[mou] RNGR, GRSC Hutchinson
This evening I birded Roberts Park in Hutchinson and got a good number of waterfowl, with the highlights being the Red-necked Grebes and Greater Scaup. Common Loon--12 Pied-billed Grebe--5 Horned Grebe--12 Red-necked Grebe--6 American White Pelican--100+ Double-crested Cormorant--50+ Great Blue Heron--3 Canada Goose--100+ Wood Duck--2 Mallard--25+ Gadwall--8 American Wigeon--4 Blue-winged Teal--7 Canvasback--100+ Redhead--100+ Ring-necked Duck--50+ Lesser Scaup--100+ Greater Scaup--5 (3 male, 2 female, probably more I didn't catch) Common Goldeneye--6 Bufflehead--50+ Hooded Merganser--2 Red-breasted Merganser--5 Common Merganser--13 Ruddy Duck--25+ Bald Eagle--2 American Coot--50+ Ring-billed Gull--25+ Herring Gull--18 Mourning Dove American Crow Tree Swallow--1 Black-capped Chickadee American Robin Northern Cardinal Song Sparrow Fox Sparrow--1 Dark-eyed Junco Red-winged Blackbird Rusty Blackbird Common Grackle _ Use video conversation to talk face-to-face with Windows Live Messenger. http://www.windowslive.com/messenger/connect_your_way.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_Refresh_messenger_video_042008 -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20080414/5484a6ee/attachment.html
[mou] Mew Gull found again
I crossed paths with Bob Dunlap who was going out as I was coming in along the Sakatah Trail (about 5:30 or so.) At 5:50 PM the Mew Gull emerged from somewhere over the North end of Eagle Lake and flew over the trail about 30 yds up, providing very nice flying views. It circled the south end of the lake, went back over the trail and sat down in the water in the North end of the North End of Eagle Lake (about 6:05.) From there it alternately got up, circling the north end and re-alighting on the water, where it appeared to be feeding. I could consistently pick it out at that distance but not to ID it. Shortly before 7 PM it got up, flew south, again flying over the trail and circled to the south end of the south end of the lake and lit again. At this point I waved in other birders (Karen and Merrill Frydendahl and Vern and Cindy Krienke) who were scanning the North end from up the trail. Shortly after this the bird got up, flew around in circles over the south end and then came over the trail, circling over the trail and lit in the water on the north end about 75-100 yards out for some very adequate looks sitting on the water. The overall appearance was a mottled brown bird with darker brown wing tips and tail end, with whiter highlights on the tail coverts and the underwing coverts and white highlights on the front of the face. The bill was weaker than a ring-bill and the bird was overall slightly smaller and had narrower wings than the ring-bills present. The bill was small, with a fleshy (pink) base and a dark tip. The head was rounded, the eyes were dark and the bird had a "gentle" appearance. The tail coverts, upper and under, while lighter in appearance than the tail tip, were barred with a darker brown (but the brown was lighter than the tail tip.) The mantle was a greyer brown and had lighter highlights on the feather edges. The bird was graceful, had a subtly slower wing beat then the ring-bills and seemed slightly more buoyant in flight. While feeding it would lift off the water slightly and would bob its head under the water, almost starting a dive at times and would come out at times with small fish. It was occasionally harrassed by ring-bills (and by a nearby Pelican at one time) and lost several of the fish it had caught. The breast and belly were brownish with darker brown highlights on the feathers. My impression was the same as Chad Heins', a first winter Mew Gull. John Ellis-St. Paul**It's Tax Time! Get tips, forms and advice on AOL Money & Finance. (http://money.aol.com/tax?NCID=aolcmp0030002850)
[mou] More BIG Numbers
Stopped by Black Dog Lake this evening and witnessed quite a phenomenon. While I was impressed last week with my count of 31 Common Loons at the Dog, tonight I had 47. Not quite the 50 odd birds seen over the weekend, but still my personal high count in Dakota County. As Black Dog is fairly shallow, it doesn't usually drawn many loons at all. I have NEVER seen double digit numbers of loons on any body of water in nearly 18 years of birding in this county. Also present were 35 Red-necked Grebes, another personal high count. I believe my former high count was 4 or 5. 35 blew me away! Imagine, it wasn't that long ago that finding 1 here in Dakota was doing really well! This number nearly TRIPLES the total number of Red-necked Grebes I've seen in the county! Still counting other birds, I had 49 Horned Grebes, yet another personal high count in the county. More typical in spring would be finding small groups of up to seven or so individuals. Seeing this many was amazing! I don't recall numbers of loons or grebes like this in the Twin Cities area since I've lived here. That other lakes are producing equally good numbers is remarkable. I encourage everyone to keep counting and report their numbers. It may be many years before an event like this reoccurs. Also present were numerous ducks, including many Greater Scaup, Ruddy Ducks, and several Canvasbacks and Redheads with several others. Drew Smith Eagan, Dakota County **It's Tax Time! Get tips, forms and advice on AOL Money & Finance. (http://money.aol.com/tax?NCID=aolcmp0030002850) -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20080414/0ef47ae6/attachment.html
