nearly 1 1/2 hours. When I spotted the bird, I tried to call several area birders. I did reach Jean Ruhser and she was able to join me. After she arrived, we were able to leisurely compare the bird to the Sibley and National Geographic field guides and we are positive that this bird is in fact a Pomarine Jaeger and not a Parasitic Jaeger. The bird is a light morph adult that is close to breeding plumage. We were able to get definitive looks at the bird's black cap, bill, wings and tail. All of the field marks as well as the bird's size and bulk point to an ID of Pomarine Jaeger. On this bird, the black cap extends well below the lower mandible of the bird's bill. This extension was not as obvious as the mutton chop sideburns of a Peregrine Falcon but was definitely well below the gape and lower mandible and gave some of that same appearance when the bird was viewed from head on. The bird's bill was two-toned and was relatively heavy - more like that of a Herring Gull than the more pointed, slender bill of a Parasitic Jaeger. Both Jean and I were able to get good looks at the top and bottom of the bird's wings. The top of the wings were a uniform dark brown with an indistinct white crescent at the base of the primary flight feathers. The underside of the wings showed a very distinct white crescent at the base of the primaries and a less distinct white crescent at the base of the first row of coverts of the primary and secondary flight feathers that connected to an extended indistinct white line at the margin of the secondaries and their coverts. There was also a great deal of other white mottling on the other coverts toward the leading edge of the underside of the wing. The bird is all white below from the dark breast band to the under tail coverts. According to the Sibley field guide, this is a feature of some adult male light morph Pomarine Jaegers. The bird's central tail feathers were not fully developed but did extend at least 2 inches past the end of the other tail feathers. These central feathers were broad and rounded and when the bird flew parallel to our viewing location showed the 90 degree twist of a Pomarine Jaeger. They gave the end of the tail a thick and almost rudder-like look. I have seen several Parasitic Jaegers at Duluth and Wisconsin Point. This bird was much larger and bulkier, with a thicker neck, broader wings, and more of a pot-bellied look when it was flying. Although we did not get to see it in close proximity to a Ring-billed Gull, there were gulls in the area. This bird was definitely larger and bulkier than the gulls. In general, the bird did not appear as agile in flight as the Parasitic Jaegers that I have seen. The wings were much wider and did not have the relatively thin, pointed aspect of those of a Parasitic Jaeger. Thanks Fred for alerting us to this great bird. It gave Jean and I wonderful looks. Hopefully, others can share it as well. Since it is so early in the fall migration, perhaps it will stick around for awhile. Good Birding, Dan Jackson Chaseburg, Vernon County, Wisconsin (Near LaCrosse) http://community.webshots.com/user/danielejackson -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20070816/2e767934/attachment.html
[mou] Do You Have A Water Feature
Hey, I just got a call to do a last minute article on trends in backyard water features for birds. If you have added water to your bird feeding station, can you email me what you added (ie--just a bath? a pump/fountain? a large pond). How long ago did you put it in and what was the biggest change you noticed. Thanks! Sharon Stiteler www.birdchick.com www.disapprovingrabbits.com Minneapolis, MN -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20070816/6cb32ab3/attachment.html
[mou] Recent Postings
The recent discussion on records committees, the value of the MOU, and those tangents that were threaded into it have outlived their usefulness and courteousness. If the topic is still important to you, please continue it privately. A reminder that this listservice is for discussions on birds, their natural history, and their occurrence in Minnesota. Please keep the conversations focused on these topics. The Minnesota Electronics Communications Team
[mou] LaCrosse Pomarine Jaeger has not been seen today
I went over to Nelson Park over my lunch hour today and met several birders who had been looking for the Pomarine Jaeger. As of about 1:30, no one had seen the bird today. I will keep everyone posted if that changes. Good Birding, Dan Jackson Chaseburg, Vernon County, Wisconsin (Near LaCrosse) http://community.webshots.com/user/danielejackson -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20070816/7dc8c71f/attachment.html
[mou] Passerine Migration at Hawk Ridge
