[mou-net] St Paul Audubon Villa Maria Warbler Weekend Results
St. Paul Audubon completed its 43rd annual Warbler Weekend at Villa Maria in Frontenac, Mn. May 9-11. 130 participants enjoyed the nice weather for a change, and found 141 total species including 25 warbler species. Highlights included a Horned Grebe on Lake Pepin, Red- shouldered Hawk, Red-headed Woodpecker, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Tufted Titmouse, Pine Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, Canada Warbler, Lark Sparrow, Harris's Sparrow (among 14 sparrow species), Bobolink, and Orchard Oriole. One significant change is the lack of any Henslow's Sparrows at Frontenac State Park for the first time in 5 years. Hopefully, the rough spring weather only delayed them slightly. The best development, however, is the confirmation of an expanding Tufted Titmouse population near the Frontenac Cemetery just north of Villa Maria. I have spoken with residents who are feeding them last September and January, and with 3 birds observed at the cemetery engaged in courting/challenging behavior, and another calling nearby, there appears to be a viable all year presence in Frontenac now for 5 years. Given last winter, they seem to be healthy and happy in Minnesota! 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. Paul Audubon Villa Maria Warbler Weekend Results
St. Paul Audubon completed the 43rd annual Warbler Weekend May 9-11 at Villa Maria near Frontenac, Mn. 130 participants enjoyed the nice weather for a change and found 141 species including 25 warbler species. Highlights included a Horned Grebe on Lake Pepin, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-headed Woodpecker, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Pine Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler, Canada Warbler, one documented Louisiana Waterthrush among 'thousands" of Northerns, Lark Sparrow, Harris's Sparrow, Bobolink, and Orchard Oriole. One change of concern was no recorded Henslow's Sparrow at Frontenac State Park after many years of nesting. Hopefully, the difficult spring weather only created a slight delay in their arrival. However, the most significant experience for many was the confirmation of a viable Tufted Titmouse population at the Frontenac Cemetery just north of Villa Maria. Three individuals were engaged in courting/challenging behavior repeatedly at the cemetery. I have observed them this past year, and talked to local residents in September and January, who are feeding them. For 5 years now, this has developed into a full year resident colony. In the face of this last winter, they appear healthy and happy in Minnesota! 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] American Bittern - Bloomington ice garden (Hennepin)
Of course even when visible they can become invisible quickly. It is still present somewhere but no longer in sight. Ben On Wednesday, May 14, 2014, Ben Harste wrote: > For those who may be interested, I am currently observing an American Bittern at the Bloomington ice gardens. It's located in the marsh east of the back parking lot. It is visible from the parking lot, standing tall and camouflaged in the middle of the reeds on the left side of the pond (as seen from the parking lot). > > Ben Harste > Bloomington, 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] American Bittern - Bloomington ice garden (Hennepin)
For those who may be interested, I am currently observing an American Bittern at the Bloomington ice gardens. It's located in the marsh east of the back parking lot. It is visible from the parking lot, standing tall and camouflaged in the middle of the reeds on the left side of the pond (as seen from the parking lot). Ben Harste Bloomington, 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] A hummingbird buzzed our azaleas this am. this am
Warren Woessner 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] Summer Tanager, Afton State Park
This morning, I followed a Summer Tanager as it flew low through open woods at Afton State Park, Washington County. It flew about 30 yards at a time before stopping briefly on low perches. It was giving its “pit-i-tuck” call the entire time, which I recorded. I have uploaded an excerpt from the recording to the MOU audio gallery. The location was along the Trout Brook Loop Trail, on the wooded hillside near the southern end of the loop, on the west side of the brook. The bird was moving northward along that hillside. The location is about a half-mile south of the place where Liz Harper found a Summer Tanager in the summer of 2009. Julian 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] Responses to the iPhone Bird Call App Question
Here are the responses that I received to the question about bird call apps for iPhone. Julian = Is the person using it to learn call (Quiz) or call in birds? The trouble with asking for “an accurate” pitch is that birds have dialects just like we do and can sound different in different parts of the country. Personally, I like Larkwire for learning bird song because it uses many different recording to quiz you. For the field, I don’t know that it matters since I just use it there to remind myself of sounds. = I'm accustomed to using iBird pro. has worked well for me, but wondering if there are other or better options. If you are looking for a learning tool, i think LarkWire is the route to go. I haven't had time to start on mine yet. = I use iBird Pro, available at the app store I've used it a few times to attract a bird and it has been effective. It also contains a lot of info about each bird - 900+ = You don't have to be tied to an app. You could download whatever songs you want to get and put them into iTunes