[mou-net] White-eyed Vireo, Houston County

[Bob Dunlap]

Herb Dingmann asked me to forward this to the listserve. Yesterday,  
May 18, he found a White-eyed Vireo at Beaver Creek Valley State Park:


I found a White-eyed Vireo at the far end of the Beaver Creek Trail this
morning.  Follow the trail out to the open meadow, where the trail splits.
Follow the trail to the right to the far end of the meadow and cross the
old bridge you'll find there.  I'm guessing the bird was 150 yards beyond
the bridge.  If you come to an opening in an old fence, you've gone too
far.

I apologize for the late notice, but I had no signal on my cellphone most
of the day.

Herb Dingmann


Bob Dunlap


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[mou-net] Morrison County. Protonotary

[Frank Gosiak]

It was nice to finally have a good Warbler showing. Shore birds have been
down and it seems most of the White Crowned, White Throat, and Harris
Sparrows have passed through. I am still finding a few Swainsons, and Gray
Cheeked Thrush, but, their numbers have dropped off. More Veery and Wood
Thrush showing up. Vireos are everywhere(Red Eyed, Yellow Throated,
Warbling, Blue Headed, and Philadelphia).
Picked up all the usual Warblers for the year with heavy concentrations
along the Mississippi and the Motley Sewage Ponds. Bell Prairie Park, North
of Little Falls, on the East Side of the River is the best spot for
everything right now. Schoessling Park (Lindbergh Park North) on the
Northwest side of the River is also good with 100 plus species in the area.
Another good spot is the Pow Wow Grounds which is West of Royalton, towards
Bowlus, on the North side of the road, on the East side of the Mississippi.
Ron Erpelding found a Prothonotary Warbler feeding on the South end of the
Park by the bridge area  (Sunday). He called me and I showed up 1 1/2 hrs
later and searched for 3 hours and didn't relocate the bird, but, I still
had good birding in the area. The Pow-Wow Grounds have produced some very
good birds for me in recent years. Good area to find Cerulean Warblers.
Maybe the Prothonotary is hanging in the area so if anyone goes there and
sees it please contact me. It would be a nice bird for my county list.


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[mou-net] Lark Sparrow, Duluth

[Chet Cochon]

Park Point Recreation Area Boat Launch
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry


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[mou-net] Ashland big day - 104 species! (Ashland, WI)

[Erik Bruhnke]

Just thought I'd pass this note onto the friends and local birdwatchers
throughout the Duluth/Superior area, as well as throughout MN...

Yesterday I went out with my field ornithology class, and we did our big 12
hour day. WHAT A DAY. There was several new birds to the students which we
haven't observed in class yet, and the day (early morning) started out
superfantastic and kept on getting better from there. I called for Northern
Saw-whet Owls and Barred Owls with my voice (even did a few Eastern Screech
Owls a few times in case there would be any wandering birds around here). At
the very first spot in the woods in central Bayfield, a Barred Owl called
back. The students were s excited. Even cooler is that after that first
responding Barred Owl finished calling (north side of the road), a second
Barred Owl called back from the south side of the road. We were able to hear
them chatting back and forth. What a treat, with a clear and starry morning!

I know that none of my students subscribe to wisbirdnet, but I just wanted
to say as a first-time-professor, I am so impressed and proud of how
knowledgable and confident they've become with identifying birds and
learning about aspects of bird life :)

We left campus at 3:00AM and arrived back on campus at 3:00pm. Here's our
total list for yesterday:

Canada Goose
Wood Duck
American Black Duck
Mallard
Blue-winged Teal
Northern Shoveler
Green-winged Teal
Lesser Scaup
Bufflehead
Common Goldeneye
Hooded Merganser
Common Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser
Ruffed Grouse
Common Loon
Pied-billed Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Bald Eagle
Cooper's Hawk
Broad-winged Hawk
American Kestrel
Merlin
Semipalmated Plover
Killdeer
Spotted Sandpiper
Solitary Sandpiper
Lesser Yellowlegs
Short-billed Dowitcher
American Woodcock
Bonaparte's Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Caspian Tern
Common Tern
Forster's Tern
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Barred Owl - 4 total!!!
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Pileated Woodpecker
Least Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Blue-headed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Common Ravel
Tree Swallow
Cliff Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Winter Wren
Sedge Wren
MARSH WREN
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Veery
Hermit Thrush
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Gray Catbird
European Starling
GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER
Nashville Warbler
Northern Parula
Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Cape May Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Palm Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
American redstart
Ovenbird
Northern Waterthrush - observed a pair!
Common Yellowthroat
CANADA WARBLER
Eastern Towhee
Chipping Sparrow
Clay-colored Sparrow
Vesper Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Bobolink
Red-winged Blackbird
Eastern Meadowlark
Brewer's Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Baltimore Oriole
Purple Finch
Pine Siskin
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow

Throughout yesterday's big day, the furthest we ever traveled from Northland
College campus was about 23 miles, just around the bay. It's incredible how
much habitat diversity is up here, and as a result, the bird diversity is
just fantastic.

