[mou-net] Report from Rock County
Just a little note from this weekend around Rock County. I had a wedding to attend in Beresford, South Dakota but preferred to camp at Blue Mounds...One of my favorite MN State Parks. I squeezed in a couple hours of birding. BLUE MOUNDS STATE PARK 2 pair of Blue Grosbeaks around the Interpretive Center of CR8 Many BOOMing Common Nighthawks at the overlook/parking lot of the Interpretive Center (Probably the best place in MN to see Nighthawks booming ...and in a natural environment...They nest near the flat Sioux Quartzite outcrops Orchard Orioles—all over. Interpretive Center but also several pairs just east of the swimming beach. HARDWICK SEWAGE PONDS 1 Greater White-fronted Goose 4 Wilson's Phalaropes (one allowed a very close approach) 2 Sanderlings TOUCH THE SKY PRAIRIE They have burned a big portion recently but still lots of birds. Fun to see and hear... Upland Sandpiper (Common) Grasshopper Sparrows Dickcissel Sparky Stensaas 2515 Garthus Road Wrenshall MN 55797 218.341.3350 sparkystens...@hotmail.com www.ThePhotoNaturalist.com www.KollathStensaas.com www.SaxZim.org 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] Rail sighting (photos) in Zumbrota (Goodhue County)
My wife just spotted it in our garden! Here are some photos: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152109521456074.1073741826.728076073type=1l=f165b92d5a It was seen at 11:30am in our yard in Zumbrota at the corner of West 3rd Street and Mill I'm assuming it would be a King Rail, but in some ways it looks a little more like a Gulf Coast Clapper Rail. Can anyone confirm? Thanks! Elijah Parker 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] Rail sighting (photos) in Zumbrota (Goodhue County)
Several people have suggested that it's a Virginia Rail, which I really should more seriously considered earlier (I had originally dismissed it due to the coloring -- most depictions of the Virginia Rail have significantly stronger coloring on the bill and eye, the the part where the wing overlaps the tail seems different). Upon further research, the main difference seems to be the size. As for size, this bird is definitely bigger than a Blue Jay, but necessarily as large as a Crow. I don't want to mislead anyone into thinking it's something it's not -- so please keep in mind I am not familiar with Rails and didn't realize how significant a King Rail would be. Still, to me, a King Rail seems most likely (when the significance is not considered). It's still here if anyone wants to check it out. 385 W 3rd St, Zumbrota, MN 55992. Call my cell for updates if you're heading this way: 612-492-1010. Any other advice is appreciated. Thanks! Elijah On Tue, May 27, 2014 at 1:36 PM, Hoeger-Lerdal p...@mchsi.com wrote: how big was it? Virginia Rail is the default rail like this in MN---but they are much smaller, more like blue jay size. King Rail is like Crow size? On May 27, 2014, at 1:04 PM, Elijah Parker wrote: My wife just spotted it in our garden! Here are some photos: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152109521456074.1073741826.728076073type=1l=f165b92d5a It was seen at 11:30am in our yard in Zumbrota at the corner of West 3rd Street and Mill I'm assuming it would be a King Rail, but in some ways it looks a little more like a Gulf Coast Clapper Rail. Can anyone confirm? Thanks! Elijah Parker 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] Hooded Warbler at Lebanon Hills Regional Park
I had my Field Ornithology class out this morning at Lebanon Hills Regional Park when we found a singing Hooded Warbler near the Visitors Center off Cliff Road. The bird was heard in the same location as last summer along the trail that circles Schulz Lake and the swimming beach. The location is along the trail on the far south side of the lake. Roger Everhart Apple Valley, 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
Re: [mou-net] Rail sighting (photos) in Zumbrota (Goodhue County)
Hi all - The bird in Elijah's yard in Zumbrota is not a Virginia Rail, unless the images are completely misleading. Among other things, the bill appears too large and is not red enough, the amount of gray in the cheeks is too limited, and the legs too dull. What I cannot necessarily rule out, however, is the possibility of this being a Gulf Coast Clapper Rail, which closely resembles a King Rail and has been recorded at least as far north as Nebraska. King Rail, of course, would be more likely in MN since it formerly bred in the state, although the most recent confirmed record was over 20 years ago. This rail should definitely be checked out and documented by others, and my compliments to Elijah and his wife for their nice images and for getting the news out so promptly. Kim R Eckert, Duluth http://www.mbwbirds.com On May 27, 2014, at 1:48 PM, Elijah Parker wrote: Several people have suggested that it's a Virginia Rail, which I really should more seriously considered earlier (I had originally dismissed it due to the coloring -- most depictions of the Virginia Rail have significantly stronger coloring on the bill and eye, the the part where the wing overlaps the tail seems different). Upon further research, the main difference seems to be the size. As for size, this bird is definitely bigger than a Blue Jay, but necessarily as large as a Crow. I don't want to mislead anyone into thinking it's something it's not -- so please keep in mind I am not familiar with Rails and didn't realize how significant a King Rail would be. Still, to me, a King Rail seems most likely (when the significance is not considered). It's still here if anyone wants to check it out. 385 W 3rd St, Zumbrota, MN 55992. Call my cell for updates if you're heading this way: 612-492-1010. Any other advice is appreciated. Thanks! Elijah On Tue, May 27, 2014 at 1:36 PM, Hoeger-Lerdal p...