[mou] Migration on Monday night
Hi everybody, I have just posted 2 images from Nexrad radar on my blog that show significant migratory movement tonight through the middle of the country. This may be the first night of several this week that have good movement if the winds continue from the south. All this AND it's getting warmer! http://minnesotabirdnerd.blogspot.com Keep the feeders filled! Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN www.ncbo.org
[mou] Horned Grebe
Mill Pond next to the swimming pool in downtown Austin has a Horned Grebe that has been around for about a week. Alex Watson and myself first saw the Grebe in the evening on 4/9. It seems to disappear during the day. I am assuming he is going up the Cedar River that flows into Mill Pond. Once again upon checking at 8:00 pm this evening I spotted it for the third time (always in the evening). -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20080414/871ba168/attachment.html
[mou] Hyland Park Reserve - Loons and Great Horned Owls..
I went to Hyland Park today to check it out. Lots of loons and ducks in the open area of the lake. I wonder how long they will stay. First I went around 11:00 and then went back at 5:00 with a portable blind and sat on shore by the picnic area. I managed to get some decent shots. Loons: http://www.pbase.com/gymell/image/95651246 http://www.pbase.com/gymell/image/95650789 http://www.pbase.com/gymell/image/95649870 http://www.pbase.com/gymell/image/95651005 Ducks: Red-breasted merganser - http://www.pbase.com/gymell/image/95639392 Ring-necked duck - http://www.pbase.com/gymell/image/95639383 Lesser scaup - http://www.pbase.com/gymell/image/95650235 Also saw shovelers, grebes, and coots. Since I don't know my ducks too well, this was a great educational experience for me. Many turkey vultures flying over around midday, and tons of frogs everywhere! Liz > Went to Hyland Lake Park Reserve this morning around 11am - 1:30pm. The > lake was filled with loons. At one point I had 28 common loons in > view. Along with the ones around the corner I believe there were at > least 31-33 common loons present. > > The concentration of loons is just amazing. I've never seen such a > thing in the spring before. > > Chris Fagyal > > > > > > --- > This mailing list is sponsored by the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union. > Mailing list membership available on-line at > http://moumn.org/subscribe.html. > - > To unsubscribe send a blank email to mou-net-request at moumn.org with a > subject of unsubscribe. > -- Liz liz at lizstanley.com Backyard weather: http://www.overlookcircle.org/ Photo gallery: http://www.pbase.com/gymell/liz_favorites
[mou] Owl Interactions
Hi All, When out watching and photographing an owl family, I caught some unexpected action between the two adults. I was posting with my telephoto in hopes of catching the male in flight as it took off from its limb. I had been waiting at least 30 mins. Instead, the other bird arrived and they engaged with one another. Not being in anyway knowledgeable about owl behavior, they went through what seemed like the following sequence of behaviors, greeting, displaying, and preening/affectionate behavior. I?d be interested in hearing how others interpret the behaviors I captured with my camera. The link to a web page is provided below. Please excuse the sub-par photography. I was well outside of range to get quality shots and these photos have been heavily cropped. Also, I?m sure that someone will ask where these shots were taken. The short answer ? a wooded area in northern Lake of the Woods County. Thanks for looking and I welcome your comments. Regards, John Anderson Minneapolis HYPERLINK "http://www.powderhorn.us/owls/index.htm"; http://www.powderhorn.us/owls/index.htm No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.22.13/1377 - Release Date: 4/14/2008 9:26 AM -- next part -- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: winmail.dat Type: application/ms-tnef Size: 5010 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20080414/b10ff432/attachment-0001.bin
[mou] add
The bird called like ten to fifteen times so not just a aberrant killdeer doing one call. _ Pack up or back up?use SkyDrive to transfer files or keep extra copies. Learn how. hthttp://www.windowslive.com/skydrive/overview.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_Refresh_skydrive_packup_042008 -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20080414/7e208448/attachment.html