Good birding,
Erik Bruhnke

Ashland, WI
birdf...@gmail.com
www.pbase.com/birdfedr/naturallyavian


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[mou-net] Hooded Warbler, Crosby Park, St. Paul

[Julian Sellers]

I led a walk at Crosby Farm Park from 7:00 to 9:00 this morning.  From the end 
of the main road into the park, we walked down toward the small lake, then to 
the left on the old paved path between the lake and the bluff.  A couple of 
hundred yards down this path, we heard an unidentified song, and the fifteen 
(or so) of us spent about fifteen minutes searching in vain for the singer.  At 
9:15, Linda Kellar and I returned to try again.  The bird was still singing, 
and Linda got a brief look that was enough to identify it as a Hooded Warbler.  
I spent another hour searching as the bird sang almost constantly and moved 
about.  I finally got an eye-level view at a distance of 30 feet from the trail 
up on the bluff.  Be aware that the bluff trail is poorly maintained and the 
foot bridges have been vandalized.  I was able to get up to the bluff trail at 
the place where the main path turns into the wetland, and could return to the 
HOWA place on the bluff trail.

The voice had the right quality for a HOWA, but the syllables sounded like, 
"Flip a de hip sweet SWEET!" with a tiny pause after "Flip."  I figure it 
wintered in the Caribbean.  From a distance, with only the ending audible, it 
sounded like an Acadian Flycatcher.

Last Saturday, I checked for Prothonotary Warblers in the SE corner of the 
park, and found none.  I have not checked there since then.

Julian
St. Paul


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[mou-net] Potential First State Record Won't Be Shared

[Pastor Al Schirmacher]

Yesterday I spoke with a birder who had a unique sighting.  This birder took 
substantial notes and is relatively certain about the bird they saw.

However, the sighting will not be shared.

It won't be documented because it would constitute a first state record and the 
perception is, without photos, it would never be accepted.

It won't be posted to the net because the perception is that people will judge 
and negatively verbalize about the sighting.

Over the last week I've been together with 30+ birders on my birding vacation 
and the MOU field trip.  Discussion item #1 was, of course, birds seen & heard. 
 Discussion item #2 - on multiple occasions (I initiated none of these 
discussions, many times simply listened) - was the perception that the MN 
birding community is often not friendly, and that posting unusual birds was a 
very risky proposition.  A couple of birders mentioned that they've only posted 
once and never would again.  There is also a perception of elitism and an "old 
boys club", that only "name" birders records are accepted, formally and 
informally. 

Sad.

I'm not saying each of these accusations are true.  In one sense it really 
doesn't matter whether the unfriendliness is perception or reality, whether 
it's a majority or minority or even a very few birders.  The perception is 
driving behavior.  And the behavior is not sharing sightings, which impacts us 
all.

The perception needs to be changed.  Minnesota birders, on and off MOU, need to 
be perceived as and/or become friendly, helpful, welcoming.  Newbies need to be 
encouraged, publicly and privately.  Back channel emails need to be thought 
through carefully.  Comments in the field need to show restraint.  

I know it can happen, having come from a state where the organization & 
listserv were generally perceived positively.

By the way, I am not the birder involved, just concerned about the impact (you 
know me, I share and let chips fall where they may).  And I am extremely 
thankful for all who have shared and do share - both in MOU and outside - there 
are many excellent, friendly birders in this state!

Good birding to all.

Al Schirmacher
Princeton, MN
Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties



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[mou-net] Hooded Warbler at Louisville Swamp, Scott County

[Bob Dunlap]

Barry Jones just called to report a male Hooded Warbler at Louisville 
Swamp in Scott County. Go south of the main parking lot to the top of 
the bluff overlooking the valley, then take the trail to the left. This 
trail heads down the hill toward some old farm ruins; just before the 
ruins on the left (north) side of the trail there is a spot of thick 
woods from which the bird was boldly singing. This is apparently the 
same area as last year where one was present.


