Re: [mou-net] [ADV] [mou-net] Long-tailed Jaeger - Lyon County
The Long-tailed Jaeger was still present until 6:30 pm. By that time essentially all the gulls had disappeared to the south; the jaeger gingerly soared in that direction and had not returned by 6:45 (when I soared home to the south). I think I read or heard that it had also flown to the south at least one prior evening. Brad Bolduan Windom, 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 During the pandemic, the MOU encourages you to stay safe, practice social distancing, and continue to bird responsibly.
Re: [mou-net] [ADV] [mou-net] Evening Grosbeaks in Minnesota (long post, no sightings)
There have been several reports in Iowa as well. As I recall, those reports started in October. I assume most of the Iowa reports made it to ebird, but I am not sure. Brad Bolduan Windom -Original Message- From: Minnesota Birds [mailto:MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU] On Behalf Of Alyssa DeRubeis Sent: Sunday, November 15, 2020 7:33 AM To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU Subject: [ADV] [mou-net] Evening Grosbeaks in Minnesota (long post, no sightings) As many of you are already aware, this winter is projected to be the largest Evening Grosbeak irruption since probably the 1980s! Recent outbreaks of spruce budworm on the breeding grounds has slightly bolstered this declining finch’s population in recent years. (Evening Grosbeak has declined by about 92% since 1970, marking the steepest decline of any North American landbird.) Learn more by reading these short articles: https://finchnetwork.org/winter-finch-forecast-2020 and https://finchnetwork.org/irruption-alert-evening-grosbeaks-are-moving-in-largest-numbers-in-20-years. Consequently, there have already been reports of single birds in Wright, Sherburne, Stearns, Washington, and now down to Houston County (reported just yesterday). Below I’ve written up instructions on how to view these sightings, because I don’t plan on posting every Evening Grosbeak sighting in the state this year. Additionally, I strongly encourage anyone who has observed Evening Grosbeaks this fall/winter to report them to the MOU seasonal database and eBird. That way we can collectively better document this uncommon and large movement! Let me emphasize here that neither the MOU seasonal database nor eBird are entirely accurate on their own. For example, the Stearns County sighting is only on MOU, whereas the Sherburne and Houston County sightings have only been submitted to eBird. Thus, I recommend that you explore both databases. Here is how you can explore Evening Grosbeak reports (or any species!) in the MOU seasonal database: 1. Go to moumn.org 2. On the left panel, select “Review Reported Birds,” then click on the first option in the list (Query Sightings database) 3. There are many different tabs on this page, and you can get as specific with it as you want. In this example, I just wanted to see where Evening Grosbeaks have been reported this fall. As such, I adjusted the start and end dates to October 1 2020 and today’s date, respectively. 4. In the “Species (optional) box,” type “Evening Grosbeak.” 5. Under “Output Type,” click “go” and you will see a table of all the reports. Here is how you can explore Evening Grosbeak reports (or any species!) on eBird.org: 1. Sign in (or create a new account) 2. In the menu tab, go to “Explore” 3. Select the “Species Maps” option 4. Type “Evening Grosbeak” in the “search species name” box. To look at this year’s fall sightings, be sure to set the filter to October-November 2020 (the trio of dots to the right of the search box). 5. You can now zoom in to Minnesota’s confirmed reports. You can look at individual checklists by clicking on the map markers (make sure you zoom in enough to see the markers—if you are too zoomed out, the markers will not appear), then clicking on the date that pops up after you click the marker. 6. Consider signing up for eBird’s rare bird alerts if you want more timely news of rarities such as out-of-range Evening Grosbeaks: Again under the “Explore” tab, scroll all the way down to “Alerts” and click on that. In the “Enter a Region” box, type in Minnesota, or enter the name of your preferred county if you only want rare bird alerts for that particular county. I am happy to answer any questions you may have. Thanks and good luck finding Evening Grosbeaks this fall/winter! Alyssa DeRubeis Montreal, QC Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html During the pandemic, the MOU encourages you to stay safe, practice social distancing, and continue to bird responsibly. Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html During the pandemic, the MOU encourages you to stay safe, practice social distancing, and continue to bird responsibly.
[mou-net] Snowy Owls - Martin (old report) and Watonwan Counties
Wednesday there was a Snowy Owl a couple miles SE of Welcome. To the best of my knowledge that bird has not been relocated. At 9:30 am today there was a Snowy Owl along MN Hwy 60 just south of the County 9 exit (on an exit sign) for Madelia. At 4:30 pm, this same bird was at the intersection of MN 60 and 320th Street. I believe that is the next intersection south, so this bird did not move much during the day. Brad Bolduan Windom, 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 During the pandemic, the MOU encourages you to stay safe, practice social distancing, and continue to bird responsibly.
[mou-net] Fairmont CBC - December 14
The Fairmont CBC will be December 14 and I think we will be a bit short-handed compared to the coverage we have had the past few years (it appears we are on track to have 4-5 field parties). If you are interested in assisting with the Fairmont CBC, please let me know as soon as possible. I plan to assign coverage areas (and scout the count area) this weekend. You could be the first to find a Townsend Solitaire or Towhee on this count. Last I looked the area is to receive 10-12 inches of snow tomorrow, and Tuesday's forecast high is 37. Brad Bolduan Windom General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html During the pandemic, the MOU encourages you to stay safe, practice social distancing, and continue to bird responsibly.
[mou-net] Clay-colored Sparrow - Martin County
While scouting for the Fairmont CBC yesterday I found a Clay-colored Sparrow in Fairmont. The bird was associating with about 30 juncos at the north end N Fairlakes Ave which is west of George Lake. These coordinates should be pretty much spot-on: 43.664884 -94.476394. Other birds seen (in the count circle, but not at that location) included Greater White-fronted Geese, Common Goldeneye, Lesser Scaup, Common Merganser, Snow Geese, Northern Shovelers, a Harrier, a Merlin, a Coopers Hawk, Rusty Blackbirds, Red-shafted Flicker, and Turkeys. Brad Bolduan Windom General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html During the pandemic, the MOU encourages you to stay safe, practice social distancing, and continue to bird responsibly. General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html During the pandemic, the MOU encourages you to stay safe, practice social distancing, and continue to bird responsibly.