[mou] Call Question
Just a couple minutes ago I heard a call "kerrwheep" sounded exactly like a American Golden Plover. I did not see this bird though, I could not because of my dog. I looked on the MOU site and the arrival date is April 29th for the northern section. So my question is it possible this was a American Golden Plover, or is there another possibility that i am not thinking of. For those who don't know my family lives in a development surrounded by agriculture fields (which are wet at the moment), in southern Mille lacs county. Any thoughts would be great. Nathan Schirmacher Princeton,MN Mille Lacs County _ Get in touch in an instant. Get Windows Live Messenger now. http://www.windowslive.com/messenger/overview.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_Refresh_getintouch_042008 -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20080414/ac8e3184/attachment.html
[mou] Sharp-shinned mobbed by redpolls
Yesterday, my wife and I were standing outside by my garage when a Sharp-shinned Hawk tore in and crashed into a flock of redpolls by the cedar seedling in my yard. Not only did it not hit one, but the weirdest thing happenedthe redpolls (30+) actually flew up and appeared to mob the Sharp-shinned. They flew after it for a short distance, then it circled around once while the flock of redpolls flew above it, then it had enough and flew off. I've never seen redpolls mob before, but this is what seemed to be occurring. Has anyone else seen anything like this or was this event something other than what it appeared to be??Shawn Conradhttp://users.2z.net/itasca_chippewa_birding/ _ Pack up or back up?use SkyDrive to transfer files or keep extra copies. Learn how. hthttp://www.windowslive.com/skydrive/overview.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_Refresh_skydrive_packup_042008 -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20080414/cec727d6/attachment.html
[mou] "Hawk Ridge" style birding today..
Well on these nice days right when I get home from work I grab the chair and hit the driveway and start looking up.. Today I had a kettle of 6-7 adult Red-tailed Hawks with about 3 Shins, later at least two more Shins fly over, 1 Turkey Vulture, and I had one Cooper's Hawk down low chasing the Grackles around.. More of these were a mile high in clear blue sky, if it wasn't for my HR experience you would have NEVER spotted them.. This was just from about 17:15 to 18:00 tonight.. In the last few days I've had about 4 Coop's go by my yard on their way north.. Also I had a female Northern Harrier working the open field on Co. Rd. 101 just north of Hwy 55 on the undeveloped east side of the road just past the curve.. -- Andrew Longtin Corcoran (Hennepin Co.) Minnesota See My WEB pages at: www.birderguy.com <http://www.birderguy.com/> Email: BirderGuy at comcast.net Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory Supporter http://www.hawkridge.org/ Minnesota Ornithologists Union Member http://www.moumn.org/ Cornell Lab Member (PFW) http://birds.cornell.edu/pfw/ Support a Soldier: http://www.operationminnesotanice.com/contact.html -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20080414/33c131ae/attachment.html
[mou] Mew Gull not relocated
I checked out Eagle Lake east of Mankato in Blue Earth County this afternoon and found very few gulls. It appears that most of the gulls present there yesterday have migrated farther north with today's warm south winds. Needless to say, the only gulls I saw were Ring-billed Gulls. There were however several Horned Grebes on this lake as well as a couple Red-necked Grebes; also present were lots of diving ducks and a few Common Loons. In Nicollet County, I found a Common Loon on the east side of Oakleaf Lake just west of Saint Peter on Hwy. 99. This is a difficult species to find in the county, as there are very few lakes deep enough to attract loons during migration. But with the loon bonanza occurring in southern MN over the past week, I figured this was my best chance at one, and lo and behold. Also on Oakleaf Lake were several Horned Grebes. The ice is finally gone from southern Minnesota's lakes! Bob Dunlap, (less than two months left!) in Nicollet County
[mou] Lower Penn Lake Loons
As of noon Monday, there were still at least 40. I think I missed a few as many were actively diving. This is the greatest number of loons I've ever seen in one spot. Easy to see too. Jeanne Tanamachi Lauderdale MN -- Original message -- From: pmegel...@aol.com > At 6:00 PM this evening I stoped by Lower Penn Lake which is at 86th > and Penn in Bloomijngton. Amazingly there were 45 Loons still there. > > > > --- > This mailing list is sponsored by the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union. > Mailing > list membership available on-line at http://moumn.org/subscribe.html. > - > To unsubscribe send a blank email to mou-net-request at moumn.org with a > subject of > unsubscribe.
