[mou-net] Ruff @ Byllesby
A female Ruff in breeding plumage (or possibly a Red Knot in non-breeding plumage) was seen tonight (Sunday) at about 8:30pm at Byllesby (Dakota Co.) in the company of three Hudsonian Godwits and two Dowitchers (presumed short-billed). Leg color could not be perceived. Other birds of note on Sunday: 2 Am. Golden Plovers in a bare field at Randolf industrial park (off of H-56 north of town). A Kentucky Warbler was heard at Murphy-Hanrehan south of Hanrehan Lake Steve Weston on Quiggley Lake in Eagan, MN swest...@comcast.net Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Piping Plover WI Point
Sunday May 17 Lone Piping Plover (unbanded) half way down on the lake side. Also: Dunlin, Ruddy Turnstones, Sanderlings, Bonaparte's Gulls Sparky Stensaas _ Hotmail® has a new way to see what's up with your friends. http://windowslive.com/Tutorial/Hotmail/WhatsNew?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_Tutorial_WhatsNew1_052009 Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] St. Louis Co. Birdathon results and Sunday Duluth sightings
Participants in the Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory St. Louis County Birdathon found 178 species on Saturday, May 16th. Freezing temperatures (and snow!) in the morning and sustained winds of 20+ mph for most of the day slowed birding activity in most places, but heavy reverse migration was witnessed at spots along the shore of Lake Superior. Dave Benson's team saw thousands of warblers, swallows, and shorebirds flying southwest at Stoney Point in Duluth Township. They saw 24 warbler species at this location, including multiple Black-throated Blue Warblers and Connecticut Warblers. Other species of interest included: 2 Long-tailed Ducks at Stoney Point Ruddy Duck, Hudsonian Godwit, Marbled Godwit, and Ruddy Turnstone at the Biwabik sewage ponds Sharp-tailed Grouse along the Arkola Road (CR 52) in the Sax-Zim bog and off CR 4 in Palo Yellow Rail along the Stone Lake Road (CR 319) in the Sax-Zim bog Wilson's Phalarope and Marsh Wren at the Embarrass rice paddies Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (the 1st for the Birdathon) on the west side of Indian Point The winning team, Little to No Accumulation (Dave Benson, Lars Benson, Jesse Ellis, and John Ellis), found 150 species in the county. A great compilation brunch was held at Hartley Nature Center on Sunday morning. On Sunday, May 17th, Dave and Sarah Grosshuesch found an adult Little Gull, American Avocet, Whimbrels, and large numbers of other shorebirds at the 40th Avenue West Erie Pier area in Duluth. Peder Svingen found 7 Red-throated Loons, 4 Surf Scoters, 2 White-winged Scoters, and 10 Whimbrels at Park Point and Hearding Island on Sunday. A Northern Mockingbird was seen on the 17th along MN Highway 61 in Lake County, 0.4 mile west of the Iona's Beach SNA. Jim Lind Two Harbors Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Summer Tanager-Clearwater County, Red-shouldered Hawk-Beltrami County
A Summer Tanager has been at Bert's Cabins on Wilderness Dr. at Itasca State Park since last Tuesday. It was reported to me on Saturday by the owners of Bert's (Pat and Dave) and was still present on Saturday morning. It was seen and photographed by Pat Rice and myself and was coming in throughout the day as reported by Dave and Pat. Also present were Evening Grosbeaks and Gray Jays are still coming to their feeders. In addition, this morning Monday I found a Red-shouldered Hawk on Pincherrry Road a third of a mile south of County 20 in Beltrami County. This is only my second sighting for this species in 20 years in Beltrami County. The bird appeared territorial, was calling extensively, and was frequenting the woods around an area of extensive marsh and wetlands. Doug Johnson Bemidji Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Lyon County Shorebird Spot
I just learned from the DNR of a lake in drawdown near Tracy, MN. This is currently an excellent shorebird spot. 20 species yesterday including White-rumped Sandpiper, Hudsonian Godwit, Red-necked Phalarope, and Am. Avocet. Est. 3,000 - 4,000 individuals. From Tracy, MN, take US 14 West 3 miles to the intersection of Lyon CR9/300th ave. Turn South on 300th Ave for 1 mile. You can cross the intersection with 120th St and travel on the closed road. Roger Schroeder Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
Re: [mou-net] Ruff @ Byllesby