The fall migration of songbirds jumped up a notch yesterday (Aug. 15) when 137 birds, mostly comprised of warblers (76%), were captured at Hawk Ridge in Duluth. This is the first day of over 100+ birds for the season, which is on target with a normal year. Twelve species of warblers were captured, with Nashville, Tennessee, and Chestnut-sided Warblers dominating. Warbler species of interest included: 1 Connecticut and 2 Wilson's Warblers. Other species of interest included: the first good push of Yellow-bellied Flycatchers, a Scarlet Tanager, and an Indigo Bunting. Despite the good migration yesterday, today was another story! Fifty percent fewer birds were captured today (61) compared to yesterday. Although a good number of warblers were captured (just over 50%), Flycatchers contributed a greater proportion today (several Traill's and Least, but no Yellow-bellied). A few species highlights included: 1 Philadelphia Vireo, Northern Waterthrush, and Wilson's Warbler. Given the cold front that is currently moving through the region, I'm hopeful it will cause a good surge of those not as bad as you think confusing fall warblers! Dave Grosshuesch -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20070816/0cd83626/attachment.html
[mou] Empassioned and Desperate plea for MOU State Fair Booth voluteers
The Minnesota State Fair runs from Thursday, August 23rd through Labor Day, Monday, September 3rd. That's one week from today! And we still need a lot of volunteers for our booth at the DNR building. Please help out, along with the satisfaction of giving back you'll get a free entrance pass to the fair. Here are the dates and times we really need help with: Thursday, August 23rd: 3PM to 6PM and 6PM to 9PM Friday, August 24th: 12PM - 3PM, 3PM to 6PM and 6PM to 9PM Saturday, August 25th: 3PM to 6PM and 6PM to 9PM Sunday, August 26th: 6PM to 9PM Monday, August 27th: 9AM to 12 PM and 6PM to 9PM Tuesday, August 28th: 9AM to 12PM, 12PM to 3PM, 3PM to 6PM and 6PM to 9PM Wednesday, August 29th: 9AM to 12PM Thursday, August 30th: 9AM to 12PM Friday, August 31st: 9AM to 12PM and 6PM to 9PM Saturday, September 1st: 9AM to 12PM Sunday, September 2nd: 12PM to 3PM, 3PM to 6PM and 6PM to 9PM Monday, September 3rd: 12PM to 3PM, 3PM to 6PM and 6PM to 9PM Everyone will get a chance to eat plenty of food on a stick. Thank you, Contact Chris Benson at: chrisb at fullcircleimage.com or at 507-269-1282 507-289-2246 -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20070816/10735676/attachment-0001.html
[mou] Empassioned and Desperate plea for MOU State Fair Booth voluteers
In a message dated 8/16/2007 4:37:46 PM Central Daylight Time, chrisb at fullcircleimage.com writes: The Minnesota State Fair runs from Thursday, August 23rd through Labor Day, Monday, September 3rd. That's one week from today! And we still need a lot of volunteers for our booth at the DNR building. Please help out, along with the satisfaction of giving back you'll get a free entrance pass to the fair. Birders, Please take time to review your schedule and volunteer for one or two slots at the State Fair. It is a great experience. You get to interact with people of all ages, answer their questions and encourage them to take an interest in birds. Bob Holtz ** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20070816/5ecafddc/attachment.html
[mou] Recent Postings
Don't you love fake email addresses? I thought those weren't allowed. Richard Richard L. Wood, Ph. D. Hastings, MN rwoodphd at yahoo.com - Original Message From: moumnorg at moumn.org moumn...@moumn.org To: mou-net at moumn.org Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2007 2:48:25 PM Subject: [mou] Recent Postings The recent discussion on records committees, the value of the MOU, and those tangents that were threaded into it have outlived their usefulness and courteousness. If the topic is still important to you, please continue it privately. A reminder that this listservice is for discussions on birds, their natural history, and their occurrence in Minnesota. Please keep the conversations focused on these topics. The Minnesota Electronics Communications Team Sick sense of humor? Visit Yahoo! TV's Comedy with an Edge to see what's on, when. http://tv.yahoo.com/collections/222 -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20070816/7bacbe34/attachment.html
[mou] Recent Postings
Richard Fake email address? The message was from the MOU Electronics Communications Committee of whom I am a member. We thought very carefully about sending out a message since we don't want to infringe on people posting to MOU-NET. If you continue with postings that needlessly clog inboxes you will be removed permanently. Regards, Terry Yes - this is REAL. Terry Brashear Hennepin County, MN http://www.naturepixels.com birdnird AT yahoo.com Co-Moderator MOU-NET - Original Message From: Richard Wood rwood...@yahoo.com To: mou-net at moumn.org Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2007 9:08:33 PM Subject: Re: [mou] Recent Postings Don't you love fake email addresses? I thought those weren't allowed. Richard Richard L. Wood, Ph. D. Hastings, MN rwoodphd at yahoo.com - Original Message From: moumnorg at moumn.org moumn...@moumn.org To: mou-net at moumn.org Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2007 2:48:25 PM Subject: [mou] Recent Postings The recent discussion on records committees, the value of the MOU, and those tangents that were threaded into it have outlived their usefulness and courteousness. If the topic is still important to you, please continue it privately. A reminder that this listservice is for discussions on birds, their natural history, and their occurrence in Minnesota. Please keep the conversations focused on these topics. The Minnesota Electronics Communications Team Ready for the edge of your seat? Check out tonight's top picks on Yahoo! TV. Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone who knows. Yahoo! Answers - Check it out. http://answers.yahoo.com/dir/?link=listsid=396545469 -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20070816/c6d548b4/attachment.html