[mou] Carlos Avery NWA & Gem Lake
On way to Carlow Avery NWA: Sandhill Cranes:?4? ( 2?on the county rd that passes Gander Mountain and Cat Heavy Equipment & 2 on Zodiac Ave toward entrance to NWA:) At Carlos Avery NWA (walked 7.2 miles RT) Wild Turkey - 1 Whitebreasted Nuthatch- 1 Brown Creeper- 1 Hermit Thrush- 4 Bald Eagle- 1 Hawks 2 differnt species - 2? (have to brush up on my hawk identification) Sandhill Cranes- 4 (2 in the reeds, 2 fly over)? all between pond 10 & pond 9 Robins - many Gem Lake: Common Loons- 30+ Red Breasted Mergansers- 15 Common Mergansers- 20+ Canadian Geese- few pairs Osprey - 1 Bald Eagle- 1 (immature) Red Head Duck- 4 L. Scaup- Many BuffleHeads- Many All in all it was a good day! John -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20080414/c1690dd2/attachment.html
[mou] Thrushes
Well the best comment I had on my thrush dilemma was that they were all variants of the Hermit Thrush. So I went out with that in mind and applied it to every beastie I saw. Sure enough it seemed to fit. Now call that birdbrain washing, manifesting Hermits, illusions projecting reality, surrender to something that sounds rational, wisely intuitive, stubbornly stupid, common sense, illumined make believe, or whatever else anyone out there can come up with, that is my story and I am sticking to it. I don't think recreational ornithology will ever resort of birdie footprints IDs in the FBI files or laser scan DNA testing with a unit built into our binoculars, so sometimes I just get to kinda guess and do the best I can and hope someone far wiser and more experience than I can guide my not-so- serious self into birder ID nirvana. Thank you birders all for the feedback and sharing your experience and knowledge. I love this stuff. And, oh, by the way... Man, were there a lot of Hermit Thrushes out there today! Thomas Maiello Angel Environmental Management, Inc. Maple Grove, MN
[mou] White Pelicans - Olmsted County
2 White Pelicans on Willow Creek Reservoir at 4:30 PM today. Map: http://birding-minnesota.com/BOC-SW.htm#Willow_Creek -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20080414/37230176/attachment.html
[mou] Wild Turkey in Minneapolis
This afternoon a wild turkey (female, I think) ambled by our bird feeder area, pecked up a bit of seed, took a sip from the water bowl, and then ambled on by. It was the same area as we observed an American Woodcock earlier. Our house is about a mile from the Mississippi River Gorge and I assume it was coming in from there. Rick Purple rlpurple at comcast.net -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20080414/bf7e02b6/attachment.html
[mou] an invitation
As a member of the Conservation Committee of MOU and the representative to the Minnesota Environmental Partnership, I have been asked to forward this to our list serve. Hope you can make it. Friday, April 18th 6:00 pm ? 8:30 pm at the Patagonia, St Paul Store ? 1648 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105 Betty McCollum is a Democrat serving her fourth term in Congress representing the families of Minnesota?s Fourth District. Throughout her public career, Betty McCollum has been a champion for excellence in education, protecting the environment, expanding health care access and fiscal responsibility. * Please join Alaska Wilderness League, Audubon Minnesota and the St. Paul Patagonia Store in thanking Representative Betty McCollum for all of her hard work in protecting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and other Special Places in Alaska. * Betty will be presented with a Commemorative Award and give a brief Address at 6:30 For questions about this event and to RSVP please contact Lois Norrgard at Lois at alaskawild.org or 800-322-5205. Coffee, refreshments and hors d'oeuvres provided. Tom Bell Grey Cloud Island 5868 Pioneer Rd. S. St. Paul Park, MN 55071 651 459-4150 -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20080414/a2e1182a/attachment.html -- next part -- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image002.gif Type: image/gif Size: 4854 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20080414/a2e1182a/attachment.gif
[mou] Survey help needed
I am looking for people who would be willing to volunteer to do bird surveys in the Twin Cities at predetermined sits along the Mississippi River. This is part of an effort to monitor the Twin Cities - Mississippi River IBA. You need to be able to ID spring migrants. Contact me directly if you are interested. thanks Mark Martell Director of Bird Conservation Audubon Minnesota 2357 Ventura Dr. Suite 106 St. Paul, MN 55125 651-739-9332 -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20080414/57a58523/attachment.html