the bird was viewed from the overlook by the cemetery on the west end of Lake Byllessby. From the town of Randolf (Hwy 56 and CR88) go east to the second railroad crossing. Park your car by the cemetery and follow the trail east a few yards to overlook the sand flats. Also check from the first railroad crossing, which is part of the county park. There is room at this second location for a car or two between the tracks and the gate, otherwise park before the crossing. Please, do not block access to the gate or the track to the east. Head through the gate and follow the trail to the right, avoiding climbing down the steep hill to the left. There are additional trails through the brush to additional viewing locations further upstream. All of the lake shore upstream from the cemetery is county park, almost until you get to Hwy 56. Before the county obtained the old farm (at the first railroad crossing) the cemetery overlook was the only place to view the sand flats, but now that the park has been expanded, it is less often used. Note: This may be an unproductive chase, as the bird has been around for a few days with most people not finding it. I did see the group of shorebirds take off as darkness increased. Also note that the water level at Lake Byllesby is being raised now to the summer recreational levels and the sand bars are shrinking. Low river flow is slowing the filling of the lake. Steve Weston on Quiggley Lake in Eagan, MN swest...@comcast.net - Original Message - From: Holly Peirson hpbirdscou...@msn.com To: 'Steve Weston' swest...@comcast.net Sent: Monday, May 18, 2009 6:28 AM Subject: RE: [mou-net] Ruff @ Byllesby OK, you got me! Where at Byllesby? I actually have to be in St. Paul today (live near Forest Lake and don't get to cities that often), so could take a jaunt down to Lk. B. for a Ruff!! And the others, too, of course. That would be my first chase in about 2 yrs... Thanks, Holly -Original Message- From: Minnesota Birds [mailto:mou-...@lists.umn.edu] On Behalf Of Steve Weston Sent: Monday, May 18, 2009 2:26 AM To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU Subject: [mou-net] Ruff @ Byllesby A female Ruff in breeding plumage (or possibly a Red Knot in non-breeding plumage) was seen tonight (Sunday) at about 8:30pm at Byllesby (Dakota Co.) in the company of three Hudsonian Godwits and two Dowitchers (presumed short-billed). Leg color could not be perceived. Other birds of note on Sunday: 2 Am. Golden Plovers in a bare field at Randolf industrial park (off of H-56 north of town). A Kentucky Warbler was heard at Murphy-Hanrehan south of Hanrehan Lake Steve Weston on Quiggley Lake in Eagan, MN swest...@comcast.net Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Black-throated Blue Warbler Lilydale
Val Cunningham and I had good looks at a black-throated blue warbler at Lilydale Regional Park Monday morning. It was high in the trees on the path between the brickyard parking lot and Pickerel Lake. Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Blue Earth County 5/16
Hey birders, This is coming a little bit late, but better late than never I guess. On Saturday, Andrew Krenz and I attempted to break last year's record-setting big day of 157 species in Blue Earth County. Those of you who were out, know that the deck was certainly stacked against us. We ended up with 136 species and quit around 9:15pm. Cobb River WPA's shorebird area was excellent with about 100 or so individuals. Species: Hudsonian Godwit (5), Willet (2), American Golden-Plover (1), Wilson's Snipe, Least, Pectoral, Semipalmated, Baird's, and Spotted Sandpipers, Lesser Yellowlegs, Sanderling, Semipalmated Plover, Killdeer, Short-billed Dowitcher, and Wilson's Phalarope. Warblers were hard to come by and the nocturnal portion of the program was very slow. We arrived at our dawn location with a whopping 3 species (two owls that we saw and a timid Marsh Wren that we startled). We also almost froze our hands off scoping shorebirds in the early morning. We did find all 5 expected species of vireos and all 10 expected species of blackbird. But we still missed Belted Kingfisher, Brown Thrasher, and Virginia Rail which would have been locks on a less turbulent day. Also missed Veery, Wood Thrush, Gadwall, American Woodcock, and a score of warblers and sparrows (no White-crowned, Harris', Grasshopper, Le Conte's, or Nelson's Sharp-tailed) It was certainly a challenging day, but I'm sure glad I was out. Happy birding! Chad Heins Mankato, MN Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Hooded Warbler still present - Rice Co.