Bob Dunlap

--
Bob Dunlap
Naturalist, Linnaeus Arboretum
Manager, Nobel Hall Greenhouse
Gustavus Adolphus College
800 West College Ave.
Saint Peter, MN 56082
507-933-7199


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[mou-net] Black-throated Blues and other Warblers

[Norma Malinowski]

A black-throated blue warbler was seen this morning in Lake County along the
Secret Blackstone Trail.  Other warblers seen in the area surrounding Ely,
MN are: yellow, Nashville, chestnut-sided, magnolia, black-throated green,
cape may, black & white, redstart, ovenbird, yellow-rump, pine, palm,
blackburnian, orange-crowned, parula, yellow-throat, and n waterthrush. 


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Re: [mou-net] Potential First State Record Won't Be Shared

[Larry Sirvio]

Pastor Al
First let me say that I enjoy your postings. I want to mention a somewhat 
different experience that I have had on MOU-NET. A few years ago I had just 
begun birding and joined MOU. That first year I posted an observation of a 
really unusual bird - not knowing that it was all that unusual. At least one 
experienced birder went on a "wild bird chase' because of my post. I think I 
even used the word "unmistakable" in my identification. Really naive!.


I had recorded some audio and the correct id was made with the help of 
several others birders on MOU-NET who were kind enough to listen.


Never did I hear any criticism of my mistake. Maybe they realized I was a 
rookie. The lesson I learned was never say "unmistakable" and post pics if 
you are not sure.


The point is, my experience was more like the way it should be. I learn more 
from mistakes than from the easy id's.

I'll never mistake a rufous sided towhee for a lark bunting again.


Cheers
Larry Sirvio
Cottage Grove




- Original Message - 
From: "Pastor Al Schirmacher" 

To: 
Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2009 11:52 AM
Subject: [mou-net] Potential First State Record Won't Be Shared


Yesterday I spoke with a birder who had a unique sighting.  This birder took 
substantial notes and is relatively certain about the bird they saw.


However, the sighting will not be shared.

It won't be documented because it would constitute a first state record and 
the perception is, without photos, it would never be accepted.


It won't be posted to the net because the perception is that people will 
judge and negatively verbalize about the sighting.


Over the last week I've been together with 30+ birders on my birding 
vacation and the MOU field trip.  Discussion item #1 was, of course, birds 
seen & heard.  Discussion item #2 - on multiple occasions (I initiated none 
of these discussions, many times simply listened) - was the perception that 
the MN birding community is often not friendly, and that posting unusual 
birds was a very risky proposition.  A couple of birders mentioned that 
they've only posted once and never would again.  There is also a perception 
of elitism and an "old boys club", that only "name" birders records are 
accepted, formally and informally.


Sad.

I'm not saying each of these accusations are true.  In one sense it really 
doesn't matter whether the unfriendliness is perception or reality, whether 
it's a majority or minority or even a very few birders.  The perception is 
driving behavior.  And the behavior is not sharing sightings, which impacts 
us all.


The perception needs to be changed.  Minnesota birders, on and off MOU, need 
to be perceived as and/or become friendly, helpful, welcoming.  Newbies need 
to be encouraged, publicly and privately.  Back channel emails need to be 
thought through carefully.  Comments in the field need to show restraint.


I know it can happen, having come from a state where the organization & 
listserv were generally perceived positively.


By the way, I am not the birder involved, just concerned about the impact 
(you know me, I share and let chips fall where they may).  And I am 
extremely thankful for all who have shared and do share - both in MOU and 
outside - there are many excellent, friendly birders in this state!


Good birding to all.

Al Schirmacher
Princeton, MN
Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties



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Re: [mou-net] Potential First State Record Won't Be Shared

[Thomas Maiello]

Pastor Al ;-)

I can totally relate to your communication and I agree that it is  
possible to get aggressive (?) feedback on an odd, unique or  
unexpected observation.  I used to have a thin skin when it came to  
posting for fear of getting negative, questioning or terse feedback.   
What I have come to know is 1) most of the reaction I have to feedback  
is that if it isn't positive or in agreement, I tend to take it as  
negative even if it is neutral; 2) most of the feedback I perceived as  
not friendly was more a reaction to communication style than actual  
negative verbiage; and 3) I learn more from giving it a try and  
responding to the feedback than if I just react and stop sharing.