[mou] First Banded Pileated
Hi All--A Red Letter Day at the banding station this morning--my first ever Pileated Woodpecker banding: http://www.northern.edu/tallmand/dat/woodpeckers/pileated.jpg http://www.northern.edu/tallmand/dat/woodpeckers/pileated2.jpg This bird had a very curious iris--it was bicolored, yellow on the outside, gray around the pupil. Joel Dunnett and I had a busy morning banding Fox Sparrows and our first White-throated Sparrow of the season dan -- Dan or Erika Tallman Northfield, Minnesota http://danerika.googlepages.com/home http://picasaweb.google.com/danerika danerika at gmail.com " the best shod travel with wet feet" "Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes "--Thoreau -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20080414/97f37625/attachment-0001.html
[mou] White-winged Scoter-Mower County
John Hockema gave me another call to let me know that yesterday Chuck and him had found a White-winged Scoter at 9 A.M. at the Leroy Sewage Ponds. Today at 2 P.M. they returned (with Chris Hockema) and found the White-winged Scoter still present. The access road is about half a mile east of the town of Leroy on CR 56. I believe you have to walk up the acccess road, because the ponds are not visible from CR 56. (This time I could not hear the Scoter vocalizing while on the phone with John haha). Ben Fritchman _ Use video conversation to talk face-to-face with Windows Live Messenger. http://www.windowslive.com/messenger/connect_your_way.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_Refresh_messenger_video_042008 -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20080414/db3f1807/attachment.html
[mou] Birding in Brainerd
I went birding in Brainerd with a small crew on 4/12/2008. We were birding on private property (with permission), as well as checked some public spots in and around the area of about 5 miles around the Green Lantern Tavern. The snow had all melted prior to Thursday but during the storm they had over 20" of snow in some places. Despite the massive snow on the g our team had a GREAT birding experience. We saw 23 species: Purple Finch Black-Capped Chickadee Red-Breasted Nuthatch Downy Woodpecker Dark-eyed Junco Rose-Breasted Grosbeak Sandhill Cranes American Crows Great Blue Heron Robins (large flocks) Mallards Hairy Woodpecker Ring Necked Ducks Wood Ducks Canada Goose Red Wing Black Bird (Sound only) Eastern Phoebe Blue Jay (Sound only) Tundra Swan Northern Flicker White-Breasted Nuthatch Merlin Rock Doves Among some of the cooler things we saw: #1: A pair of sandhill cranes doing their mating dance #2: A merlin hunting at a nearby feeder. I had never seen a group of nuthatches stay so still for so long #3: A migrating flock of water fowl which included a pair of tundra swans Will Matthews Business Analyst Front End Support Chanhassen Home Office -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20080414/328b48c1/attachment.html
[mou] Woodcock, Snipe and Thrushes? YRW
Just got back from a good two hours in the woods next to my townhouse. After getting some very good comments on my recent observations - this is how we learn - I decided that maybe the rust was not fully off my 2007 birding skills soaking indoors for a full winter - and went back out to confirm both the thrush types and the woodcock - why not see them again anyway. I did not refind the American Woodcock and began to doubt that it was indeed that since I have never even seen a snipe. Well, lo and behold!, while I stood for over 45 minutes in one spot in the woods, letting Brown Creepers nearly use me as tree trunk, fox sparrows nearly digging under my shoes, and both Ruby-Crowned and Golden- Crowned Kinglets dance about my head, up walks a Common Snipe! My first ever! The Muhammed Ali of birds if I ever saw one - bobbing and weaving as it strode through the leaf litter and fallen wood near a soggy bottom. It finally figured out I was something "un-natural" and popped straight up and over behind a nearby log and stood motionless watching me with one eye from over the log. Wow and amazing! The Common Snipe (as I identified it) was different from the bird I ID'd as a woodcock in that the other bird (American Woodcock) was light colored on the breast and did not have horizontal markings through the eyes - that were so apparent with the snipe. Plus they were in different