[mou] Prairie Falcon - Todd County
As I was driving I-94 through West Union township on Tuesday a large light colored falcon with a classic Prairie Falcon underwing pattern flew over the interstate from the north, banked, and returned to the north. As the underside was well seen, I am confident that this bird was a Prairie Falcon. I have been unable to post since Tuesday. Brad Bolduan Windom
[mou] Stearns County Sandhill Cranes
I was asked to forward this message to the list. Brad Bolduan Windom -Original Message- Brad, Please forward this information to the MOU list. On July 9th I observed two adult Sandhill Cranes with two young (not fledged) in central Stearns County. A pair (may be the same) has been coming to this farm for several years now. I saw them in May of 2002 in this same location. The owner of the land told me they have been there every year since 2002. Don't know if this is common or unusual to be in this area. This is about two miles from the Sauk River and a few small lakes in the area. Clem Klaphake Bellevue, NE
[mou] Freaky waterfowl on Fairmont CBC
As usual the Fairmont CBC was held on the first Saturday of the count period (today). I am sure next year's will be the first available Saturday, so those who are looking for a count where you can filter through waterfowl can put "Fairmont CBC" on your calendar for Dec 15, 2007. I had to make the pitch. That way we can quit drawing straws to see who has to count the geese (just kidding). Anyhow, Ed B-K and I studied at least three strange waterfowl on the Fairmont CBC today. All are assumed to be abnormal plumages of common species. 1) We had a large Canada Goose (Likely Giant) which was proportionately similar to the nearby and similarly sized Canada Geese. If anything this bird may have appeared slightly larger necked. The plumage was reminiscent of a Canada Goose, except the head was mostly white. The bird also appeared to be molting feathers in the neck, as there was some white flecking in the dark neck. The kicker is that the bird had orange (or pink) legs. Brian Smith had described a similar goose on the Fairmont count perhaps three years ago. I took a few distant and obscured slides of this bird today if anyone is interested. Even a series of poor photos would describe the bird better than I could from memory. 2) There was a similar Canada Goose studied by Ed B-K which had the same head pattern, but dark legs. 3) Lastly we had an odd duck (literally) assumed to be a Mallard. In anything but perfect light this bird looked pure black, except for a white breast patch. There also appeared to be two "rings" on only the lower mandible (about where the rings on a Ringneck Duck are). In perfect light there was some contrast visible on the bird (ie the flanks were lighter than the folded wing). With the possible exception of the tail and rump area, the bird appeared proportionately similar to the nearby Mallards. The bird sounded like a Mallard. Anyhow, about a dozen years ago we had some Mallards which had a fair amount of extra white in various areas, but this dark Mallard is new to me. We also seem to be seeing an increasing number of white headed Canada Geese. I am assuming all are examples of partial albinism/melanism. New species on the Fairmont CBC will include; Cackling Goose (although we had this species prior to the split, including photographed individuals and a neck collared Richardson's(a three character collar)), and a neck collared Trumpeter Swan. Brad Bolduan Windom
[mou] Spruce Grouse (apparent brood) Itasca County Sunday 8/27
Eight spruce grouse (Apparently an adult female and seven young) were seen in George Washington State Forest Sunday Morning. They were on a gravel road leading to Bear Lake from the North. Brad Bolduan Windom
[mou] FW: Ornithologists
A quick glance at Birds of MN would indicates that this would have likely occurred between 1895 and 1910 (based on currently accepted records). Perhaps the 1910 record wasn't accepted at the time, records seem to be sparse until the 1970's. Anyhow, this makes we wonder how long has Minnesota had a records committee? Haven't most records committees appeared since the 1970's? Brad Bolduan Windom -Original Message- From: mou-net-ad...@cbs.umn.edu [mailto:mou-net-ad...@cbs.umn.edu]on Behalf Of Mark Mulhollam Sent: Thursday, March 01, 2007 17:48 To: mou-...@cbs. umn. edu; Mnbird Subject: [mou] FW: Ornithologists Is the below true or just a good story? Mark Mulhollam Minneapolis, Minnesota http://www.tc.umn.edu/~mulho005 -Original Message- From: National Birding Hotline Cooperative (Chat Line) [mailto:birdc...@listserv.arizona.edu]on Behalf Of JIM TURNER Sent: Thursday, March 01, 2007 5:41 PM To: birdc...@listserv.arizona.edu Subject: Rd: Ornithologists I was told this anecdote while birding in Duluth, and cannot vouch for its truthfulness. In any case, my memory would mangle the details worse, and my apologies to anyone whose toes get stepped on. But here goes. It seems that a dark Ibis was seen byt birders in both Duluth and Superior, which made at least one pass between Wisconsin and Minnesota, in view by all the whole time. Competent birders disputed whether it was a Glossy or a White-faced, and finally agreed on the former, anbd submitted their documentation to both states. Minnesota's Ornithological Society disputed it, and on the basis of a single prior sighthing of a White-faced at the opposite corner of the state, concluded that it was the second state record of a White-faced, . Wisconsin, being further east, agreed that Glossy was more probable, and admitted it as a first state record. So the same individual bird, seen at the same time in two states, has now become a precedent for future acceptance of records of two different species in two different states. Jim Turner || Traverse City, Michigan || havivoca @ yahoo.com BirdChat Guidelines: http://www.ksu.edu/audubon/chatguidelines.html Archives: http://listserv.arizona.edu/archives/birdchat.html ___ mou-net mailing list mou-...@cbs.umn.edu http://cbs.umn.edu/mailman/listinfo/mou-net
[mou] Bird Quotes with historical context
Not my usual type of thread, but I'll bite. First, due entirely to the vintage of my choice I feel inclined to put this quote in a historical perspective. It would date back to just 13 years after the Migratory Bird Treaty, 26 years after the incorporation of the National Audubon Society, and 31 years after the Lacey Act. It would predate a the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act by one year, the Migratory Bird and Game Mammal Treaty with Mexico by five years, and the founding of Duck's Unlimited by six years. It was published two years after the creation of "The Minnesota Bird Club" and the first issue of "the Flicker", but one year before Robert's "Bird's of Minnesota". Unbelievable as it may seem it was also a mere 18 years prior to Bob Janssen taking control as editor of "The Flicker". There are a few things to be thankful for on this Thanksgiving day. Anyhow, being a mere four lines long (and not living up to my hype), my selection is Dorothy Parker's "Ornithology for Beginners" from Death and Taxes published in 1931. Brad Bolduan Windom, MN -Original Message- From: mou-net-bounces at moumn.org [mailto:mou-net-boun...@moumn.org]on Behalf Of Pastor Al Schirmacher Sent: Tuesday, November 20, 2007 14:50 To: mnbird at lists.mnbird.net; mou-net at moumn.org; BIRDCHAT at LISTSERV.ARIZONA.EDU; Wisconsin Birding Network Subject: [mou] Bird Quotes Have a favorite bird quote? Mine is probably the biblical "command" to bird :), "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them." (Matthew 6:26). Now if I could just find a similar reference for listing Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties
[mou] Plug for Fairmont CBC (Dec 15)
I'm not the hard sell type, but if you are looking to participate in a bird count consider the Fairmont CBC on Dec 15. Please contact me if interested. We generally have more ground (and perhaps water) to cover than we have time and people to cover it. Although much of the area is crop land; there are numerous (perhaps 16) lakes within our count circle, we have some woodland, marsh, grain elevators, and even a few cemeteries. Just to mention a few oddities about our count. We had a peregrine before we had a kestral. We had a Bohemian Waxwing before Cedar Waxwing and had Harris's Sparrows our first three years (1990-1992). For those who enjoy finding birds not previously discovered on a count, you have some opportunities here. I am sure we miss rarer waterbirds hiding among the flocks of waterfowl on occasion. Any participant finding a scoter, goshawk, kingfisher, meadowlark, snowy owl, brown thrasher, winter wren, or towhee (any towhee) would be finding a species not previously found on our count. Hope to see you on the 15th, Brad Bolduan
[mou] Turkey Vulture, Windom
While shoveling my driveway about 40 minutes ago a Turkey Vulture flew over the neighbor's house. The bird's behavior was typical for the Turkey Vultures which roost in the neigborhood during migration. The bird was across the street (north) of my house and flew to the west. I came in to fill out documentation, but it now occurs to me that seasonal listers may also want to be notified - hence this post. Brad Bolduan Windom
[mou] Belated Summary of Fairmont CBC