There are thousands of people who are on the list serve and the voice  
of the vocal aggressives is a wee wee percentage.  (did I just say wee- 
wee on a post?)  When I begin communicating with the commenters, I  
learn - because practically every one with whom I have engaged are  
passionate birders who come from their experience.  I have had several  
unique spottings poo-pooed (did I just say poo-poo in a post) but kept  
right on.  I learned what it took to confirm a spotting and actually  
have some accepted.  As more were accepted, the more confidence I got  
and the more clear I was on what it took to make a positive ID.   
(quite honestly I don't really care if a sighting is accepted or not -  
it was my experience, my truth and my reality - but I do want to learn  
to be better)


Quite honestly, I am a shaky birder.  I make numerous errors in front  
of others (mostly because I get so excited to bird with others) and  
have trepidation when I post a sighting - and I do it anyway.  I have  
developed some great email relationships with many list serve birders  
whom I have never even seen before.  And I have honed my ability to  
share important or significant sightings because I boo-boo so often.   
(I will never use song as an ID tool - not my strength.)


Bottom line - I am more committed to sharing (even if I am wrong) than  
holding back.  There is too much to gain in the risk of being  
confronted and responding than to react and shut down in my silence.   
I did that too many years to want to go back to that.


Thomas Maiello
Angel Environmental Management, Inc.
Maple Grove, MN



On May 19, 2009, at 12:52 PM, Pastor Al Schirmacher wrote:

Yesterday I spoke with a birder who had a unique sighting.  This  
birder took substantial notes and is relatively certain about the  
bird they saw.


However, the sighting will not be shared.

It won't be documented because it would constitute a first state  
record and the perception is, without photos, it would never be  
accepted.


It won't be posted to the net because the perception is that people  
will judge and negatively verbalize about the sighting.


Over the last week I've been together with 30+ birders on my birding  
vacation and the MOU field trip.  Discussion item #1 was, of course,  
birds seen & heard.  Discussion item #2 - on multiple occasions (I  
initiated none of these discussions, many times simply listened) -  
was the perception that the MN birding community is often not  
friendly, and that posting unusual birds was a very risky  
proposition.  A couple of birders mentioned that they've only posted  
once and never would again.  There is also a perception of elitism  
and an "old boys club", that only "name" birders records are  
accepted, formally and informally.


Sad.

I'm not saying each of these accusations are true.  In one sense it  
really doesn't matter whether the unfriendliness is perception or  
reality, whether it's a majority or minority or even a very few  
birders.  The perception is driving behavior.  And the behavior is  
not sharing sightings, which impacts us all.


The perception needs to be changed.  Minnesota birders, on and off  
MOU, need to be perceived as and/or become friendly, helpful,  
welcoming.  Newbies need to be encouraged, publicly and privately.   
Back channel emails need to be thought through carefully.  Comments  
in the field need to show restraint.


I know it can happen, having come from a state where the  
organization & listserv were generally perceived positively.


By the way, I am not the birder involved, just concerned about the  
impact (you know me, I share and let chips fall where they may).   
And I am extremely thankful for all who have shared and do share -  
both in MOU and outside - there are many excellent, friendly birders  
in this state!


Good birding to all.

Al Schirmacher
Princeton, MN
Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties



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Re: [mou-net] Potential First State Record Won't Be Shared

[Laura Erickson]

As someone who has made her share of stupidly erroneous reports (never
believe me if I say I've seen a rare gull unless someone WAY better than me
can verify it!) but also some pretty good ones, I know what it feels like to
be corrected, and also how emotional and cranky and snarky birders can be in
emails (and anyone who has been at the receiving end of a snarky email from
me knows I can be mean-spirited too. I try not to be, but that's human
nature.).

But I also know how important it is for sightings to be accurate when they
make it into the permanent record, or when they result in birders driving
across the state on what turns out to be a wild goose chase. For us as
individuals, each cool bird gives us another lifer or state or county bird.
But for the MOU, each cool bird is supposed to represent a genuine and
accurately represented species that has turned up in our state--and I
appreciate that the highest standards must be met for a report to be
"acceptable" at this level. Now that digital photography has become
affordable and surprisingly easy for many, it's sort of become expected that
we provide this level of proof for extraordinary birds. I'm sure some
species will still get into the record without photos, but because even a
crappy photo shot from a cellphone through a spotting scope can sometimes
provide proof of important field marks, fewer and fewer great birds are
reported without this level of proof.

Those of us who feel really vulnerable when we post or document a rare bird
need to see this with a little more perspective and less prickliness. And
those who jump on beginners, intermediate birders, or even so-called
"experts" like me could practice a bit of sensitivity too (though I must say
that most of the snark I've dealt with over the years was from issues other
than identification). When we see any issue from just our side, it's too
easy to feel defensive and prickly, blinding us to seeing it from the other
side. A little generosity of spirit and acceptance on both sides would go a
long way to calm hurt feelings and ratchet down snark and arrogance.