habitats - one hear soggy water and the other in the woods with the soft, thawing soil. I tried to distinguish between wing or vocalizations upon take off but the snipe made sounds too on take off although but the other bird's (supposed woodcock) sound lasted a bit longer. I could be totally wrong with the ID and have no problem either way - and for now it goes down as a "have to see it again to make sure" bird list. I will let you know. As to the Swainson's Thrushes - I took books out with me and went over the differing markings on the very numerous thrushes that are around. The differences are subtle and in my mind could be variations within the species or completely different birds. I clearly ID'd several Hermit Thrushes with their red tails, brownish to olive green back, bold spots and distinct eye ring. Some however, had less than clear spots though not faded and had the eye rings but looked like whiter areas that I could construe as spectacles - perhaps Swainson's. I could be wrong. Plus their tails were not as red as the obvious hermits - but tinged red nonetheless. Then I saw several that had faded spots, appeared all red on their backs and had less than distinct eyerings - Veery-ish. My conclusion? How would I know? This is nature just messing with me. Probably the same way I felt when I first tried to distinguish the sparrows that I actually got pretty good at last year. I bet there have to be some Graycheeks in this population of thrushes just to keep me in the "I don't know" place in birding ID. It is easy to be humble when you fumble. Of additional note - Casually watching a Cooper's Hawk visit the tree outside my window and noticed how the overly numerous Fox Sparrows magically disappeared - and as I watched the remnants of the hawks tail disappear over the neighbor's house, a wave of Yellow-Rumped Warblers took over my wooded view and then they move on with a few stragglers for confirmation. Warblers! Yeeehw! Plus some outrageous Red-bellied Woodpecker behavior and what felt like the Cooper's Hawk following me around as it seemed to show up in each area I went as I backtracked home. Thomas Maiello Angel Environmental Management, Inc. Maple Grove, MN -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20080414/bebc6d1e/attachment-0001.html
[mou] request for vulture roost locations
Hello, I am a University of Minnesota graduate student in the Conservation Biology program, and I will be collecting data on roost departure/return of Turkey Vultures during May and June 2008 in Minnesota. I am requesting information on the location of Turkey Vulture roosts in Minnesota. I will be able to collect my field data throughout the state, although I would prefer to collect data on Turkey Vultures at higher latitudes. Therefore, I am especially interested in known roost locations in northeastern Minnesota. I appreciate any help you can give! Replies can be sent to my email: bree0087 at umn.edu Kind regards, Brandon Breen
[mou] Highway 7 construction
For those of you who travel to bird, Highway 7 will be under construction and detoured from St. Bonifacius to Silver Lake. Plan accordingly. Here is the MNDOT link: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/d8/projects/hwy7silverlake/index.html Rick Hoyme Senior Staff Systems Engineer BAE Systems Land and Armaments Fridley, MN 763-572-7644 -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20080414/1e40b611/attachment.html -- next part -- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 530 bytes Desc: image001.gif Url : http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20080414/1e40b611/attachment.gif
[mou] Evening Grosbeaks-Fillmore County
John Hockema gave me a call today and at around 10:45 this morning, Chuck Krulas, Chris Hockema, and John refound the 2 Evening Grosbeaks at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center near Lanesboro. John held out the phone and I could actually hear the Evening Grosbeaks calling! Can I add this to my Fillmore list now?? Just kidding. Anyway, John asked me to post that the grosbeaks are still present. John also told me the Black-crowned Night Heron previously reported in Fillmore County was also relocated this morning. Ben Fritchman AKA Magpie Fargo, ND(for only 4 more weeks!) _ Going green? See the top 12 foods to eat organic. http://green.msn.com/galleries/photos/photos.aspx?gid=164&ocid=T003MSN51N1653A -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20080414/f81881a6/attachment.html
[mou] Where are the female Red-Winged Blackbirds?