There were 5600 individuals of 47 species found by 14 observers on the Dec. 15 Fairmont CBC. This is a record high species total for the count. The species found in the highest numbers was ... not impressive - 1218 starlings (mostly from one feedlot). We had one species new to the count (a meadowlark which was wisely not identified to species). We had a reoccurrence of every sparrow species previously found on the count - Harris's, White-throated, Song, Junco, Lapland longspur, Snow Bunting and Am Tree Sparrow. Blackbirds were represented by Grackles, the meadowlark, and Cowbirds (no Rustys or Redwings). There was relatively little open water for the count and only four species of waterfowl were found - Canada Goose, Mallard, Black Duck, and Lesser Scaup. Misses included Flicker, Kestral, Partridge, and Siskin. Semi-hardy landbirds were generally well represented. We had or tied our record high counts for Bald Eagle (7), Coopers Hawk (1), Red-tailed Hawk (14), Pheasant (296), Mourning Dove (17), Great Horned Owl (5), Red-bellied Woodpecker (17), Hairy Woodpecker (17), Horned Lark (254), Northern Shrike (1), Cedar Waxwing (135), Starling (1218), Swamp Sparrow (1), Lapland Longspur (27), Meadowlark (1), and Common Redpoll (2). The Fairmont count has been conducted annually since 1990. Next years count will likely be Dec 20, 2008 (unless we try Sunday, Dec 14). New participants are certainly welcome. Maybe next year we will get our first Kingfisher. Brad Bolduan Windom
[mou] MOU RBA 29 July 2004
I tried to relocate the Rough-legged Hawk yesterday evening. I had no luck. I plan to try again on Saturday, but I am not optimistic. What is another 100 miles for a bird that far out of its summer range. Since I live SW of Red Rock Prairie, I now find myself paying particuliar attention to every buteo I encounter. Brad Bolduan Windom, MN bbold...@rconnect.com -Original Message- From: mou-net-ad...@cbs.umn.edu [mailto:mou-net-ad...@cbs.umn.edu]on Behalf Of Anthony X. Hertzel Sent: Thursday, July 29, 2004 20:58 To: MOU Listservice Subject: [mou] MOU RBA 29 July 2004 This is the Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday, July 29th. A male RUFF was found in Big Stone County on the 25th and it was still present today. From the junction of Big Stone County Roads 12 and 10 go east half a mile, then go north on an unmarked dirt road for 3/4 of a mile. The bird has been seen in a pot hole on left. Unusual was the July 26th sighting of a BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER on the fairway of the #1 hole at the Two Harbors golf course in Lake County. This is about a quarter mile east of the clubhouse. Most unusual was the apparent adult light-morph ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK reported July 23rd at Red Rock Prairie, Cottonwood County, and it was last seen flying to the southwest. A SHORT-EARED OWL was in Home Township, Norman County, on the 23rd. This was along the west side of County Road 158, three-quarters of a mile north of County Road 39. This state-wide birding report is brought to you and financially supported by the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union (MOU). The MOU is Minnesota's oldest and largest bird club. The report is composed from observations generously submitted by MOU members and other birders throughout the state. You can support this weekly update by submitting your bird reports to Anthony Hertzel at axhert...@sihope.com or by calling the hotline directly at 763-780-8890 and leaving a detailed message. MOU members receive this report directly on MOU-net, the club's free e-mail listservice, which is available to anyone interested. For information contact David Cahlander at . MOU members receive the organization's quarterly journal "The Loon" and the bimonthly magazine, "Minnesota Birding". For membership information, send an e-mail message to our membership secretary at moumemb...@yahoo.com. In cooperation with the Minnesota Office of Tourism, highlights of this hotline can be now heard at a toll free number which is available to callers outside the Twin Cities area. The number is 1-800-657-3700. The MOU is pleased to offer this service. Thank you, and good birding. The next scheduled update of this tape is Thursday, August 5th. -- Anthony X. Hertzel -- axhert...@sihope.com
[mou] Snowy Owl - Cottonwood County
A dead Snowy Owl was found in Windom today. The bird, an apparent road kill, was found near the intersections of MN60 and US 71. Brad Bolduan Windom
[mou] paying to use state wildlife land
Regarding the statement: "I'm not aware of anything that birdwatchers "harvest" that requires maintenance or support..." If you want to know what species require the maintenance and support of the birding public start with the endangered species list, then add species on the assorted watch lists compiled by various non-government organizations, add the "Species in Greatest Conservation Need" list compiled by our state, and any other native bird species whose numbers are declining due to anthrogenic causes. As for the "harvest". Birdwatchers, as well as almost all americans, contribute to declining bird populations. Their harvest is not as direct as if they were shooting a chickadee off their porch, but it certainly exists. Birdwatchers use paper which has implications recently highlighted by the Sax-Zim discussion. Birdwatchers contribute to urban sprawl. Birdwatchers like to have a home on the lake, which is having consequences also discussed in the media lately. Birdwatchers drive, use electricity, eat, generate waste, etc. If you are reading this the electricity generated to run your computer may be contributing to higher mercury levels in our lakes and thermal pollution of our rivers. What once stood where your home is now? The spot where I live was formerly tall grass prairie - and we know those birds are not doing well. The question is simply are birdwatchers willing to step up to a greater extent, in whatever capacity, to reduce or mitigate our impacts on the environment? Brad Bolduan Windom -Original Message- From: mou-net-ad...@cbs.umn.edu [mailto:mou-net-ad...@cbs.umn.edu]on Behalf Of wa...@att.net Sent: Saturday, March 25, 2006 10:05 To: Craig; mou-...@cbs.umn.edu; Jim Williams Subject: Re: [mou] paying to use state wildlife land The fees paid for duck stamps and other licenses to hunt are intended to be used for the support and maintenance of the birds and animals harvested, and as a regulatory mechanism. Furthermore, the stamps and licenses constitute the permission granted by government to hunt. I'm not aware of anything that birdwatchers "harvest" that requires maintenance or support, and I'm not sure either how you would determine who would pay for watching, or where you couldn't watch if you didn't have a "Birdwatching Stamp". As others have already pointed out, most of us who are birdwatchers are members of other organizations ( Audubon, Nature Conservancy, National resources Defense Council, Wilderness Society, American Rivers,etc., etc.) which provide support and funding and protection for land acquisition and habitat protection just as do Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever. -- Bernard P. Friel -- Original message -- From: "Craig" > How are state and public lands being paid for already?? Last time I > checked I still pay taxes plus I'm an avid bowhunter, snowmobiler and my > wife and I do a lot of camping in the state parks so I think I pay more than > my fair share in fees to use such areas. I thought this was a free country? > There aren't many things that you can do for free anymore but, birdwatching > is one of them and that's what I love about birdwatching. It's getting to > the point where we won't even be able to look through our binoculars without > having a permit first. Ridiculous. > Just because you feel guilty for not paying or feel that you need to > contribute more doesn't mean the rest of have to too. > - Original Message - > From: "Jim Williams" > To: "MOU net" ; "Paul J.Baicich" > > Cc: "WisBirdNet Network" > Sent: Thursday, March 23, 2006 5:18 PM > Subject: [mou] paying to use state wildlife land > > > Hooray for Colorado. Other states should follow suit. Everyone, > including birders, who uses state wildlife land should contribute > directly to its purchase and maintenance. > Jim Williams > Wayzata, Minnesota > > Begin forwarded message: > > From: food...@aol.com > Date: March 23, 2006 8:47:57 AM CST > To: sd-bi...@yahoogroups.com, sf...@yahoogroups.com > Subject: [sd-birds] Colorado New Wildlife Habitat Stamp > > South Dakota birders, > > For those who may be going to Colorado this year I thought I'd give a > heads-up. I am leading a trip April 7-14 for Lesser Prairie Chicken > Gunnison Sage > Grouse and White-tailed Ptarmigan (more of course, but these are the > targets) and > got a kind post from a birder Re: the new Habitat Stamp required on > Colorado > State Wildlife Areas. I had heard of it, but was not too worried. > > I then got a post forwarded by Bill Schmoker from COBIRDS that detailed > the > requirements for the new Wildlife Stamp. And the wardens are checking. &
[mou] Snowy Owl - Carver County
At 10:40 Thanksgiving morning there was a Snowy Owl just north of New Germany on the west side of Carver County 33. The owl was ~1 mile South of MN 7.