It's sad when someone fears reporting a cool bird. But it's also sad when
someone writes off a whole group of people as  an "old boys club" when even
the people in that so-called club bicker amongst themselves about
identifications. Frankly, Minnesota birders have too a long history of
contentiousness for any old boys' club to endure. We're contentious and
could all stand to be more accepting and kinder, but it is still true, and
always will be true, that one of the best ways to learn is by making
mistakes and being shown what was wrong and why, and it's also true that we
have some of the finest birders in the world in our state and are lucky to
be able to learn from the best.

-- 
Laura Erickson
Twin Beaks!  www.twinbeaks.blogspot.com
iTunes podcast of For the BIrds
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=288123640

For the love, understanding, and protection of birds

There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of birds.  There
is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature--the
assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter.

--Rachel Carson

Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.


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Re: [mou-net] Potential First State Record Won't Be Shared

[linda whyte]

Hi, Pastor Al,
I understand what you're saying and why, but I'm glad to "second"
Larry's experience. Most people have responded with patience to
questions, doubts, and even "risky" IDs, especially when presented
with specific reasons for certain decisions. Those in disagreement
usually provide alternative ideas, with support for those, which has
the effect of broadening one's education.
In the end, it's always possible that the birds will do things that
surprise us, because as someone we know once said, "Birds don't read
the books."
Linda Whyte

On Tue, May 19, 2009 at 12:52 PM, Pastor Al Schirmacher
 wrote:
> Yesterday I spoke with a birder who had a unique sighting.  This birder took 
> substantial notes and is relatively certain about the bird they saw.
>
> However, the sighting will not be shared.
>
> It won't be documented because it would constitute a first state record and 
> the perception is, without photos, it would never be accepted.
>
> It won't be posted to the net because the perception is that people will 
> judge and negatively verbalize about the sighting.
>
> Over the last week I've been together with 30+ birders on my birding vacation 
> and the MOU field trip.  Discussion item #1 was, of course, birds seen & 
> heard.  Discussion item #2 - on multiple occasions (I initiated none of these 
> discussions, many times simply listened) - was the perception that the MN 
> birding community is often not friendly, and that posting unusual birds was a 
> very risky proposition.  A couple of birders mentioned that they've only 
> posted once and never would again.  There is also a perception of elitism and 
> an "old boys club", that only "name" birders records are accepted, formally 
> and informally.
>
> Sad.
>
> I'm not saying each of these accusations are true.  In one sense it really 
> doesn't matter whether the unfriendliness is perception or reality, whether 
> it's a majority or minority or even a very few birders.  The perception is 
> driving behavior.  And the behavior is not sharing sightings, which impacts 
> us all.
>
> The perception needs to be changed.  Minnesota birders, on and off MOU, need 
> to be perceived as and/or become friendly, helpful, welcoming.  Newbies need 
> to be encouraged, publicly and privately.  Back channel emails need to be 
> thought through carefully.  Comments in the field need to show restraint.
>
> I know it can happen, having come from a state where the organization & 
> listserv were generally perceived positively.
>
> By the way, I am not the birder involved, just concerned about the impact 
> (you know me, I share and let chips fall where they may).  And I am extremely 
> thankful for all who have shared and do share - both in MOU and outside - 
> there are many excellent, friendly birders in this state!
>
> Good birding to all.
>
> 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
>


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[mou-net] warblers +

[Jeff and Amy Drake]

Ottertail county near Richville, MN.

We have had a number of species in our yard already this week.  (The 
white-throated sparrows seem to have moved on.)

Black & While warblers
Yellow warblers
Yellow-rumped warblers
2 Veerys
House wren
Ruby-throated hummingbird (1st one, seen this a.m.)
Harris' sparrow
Chipping sparrow
Barn swallows
Bluejay
Chickadee
Pileated woodpecker
Baltimore oriole
Robins (nesting near the house)
White-breasted nuthatches
Clay-colored sparrows
Male & female redstarts
Mourning doves

Also many bluebirds, goldfinches, pine siskins, tree swallows, & red-winged 
blackbirds.  We have (possibly "had" after I disturbed it) a flying squirrel 
nesting in an old bluebird house.  I found it about 2 weeks ago while cleaning 
nest boxes.

Amy Drake


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[mou-net] Al's posting

[Michael Hendrickson]

Minnesota Birders and Al:

Can someone inform who are these "good ol birdin guys" or these "elite birders" 
that prevent other birders from not wanting to share bird sightings or first 
state records to the listserv?  Who are these guys

I been involve in many Minnesota birding groups since I was in high school and 
I have to say that the Minnesota birding community is not a bunch of mean 
birders.  Yes we have debates on the listservs and yes there are people that do 
not get along but what state do not have these issues?  Wisconsin is no 
different than Minnesota when it comes to issues and flames on the listserv. 
Just a few weeks ago Wisconsin birders were blasting some guy who was upset 
that a certain well known digiscoper was posting links to his photos.