@mchsi.com wrote: how big was it? Virginia Rail is the default rail like this in MN---but they are much smaller, more like blue jay size. King Rail is like Crow size? On May 27, 2014, at 1:04 PM, Elijah Parker wrote: My wife just spotted it in our garden! Here are some photos: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152109521456074.1073741826.728076073type=1l=f165b92d5a It was seen at 11:30am in our yard in Zumbrota at the corner of West 3rd Street and Mill I'm assuming it would be a King Rail, but in some ways it looks a little more like a Gulf Coast Clapper Rail. Can anyone confirm? Thanks! Elijah Parker 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 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] Rail sighting (photos) in Zumbrota (Goodhue County)
Just a sliver more information - King Rail has also been seen within the last ten years at Horicon Marsh - central Wisconsin. (I was only one of many who saw it on the Marsh Road) Al Schirmacher Muscotah, KS (formerly Princeton, MN) Date: Tue, 27 May 2014 15:02:38 -0500 From: ecker...@gmail.com Subject: Re: [mou-net] Rail sighting (photos) in Zumbrota (Goodhue County) To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU Hi all - The bird in Elijah's yard in Zumbrota is not a Virginia Rail, unless the images are completely misleading. Among other things, the bill appears too large and is not red enough, the amount of gray in the cheeks is too limited, and the legs too dull. What I cannot necessarily rule out, however, is the possibility of this being a Gulf Coast Clapper Rail, which closely resembles a King Rail and has been recorded at least as far north as Nebraska. King Rail, of course, would be more likely in MN since it formerly bred in the state, although the most recent confirmed record was over 20 years ago. This rail should definitely be checked out and documented by others, and my compliments to Elijah and his wife for their nice images and for getting the news out so promptly. Kim R Eckert, Duluth http://www.mbwbirds.com On May 27, 2014, at 1:48 PM, Elijah Parker wrote: Several people have suggested that it's a Virginia Rail, which I really should more seriously considered earlier (I had originally dismissed it due to the coloring -- most depictions of the Virginia Rail have significantly stronger coloring on the bill and eye, the the part where the wing overlaps the tail seems different). Upon further research, the main difference seems to be the size. As for size, this bird is definitely bigger than a Blue Jay, but necessarily as large as a Crow. I don't want to mislead anyone into thinking it's something it's not -- so please keep in mind I am not familiar with Rails and didn't realize how significant a King Rail would be. Still, to me, a King Rail seems most likely (when the significance is not considered). It's still here if anyone wants to check it out. 385 W 3rd St, Zumbrota, MN 55992. Call my cell for updates if you're heading this way: 612-492-1010. Any other advice is appreciated. Thanks! Elijah On Tue, May 27, 2014 at 1:36 PM, Hoeger-Lerdal p...@mchsi.com wrote: how big was it? Virginia Rail is the default rail like this in MN---but they are much smaller, more like blue jay size. King Rail is like Crow size? On May 27, 2014, at 1:04 PM, Elijah Parker wrote: My wife just spotted it in our garden! Here are some photos: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152109521456074.1073741826.728076073type=1l=f165b92d5a It was seen at 11:30am in our yard in Zumbrota at the corner of West 3rd Street and Mill I'm assuming it would be a King Rail, but in some ways it looks a little more like a Gulf Coast Clapper Rail. Can anyone confirm? Thanks! Elijah Parker 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 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
Re: [mou-net] Rail sighting (photos) in Zumbrota (Goodhue County)