[mou] Fairmont CBC
Incase anyone is looking to participate on a Southern Minnesota CBC on Dec 20. The Fairmont CBC might be for you. Participation is always rather light. Extra participants are always welcome, especially anybody who would like to count geese. Brad Bolduan Windom, MN bbold...@rconnect.com
[mou] FW: Fairmont CBC
The Fairmont Count was Saturday Dec 20. It seemed that birds were scarce almost everywhere we looked. Most wooded areas without feeders were empty. Feeder watchers and additional parties in the field (7 parties plus 4 feeders)helped boost our count to 38 species. No new species were recorded this year, I had hoped for Meadowlark, as I have seen 7 (1+6)Meadowlarks in Watonwan and Jackson county in the past week. Highlights would probably include; Gadwall, Ringneck Duck, Merlin, Red headed Woodpecker, Northern Shrike, Harris Sparrow, and unknown crossbills). Thanks again to all participants. I will see you Dec 18, 2004. Canada Goose, 5300 Gadwall,3 Mallard, 434 Black Duck,3 Ringnecked Duck,1 Lesser Scaup,2 Bald Eagle,1 Sharp-shinned Hawk,1 Red-tailed Hawk,4 Unidentified Buteo (not added to species total),1 Merlin,1 Ring-necked Pheasant,30 Rock Dove,211 Mourning Dove,1 Red-headed Woodpecker,1 Red-bellied Woodpecker,6 Downy Woodpecker, 17 Hairy Woodpecker, 8 Northern Flicker, 2 Horned Lark, 60 Blue Jay, 18 American Crow, 137 Blackcapped Chickadee, 32 White-Breasted Nuthatch, 18 Brown Creeper, 3 Northern Shrike, 1 Cedar Waxwing, 60 European Starling, 475 Northern Cardinal, 16 American Tree Sparrow, 27 Harris Sparrow, 1 Dark-eyed Junco, 44 Snow Bunting, 184 Common Grackle, 2 House Finch, 39 Purple Finch, 1 Unknown Crossbill, 3 American Goldfinch, 44 House Sparrow, 1094 Brad Bolduan Windom bbold...@rconnect.com
[mou] Cottonwood/Jackson - GT Grackle, White fronted Geese, & likely Mt Bluebird
Things are picking up down here like everywhere else. I saw a Great/Boat-tailed Grackle today along MN86 at the intersection on Jackson Co 4 eastbound. The bird landed on the ice next to some Canada Geese before flew south for at least 2 miles. Greater White-fronted Geese have been rather common down here. I have seen or heard hundreds per day each of the three times I went into western Jackson county this week. Lastly, I saw a bluebird on the outskirts of Windom yesterday. Based its relatively light shade of blue and a long body shape I am fairly certain that it was a Mountain Bluebird. The bird was well seen from the side and back while in flight, but I have a slight reservation about calling it a definate Mountain Bluebird. The bird was seen at a time when I was unable to stop. It was not relocated today. Brad Bolduan Windom
[mou] Yellow rails - Cottonwood County
At least two (approx 10 flushes, including two birds flushed at same time on one occasion) likely at least 5 Yellow Rails present in a small portion of Expandere WMA Cottonwood County. I have to leave. Will try to past more later tonight. Brad Bolduan Windom
[mou] Yellow rails - Cottonwood County- continued
I had written I had approximately ten flushes. Now that I think about it that number is definately low. I flushed the first Yellow Rail near the Minimum Maintenance Road which bisects the unit. I tried to reflush the bird on foot without success. I had two additional flushes within a that small area (all within 30 yards), all could have been the same bird. I then flushed a bird about 100+ yards to the west of the initial sighting. Next and only moments later I flushed a bird about 100 yards south of the initial sighting. At this time I finally realized there had to be multiple birds. I then drove perhaps another two hundred yards south where I managed to get stuck. About two hours later I was walking in as a dozer was driving 30 yards to my north. As we neared my stuck tractor a Yellow Rail flushed from near the dozer and landed about 15 feet in front of me. I was unable to reflush the bird by clapping, etc. even though I was where it landed with in seconds. We pulled the tractor out. I then drove into the area I intended to harvest. I had about five flushes as I made my way around this approximately 3 ac area. One bird flushed within five feet of the tractor. Another one of these flushes was two birds at once - although they were about twenty feet apart. I flushed or reflushed a couple birds on my second pass. I drove around this area a couple more times without additional flushes. I then left the area due to the wetter than expected field conditions. The birds were all flushed in or near prairie cord grass. The ground was generally dry, but spongy in areas. This is consistant with about half of the flushes I have seen in the past. Two of the previous (other years) flushes were in drier areas. Aside from areas of taller cord grass and cattail, the bulk of the biomass at this location is within ~16 inches of the ground surface. Less densely vegetated drier areas are dominated by big blue stem and maxmillian sunflower. Most of the birds flushed from areas which were dominated by lower growing (no seed stalks) prairie cord grass. I believe others flushed from the sparse big blue stem. The thickest cover in dryer areas is grass-leaved goldenrod, and an unidentified aster - I do not believe any rails flushed from these areas. Birds were well seen. They were identified as rails based on their obvious rail shape and flight. They were identified as Yellow Rails based on their obvious bright white secondaries. Although I have also gotten the impression in the past, a feature I was able to see well in some of todays sightings was a strong contrast between the color of the breast and the belly of birds in flight. The breast is relatively dark perhaps buff with an apparent tint of rust color, while the belly seems to be white or near white. This is not a feature I can verify in any field guides. In fact the flight photo in Sibley shows a belly which is darker than the breast. This apparent inconsistancy caused me concern. A quick web search determined that Yellow Rails do indeed have a white breast; see http://huskertsd.tripod.com/photo_submit/yellow_rail_042604.htm and http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/Infocenter/i2150id.html . Juvenile Soras apparently show white on the trailing edge of their secondaries. I have noticed this on some Soras in flight in the past. The birds flushed today showed a much brighter, larger white band that extended across the secondaries. The entire secondaries appeared bright white. I believe wingbeats may have been faster, and perhaps more irregular, that the wingbeats of a sora. After hearing that the rails being flushed were unusual; other observer, the dozer operator, without prompting mentioned that he hadn't noticed that they were differant, but he added they did seem smaller than the rails that he is used to seeing. Yesterday I spent hours in the same general area. Yesterday I did not make it as far south as the majority of todays flushes, but I did drive in the same immediate area as the first two sightings today (first four flushes). It would appear to be quite possible that these birds were not present yesterday. I generally see one Yellow Rail a year, usually in fall. All have been flushed by equipment or fire. I have never been able to reflush any of these birds on foot. I would love to get a photo of these critters in flight. I have considered examing the possibility of systematically searching suitable habitat in the past, but bird density seemed too low to assume any reasonable chance of success. Another factor is the difficulity flushing the birds on foot. Two firsts today. I have never seen anything like the described bird sightings and I have never before needed a dozer to get unstuck. Brad Bolduan Windom -Original Message- From: mou-net-ad...@cbs.umn.edu [mailto:mou-net-ad...@cbs.umn.edu]on Behalf Of Brad Bolduan Sent: Tuesday, October 05, 2004 19:21 To: MOU List Subject: [mou] Yellow rails - Cottonwood C
[mou] Yellow Rail, Jackson County
Today I flushed one Yellow Rail (flushed twice) at Timber Lake WMA. The location of the flush was about 1/2 mile south of the village of Wilder. I flushed a Yellow Rail about a hundred and fifty yards from this location a previous year (last year?). The bird flushed from a gentle hillside with sparse big blue stem and an understory of little blue stem and smooth brome. On the first flush the bird flew uphill further into the field. On the second flush the bird flew to the bottom of the slope (~30 yard flight) landing in planted sandbar willows. All cover in this location is planted grasses and restored wetlands. Bird was identified by shape, flight, and wing pattern. Brad Bolduan Windom
[mou] Re: Henslow's Sparrows