and then on your phone. I guess my question is "why are you concerned about perfect pitch?" I'm sure you know that there is variability in bird songs. I'm not sure the birds care either. Anyway, www.xeno-canto.org has lots of bird songs (I'm sure you know about that one). You can easily download anything they have. I've done that with xeno-canto and other sources and have them on my iPod. You won't have additional info on the bird with this method but you can associate a photo of the bird with the song (via album art) so you will see the photo on you iPhone when you play the song. = I am very happy with iBird. It has audio as well as drawings and photos of birds. Have had it for three years on my iPad and now on my smartphone, not iphone. Others like Sibley but it has no photos. = I use IBird Pro and really like it. It has photos/songs and a brief description of the habitat you will most likely see the bird in. The only drawbacks to it are its not for the beginning birder. It's ideal for an advanced beginner to an intermediate birder, mostly because there is no raptor section nor a sparrow section, but indivdual birds, many of them and comprehensive field descriptions. If you know its warbler, you can try a common name for one, say Nashville Warbler, then choose the similar birds option and you'll be able to look at alot of warblers with gray and yellow colors. The audio is good.I was in a state park lot when I first got the app and played several of the birds I wanted to learn, mostly warblers. I inadvertently called in several nearby birds, as they landed in the tree next to my open car window! I don't recall how much it costs, i don't think it was expensive, but it's worth it. = I would go with the Sibley app. Even tho it's somewhat expensive, I have found that it's quite user friendly and the songs and calls are built into the info on each species. And, the songs are from several US locations, so you get some different 'accents' too. I use an Android phone, tho I think this app is out for apple products also. I have also downloaded several others, some of which I've paid a little bit for, but I like the set up of the Sibley the best. All of them take some time to download and install, so tell your friend to do that at a time when he won't have to use the phone for a while. 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] Western Tanager still present - Champlin, Hennepin Co.
The Western Tanager has made 4 appearances in our backyard thus far today. Its visits to the suet have been less frequent than yesterday, perhaps because there seem to be more insects for it to feed on. So far, everyone visiting has managed to see it eventually. Steve and Cindy Broste 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] Feeder excitement
The cool temps have brought first time warblers to our feeders. We are seeing the Cape May and Pine warblers today among the usual Yellow Rumped and Orioles who have feeding for days. We have suet, orange and grape jelly feeders right outside our Lodge window for easy viewing and warblers are loving it. We are also are seeing the Palm warbler in the grasses close to the shoreline. The birds like the close lake access. Anyone is welcome to come see the warblers (especially the Cape May and Pine) since one doesn't know who long they will be here. It was great to see this morning some of the field guides out scouting the trails preparing for the birding festival on Saturday http://www.visitdetroitlakes.com/events/festival-of-birds. We are a early morning Field site on Saturday. Hopefully warmer temps will bring even more varieties of the birds by Saturday. I will post photos of some of the warblers I have been seeing today on our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rainbow-Resort/229742137049029 Linda Schumann Rainbow Resort Becker County www.rainbowresort.com i...@rainbowresort.com 218-734-2241 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] Ramsey County, Battle Creek Park, Blackburian and Black-throated Green warblers
Black-throated Green Warbler – in trees close to the water Blackburnian Warblers – 2-3 right along the black-top path Battle Creek Park, entrance off highway 61, south of highway 94, about 400 yards in from the parking lot, mid-morning today. 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] Ibis still at Sherburne NWR
Good Morning! All four white-faced ibis were still present on Upper Roadside Pool along Sherburne CR 16 this morning. Same spot they've been since last Friday. Because they are visible from the county road, please DO NOT walk behind the refuge gate mentioned earlier as access to Carpenter Pool. This is a closed area, and not open to the public during sanctuary time. There are two pine warblers foraging in the grass outside our office this morning. Blue-gray gnatcatchers arrived on the wildlife drive - this morning was the first time I've seen them. Warbler migration is still good - 14 species this morning, and many of them are foraging near the ground or edges of marshes, because of wind, cold, and insects available near water. Perfect viewing! Betsy Beneke Sherburne, Crane Meadows, Rice Lake NWRs 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] Waseca County Snowy Owl
I photographed a Snowy Owl in Waseca County this morning. It was west of New Richland on Highway 30 at the turn to Matawan. It was all over that intersection--on a utility pole, on the road, in a fence line, and in a field. It was being hectored by crows. Al Batt Hartland 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] cameras and binoculars -- thanks