Every listserv from time to time has lively debates and some can get ugly and 
usually the moderator steps in to stop it.  

Also I never heard that MOURC only accepts photos for first state records.  
There is no rule to first state records except take good notes, attempt a 
drawing and if you have a camera, try to get a photo.  

Also I been guiding or leading field trips for a long time and I have a 
cardinal rule that leaders should not start up political topics nor should 
leaders get involve in political topics.  Leaders of bird trips should be out 
looking for birds by sight and sound. They are to get people on to birds and 
inform people on identification marks of the birds they are viewing.  Since 
this trip that Al led was a MOU sponsor trip, I have to wonder if asking these 
questions like "so what do you all think of MOURC?" or " so what do you all 
think of the Minnesota birding community" and " ol those good ol boys in the 
birding community really upset me, what do you all think about these "good ol 
guys" or elites?"  Was this a birding trip last weekend or a gripe session?

I still want to know who the birding elites are in Minnesota?  Is it bad to be 
labled a "elite birder" and also who are these "good ol boys" in the Minnesota 
birding community because I been hearing about these guys for sometime and I 
never met them in all my years birding in Minnesota. 

About the this first state potential first state record -- well it will not be 
the last bird that was seen by someone that goes unpublished or not reviewed by 
MOURC and I am sure large states like Texas and California have their fair 
share of bird sightings that do not get reviewed by thier own state record 
committees.  Yes I remember my first record I submitted to MOURC back in 1983 
or so and it was nerve racking process at first but I did my best to write it 
up the sighting and submit it to MOURC.  Yes it was approved but then again I 
had 2 records rejected in the past as well and you know what? I still sleep at 
night and the rejections do not bother me at all, even to this day!!  Even the 
people who sit on MOURC had their records rejected one time or another and I am 
sure they do not carry a grudge against those who rejected their sighting.  It 
happens and you got to have thick skin about the voting process.  

YES there are probably some records birders submitted to MOURC that were 
rejected that may of been a correct sighting but your rare bird sighting is as 
only good as your notes, sketch or clarity of the photo. Everyone is equal in 
the record process and also this notion that only bird records accepted are 
only by birders who are close friends to those who sit on the records committee 
is not correct and that is just a bunch of crap!!  Everyone had a sighting 
rejected at one time or another.

Minnesota birding community is a great birding community and like I said every 
state has thier issues.  I guide people from other states and they told me how 
much they love Minnesota and the birders they met.  These visitors are even 
impressed on how nice we are about sharing bird sightings and they are equally 
impressed on how other bird guides call each other on their cell phones to 
share bird information with each other!!  You do not see bird guides in Arizona 
sharing bird sightings with other bird guides!!

So all in all Minnesota is a GREAT birding community and also has a GREAT bird 
organization == the MOU!  

Good birding


Mike Hendrickson
Duluth, Minnesota
Website: http://webpages.charter.net/mmhendrickson/
Blog: http://colderbythelakebirding.blogspot.com/





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Re: [mou-net] Potential First State Record Won't Be Shared

[john c. nelson]

On May 19, 2009, at 12:52 PM, Pastor Al Schirmacher wrote:

While I have not had a bad experience with postings, I caught on early  
to make sure of sightings with local authorities

before posting.

Not to be critical, my experience of a few weeks ago surprised me in  
that some very knowledgeable birders seem to
jump to conclusions on sightings very quickly, though on reflection  
they do modify first impressions. Wishful thinking is not a flaw

exclusive to novice birders.

I encounter numerous erroneous reports of bird sightings at my store  
job. As nutty as some are, I try to keep in mind the interest
people have in their birds and try to help them correctly id the birds  
they encounter.


Watched on nest cam while my EBB laid her third egg.

Early this morning a Harris' Sparrow lit on the driveway. I approached  
within 10' before it flew. Very unusual here in every way.


