[mou-net] Sherburne NWR -Common Gallinules
Saw one Common Gallinule on Wildlife Drive on Big Bluestem Pool, by water control structure. One Coot was swimming along the edge of cattails, when gallinule came out and chased it away. Gallinule then went back behind its blind and waited for another chance to defend its territory. After second chase it went north across channel from water structure. Also think I saw a Le Contes Sparrow on the Wildlife Drive on the Prairie Trail. Just after clearing the bushes a sparrow flushed from middle of sedge meadow on my left. Flew across meadow and landed in small bush at the weed line. Could only see buffy color on cheeks and dark eyes. Did not move until Common Yellow-throat attacked it, then disappeared into weeds. Was raining and couldnt see good enough, but probably going to look for it again. And on way to Sherburne, checked for Western Kingbirds in Ramsey, Mn. Found a pair where they were last year, Between Ramsey Blvd.-CR 56 and Armstong Blvd.-CR 83 on US Hwy 10, southside of highway. Joe Conley 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] Detroit Lakes & NW Minnesota - a "gem" for birds and birders
It has come to my attention that the comment I made a week ago ab All: It has come to my attention that the comment I made a week ago about the lack of communication regarding bird sightings during the Detroit Lakes Festival of Birds was uncalled for. I apologize for that, and hope that it didn't paint a negative picture of the event or the quality of birding in that part of the state. The Detroit Lakes festival has evolved to be one of the best, and is highly regarded by birders who attend from all over the country. Kudos to the organizers. The list of species found on field trips during that event is impressive, largely due to the excellent field trip leaders who are knowledgeable about the many birding destinations visited and birds expected to be seen. That area of NW Minnesota is where northern hardwood forest, pine forest and tallgrass prairie converge, providing some of the best birding in Minnesota, and it's where you will find many of Minnesota's most sought-after species. Of course, you have to visit in more than one season! In addition, the Pine to Prairie Birding Trail, which is now an "International" birding trail, highlights excellent sites to see birds. I can say this with confidence, because I've visited them - some many, many times. I encourage you all to attend this excellent festival, and take time to drive the birding trail as well. I'm sure you'll be glad you did. For information on the trail and birding in NW Minnesota, start your trip planning here: http://www.mnbirdtrail.com/ Betsy Beneke 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] Spanish Bird Guides?
Wondering if anyone knows of any bird guides published in Spanish? Really something like the Pocket Naturalist Guide published by Waterford Press. Small little foldout. Looking for something more for kids and a very basic level. Any pointers or direction appreciated on that or places that have nature stuff more aimed at children and in Spanish language. Please send to replies to: terr...@gmail.com Gracias Terry Houle Hennepin 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] Shorebird spot- Dakota County
There's a wetland I've been checking out this spring for shorebirds, but today was by far the best for variety of birds. The wetland is located just north of the intersection of 210 St. E and Northfield Blvd, approximately 2 miles due south of Vermillion (south of 180th Street Marsh). Birds seen while dodging the rain included: Black-bellied plover - 3 American golden-plover - 2 Semipalmated plover - 1 Hudsonian godwit - 1 (arrived with the plovers) Baird's sandpiper - 8 White-rumped sandpiper - 1 Spotted sandpiper - 1 Lesser yellowlegs - 1 Pectoral sandpiper - minimum 30 Killdeer - 4 All the shorebirds were in the flooded field just south of the wetland. At least 3 Yellow-headed blackbirds were on territory within the actual wetland. Other birds around: Horned lark, Vesper sparrow, Mallard, Blue-winged teal, Canada goose, Red-winged blackbird, Sora (heard). Mike Majeski 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] Cinnamon Teal - Crow Wing County
This morning at 10:50AM I observed and photographed a probable Cinnamon Teal - The bird was in the flooded fields on the east side of CR 21 about 5 miles south of Business 371 south of Brainerd, MN. Photos at - http://blackwaterbirder.blogspot.com/ Conditions were not ideal and bird was observed for only 1 or 2 minutes in driving rain before it took flight to the ponds further east and south. It flew while I was checking the field guide and only saw it disappear over a berm while in flight. Dark rump and light colored bill had me checking the field guide - I believe the "lightness" of bill was glare, and dark rump appears to be normal for this species, which i have little experience with. Feedback on this bird welcomed. Andrew Birch Pequot Lakes, 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] Sherburne
Before torrential rains, Common Gallinule, LeConte's Sparrow, YB Cuckoo at Sherburne Refuge, Auto Tour & Blue Hill Trail. Famous birding couple sighting, on the gallinules (my thanks). 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
[mou-net] Spotted Sandpipers Hennepin Co
Yesterday afternoon (Friday, May 25) we saw two Spotted Sandpipers in Purgatory Creek Park in Eden Prairie. They were by the edge of the pond along the wood-chip trail out to the observation blind, near the bench. Myron & Holly Peterson Eden Prairie Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