Following up again, the consensus is that this is indeed a King Rail, and has been confirmed now by at least 15 birders. It's still here, slowly making laps around the house. Feel free to stop by -- I'll post again when it appears to be gone. The house is 385 W 3rd St, Zumbrota, MN 55992, on the corner of Mill St and W 3rd St. It's the only house in the area with a white fence on the roof (and at present, a dozen birders around it). We're about an hour from the cities, 25 minutes from Rochester, and 15 minutes from Cannon Falls. Thanks! Elijah Parker On Tue, May 27, 2014 at 3:07 PM, Al Schirmacher alschirmac...@live.comwrote: Just a sliver more information - King Rail has also been seen within the last ten years at Horicon Marsh - central Wisconsin. (I was only one of many who saw it on the Marsh Road) Al Schirmacher Muscotah, KS (formerly Princeton, MN) Date: Tue, 27 May 2014 15:02:38 -0500 From: ecker...@gmail.com Subject: Re: [mou-net] Rail sighting (photos) in Zumbrota (Goodhue County) To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU Hi all - The bird in Elijah's yard in Zumbrota is not a Virginia Rail, unless the images are completely misleading. Among other things, the bill appears too large and is not red enough, the amount of gray in the cheeks is too limited, and the legs too dull. What I cannot necessarily rule out, however, is the possibility of this being a Gulf Coast Clapper Rail, which closely resembles a King Rail and has been recorded at least as far north as Nebraska. King Rail, of course, would be more likely in MN since it formerly bred in the state, although the most recent confirmed record was over 20 years ago. This rail should definitely be checked out and documented by others, and my compliments to Elijah and his wife for their nice images and for getting the news out so promptly. Kim R Eckert, Duluth http://www.mbwbirds.com On May 27, 2014, at 1:48 PM, Elijah Parker wrote: Several people have suggested that it's a Virginia Rail, which I really should more seriously considered earlier (I had originally dismissed it due to the coloring -- most depictions of the Virginia Rail have significantly stronger coloring on the bill and eye, the the part where the wing overlaps the tail seems different). Upon further research, the main difference seems to be the size. As for size, this bird is definitely bigger than a Blue Jay, but necessarily as large as a Crow. I don't want to mislead anyone into thinking it's something it's not -- so please keep in mind I am not familiar with Rails and didn't realize how significant a King Rail would be. Still, to me, a King Rail seems most likely (when the significance is not considered). It's still here if anyone wants to check it out. 385 W 3rd St, Zumbrota, MN 55992. Call my cell for updates if you're heading this way: 612-492-1010. Any other advice is appreciated. Thanks! Elijah On Tue, May 27, 2014 at 1:36 PM, Hoeger-Lerdal p...@mchsi.com wrote: how big was it? Virginia Rail is the default rail like this in MN---but they are much smaller, more like blue jay size. King Rail is like Crow size? On May 27, 2014, at 1:04 PM, Elijah Parker wrote: My wife just spotted it in our garden! Here are some photos: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152109521456074.1073741826.728076073type=1l=f165b92d5a It was seen at 11:30am in our yard in Zumbrota at the corner of West 3rd Street and Mill I'm assuming it would be a King Rail, but in some ways it looks a little more like a Gulf Coast Clapper Rail. Can anyone confirm? Thanks! Elijah Parker 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 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 -- *Timelapse+ | m...@timelapseplus.com m...@timelapseplus.com | www.timelapseplus.com http://www.timelapseplus.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] Acadian Flycatchers - Goodhue, Dakota Cos.
In northern Goodhue Co., an Acadian Flycatcher was heard in a ravine off of C.R. 19, one mile west of it’s juncture with C.R. 18. The spot is readily identified by there being a section of guardrail. What is probably the same bird that resided in the eastern woods of Schaar’s Bluff Park last summer was heard in the same spot this morning. The location is at the beginning of the last loop of the Schmidt trail which runs near the bluff’s edge. Bill Litkey 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] Kathy Heidel
Kathlyn A. Heidel, age 76 of Cascade, formerly of Excelsior, MN, passed away Saturday (May 17th) at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on March 23, 1938 in Plymouth, WI, a daughter of the late Arthur and Jeanette (Van Sluys) Heidel. She graduated in 1956 from Plymouth High School, and in 1958 she graduated from Sheboygan County Normal School with a teaching certificate. In 1962, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree from UW-Oshkosh. Kathlyn earned her Masters of Science Education from UW-Madison in 1974. She was a teacher for the Cedar Grove and Kohler Public Schools from 1958-1966. From 1968-2003, she was the Senior Interpretive Naturalist for the Three Rivers Park District in Hennepin County, MN. Kathlyn was a member of the state, local and National Teacher’s Association, National Science Teachers Association, Minnesota Naturalists, National Association of Interpreters, Audubon Society, Nature Conservancy, Garden Club of Minnetonka, MN, Plymouth Bird Club and she was a licensed bird bander. She was a sensational artist, writer, and poet. Kathlyn’s everyday life was her passion; she loved and was born to be a Naturalist/Teacher. Survivors include her sister: Karen Heidel-Cravens (Husband: Leroy) of Corunna, IN; brother: David (Angelita) of Random Lake, WI; four nieces: Suzanne Cravens-Winebrenner (Husband: Rex) of Fort Wayne, IN, Denise Cravens of Fort Wayne, IN, Thelma Heidel-Baker (Husband: Ricky) of Ames, IA and Melissa Heidel of Colorado Springs, CO; one nephew: Johann Heidel of Cascade, WI and seven great nieces and nephews: Cameron, Devin, Christian, April, Abigail, Alex and Ava. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother: Alvin and nephew: Brian Cravens. Following Kathlyn’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday (May 25th) from 1-3 P.M. at the Suchon Funeral Home in Plymouth. A memorial fund is being established in Kathlyn’s name. Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Plymouth is serving the family. For online condolences, please visit www.suchonfh.com. Anthony Hertzel axhert...@gmail.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