John Nelson
Good Thunder MN 



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Re: [mou-net] Potential First State Record Won't Be Shared

[Bill Kass]

This is disturbing and one of the reasons that I typically don't post as well.  
Earlier this spring I had a very distinctive bird fly over my car.  It was 
flying with a very erratic beat of its sharp wings which also had white wing 
bars on them.  Clearly to me this was my first Nighthawk of the season.  Little 
did I realize that my very easily identifiable bird was was to be disputed.  
You see, I saw it on April 18.  When I submitted it to eBird, it was questioned 
because (little did I realize) that the earliest recorded return of a nighthawk 
was May 14th, 1966.  My intention was not to get a "earliest record".  I post 
on eBird to keep track of my personal lifelist.  Oh well.  I never thought that 
I would have to get a picture of a nighthawk?

 

Bill Kass
 
> Date: Tue, 19 May 2009 14:34:53 -0500
> From: bi...@moosewoods.us
> Subject: Re: [mou-net] Potential First State Record Won't Be Shared
> To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
> 
> Hi, Pastor Al,
> I understand what you're saying and why, but I'm glad to "second"
> Larry's experience. Most people have responded with patience to
> questions, doubts, and even "risky" IDs, especially when presented
> with specific reasons for certain decisions. Those in disagreement
> usually provide alternative ideas, with support for those, which has
> the effect of broadening one's education.
> In the end, it's always possible that the birds will do things that
> surprise us, because as someone we know once said, "Birds don't read
> the books."
> Linda Whyte
> 
> On Tue, May 19, 2009 at 12:52 PM, Pastor Al Schirmacher
>  wrote:
> > Yesterday I spoke with a birder who had a unique sighting.  This birder 
> > took substantial notes and is relatively certain about the bird they saw.
> >
> > However, the sighting will not be shared.
> >
> > It won't be documented because it would constitute a first state record and 
> > the perception is, without photos, it would never be accepted.
> >
> > It won't be posted to the net because the perception is that people will 
> > judge and negatively verbalize about the sighting.
> >
> > Over the last week I've been together with 30+ birders on my birding 
> > vacation and the MOU field trip.  Discussion item #1 was, of course, birds 
> > seen & heard.  Discussion item #2 - on multiple occasions (I initiated none 
> > of these discussions, many times simply listened) - was the perception that 
> > the MN birding community is often not friendly, and that posting unusual 
> > birds was a very risky proposition.  A couple of birders mentioned that 
> > they've only posted once and never would again.  There is also a perception 
> > of elitism and an "old boys club", that only "name" birders records are 
> > accepted, formally and informally.
> >
> > Sad.
> >
> > I'm not saying each of these accusations are true.  In one sense it really 
> > doesn't matter whether the unfriendliness is perception or reality, whether 
> > it's a majority or minority or even a very few birders.  The perception is 
> > driving behavior.  And the behavior is not sharing sightings, which impacts 
> > us all.
> >
> > The perception needs to be changed.  Minnesota birders, on and off MOU, 
> > need to be perceived as and/or become friendly, helpful, welcoming.  
> > Newbies need to be encouraged, publicly and privately.  Back channel emails 
> > need to be thought through carefully.  Comments in the field need to show 
> > restraint.
> >
> > I know it can happen, having come from a state where the organization & 
> > listserv were generally perceived positively.
> >
> > By the way, I am not the birder involved, just concerned about the impact 
> > (you know me, I share and let chips fall where they may).  And I am 
> > extremely thankful for all who have shared and do share - both in MOU and 
> > outside - there are many excellent, friendly birders in this state!
> >
> > Good birding to all.
> >
> > 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
> >
> 
> 
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[mou-net] Al's posting

[Michael Engh]

Several years ago as a moderately experienced birder, I discovered a
Bell's vireo in Cottage Grove and reported it to mou-net with detailed
directions. I was proud of my new skills that having never seen one
before, I recognized the song and found the bird.

There was no mention of my sighting in that week's MN RBA report.
Subsequently, an apparently better-known birder checked out my report
and thanked me with a personal note while also confirming the sighting
to mou-net. I was a bit miffed then when I saw that week's RBA report
mentioning the Bell's vireo but credit was given to this 2nd birder.
Sure felt like I wasn't in some group of insiders.

Not a big deal and perhaps a clerical error but not a good way to
encourage participation.

Mike Engh


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[mou-net] Northern Mockingbird, Longfellow Ave/77th St. (from Diana Doyle)

[Laura Coble]

Diana Doyle, who is birding by bike, just e-mailed me the following message:
Northern mockingbird singing from the airport fence and airport sign at
Longfellow Ave. and 77th St., 4:40 pm today. (same spot as last year).
 
Laura Coble


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[mou-net] 2 Mockingbirds in Hennepin County

[Williams, Bob]

This report was just sent to me by e-mail.  For more details, contact
Rick Pertile at mugzy1...@msn.com. 
Bob Williams, Bloomington




-

I just returned from walking the dog down in the Bryn Mawr meadows park
area near 394 and Penn Ave.