In case I missed sending a personal thank-you, my thanks to everyone who so generously and enthusiastically responded to my questions on cameras and binoculars. Jim Williams birding blog at http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/homegarden/blogs/Wingnut.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] house wren
Finally heard the house wren in the yard this morning, hope he has good luck finding a mate this year. He REALLY tries! Also saw several chimney swifts flying around and a white-crowned sparrow showed up under the feeder. We still have a load of goldfinches and a lot of yellow rumps. Haven't seen the scarlet tanagers since Monday. Now if the red squirrel would move away . . . Gail Wieberdink Roseville, 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
[mou-net] Minnesota Lake area
I went looking for the Black-necked Stilt seen Monday sou Hey birders, I went looking for the Black-necked Stilt seen Monday southwest of Minnesota Lake but could not relocate the bird. The wetland it was in does not have the best topography for viewing all angles and the bird may still be there. I also had limited time so I did not scan the lake itself with a scope. However, I did find 7 Cattle Egrets along 490th Ave on the west side of the lake and was excited to find a flock of Snow Geese with 5 Greater White-fronted Geese in a cornfield north of the lake. Happy birding! Chad Heins Mankato, MN "But ask the animals and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?" --Job 12:7, 9 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] Changing technology
In the past hundred years, birders went from using shotguns to binoculars. Now cameras are becoming more popular. And some people are talking about smartphone apps that would identify bird calls. Birders used to communicate by written letter, then by phone, then e-mail and cell phone. Technology has and will change. I hope we still take time to simply appreciate the living birds. Sometimes 'the list' gets in the way of that, and I have to remind myself. Happy migration to all! Joel Dunnette Byron / Rochester MN 507-269-7064 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] Garganey still present - CREX MEADOWS
Alex Lamoreaux reported on the Wisconsin BIrding Facebook group that the GARGANEY is still present at the previously reported location in Crex Meadows, in Wisconsin. Good birding, Jesse -- Jesse Ellis Post-doctoral Researcher Dept. of Integrative and Comparative Biology, UCLA 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] Western Tanager, Crow Wing Co.
John Richardson reported on the Minnesota Birding facebook page today a sighting of a Western Tanager on Old Grade Road in Crow Wing County ( https://www.google.com/maps/preview?ie=UTF8&t=p&z=13&q=46.757269%2C-94.157381&ll=46.757269%2C-94.157381 ) I believe he has photos but they have not been posted successfully yet. Good birding, Jesse Ellis -- Jesse Ellis Post-doctoral Researcher Dept. of Integrative and Comparative Biology, UCLA 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 is the time of the year when I do not feel in command of the yard. With three wood duck boxes in the yard I feel as if I have to sneak up to the window to avoid frightening off the skittish ducks. I had already stopped short once by a pair of Woodies this morning, but when I glanced out the side window and counted about 30 Yellow-rumps (and a single Nashville) I tried the back windows again. This time the pair of Woodies were not around. As I stood there, a hawk flashed through the yard and the pair of Woodies went flying from close to the house where they were not visible from the window. But, rather than the neighborhood Cooper that I expected, it was an adult Red-tailed Hawk that went after the ducks! I had never seen that before. At Rockford Road & Annapolis in Plymouth: a barely fledged Gr. Horned Owl in full downy uniform (with big black eye rings) was chased to ground by a harassing Crow. Despite being late, I made an immediate U-turn, but the birds were gone. At Minnetonka Blvd and Williston Rd in Minnetonka: a soaring Broad-winged Hawk. First noticed on Saturday in Hok-si-la and again today in Plymouth, almost masked by the overwhelming Chorus Frogs, a few American Toads have started their siren songs. They remind me of something singing in the minds of the Tolkien's travelers early in the story. Was it sand rats? I can not remember. In Frontenac we found a number of Willow Flycatchers, not singing, but giving their characteristic "Whit" call. I believe there may be a considerable difference in the migration timing of Willows and Alders with the Willows migrating quietly early and the Alders migrating late singing. This is just from personal experience. I should check the MOU records. Steve Weston On Quigley 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] Cerulean Warbler at Westwood Hills Nature Center
Hi My friend Travis apparently saw this Cerulean on a Facebook page so we have them to thank for telling us where to find this bird. We saw the Cerulean at Westwood Hills Nature Center in St. Louis Park this evening. We had no luck for the first hour then someone named Tony pointed us in the right direction and we found one just off the the steps leading up from the lake. He was moving fast along the ground and came within three feet of me at one point but he was moving so fast he was tough to photograph. I got at least an id able photo as did Travis. We also saw a chestnut sided warbler and a northern parula just off those stairs. I did not get a photo of the parula. What a nice park that is! Neither of us had ever been there before but we will surely be back. This link will take you to my photo. https://www.flickr.com/photos/ronsthoughts/ Ron Taube Coon Rapids Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