Jim, I was just talking about this with someone else today. I just had a few points which you probably already know. Then a few additional questions. This is not isolated to Minnesota. It has also been reported in the other two state listserves which I monitor (Iowa and South Dakota). A recent post on one of these lists stated that the species is much more common than it was several years ago in at least one location in Illinois as well (I don't know if this was a gradual increase). I am sure a good share of the increase is real, although certainly some records were found by people looking to expand on the numerous reports this year. I happened to hear Henslows this year before the reports started rolling in and I did not go looking for them. In a situation like this I usually assume that a portion of the population made a temporary shift north or northwest. But then someone should have fewer birds than usual. Does anyone have a good feel for the extent of this perceived increase? Is any part of their core range experencing fewer reported birds than usual? It would also be very interesting to get a feel for what habitat these birds are using. The birds I have seen this summer have been in or near native prairie which had not been burned in several years (perhaps their expected habitat). However, as Dennis Martin mentioned the birds at Bashaw (assuming we saw the same birds) are using the WMA (native prairie) as well as the adjacent CRP field (planted natives). [The birds I saw were in CRP east, not west of Bashaw.] I believe the birds at Holthe SNA, Jackson County were also using planted natives as well as "true natives". If I recall correctly; Henslow's has often been found in exotic grasses (such as brome), but it has been proposed that it selects habitat with fairly dense, tall, dead vegetation - including song perch sites. For that reason it apparently avoids recently burned areas. The birds I have seen seemed to be associated in areas containing dead sweet clover stems from last year(and alot of sedge wrens). Do these associations seem to hold true in other areas? If not are the birds in areas with other relatively tall dead perches? I would assume no birds are being seen in areas which were burned in 2004 or 2005? I hope I didn't get too carried away. Thank you for starting the discussion Jim. It will sure be interesting reading the coverage this "invasion" gets in The Loon and North American Birds. Brad Bolduan (In the prairie part of the state and liking it) Windom, MN -Original Message- From: mou-net-ad...@cbs.umn.edu [mailto:mou-net-ad...@cbs.umn.edu]on Behalf Of Jim Williams Sent: Monday, July 04, 2005 17:06 To: Williams, Bob Cc: mou-...@cbs.umn.edu Subject: [mou] Re: Henslow's Sparrows Can anyone offer insight into the very large number of Henslow's Sparrows being reported in Minnesota this summer? More birds? Why? What changed? Or, more birders? Do we simply find more once we begin looking? Jim Williams Wayzata
[mou] FW: [ia-bird] Brown Pelican Refound
This Pelican has been followed on the IA list for a couple days. It is now in MN (Jackson County). Brad Bolduan Windom -Original Message- From: bounce-ia-bird-254...@lists.iowabirds.org [mailto:bounce-ia-bird-254...@lists.iowabirds.org]on Behalf Of Ed Thelen Sent: Saturday, July 16, 2005 9:45 AM To: IA-BIRD Subject: [ia-bird] Brown Pelican Refound Hello, The brow pelican is still in the area. This morning after diligent searching I found the brown pelican up in minnesota on Little Spirit Lake. Little Spirit Lake is a Minn/Iowa border lake adjacent to Big Spirit Lake in Iowa. The brown pelican was loafing on an island at the south end of the north bay of Little Spirit. This island is visible from 710th street which is a gravel road at the north end of Little Spirit just west of the north boat ramp. I spotting scope is necessary to see the pelican since it is quite far. This island is approximately 1 mile as the crow flies NW from the grade at the north end of Big Spirit Lake. Here is a link to a map of the lake : http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/fishing/lakes/maps/lsp30.jpg Good Birdin' Ed Thelen Spirit Lake, Iowa ethe...@iowaone.net --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership available on-line at http://www.iowabirds.org/iou/membership.asp. You are currently subscribed to ia-bird as: bbold...@rconnect.com To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-ia-bird-2547...@lists.iowabirds.org
[mou] Ivory-billed Woodpecker articles and personal mental wonderings about the birding community and habitat conservation
Although I was burned out on the Ivory-billed Woodpecker hype for a while, I thought I should pass along the following link which I saw posted on the Iowa List Serve. http://www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/science/12/13/ivorybilled.woodpecker.reut/index .html The article discusses the contributions hunters have made in habitat protection and monitoring with regard to the recent rediscovery of the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker. I personally believe that this is an important message and I believe the article is well written - it may be worth a look. The person posting to the Iowa list emphasized that birders, as well, can buy migratory waterfowl stamps (duck stamps) and that 98% of the revenue raised through these purchases goes toward habitat acquisition. The most recent issue of North American Birds also has a section dedicated to Ivory-Billed Woodpecker monitoring and potential for rediscovery in the Southeastern US which I found interesting. It, also, may be worth reading if you can find a copy. Thinking about birders (MOU specifically) and habitat conservationand just thinking off the top of my head... I know some birders say they are reluctant to buy waterfowl stamps, but we all seem to believe conservation is important... Has the MOU ever considered the possibility fund-raising for targeted habitat "acquisitions" (in conjunction with TNC, DNR, or USFWS)? With the exception of Hawk Ridge I have never heard the possibility discussed, although the need for birders to be involved in conservation has often been discussed on this list. I am thinking of an initative similiar to the fund raising attempts for Bolviar Flats a few years ago. Perhaps if TNC, USFWS, or DNR has a willing landowner near Felton Prairie, Red Rock Prairie, Salt Lake or near selected areas through-out the state... there could be an organized structure for raising money from the birding community (after all 36% of the state's population has been labeled as "Bird Watchers"). Perhaps the birding community would be more willing to contribute if they knew where their habitat dollars would be spent. Just a thought If anyone is still reading, perhaps the MOU could take an active role in finding volunteers for monitoring or habitat improvement projects such as buckthorn removal. Williams Nature Park (home of the often watched Kentucky Warblers) is one spot that is becoming overgrown with exotic species (buckthorn). Perhaps the MOU could provide a method of organizing "habitat crews" for such projects (assuming that the landowner has a similiar interest in preserving the habitat). TNC does something similiar for habitat improvement projects on their preserves. Perhaps it could be as simple as a volunteer opportunity posting to this list, a listing of upcoming habitat projects on the MOU website, or an annual supplement to the newsletter similiar to the ABA's "Volunteer Opportunities". I wonder how much interest there might be for such a initative. (I also wonder if the buckthorn at Williams could ever be eliminated by physical or chemical means) These activities may well be beyond the current abilities or interests of the MOU, but the article got me thinking about the issues, possibilities, and ... Thank you for your patience, Brad Bolduan Windom, MN
[mou] Fairmont CBC Raptor Highlights - Includes Reported Gyr
Ed Duerksen and Lester Rupp reported a Gyr from a mile NE of Pierce Lake. A verbal description of the bird included that it was a gray falcon at least as large as a Red-tailed Hawk and was observed for some time. I do not yet have the written details. The bird was found in the morning and I believe they relocated it once or twice. Attempts by two parties (including Ed D., Les, and myself) to relocate the bird in the afternoon proved unproductive. There were many pheasants in the area where the bird was reported. Results I have for the count so far have plenty of raptor highlights, but smaller birds were generally more scarce. The 33 species encountered include; 1 Great Blue Heron (first for the count) 1 Gyrfalcon (First reported for count and obviously the most unexpected) 5 Bald Eagles 1 Merlin 1 Sharp-shinned (bluejay sized male seen at about 10 feet) 13 Redtailed Hawks 3 Rough-legged Hawks (a new and long overdue species for the count) 15 Gray Partridge 106 Pheasants (I am sure this is a conservative count) 1 Mourning Dove 1 Brown Creeper 51 House Finch 1 White Throated Sparrow Plus a count week Ring-necked Duck Misses so far include Flicker, any blackbirds, siskin, Purple finch, any owls, waxwings, and robins Brad Bolduan Windom
[mou-net] Talcot, Cottonwood County Phoebe, etc
I took a couple hours to go to the Talcot WMA area today. The water is down considerably in several fields (Hwy 62 was closed mid-week), but the river is still flowing and flooding. Most snow is melted (except for shaded or drifted areas), but there is very little open water. The unfrozen water is largely just the floodwaters of the Des Moines River. Anyhow, there was a Phoebe in Talcot WMA. Ducks seem to have shown up in decent numbers with Canvasbacks and Lesser Scaup being especially conspicious on the east side of County 7. Most of the variety in geese was ound just east of County 6. I did some counting, but it was difficult. There were at least 50 Cackling Geese present (there was a flock of 50+ near the road). I counted 400 Snow Geese before an Eagle flushed them all. I guessed there were about 1,000 and they were probably outnumbered at least 10 to 1 by White-fronts. I am not sure what bird was most abundant today, but White-fronted Goose was a contender. Eagles were considerably less abundant than a week ago, Harriers, Kestrals, and Redtails were the dominant raptors. I didn't take notes, but at least the following were present by the thousands just downstream of Talcot: Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Lesser Scaup, Canvasback, and Ringneck Duck. Also conspicious were Goldeneye (few), Common Mergansers (few), Redheads, Shovelers, Pintail, Wood Duck (few), swans, Gadall (few), and Widgeon. I will imagine duck numbers will explode by next weekend. Brad Bolduan Windom, 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] Fairmont CBC