The males get back first to claim and hold prime nesting sites. The females and last year's young make a more leisurely trip back but they aren't too far behind. Dr. Zink's Intro to Ornithology class at our own University of Minnesota has used study of RWBB migration as a student project. (My daughter took the class a few years ago and I went out to Richfield's Wood Lake Nature Center with her to observe the birds weekly during spring semester.) This common bird is quite interesting to study. As I recall, the eggs laid by the female of a pair will often show that she has been associating with the males of neighboring territories when genetic studies are done. Jeanne Tanamachi Lauderdale MN -- Original message -- From: Todd Merefield > > I am curious if anyone knows why I do not see any female Red-Winged > Blackbirds. > I have dozens of males mixed with Common Grackles in my backyard. Is it > possible the females have not migrated north yet? Or are they already > incubating eggs perhaps? I am in Anoka County. > _ > Use video conversation to talk face-to-face with Windows Live Messenger. > http://www.windowslive.com/messenger/connect_your_way.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_Ref > resh_messenger_video_042008 -- next part -- An embedded message was scrubbed... From: Todd Merefield Subject: [mou] Where are the female Red-Winged Blackbirds? Date: Sun, 13 Apr 2008 15:27:45 + Size: 2503 Url: http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20080414/9a8ae1cd/attachment.mht
[mou] Anyone help?
I am wondering if there have been any reports of whooping cranes in the MN-WI boarder area. We have a visitor who says on Sunday APRIL13 as he was walking along our railroad bed trail along the St. Croix River he saw a dark shadow and looked up to see 4 Whooping Cranes flying upstream. Here are his words. "I looked up and saw four Whooping Cranes ridge soaring, slowly moving north. They played the air currents well for they hardly moved their wings.. The wind was perfect for soaring as two Turkey Vultures soon followed. The Cranes flew abreast most of the time. I could not believe my eyes for they are indeed rare! I have seen these at the refuge (Aransas) in Texas. AndI know they were not Tundra Swans, Pelicans or Trumpeter Swans." Have they been reported anywhere else? Jim Fitzpatrick Carpenter Nature Center -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20080414/377fa5d8/attachment.html
[mou] today's sightings
Hi all, Here's a list of today's sightings on my way to work. I stopped off at lake rebecca, which was where I saw most of my birds. Highlights were the two dozen pelicans over the river and in the lake, a pair of Red-breasted Merganser drakes, and a Winter Wren that I heard somewhere in the woods (thanks to my iPod with all the bird songs). I also had a killer look at a Yellow-bellied Spasucker as I was getting out of my car in Minneapolis. Northern Cardinal|Dakota|20080414 Double-crested Cormorant|Dakota|20080414 American Crow|Dakota|20080414 Bald Eagle|Dakota|20080414 Great Egret|Dakota|20080414 Northern Flicker|Dakota|20080414 Common Grackle|Dakota|20080414 Pied-billed Grebe|Dakota|20080414 Great Blue Heron|Dakota|20080414 Dark-eyed Junco|Dakota|20080414 Mallard|Dakota|20080414 Red-breasted Merganser|Dakota|20080414 Red-tailed Hawk|Dakota|20080414 American White Pelican|Dakota|20080414|24||| Rock Pigeon|Dakota|20080414 American Robin|Dakota|20080414 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker|Hennepin|20080414 Northern Shoveler|Dakota|20080414 Turkey Vulture|Dakota|20080414 Downy Woodpecker|Dakota|20080414 Winter Wren|Dakota|20080414 Good birding, Richard Richard L. Wood, Ph. D. Hastings, MN rwoodphd at yahoo.com Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20080414/51aadf8e/attachment.html
[mou] Pelican Video
I also did a short video of the pelicans -- not the greatest, but fun, nonetheless: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l06vbpmWMtw Gail -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20080414/96bb22c1/attachment.html
[mou] Pelicans!