Hi everyone, The Hooded Warbler reported by Linda Whyte from Saturday at Cannon River Wilderness Park; east side, was still present this morning. I didn't get a look at it but heard it very briefly. Near the spot where the trail crosses the washout, the warbler sang its sweet, sweet, sweetee-o call once. I stopped to look and I heard it a second time from much farther away and didn't hear it again afterwards. I also heard 2 Acadian Flycatchers singing and one Eastern Wood Pewee. Swainson's Gray-cheeked Thrushes were all over the place today! Wow! Good birding! Dave Bartkey Faribault, MN screech...@q.com Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Birding Vacation
Took my annual four day birding vacation Wednesday through Saturday (184 species, 46 year birds, 5 county birds, 3 state birds), here are selected highlights: * Saturday, May 16th, MOU Sherburne trip, three locations in Sherburne Refuge, Mille Lacs Lake and Kathio State Park - 110 species, 21 warblers (Bay-breasted, Blackburnian and Cape May in the conifers were show-stoppers; Blackpolls everywhere), all swallows, all terns that are regularly here (good looks at differences between Forster's and Common), numerous electrifying tanagers - 21 in attendance on a windy cold day. List to follow. * Friday, May 15th, greater Twin Cities stops including Byllesby - only 84 species but enjoyed Black-throated Blue (Veteran's Park) and Prothonotary (Ft. Snelling) - missed Ruff, Worm-eating and Hooded. * Thursday, May 14th, 169 Corridor Big Day, Sherburne Refuge north to Aitkin 18 - 126 species, 20 warblers, Whip-poor-will, Philadelphia Vireo, 12 sparrows - cold windy! * Wednesday, May 13th, Lac Qui Parle with Bill Unzen (excellent guide!) - 116 species, 23 shorebirds including both godwits dowitchers two avocets, Snowy Egret, Great-tailed Grackle (Arnold Schwartagrackle), possible Bullock's Oriole or hybrid (although haven't found hybrid yet that looked like that bird, well described in Nate's post), Nate and Bill had female Spotted Towhee. Winds reached 50 mph. This morning had a Connecticut at Milaca Hiking Trails. Nate had 3 Whimbrels, Red-throated Loon, Connecticut and a Glaucous Gull on his trip yesterday afternoon to Duluth Two Harbors. Great week! Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs Sherburne Counties Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] MOU Sherburne Trip List
Trip List from Saturday 5/16 MOU Sherburne/Mille Lacs Trip: Canada Goose Trumpeter Swan Wood Duck Mallard BW Teal Ring-necked Duck Common Goldeneye Hooded Merganser Common Merganser Red-breasted Merganser Ruffed Grouse Wild Turkey Common Loon American White Pelican DC Cormorant GB Heron Turkey Vulture Bald Eagle Cooper's Hawk BW Hawk RT Hawk Sandhill Crane Killdeer (only shorebird) Bonaparte's Gull Ring-billed Gull Herring Gull Caspian Tern Common Tern Forster's Tern Mourning Dove RT Hummingbird RH Woodpecker RB Woodpecker YB Sapsucker Downy Hairy N. Flicker Pileated Woodpecker Alder Flycatcher Willow Flycatcher Least Flycatcher Eastern Phoebe GC Flycatcher YT Vireo BH Vireo Warbling Vireo RE Vireo Blue Jay American Crow Common Raven Purple Martin Tree Swallow NRW Swallow Bank Swallow Cliff Swallow Barn Swallow BC Chickadee RB Nuthatch WB Nuthatch House Wren Marsh Wren BG Gnatcatcher E. Bluebird Veery Swainson's Thrush A. Robin G. Catbird B. Thrasher E. Starling GW Warbler Tennessee Warbler Nashville Warbler Northern Parula Yellow Warbler Chestnut-sided Warbler Magnolia Warbler Cape May Warbler YR Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler Blackburnian Warbler Pine Warbler Palm Warbler Bay-breasted Warbler Blackpoll Warbler Black-and-white Warbler American Redstart Ovenbird Mourning Warbler Common Yellowthroat Wilson's Warbler Scarlet Tanager Eastern Towhee Chipping Sparrow Clay-colored Sparrow Field Sparrow Lark Sparrow Grasshopper Sparrow Song Sparrow Swamp Sparrow RB Grosbeak Indigo Bunting RW Blackbird Eastern Meadowlark YH Blackbird Brewer's Blackbird Common Grackle BH Cowbird Baltimore Oriole Purple Finch American Goldfinch House Sparrow. Thanks! Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs Sherburne Counties Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Upcoming Field Trips