The Fairmont CBC will be held on Dec 17. It looks like participation will be a little lighter than usual. As always, any additional assistance is appreciated. You can contact me. We (2-4 of us so far) are meeting at McDonalds at the north end of town at 9:00 incase someone decides last minute they want to join us. Whooo will get our first Snowy Owl (my attempt at bird humor). Hope to see some of you then, Brad Bolduan Windom, 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] Talcot WMA, Cottonwood County - Inc Phoebe
Spent most of the afternoon at Talcot WMA. One of the first birds seen was an EASTERN PHOEBE in pines, I believe the earliest I have ever seen a Phoebe by weeks. Also seen(partial list): Killdeer 2+ Redwinged Black birds 1000s Greater White Fronted Geese 1000s (my, how their status has changed) Canada geese 1000s Cackling Geese 10s Snow geese (almost all up high and flying north in large flocks - very few down low) ~1500 up high Eagles 10s (certainly reports of larger numbers around) Pintail common Gadwall common Common Mergansers Hooded Merganser Wood Ducks Mallards Redheads Ring-billed Gulls - 10+ Redtail hawk - only one noticed on the way there Robin - 1 Although the waves of redwinged Blackbirds became very apparent to me on Thursday. I have not yet noticed similiar waves of Robins, Grackles, and Flickers. Probably more I am forgetting or failed to notice. I was mourning my tripod and another year passed. Brad Bolduan Windom 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] Fairmont Birding
The Jackson County Bird Club will be visiting the Fairmont area on Sunday Apr 15. They expect to arrive at Cedar Park at 2:00 for an informal afternoon of birding. Plans for the day will be driven by what is found during scouting and the interests of those in attendance. Anyone wishing to join is welcome. This was originally envisioned as an opportunity to invite those who participate in the Fairmont CBC to bird with the group while introducing the Jackson County birders to some habitats not too far to their east. Either Don Vrchota or myself should be able to answer questions if there are any. Thank you much. Brad Bolduan Windom P.S. The number of butterbutts in my yard seemed to explode from one noticed yesterday to 5 in one tree 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] Fairmont Area - inc White faced Ibis, Dowitcher
Did some scouting yesterday and today for a Jackson County Bird Club group outing. I believe ~67 species were seen in the Fairmont area between the scouting and the outing itself. I don't have a complete list of all birds seen today. However birds seen this weekend include: 7 White faced Ibis (not noticed Saturday, present Sunday am and pm)at Pierce Lake WPA 2 red Necked Grebes (Pierce Lake) Swainson's Hawk (1) Dowitcher sp (1)(Same location as Ibis) Some others: 1 Apparent Tundra swan (~80+% sure, went behind cattails before 100% confident) ~10+ Trumphter Swans (I think there were ~14 total swans ~10 were identified to Trumphter) Pied Billed Grebe (~3) Ring-billed Gull ~20 White fronted Geese (yesterday only, gone today) Least Sandpipers (2?) G Yellowlegs L Yellowlegs Pectoral Sandpipers Snipe Great Blue Heron Bald Eagle Red Tailed Hawk Cooper Hawk Kestral Turkey Vulture Downy Woodpecker Hairy WP red bellied WP Yellow Bellied Sapsuckers (~3) Kingfisher (2) L Scaup (probably ~50) Ringnecked Duck (probably nearly 100) Pintail (2) Gadwall (probably 100s) Shovelers (100s) Hooded Mergansers (~10) Green winged teal (probably nearly 100) E Phoebe (1) Tree Swallow (10s) P Martin (~6) Junco (1) Vesper Sparrow (many) White Throated Sparrow (1) Song Sparrow (several on saturday) Horned Lark Meadowlark sp (~2) Cardinal (1) E Blue Birds (~6) Ruby Crowned Kinglets (2) Hermit Thrush (~3) Cormorants (100) Harriers (8) There was some apparent migratory activity involving a couple flocks of shore birds and a flock of cormorants. In the limited observations with repeated visits; Yellowlegs (and shorebirds in general)seemed more common today than yesterday. Most of the time was spent observing open country and wetlands - which biased the observations. Butterflies: Red Admirals were everywhere, others apparent. For those interested in wildflower timing; Blood root seemed to be done blooming. Jack in pulpit (many flowering) and trillium (only one seen with flower) (other than snow trillium) are apparently pretty early in blooming. Several other species blooming as well. Sorry about the rough format and spelling. 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] Fairmont Area - inc White faced Ibis, Dowitcher
Sorry, forgot my signature. Brad Bolduan Windom, MN -Original Message- From: Minnesota Birds [mailto:MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU]On Behalf Of Brad Bolduan Sent: Sunday, April 15, 2012 10:04 PM To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU Subject: [mou-net] Fairmont Area - inc White faced Ibis, Dowitcher 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] 13+ Swainson's Hawks Murray County
During a small prescribed burn in Murray County today we had 1, then 3, the 6, then 9, then 12, then 15 hawks soaring over the burn. At least 13 of the hawks were Swainson's. One was a redtail, one was too distant given the conditions. In my experience; Swainson's Hawks do like fire, but I do not think I have ever seen this many on any burn let alone a small 1 hour burn. Brad Bolduan Windom 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] great gray, etc.
Thursday evening there was a Great Gray prrched on a powerpole next to MN 72 7 miles north of Kelliher. I believe there were reports of this species posted in that area earlier, this maybe the same bird. A couple hours before I encountered a Spruce Grouse on the Rapid River Road not far from Oaks Corner in Beltrami Island State Forest. I encountered one near the same location last year. I spent a day in the Bog and encountered all the generally sought after and expected boreal species except Black Backed Woodpecker, incldung being scolded by a pair of Boreal Chickadees. Brad Bolduan Windom 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] Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Cottonwood County
At 3:45 this afternoon there was a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher on the east side of US 71 in northern Cottonwood County. The bird was approximately one mile south of the Redwood County line. It was just south of a building site with several large orange dumpsters (I think it is or was a salvage yard). The bird was perched on a telephone(?) wire, then on the fence on the edge of the road Right-of-way just south of this building site. Brad Bolduan Windom, 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] Fairmont CBC
The Fairmont CBC will be Dec 14. Anyone interested can contact me. Brad Bolduan Windom, 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] Martin County Snowy Owl - dead
Today I heard of a Snowy Owl recovered between Fairmont and Trimont yesterday along a road. That is about all I know. Also worth mentioning, I see that the Spirit Lake, IA CBC had a Snowy Owl on Saturday. Brad Bolduan Windom 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] (no subject)
I was radio tracking a Mallard that nested (unsuccessfully) in a tree one time in Sask. If I recall correctly it used an old crow nest. I don't believe it even had a chance to start incubation. I believe it is more common for Canada Geese to nest in trees than Mallards, but that is just my impression. There was a paper published perhaps 15 years ago about Canada Geese nesting above ground in one particular location. If I remember right it they were nesting on powerline towers somewhere out west - perhaps Idaho. I believe it was in the Wilson Bulletin in perhaps 1993 or 94. Brad Bolduan Windom -Original Message- From: mou-net-bounces at moumn.org [mailto:mou-net-bounces at moumn.org]On Behalf Of Lou Bellamy Sent: Monday, April 28, 2008 11:08 To: mnbird at lists.mnbird.net; mou-net at moumn.org Subject: [mou] (no subject) I have a hen mallard on a nest very high in a willow tree in my yard. Has anyone observed this, what I would call odd, behavior? Lou Bellamy Founder & Artistic Director Penumbra Theatre Company 270 North Kent Street Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102 New Phone: 651-288-6790 Fax: 651-224-7074 -- Express yourself wherever you are. Mobilize! -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://moumn.org/pipermail/mou-net_moumn.org/attachments/20080429/ff536ce8/attachment.html
[mou] LOW White Winged Crossbills
Just returned from a non-birding trip to Northern MN - including Red Lake Bog. We spent three days in Red Lake Bog. No birds of note were seen during the first two days. The final morning - last Tuesday - White-winged Crossbills were the most conspicious birds observed. Several flocks were seen along the Faunce Road between the Butterfield Forest Road and Oaks Corner. It was quite a sight. Adult males seemed to be the most abundant with adult females and other plumages also present. The birds most observed spent little time working cones, but spent a fair amount of time apparently consuming minerals in bare soil areas. It was quite different to see this species surrounded by open water and green vegetation. At least three flocks of ~10+ birds were seen miles apart. Brad Bolduan Windom, MN