On the south/southeast side of the park, near the drainage ditch by the
railroad tracks, I located not one but TWO northern mockingbirds,
singing and chasing each other.  This area is extremely dense with vines
and brush and possibly good nesting habitat.  I'm not sure what the
records are for northern mockingbirds nesting in MN, but you can assure
I'll be watching this area closely for the next few weeks to see if the
birds stick around.

I'll update as necessary.

Rick Pertile 
Minneapolis, MN




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[mou-net] contact info for Longfellow Ave/77th St. Northern Mockingbird

[Laura Coble]

For those who want further information about the Longfellow Ave./77th St.
Northern Mockingbird, please contact Diana Doyle at
di...@managingthewaterway.com


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[mou-net] Directions to Airport Mockingbird (with map)

[Derek Bakken]

Hello,

I think that this is a confusing area to describe to people so I got a
map and a photo of the area the Mockingbird usually sings from.

The large sign (with the blue) is where the Mockingbird spent most of
its time singing last year (I saw it twice singing from the brown
brick about 2 feet from the top).

http://picasaweb.google.com/spottedtowhee/Mou#5337696739545808242

Google Map of the area (this map is focused on the Southwest corner of
the MPLS Airport (just north of the Mall of America).  You can get to
here from 24th Avenue or from 66th street and hwy 77 (cedar ave)

http://picasaweb.google.com/spottedtowhee/Mou#5337696738365319698


Be aware that I do not know of a good place to park around there so
you may have to make a pass or two to find the bird (then find a place
to park).

-- 
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.


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[mou-net] Notes from Swift county...Yellow Rail, etc

[William Marengo]

Paul Egeland, Esther Gesick, Bonnie Mulligan & I birded Swift county on
Monday (May 18th). Some notables:

Yellow Rail
-   a single calling bird was heard both Sunday afternoon and early
Monday morning at a marsh located just south of the Pope county line. The
marsh is just over a mile west of where state highway 29 crosses into Pope
county (just north of Lake Hassel)

Buff-breasted Sandpiper
-   a single bird was observed with other mixed shorebirds about .5
miles west of the intersection of state highways 104 and 9 along the south
side of highway 9.  Spring reports of this species are quite rare.

Shorebirds
-   17 species total were found with no significant numbers or
locations. The best spot was located in the southeast part of section 33 of
Hegbert township. This is just west of Lake Oliver. Also, another spot with
about 50-75 shorebirds was located about a mile north of Kerkhoven along the
east side of county road 35.

Warblers
-   13 species total with most birds scattered throughout the county.
The best areas were around the woods on into the Marsh Lake dam and at the
Pomme De Terre river wayside located on US12 about .5 mile east of county
road 20.

Regards.


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[mou-net] ?Yellow-throated Warbler Duluth?

[teamvagrant]

Hi Yall, 
Unfortunately I am working out of town this week and do not know the status of 
the Yellow-throated Warbler in my yard.? My wife and boys are home but are not 
a lot of help with the spotting.? People are welcome to visit the yard to look 
for it.? Please, if possible,?post the results if you do, or do not, see it so 
others - including me - will stay informed. 
GOOD LUCK!
Chris


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[mou-net] Hooded Warbler Alternate Song

[Julian Sellers]

Cornell's Macaulay Library of Natural Sounds has 65 recordings of Hooded 
Warbler on its web site.  Among them I found recordings of an alternate song 
that is very similar to the song I heard this morning at Crosby Park in St. 
Paul.  A good example is the recording with catalog number 68970 (recorded by 
William W. Gunn in Ontario in 1952).  (Go to 
http://macaulaylibrary.org/index.do, click the "Audio" box, and enter "Wilsonia 
citrina" without the quotation marks in the "Find" box.  This particular 
recording is number 45 in the list.)

Now that I know that song, I hope to recognize it at Murphy-Hanrehan.

Julian


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[mou-net] my mistake

[Michael Engh]

I cannot explain how I was utterly wrong about my report of the Bell's
vireo not being attributed to me and yet my memory of the incident is so
clear. The MOU editor kindly forwarded the RBA reports in question to me
and there was my name, plain as day. I am completely at a loss. Maybe it
was a different listserv, different bird, email problems, bad dream?

And so I offer my humble apologies to the hard working people whose
tireless efforts have made the MOU electronic services such a
wonderfully valuable resource all these years.

I'm going to take this as a metaphor of one of the perils of
birding...one can be completely sure and yet be completely wrong at the
same time.


Mike Engh

 


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