Here is a reminder for the upcoming field trips for the rest of May and the first half of June. May 23 - Cedar Creek Ecological Science Reserve in Anoka and Isanti County led by Jim Howitz. Meet at 7am at the Cedar Creek facility on Co. Rd. 24 east of Hwy 65 in East Bethel. Birders will explore the 8 square miles of the reserve for migrants and breeding birds, including Lark Sparrow and Red-headed Woodpeckers. Contact Jim Howitz at jlh...@aol.com. May 24 - Wild River State Park in Chisago County led by Joe Sausen. Meet at 8 am at the boat ramp along the St. Croix River in the park. Birders will explore the park looking for migrants and breeding birds, including Blue-winged and Golden-winged Warblers. Bring your lunch and enjoy a pleasant view from the elevated deck at the park overlooking a beautiful prairie. Contact Joe Sausen at jcsau...@earthlink.net. May 30-31 - Blue Earth, Nicollet and Brown County with Bob Dunlap, Chad Heins and Brian Smith. This will be a two day event with three local birders who know these counties as well as anyone. Final plans will depend upon weather and habitat but expect to do some serious birding both days. Contact them at rdun...@gac.edu(Bob), che...@blc.edu(Chad) and brsm...@sleepyeyetel.net(Brian). June 5-7, Weekend in Hubbard County at the Neilson Spearhead Center and in Cass County at Deep Portage Learning Center. Birders will meet on Friday at 7am at the Neilson Spearhead Center, located about 9 miles southwest of Bemidji and managed by the Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society, and spend a relaxed day at the center. The morning will feature a guided birding tour of conifer forests, bogs and lakeshore with the possibility of migrant and resident passerines, including the chance for nesting Black-backed Woodpeckers and Yellow-headed Blackbirds. On the lake there should be Common Loons and Bald Eagles. There will be a picnic lunch after which birders will be free to explore the area on their own or just relax and enjoy Spearhead Lake. The cost for this portion of the trip is $15 which includes a box lunch. To register for Friday at Spearhead contact George-Ann Maxson at gamax...@paulbunyan.net or at 218-586-3414. This portion of the trip is being cosponsored by the Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society. For information about the center go to http://theearthhome.wordpress.com/neilson-spearhead-center/ On Friday evening(after dinner) birders will meet at Deep Portage Learning Center. They will bird that evening in search of Yellow Rails, Nelson Sharp-tailed and Le Conte's Sparrows and Whip-poor-wills. Lodging is available at the center for $25 per night which includes breakfast. Rooms are double and triple occupancy only and you will need to supply your own linens. Credit Cards are not accepted so bring cash or check. On Saturday there will be guided birding around the area in Cass County with excellent resident birders. Such species as Yellow-bellied Flycatcher and Connecticut Warbler are likely. Birders will be responsible for their own lunch and dinner. Food can be stored at the center over night if required. Birders can stay a second night at the center and have breakfast for another $25, but they should plan to leave on Sunday morning. To register for this portion of the trip contact Ben Wieland at wielan...@yahoo.com. For information about Deep Portage go to www.deep-portage.org/. Birders can register for either or both of the Neilson Spearhead portion and/or the Deep Portage portion. June 13 - Aitkin County with Al Schirmacher. Meet at 7:30am at the parking lot at the main entrance to Rice Lake NWR on Hwy 65 south of McGregor. Birders will explore the refuge and then go on to other areas in the county. Contact Al Schirmacher at pasto...@princetonfreechurch.net. It is suggested that you be an MOU member to participate these field trips. The cost is $25 for a single person and $30 for a family. Other levels of membership are listed in MOU publications and on the MOU website. Anyone interested in Kim Eckert's MBW Trips should contact him at ecker...@gmail.com or at 218-525-6930. Information on his trips can also be found on the MOU website. If anyone would like to lead a field trip or has a suggestion for a field trip, please contact me at bxwilli...@cbburnet.com or at 612-728-2232. Bob Williams MOU Field Trip Coordinator Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Salt Lake Photo Request
The DNR is creating a short description of Salt Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Lac Qui Parle County, highlighting the unique attractiveness to birds and birder's alike. We'd like to supplement the narrative with a few photos demonstrating the shear numbers of birds (shorebirds/waterfowl) that might use the WMA at one time, unique species using the unit (avocets, phalaropes, turnstones, etc), the general landscape, birders in action, etc. If anyone has some quality photos they could donate to the cause, please contact me. Thanks Curt Vacek Area Wildlife Supervisor Minnesota DNR - Section of Wildlife 3715 Campground Rd Montevideo MN 56265 office: 320.752.4394 cell: 320.226.8147 fax: 320.752.4391 email: curt.va...@dnr.state.mn.us Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Yellow-throated Warbler - Duluth
I have a Yellow-throated Warbler on my deck as I write this.? Got pics too. 218/393-1215 6177 church road Duluth, mn ? Chris Elmgren Team Vagrant Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Yellow-throated Warbler