[mou] Birder's shorthand: Question
Regarding rules used in creating the names: I remember reading a very good article on this subject. I think it came out around 1993 and I think it was in "Birding". The 1992 index lists an article "Simple Four-letter Code for the Birds of North America" Birding 24 (6):377. Unfortunately my copy of that issue appears to be missing, but I suspect that is the article I recall. I would recommend that article (if it is the one I remember)for anyone who is quite curious about the subject. >From what I recall there were several complicating factors in assigning codes. For example; codes were different if words were merged, separate, or hyphenated. Think of species like Black and White Warbler or Black Crowned Nightheron. I strongly suspect I got the puncutation wrong on at least one of these. I also believe the Night-Heron was changed not too long ago (Nightheron vs. Night Heron vs. Night-Heron), but I don't remember which way it went. That leads to a entirely different set of rules - hyphenated common names. Brad Bolduan Windom, MN -Original Message- From: mou-net-bounces at moumn.org [mailto:mou-net-boun...@moumn.org]on Behalf Of Emily Hutchins Sent: Wednesday, October 22, 2008 11:01 To: mou-net at moumn.org Subject: [mou] Birder's shorthand: Question I have used the shorthand abbreviations for bird names for a number of years but was wondering if there's a "formal" list somewhere of all US birds. I have had a number of questions on this system: For instance, what are the rules when the first 2 letters of a 2-word name are the same for 2 different birds, such as in bank swallow and barn swallow? Barn swallow supposedly is BARS and bank swallow is BASW. Just looking for some guidelines or a list in writing on the naming system. Thanks! Emily Hutchins Private Lands Specialist MN Department of Natural Resources Area Wildlife Office 8485 Rose St. Owatonna, MN 55060 Phone: (507) 455-5841 Fax: (507) 446-2326 emily.hutchins at dnr.state.mn.us --- This mailing list is sponsored by the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union. Mailing list membership available on-line at http://moumn.org/subscribe.html. - To unsubscribe send a blank email to mou-net-request at moumn.org with a subject of unsubscribe.
[mou-net] Fairmont CBC - Dec 20 Summary
For many of us, including both field parties, the Fairmont count ended when the wind came up at noon. Birds and white cars full of birders suddenly became much more difficult to see though the blowing snow as secondary roads began to accumulate snow drifts. Despite this, eight observers counting on Saturday came up with 33 species including one species new to the count; Herring Gull. Additional observers unable to participate on count day added Bald Eagle and a Red-Shafted Flicker (OK; not a species, but interesting) as Count Week sightings. In addition to Herring Gull; Horned Lark (333), American Goldfinch (86) and Pine Siskin(39) were seen in record high numbers. There were no big surprises, but birds missed in some years included; Rusty Blackbird (2), Lapland Longspur (1), Harris' Sparrow (1), and White-Throated Sparrow (3). Oddly enough; we completely missed Rough-legged Hawk from 1990-2004, but have recorded the species every year since. It may also be worth nothing that our six highest Northern Cardinal counts (42 this year) have occured in the past six years - certainly indicating a trend. Significant misses include; all owls, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Waxwings, Am Robin, and Grackle. Next year's count will be Dec 19, 2009. Brad Bolduan Windom 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] Fairmont CBC
Saturday Dec 19. More participants are always welcome. Brad Bolduan Windom 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] Male Lark Bunting Agassiz NWR
There was a male Lark Bunting present Friday and yesterday about a mile (rough guess) east of the refuge headquarters along the main road through the refuge. Brad Bolduan Windom 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] Fairmont CBC
The Fairmont CBC will be Saturday Dec 18. More participants are always welcome. Anyone interested can contact me. I believe you can reply to this e-mail, or you find contact info on the MOU CBC web page. Brad Bolduan Windom 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] Talcot WMA Cottonwood County - Golden-winged warbler
Yesterday evening while visiting Talcot WMA I was pleasantly surprised to find a Golden-winged warbler and to get looks as close as about six feet away as it foraged in willows. I returned to Talcot this evening with delusions that I might relocate the bird. Passerine numbers seemed somewhat lower at this location then during yesterday's hail storm; however, within an hour I saw a Golden-winged Warbler flying straight at me from across the road. The bird landed about seven feet away (behind branches) and continued to forage in my area allowing me occasional glimpses. This is the best opportunity I have ever had to view this species close-up -- and I have been trying since the Twins went to training camp hoping to repeat their first world series win. I believe the only other warbler species seen today were the many Yellow-rumpeds, a single Ovenbird, and several Palm. Other species were present yesterday including Black and White, Yellow, and Nashville. Sparrows included Harris, White-throat, Clay-colored, Chipping, White-crowned, vesper, and song. Waterbirds did seem more abundant today including Black and Forsters terns in multiple locations and great egrets flying north. Brad Bolduan Windom 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] Mystery Gull today - Cottonwood County (Long Lake)
I saw a very worn gull today and I still have not reached a definite conclusion as to its ID. It is an adult or near-adult white headed gull with a dark eye, red orbital ring, greenish legs and a bi-colored bill. If not for the bill, the photos of the perched bird would resemble a California Gull - although that was certainly not my impression in the field (probably because I first saw the bird in flight). The bird in flight has strikingly patterned wings - almost certainly as a result of feather wear. The bird landed on the road carrying a small catfish and was flushed as the next vehicle came by. I have some photos of varying quality that should be sufficient for ID. The better photos are of the bird perched. If a few gull aficionados want to give me their opinions I can send a couple photos - let me know. Thanks Brad Bolduan Windom 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] Mystery Gull today - Cottonwood County (Long Lake)
Sorry about the repeated message; but one of my photos seems to show the bill is banded, not bicolored. Also found a photo of ring-billed gull that showed somewhat similar bleaching. I am submitting a RQD as a Cottonwood County California Gull. I am leaving it "public" so anyone who may chase the bird can view the photos and draw their own conclusions before they commit. I have little idea if the bird is still present. There were ~5 gulls on the lake when I revisited at dusk, but they were well beyond binocular range. Brad Bolduan Windom -Original Message- From: Minnesota Birds [mailto:MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU] On Behalf Of Brad Bolduan Sent: Saturday, May 17, 2014 10:53 PM To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU Subject: [mou-net] Mystery Gull today - Cottonwood County (Long Lake) I saw a very worn gull today and I still have not reached a definite conclusion as to its ID. It is an adult or near-adult white headed gull with a dark eye, red orbital ring, greenish legs and a bi-colored bill. If not for the bill, the photos of the perched bird would resemble a California Gull - although that was certainly not my impression in the field (probably because I first saw the bird in flight). The bird in flight has strikingly patterned wings - almost certainly as a result of feather wear. The bird landed on the road carrying a small catfish and was flushed as the next vehicle came by. I have some photos of varying quality that should be sufficient for ID. The better photos are of the bird perched. If a few gull aficionados want to give me their opinions I can send a couple photos - let me know. Thanks Brad Bolduan Windom 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] Chat - Jackson County
Yellow- Breasted Chat present today on 500th Ave south of Co 30 in Jackson County. At least 3 Bay-breasted present at same location. Different location; but 6 Parulas in one tree at 7 mile Creek County Park in Nicollet County today. Golden-winged also in that park. Best warbler migration I have seen in many years (or perhaps best I have ever experienced). Brad Bolduan Windom 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] Fairmont CBC - Dec 20
The Fairmont CBC is Dec 20. If anyone would like to participate please contact me. Brad Bolduan Windom 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] Snowy Owl - Brown County
