[mou-net] grebe courtship
Hello-this evening around 7pm my husband and I were travelling west on 96 (Dellwood Rd N) and noticed a commotion on the lake to the south of the road (South Twin Lake). He is convinced he saw grebes running on the water! I'm kicking myself for not turning around to go and confirm this, as I've never seen it before and would assume it was western grebes. Saw several pied-billeds on the various ponds we passed south of Hugo and west to Stillwater. Something new almost everyday since this surprising arrival of spring! I have to say as a newcomer to Minnesota the 'birding by car' has been amazing, except for the apparent Minnesota custom of tailgating-which makes it a little dangerous to hit the brakes when I see something interestingHard to keep my eyes on the road! Happy birding. Danielle McLaughlin Hugo, Washington County 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] addendum: Crosby Park, St. Paul
forgot to mention: flushed Snipe on the bluff trail of the big lake, just east of where the stream flows in. Also: the first wildflower blossoms, white, multi-petaled; leaves multi-lobed; Bloodroot? 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] Crosby Park, St. Paul
Waterfowl at Crosby included a "first" for me in that location today: some Green-winged Teal were with the Blue-winged; I don't recall ever seeing them there. They were in the NE quadrant of the big lake. The small lake had a pair of Pie-billed Grebes and Bufflehead, Both eagles were on the nest today, and seemed to be examining something in the nest--possibly eggs. Hopefully the little raccoon slumbering on the path not far away won't decide he wants eggs for supper--and won't become supper himself. 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] GWFG, Sparrows, etc. (Hennepin Co.)
I birded the Crow-Hassan Park Reserve area this evening. Highlights are listed below: **Greater White-fronted Goose**--I counted 19 birds foraging in a cornfield with some Canada Geese on the northwest side of Sylvan Lake (off of Sylvan Road, which leads to the park reserve). Apparently there have been some other sightings of this species in the county, although I'm unsure exactly where. **Cackling Goose**--3-5 birds were resting on the north/northeast side of the lake on someone's lawn **Trumpeter Swan**--9 birds were observed at the lake, which is where I've seen a flock in the summer. I saw another pair on a marsh on the south side of I-94, 1/8 mile northwest of mile marker 212. I've seen that pair there a lot, so I'm guessing that they breed at this pond. **Lesser Yellowlegs**--1 in the pool on the south side of Sylvan Lake Road **Chipping Sparrow**--1 bird mixed in with a flock of American Tree Sparrows and Song Sparrows near the yellowlegs. The white supercillium was obvious compared to the other sparrows. **Field Sparrow**--1 bird singing in the reserve Other birds heard/seen here include 11 duck species, American Coot, Ring-necked Pheasant, Sandhill Crane, Horned Lark, Eastern Bluebird, and Eastern Meadowlark. I didn't stick around long enough to listen to the American Woodcock show. Crow-Hassan Park Reserve is located between Berning Mill and Hassan, both of which are located near Rogers in the northwest corner of the county. Recent sightings in Golden Valley include Pied-billed Grebe, nesting Red-tailed and Cooper's Hawks, American Black Duck hybrid pair, Belted Kingfisher, Northern Flicker, Fox Sparrow, and singing Eastern Phoebe, in addition to the more suspected birds. I have seen no herons or egrets yet, but given the weather conditions, I suspect that they should be here any day now... Good birding! Alyssa DeRubeis Golden Valley, Hennepin Co. 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] Spring Eskimo Curlew search (MN and SD!!)
Come join a team of optimistic wild goose chasers as we focus on possibly relocating migrant Eskimo Curlews on former staging / stopover grounds in SE South Dakota. And for all you county listers after we find the missing curlews in SD, we'll hightail it over to Rock County, MN and search there too on our way home to the Twin Cities. The dates are 9-13 May 2012 and we'll have more details later regarding motels and the location of Search HQ which will likely be in the Yankton area. The only charge may be for some USGS quad maps but you must have a camera and long lens and be able to ID shorebirds. We will cover (depending on how many folks show up) 4-6 counties in SE SD along the Missouri River. When we did this last time we were warned that due to climate change we should go earlier than the dates suggested by past records (oh yes they were common here just a few decades ago, say 15 decades). That year we were snowed out so we are holding with historic dates for a repeat performance. There has been at least three reported sightings of this species (Nova Scotia, Massachusetts, and Argentina--multiple birds at the last locale) in the past 20 years that may have been correctly identified` so instead of sitting at our computers and waiting for someone else to find them, we are going to check former hotspots for this species. Participants will be responsible for their own room and board. Trip Adviser notes that the best motels to stay at in the Yankton area are actually in Vermilion. There are good public campgrounds near Gavins Point Dam. Contact me offline at my personal e-mail if interested in participating (wildcho...@aol.com) ** Bob Russell . 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] Early
I just saw a couple today in Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve along with at least eight Golden-crowned Kinglets I think. My first year here and birding so didn't know what is what till I can get home to look it up. Also saw my FOY house wren there and my first ever Barred owl! Good day for me :) Preston GarbettBurnsville, MN > Date: Wed, 21 Mar 2012 16:35:23 -0500 > From: alschirmac...@live.com > Subject: [mou-net] Early > To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU > > Surprised to have three RC Kinglets this morning at Sherburne Refuge - even > more surprised to see no other state reports yet. How early are they? > > Al Schirmacher > Princeton, MN > > Sent from my iPhone > > 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] Early
Surprised to have three RC Kinglets this morning at Sherburne Refuge - even more surprised to see no other state reports yet. How early are they? Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Sent from my iPhone 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] Cardinal numbers
Manley, we had good numbers of cardinals before we left for Florida in mid- January--usually about 20 most evenings. We returned March 1 and our population is down to about 8-10, sometimes fewer. 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] Purple Sandpiper not seen
This morning Kim Eckert, Mike Steffes and I unsuccessfully searched for the Purple Sandpiper that was photographed by Heidi Pinkerton at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park on March 17th. Conditions were drizzly and a bit foggy and there is obviously a lot of potential habitat in this area, so it is possible the bird is still around. We also checked the mouth of the Split Rock River at the Highway 61 rest stop and at the Twin Points boat launch about a mile south of the park. The exact location of Heidi's sighting was at the base of the small island just to the southwest of the lighthouse. To reach this spot take the first right (not the service road) after driving by the park fee station and drive about a half mile to the parking lot at the end of the paved road. Follow the hiking path that heads northeast towards the lake. This path comes out an a beach and you can see the island from here. The island is connected to the mainland by a strip of rocks. 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] Wood Ducks!