We just had a large flock of white pelicans fly over our house in Roseville, Ramsey County. There had to be close to 100. It was quite a spectacle! I've posted some photos is anyone wants to take a look: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gailw/sets/72157604536283809 Gail Wieberdink -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20080414/4c451756/attachment.html
[mou] Fascinating bird info on TV
Am watching "Nature" on PBS - a show called "What Males Will Do" on TPT-PBS. It is even in HD!. Fascinating info on sex structures in ducks, manakin sound structure analysis, and different dances and calls. It included non-bird info too that was equally fascinating. I don't see that it is coming up again and I have probably missed it's earlier showing. If you get a chance, enjoy. Thomas Maiello Angel Environmental Management, Inc. Maple Grove, MN
[mou] still no Barred Owl show in Maple Grove
With the warm weather approaching, I am hopeful that the Barred Owl will find the feasting worth a roost near my townhouse - but since the cold weather returned, no sign of the beastie. I have not forgotten you. I will keep you apprised if it shows up. Thomas Maiello Angel Environmental Management, Inc. Maple Grove, MN
[mou] Birding yesterday around Washington and Dakota Counties
Hi all, Jill and Ginkgo and I went birding yesterday around Washington and Dakota Counties, primarily in search of Common Loons. We started at Point Douglas Park and we weren't disappointed, as we located at least three Loons. Our next stop was the marina area on the east side of the Mississippi River, where we saw American White Pelicans, Wood Ducks, Red-breasted Mergansers and American Goldfinches, to name a few. After this, we went off to the 180th St. marsh, where we struck out on the Marbled Godwit, but we did see a Loggerhead Shrike as well as a Canvasback mixed in with the ducks. Overall, it was a good day, as we saw over 30 species in the time we were out. Here's our complete list: Red-winged Blackbird|Washington|20080413 Wood Duck|Washington|20080413 American Goldfinch|Washington|20080413 Common Grackle|Washington|20080413 Ring-billed Gull|Washington|20080413 Mallard|Washington|20080413 Red-breasted Merganser|Washington|20080413 American White Pelican|Washington|20080413 Rock Pigeon|Washington|20080413 American Robin|Washington|20080413 Turkey Vulture|Washington|20080413 Downy Woodpecker|Washington|20080413 Eastern Bluebird|Dakota|20080413 American Kestrel|Dakota|20080413 Northern Shoveler|Dakota|20080413 American Coot|Dakota|20080413 Canvasback|Dakota|20080413 Redhead|Dakota|20080413 American Wigeon|Dakota|20080413 Gadwall|Dakota|20080413 Ring-necked Duck|Dakota|20080413 Green-winged Teal|Dakota|20080413 Killdeer|Dakota|20080413 Horned Lark|Dakota|20080413 Bufflehead|Dakota|20080413 Loggerhead Shrike|Dakota|20080413 Mourning Dove|Dakota|20080413 Canada Goose|Dakota|20080413 American Crow|Dakota|20080413 Dark-eyed Junco|Dakota|20080413 House Finch|Dakota|20080413 Black-capped Chickadee|Dakota|20080413 White-breasted Nuthatch|Dakota|20080413 House Sparrow|Dakota|20080413 Northern Cardinal|Dakota|20080413 European Starling|Dakota|20080413 Good birding, Richard and Jill and Ginkgo Richard L. Wood, Ph. D. Hastings, MN rwoodphd at yahoo.com Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20080414/096604ac/attachment-0001.html
[mou] Dakota Co.
FOY shorebirds (besides Killdeer): Wilson Snipe (found by Derek Bakken) @ 180th St. Marsh Greater Yellowlegs 2 @ Lake Byllesby about 7:30pm Sora was heard at 180th St. Marsh Cowbirds everywhere in good numbers Yellow-rump Warbler at Quiggley Lake in Eagan Tree Swallows and Pelicans at Lake Byllesby Fox Sparrows, Song Sparrows, Tree Sparrows, Juncos Lots of waterfowl at 180th Street Marsh and at Lake Byllesby, but there were several thousand ducks and geese at small pond SW of CR85 and CR47. Lighting was wrong so I did not spend any time trying to check them out. At Lake Byllesby I counted 30 Canvassback, 40 Redheads, and 90 Bufflehead. Steve Weston on Quiggley Lake in Eagan, MN sweston2 at comcast.net