The warbler seems very happy here between the trees and the deck.? Feel free to call and stop by! ? Chris 6177 Church Road 218-393-1215 Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Bass Ponds shorebirds
I spent this morning at the Bass Ponds in Bloomington, Hennepin County. There's been a ton of shorebird habitat there for the last few weeks, and it finally paid off with large numbers and diversity of birds this morning. Between 7:30 and 10:00 I saw 16 species of shorebirds, including the following (along with larger numbers of Least Semipalmated Sandpiper, Semipalmated Plover, and Lesser Yellowlegs): 1 Black-bellied Plover 1 Marbled Godwit 1 Ruddy Turnstone 3 Sanderling 35 Dunlin 1 Baird's Sandpiper 2 White-rumped Sandpiper 5 Pectoral Sandpiper 9 Short-billed Dowitcher 1 Wilson's Phalarope All of these birds were out on Long Meadow Lake, viewed from the Hogback Ridge Trail. The mudflats stretch all the way across the lake, so a scope is essential. Many birds were coming and going, and few of them stayed long. When I passed by later in the day, I could only find a few peeps. Also around at the Bass Ponds were Bay-breasted Warbler, Gray-cheeked Thrush, late Ruby-crowned Kinglet Lincoln's Sparrow, and two Black Terns. Nesting activity is picking up as well - I saw several species with fledglings and several others in the process of building nests. Good birding, Matt Dufort Minneapolis Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Ruff @ Lake Byllesby - Monday 8am
Hello, I am almost certain that I refound the Ruff this morning on the far west end of Lake Byllesby (pretty much at the end of what you would consider the lake) The wind was out of this world crazy and the birds were very spooky (more on that later) but I had a couple good looks from about 300 yards and a quick look from 150 yards with a scope. Since it is a life bird, I wanted a better look so I moved up to the tree line and slowly moved toward a point with some trees that would give me a nice natural blind and a good look from about 50 yards. When I got to the spot I stopped to jot a few quick notes and then as I started setting up my scope a Peregrine stooped in and the birds scattered. I waited another 20 minutes but only a small handful of semipalmated plovers reappeared. I scoped the rest of the lake and checked over by the hwy 56 bridge and from the boat ramp (Goodhue side) but found very few shorebirds and nothing like the group that had been there. The water was much, much higher than a few days ago and I have the bad feeling that the mudflats will be gone within a few days. I had a Sibley and The Shorebird Guide with me at the time. I consulted them after the bird left and when compared with my memory and my notes I was pretty confident. I have since checked a bunch of photos on the web, my Nat Geo guide, and Pete Dunne's Field Guide companion and they help my confidence. I hope it stayed around and was just hidden but I saw a couple large groups of shorebirds leave the area after the Peregrine attack so I am not sure it did. Also seen (these numbers are estimates since I spent most of my time checking out the Ruff) Marbled Godwit -1 Dunlin - 30 Least Sandpiper - 200+ Semipalmated Plover - 50+ Baird's Sandpiper - 10 Killdeer - 4 -- Derek Bakken spottedtow...@gmail.com ornitholature.blogspot.com Please contribute your sightings to our list; it is only as good as members make it! Also, please report your bird sighting to eBird and/or the MOU. The information gathered is vital to the future of birds. Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Murphy Hanrehan and lifers
There is a joy of seeing a bird by yourself without anyone telling you what it is and - given cooperation with the bird and time - correcting IDing a lifer bird beyond any doubt - and even coming home and researching more and being confirmed. Such happened to me today - twice! New lifer birds seen by me at Murphy Hanrehan: Connecticut Warbler Gray-Cheeked Thrush Also got some FOYs for me Blue-winged Warbler (actually remembered the call) Ovenbird (much patience) I also was scared witless (similar to when the pheasant flushed right next to me) when I inadvertently (and apparently) flushed a Blue- shorted, T-shirted Runnerdude. I was shocked to see it come rushing out of the trail. I had thought I was beyond their range but they have apparently spread out of their tradition spring range - possibly for the extra food items available in our Minnesota springs. I was grateful that as it traditionally rushed straight at me at great speed, it diverted its direction, just missing me with a soft plop- plop-plop and a silent whoosh. I love how they establish eye contact and, I would swear, if I can anthropomorphize, it even seemed to wink at me and seemed to smile and mouth something. It appeared to have been captured and tagged with white wire streamers on either side of its head that ran to some sort of transmitter - possibly being tracked even as it passed me. It was a true FOY for me. An exciting day, all in all. Thomas Maiello Angel Environmental Management, Inc. Maple Grove, MN Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] belated, for Sunday