Hi! A pair of wood ducks just landed in my oak tree out my window! I had a pair come through last year on April 17. This is almost a month earlier. Do you think we will see an early hatching this year? I took pictures of a Wood Duck Family out at Carlos Avery last year on May 26. Should we be looking a month earlier if the warmer weather continues? Thoughts? Michelle Hed Anoka County 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] new arrivals, Becker Co.
This morning at Bisson Lake: common snipe, blue-winged teal, eastern phoebe and American wigeon. Steve Midthune Becker County 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] Carlos Avery Update
Good Morning, I just called the Carlos Avery WMA Office on Zodiac street and got an update on the roads. The roads are so bad in spots that they got their backhoe stuck on Monday. The gentleman I talked to said he was sure 4-wheel drive vehicles would not be able to get through. So as long as we have rain the roads will stay closed. He figures if we get a good week of dry weather then they will be able to re-open the roads. You are free to walk in and even bike in if you would like to. The Sunrise Unit in Stacy, MN on the East side of Hwy 35 is open because those roads are maintained by the County. Happy Birding, Michelle Hed Anoka County 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] What is happening to Evening Grosbeaks
This week the ABA announced their "Bird of the Year," the Evening Grosbeak. I was asked to write a blog post about their current population trends, which was posted on their blog today, here: http://blog.aba.org/2012/03/what-is-happening-to-evening-grosbeaks.html I don't like to post about my own work on the MOU listserv, but I used the Duluth and state Breeding Bird Survey and Christmas Bird Count data, so this may be of interest to some of you. Best, Laura - Laura Erickson Duluth, MN 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. 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] Cardinal numbers
I wonder if lack of snow cover this winter is causing the low numbers of cardinals in some places. Birds have been fewer at my feeders in general this winter. I suspect they have been more spread out than usual. Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN Original Message From: vp...@bitstream.net To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU Subject: Re: [mou-net] Cardinal numbers Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:42:39 -0500 > >I have many more cardinals in my yard in south Minneapolis than even >five >years ago. I have seen as many as four pairs at one time for the past >two >years. > >Virginia Pear >Minneapolis > > > >- Original Message - >From: "Manley Olson" >To: >Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2012 9:30 AM >Subject: [mou-net] Cardinal numbers > > >>I have had very few cardinals all winter. Yesterday I was talking >with a >>friend from Roseville and he has the same experience. Then yesterday >there >>was a report on tne Wisconsin network showing the decline in >cardinals on >>Christmas counts and Backyard Birdcounts. Have other Minnesota >birders >>noticed any reduction in cardinal numbers? >> Manley Olson >> Falcon Heights Ramsey County >> >> >> Join or Leave mou-net: >http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net >> Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html >> >> >> - >> No virus found in this message. >> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com >> Version: 2012.0.1913 / Virus Database: 2114/4882 - Release Date: >03/20/12 >> > > >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] About the Metro
This morning I heard a trill song added to the morning chorus, which now includes Chickadee, WB Nuthatch, E. Phoebe, Canada Goose, Hairy Woodpecker. It did not sound like our resident Chipping Sparrow. I suspect it was a young Junco practicing. It wasn't steady like either song should be. Since this weekend, I am hearing Chorus Frogs at just about every stand of cattails. They sound like running your finger along the teeth of a comb. I would expect Leopard Frogs are singing also, but I haven't heard them. I always find them in my yard, but I have heard them only once or twice on my lake. Spring Peepers are probably calling also, but I only come across them around Frontenac on my frog and toad route. I always look at roadkill as I drive by. Besides the usual raccoons easily seen this time of year, I am starting to see mink in the gutters. They are easy to recognize by their color (dark brown) and size (about a foot to a foot and half). They are almost always near wetlands. Usually they aren't lying so you can see their white chin. -- 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] Dodge Saw-Whet Owl
The warm weather has finally encouraged the saw-whet that was roosting at the Dodge Nature Center to move on. The last day that I saw her was Friday March 16th. I checked on Saturday and Sunday but she was nowhere to be found. I did post a photo of here eating a mouse on my blog. http://ecobirder.blogspot.com Thanks, Jeff Fischer Inver Grove Hgts http://ecobirder.blogspot.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