Re: [mou-net] Rail sighting (photos) in Zumbrota (Goodhue County)
KING RAIL UPDATE: As far as I know, it's still here. I tried to locate it after getting the kids to bed, but it was too dark and I couldn't find it (when cautiously looking from a distance). Anyone who was here late tonight let me know if you saw it leave and I'll be sure to pass it on. For anyone trying to see it in the morning, I might not be available right away, but here's a map that shows exactly where it was last seen and where to stand to look for it: https://www.timelapseplus.com/misc/king-rail-location.jpg It's been fun to see so many people here! I've been out of the birding loop lately with kids and all, but it's awesome that it's all coming to me instead! :) Thanks, Elijah 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-necked Stilts-NESTING
The Black-necked Stilts at the Herman (Grant County) sewage ponds are nesting. We visited the area today and observed nesting behavior by what seems to be the female and were able to obtain permission from the city to walk into the ponds to photograph a single egg on a small nest depression among the rocks. We will get the photo on the MOU website as soon as possible. As it was a hot (85 degree) sunny day, the bird on the nest would walk out into the water and dip itself down into the water several times getting the belly feathers wet. It would then walk quickly over to the nest and sit down lightly, cooling the eggs with the moisture. This pair of stilts were originally found by Doug Keiser (with others) two days earlier and also observed by Herb Dingman (with Craig Mandel) yesterday, among others. Neither observers saw this behavior because of different weather situations. For instance when Herb was there it was relatively cool with a light rain in the area. Thus the bird did not need to cool or warm the eggs so was seen feeding with its mate in a corner of the ponds close to the nest. Today the mate was at the far end of the ponds because of a city employee mowing the area near the nest. The presumed female would leave the nest for a very short time when the tractor came close but would return immediately upon its passing. The earlier observers and ourselves observed an aggressive behavior toward other species that came near the nest. Doug mentioned seeing the birds chasing Lesser Yellowlegs and we observed the birds chasing Common Grackles away from the area. Interesting was that there was no aggressive behavior toward a mixed flock of peeps that were in the area of the nest. This flock included Dunlin, Pectoral, Least, Semi-palmated, and White-rumped Sandpipers. Also present in the ponds were a flock of Willets and a Hudsonian Godwit, although these left presumably because of the lawn mower about the same time as we arrived so we observed no interaction between them and the stilt. This is presumed to be a first state nesting record, at least in modern times. We haven’t had time to look at Roberts, etc. to see if there are any historical records. IMPORTANT The city of Herman welcomes you to visit their ponds but you should not go past the gate. The nest is probably less than 40 yards from the gate and at least one of the birds seems to always be in the area. Also there is no need for photographers to get any closer as good photos were obtained by Doug and ourselves. If after looking at the pond you do not see the birds it is acceptable to enter the ponds 20 feet or so as to better observe the close shoreline which can be hard to see from the gate. Under no circumstances should you go anywhere near the nest which in on the south shore of the north pond and visible from the gate You will notice a small point extending into the pond near the middle of the shoreline. The nest is 4-5 feet closer to the gate from this point, just below the whitest rocks. The ponds are located 1.2 miles southeast of town on Hwy 9 on the east side of the road. The north pond is drawn down and is the one attracting all the shorebirds. The city had started to refill the pond but because of the nesting by the stilt they are going to hold off on refilling the pond for a while. The city employees will also be limiting lawn mowing, as they said they can find many other places to mow. They are very interested in this nesting and will be checking the ponds regularly for signs of a successful nest and to make sure no inappropriate behavior occurs. They are very excited about this nesting and were even calling others to tell them about it. Dennis and Barbara Martin Shorewood, 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