[mou] Northwest Minnesota Birding Report- Thursday, August 16, 2007
-RBA *Minnesota *Detroit Lakes *August 16, 2007 *MNDL0708.16 -Birds mentioned Great Blue Heron Great Egret Green Heron Osprey Osprey Sandhill Crane Black-bellied Plover Lesser Yellowlegs Least Sandpiper Stilt Sandpiper Red-bellied Woodpecker Black-backed Woodpecker Pileated Woodpecker Veery Cedar Waxwing Cape May Warbler American Redstart Ovenbird Rose-breasted Grosbeak Baltimore Oriole -Transcript Hotline: Minnesota, Detroit Lakes Date: August 16, 2007 Sponsor: Lakes Area Birding Club, Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce Reports: 1-800-542-3992 (weekdays during business hours) Compiler: Jeanie Joppru (ajjoppru at wiktel.com) This is the Northwest Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday, August 16, 2007 sponsored by the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce. You may also hear this report by calling (218)847-5743 or 1-800-433-1888. Fall weather is creeping up on us now - one day it is very hot, the next it feels like mid-September, and the birds are showing that they feel it too. Days are getting shorter, and large flocks of swallows, and family groups of many species are gathering to prepare for the journey south. Shorebirds are already well on their way south, with the juveniles starting to show up now. This week, Alma Ronningen in Otter Tail County reported three OSPREY chicks from the nesting nearby, RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS with young, juvenile PILEATED WOODPECKERS, VEERY, CEDAR WAXWING, AMERICAN REDSTART, OVENBIRD, ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK, and BALTIMORE ORIOLES. Mark Otnes birded in Tamarac NWR in Becker County on August 12 where he found a CAPE MAY WARBLER at the head of the River Road Trail. At Hamden Slough NWR, there were shorebirds northeast of the headquarters. Also there were GREAT EGRETS, GREAT BLUE HERON, and a GREEN HERON. A family of young RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS this week showed up at our feeders accompanied by their parents who came to introduce them to fast food. The weekly shorebird survey at Agassiz NWR in Marshall County on August 11 tallied 3,084 individuals of 18 species including 7 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS, over 1000 each of LESSER YELLOWLEGS and LEAST SANDPIPERS, and 37 STILT SANDPIPERS, most at Tamarac Pool in the northwest corner of the refuge. SANDHILL CRANES are gathering in the fields along the western edge of the refuge. Gretchen Mehmel at Norris Camp in Lake of the Woods County reported that several species of woodpeckers including BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER have been visiting a dying white pine about two miles east of Norris Camp. Thanks to Alma Ronningen, Mark Otnes, and Gretchen Mehmel for their reports. Please report bird sightings to Jeanie Joppru by email, no later than Thursday each week, at ajjoppru at wiktel.com OR call the Detroit Lakes Chamber's toll free number: 1-800-542-3992. Detroit Lakes area birders please call 847-9202. Please include the county where the sighting took place. The next scheduled update of this report is Thursday, August 23, 2007 -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20070816/3eeaa612/attachment.html
[mou] Duluth RBA 8/16/07
-RBA *Minnesota *Duluth/North Shore *August 16, 2007 *MNDU0708.16 -Birds mentioned Common Nighthawk Veery Gray-cheeked Thrush Connecticut Warbler -Transcript Hotline: Minnesota, Duluth/North Shore Date: August 16, 2007 Sponsor: Minnesota Ornithologists' Union (MOU) Reports: (218) 834-2858 Compiler: Jim Lind (jslind at frontiernet.net) This is the Duluth Birding Report for Thursday, August 16th, 2007 sponsored by the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union. Although the fall migration is well underway, very little new has been reported since last week's report. Dave Grosshuesch banded 137 songbirds on the 15th at Hawk Ridge in Duluth, including a CONNECTICUT WARBLER and two WILSON?S WARBLERS. Peder Svingen found 16 warbler species on the 13th at Park Point in Duluth, as well as VEERY, SWAINSON?S THRUSH, and a GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH. COMMON NIGHTHAWKS began migrating along the north shore of Lake Superior during the past week. Shawn Zierman reported 100-200 on the 15th at Morgan Park in west Duluth, and flocks of 10-20 were seen on the 11th and 12th at Castle Danger and Two Harbors in Lake County. The next scheduled update of this report will be on Thursday, August 23rd. The telephone number of the Duluth Rare Bird Alert is 218-834-2858. Information about bird sightings may be left following the recorded message. The Duluth Birding Report is sponsored and funded by the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union (MOU) as a service to its members. For more information on the MOU, either write us c/o the Bell Museum, e-mail us at mou at moumn.org, or visit the MOU web site at moumn.org. -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20070816/b8520e66/attachment.html