Many (belated) thanks to those who arranged and led the various biding activities for Ramsey County's Urban Birding Festival this past weekend. The one event in which I was able to participate is one I had wanted to do for years, the tour of the former arsenal testing facility in Arden Hills. It was a delightful experience. Among other species, we enjoyed brown thrasher, catbird, bluebird, E. kingbird, E. meadowlark, clay-colored and song sparrows, tree swallow, Great-crested and olive-sided flycatcher, trumpeter swan, osprey, red-tail hawk, flickers, red-bellied woodpeckers, rose-breasted grosbeak, Baltimore oriole, E. towhee, yellow and common yellowthroat warbler, Wilson's and Blackburnian warbler, redstart, palm warbler, and more. Some folks were treated to a courtship display between the pair of towhees, and most of us were privy to the maternal doings of a female oriole at the nest. We also learned a bit of the history of the site, fascinating in itself. Thanks to all, for a memorable experience. Linda Whyte Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Cherokee Heights Park/ Bruce Vento Wildlife Viewing Area, St. Paul
Though tempted to chase the Black-throated blue warbler in Lilydale, I decided to stick to plan, and re-visit some of the upper reaches of my BBA area, above the Lilydale brickyards and Pickerel Lake. It turned out well. At the east end of the park, near the tennis courts, there are considerable numbers of mature oak trees dotting the bluff top and upper ravines. Among them were yellow-throated and blue-headed vireos, redstarts, chestnut-sided warblers and a pair of scarlet tanagers. The male tanager moved repeatedly through a particular oak, circling around, and approaching within 10 feet just above eye level, in bright sunlight. Further west along the path, there appeared some very sociable magnolia and Blackburnian warblers; for once I MIGHT have gotten a picture---if I'd thought of my cell phone camera. I was just too mesmerized. I was starting to regret my Breeding Bird focus, when justification developed. At the edge of the bluff came the distinct sound of baby birds. Listening revealed the location of their nest cavity, and their ID was confirmed by an adult hairy woodpecker, who appeared at the entrance with food. (The cacophony died down as she fed her brood, but her peace was short-lived.) To top that off, a pair of Cooper's hawks finally gave away their nest site, near the west end of the developed park. A tell-tale set of contact calls caught my ear, and led to the sight of the male offering food to the female. He stayed nearby when she disappeared into a small wooded ravine. Eventually, the female's movements disclosed the nest, with her in residence--a sighting that may not be glamorous, but was certainly satisfying! Linda Whyte Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Bird walk in Bloomington, Sat 8-10am
Hello birders! My wife and I will lead our 2nd simple, short bird walk starting at 106th St W and Nine-mile Creek (just west of 35W in Bloomington) at 8am this Saturday (5/23), so if anyone is interested please email me -- there will be a limit of about 12. It will last about 2 hours on the trails following Nine-mile Creek. It will be geared more for beginners, but of course anyone is welcome. Checklists will be provided. Map: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=dsource=s_dsaddr=daddr=44.811679,-93.303178hl=engeocode=mra=mimrsp=0sz=18sll=44.811672,-93.303173sspn=0.002223,0.004227ie=UTF8t=hz=18 Thanks, Elijah Jackie Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] update Yellow-throated Warbler Duluth MN
Several birders observed the Yellow-throated Warbler this evening. The bird was still present in the aspens near the feeders and pond at dusk. The bird made several trips to a sunflower chip feeder hanging in a dead tree in the yard. The bird was actively flycatching from the aspens, and was seen several times at the feeders. Photos and video were obtained of the bird. As far as I know, this bird represents the second county record for St. Louis County. please see previous posts from Chris Elmgren regarding phone number and address. His location is in Gnesen Township, due north of Duluth. regards Don Kienholz _ Windows Live™: Keep your life in sync. http://windowslive.com/explore?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_BR_life_in_synch_052009 Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