On Saturday morning I noticed a Snowy Owl about one mile north of the town of Hanska on the west side of Co 13. I went back at 4:00 Saturday afternoon and relocated the bird one mile west of Co 13 (170th Ave). This afternoon what I presume to be the same bird was about one and a half miles south of Hanska on Co 13. This bird is quite lightly colored with essentially the only brown being spots in the primaries and upper primary coverts. I also scared a Cooper's Hawk off of a pigeon before he could enjoy his meal in New Ulm today. Hopefully, he finds another pigeon. Brad Bolduan Windom 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 Kingbird, etc - Yellow Med
This afternoon there was a bit of a western feel to Swede Forest SNA in eastern Yellow Medicine County. There was a western kingbird hunting along the fence across the road. Two lark sparrows flushed out of the parking area. Lastly, there was a bird I will leave unidentified in the interior of the SNA. The unidentified bird was powder blue. I did not see it quite well enough that I would be comfortable making an ID, but I will infer one. Others that saw it earlier and better originally thought it was a bluebird, then thought it was a indigo bunting because the blue continued onto the belly. It was frequenting an opening. It looked uniformly powder blue, it was more slender than an eastern bluebird, and I have no doubt that had I seen that bird in central South Dakota I would have had no doubt is was a male Mountain Bluebird. I cannot think of anything else it could have been and everything I could see fit. Brad Bolduan Windom 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] Fairmont CBC
The Fairmont CBC will be Saturday Dec 19. With the warm fall there may be opportunity for some ambitious birder to find the counts first scoter, towhee (an Eastern Towhee overwintered in the count circle the year prior to our first count), or winter wren. Additional information on the count can be found here http://moumn.org/CBC/locations.php?cid=265 , or by contacting me. Birders of all levels are welcome. Brad Bolduan Windom 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] Fairmont Area Lakes
I scouted for the Dec 19 Fairmont CBC yesterday. As much as anything I wanted to check ice conditions. I looked at 9 of the approximately 20 lakes in the count circle. I was very surprised to see that almost all water bodies are open. Some small ponds are even open or partially open. Unless something changes dramatically, I believe there will be an unprecedented amount of open water for the Fairmont CBC which started in 1990. Despite all the open water - or maybe because of it - diversity of waterbirds I saw was much lower than I expected. My optics are not the best, so many distant birds were left unidentified. Species present included: Mallard (certainly hundreds) seen. I would have expected more. Canada Goose (thousands, maybe tens of thousands) Northern Shoveler (8 seen near shore at Lake Sisseton) Bufflehead (one on George Lake) Common Goldeneye (10s, all assumed to be Common) - widely scattered on open lakes in area Common Merganser (10s, widely scattered on lakes in area) Scaup (~10, all lesser or assumed to be lesser) I was very surprised by the low diversity of goose and duck species I noticed and I was also very surprised to not see any gulls, kingfishers, herons, cormorants, Rusty Blackbirds, grebes, etc. If present they have many places to hide this year. Closer examination may bring surprises. Only other species of mild interest encountered was at least 3 Harris Sparrows. Brad 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] Pine Grosbeak/Rice Co.
There have been two Pine Gosbeaks reportedly present in Sheldon, Iowa for probably a month now. I was thinking I saw a report from Sioux Falls, SD as well; but it was probably Pierre. There have been several reports from Pierre and NE SD, but - although southerly - Cannon City is probably further south than these observations. I have been looking at for them down here without success. Brad Bolduan Windom -Original Message- From: Minnesota Birds [mailto:MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU] On Behalf Of dan&erika Sent: Monday, December 21, 2015 10:07 AM To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU Subject: [mou-net] Pine Grosbeak/Rice Co. On Sunday, Erika and I photographed the Pine Grosbeak near Cannon Falls, Rice Co., first reported by Dave Bartkey on the Faribault/Northfield CBC and subsequently refound by Gene Bauer. According to eBird, this Pine Grosbeak may represent the southernmost record of the species east of the Rocky Mountains so far this winter: http://dantallmansbirdblog.blogspot.com -- Dan or Erika Tallman Northfield, Minnesota daner...@gmail.com http://dantallmansbirdblog.blogspot.com " the best shod travel with wet feet...Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes ”—H. D. Thoreau 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] Talcot WMA, Cottonwood County _ Geese
I am seeing some interest in southern Minnesota Goose locations. I arrived at Talcot WMA shortly before sunset yesterday. Two large flocks of geese totaling ~1500 birds were leaving (flying east). I was able to count 500 of these geese by twos. All I counted and heard were White-fronts. A smaller flock (~100 birds) or two that left were also White-fronts. There were some Canada Geese in the area. Duck diversity is picking up, but in my limited efforts I have only seen about 8 species so far. Gulls seemed to be showing up in decent numbers the last couple days. Talcot may be a good place to go if looking for White-fronts. I did not notice any snow, ross's or cackling. Sorry I don't have better information, maybe tomorrow. Brad Bolduan Windom 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] 7 Mile Creek Park in Nicollet County
Just an FYI, that it appears 7 mile Creek Park is closed until November. I thought I saw a sign at the entrance indicating such a closure and the Nicollet County webpage indicates the same. I thought I might be able to save somebody a trip. Brad -Original Message- From: Minnesota Birds [mailto:MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU] On Behalf Of Gordon Andersson Sent: Saturday, April 2, 2016 2:09 PM To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU Subject: [mou-net] Kentucky Warbler ---ABC Bird of Week read & listen to the song so you might find this rare, reclusive MN migrant next month. some years along 7 Mile Creek near St Peter, I think. https://abcbirds.org/bird/kentucky-warbler/ 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] Jackson County Black-necked Stilts - likely family group of 6
Sorry about the length. This is for those - like me - who do not monitor other forums regarding Minnesota bird observations and may have some interest in the Jackson County Stilt's. I received a call today from a person I understand was one of the initial observers of the stilts. He indicated that there were six birds present today; I went down there for the first time this evening. I saw five birds on multiple occasions including once after one of the birds appeared to fly from the group and not return. At least two of the birds (the two I saw first and perhaps the only two I heard vocalize) appeared to be adults with uniform black upperparts. At least three of the birds appeared to be juveniles; showing a brownish upper side with very conspicuous buff colored edges to the back feathers (apparently all dark feathers). These birds seemed to be duller overall and less contrasting - including bare parts. They also seemed to generally linger in less visible areas. I do not believe they could be separated by from the adults by size. I suspect this is a family group of two adults and four juveniles. My understanding is that they have been dependably visible since initially located. Today they were on private property just north of county highway 36. For those who may be interested in seeing these birds, County 36 is just south of Fish lake (~2 miles south of Windom). I thought that I also saw a sign for 36 north of Fish Lake on the road google maps shows as County 43, but perhaps I was mistaken. I understand they were originally located in Christiania Waterfowl Production Area (I am not sure if it shows on any maps) which is immediately south of County Hwy 36. They have since been located both on the WPA and private property north of Hwy 36. I observed from Hwy 36 today; GPS 43 50 0.5 deg N 95 01 54.6 W - that may help get you in the right area. Brad Bolduan Windom -Original Message- From: Minnesota Birds [mailto:MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU] On Behalf Of Bob Ekblad Sent: Saturday, July 23, 2016 1:12 PM To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU Subject: [mou-net] Jackson County Black-necked Stilts At least two (& possibly three of the Black-necked Stilts reported yesterday on facebook and ebird were still at the location today SE of Windom. From Hwy71 go east on CR36 2mi then turn south. The birds were on the west side of the road in the very weedy water. Good spot to look from is by the power pole that has a snowmobile trail stop sign on it. One was also seen from CR36. Sent from Bob Ekblad's iPhone 507-269-7436 Byron, MN - Olmsted County http://www.Birding-Minnesota.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 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] Yellow Rail, Brown County (Cottonwood River Scientific and Natural Area)
While using a tractor to harvest seed today I flushed a Yellow Rail from a prairie restoration near the west end of Cottonwood River Scientific Natural Area, Brown County. The bird flew about 100 feet. The timing and location seem to match my previous observations of this species during fall migration. I will add that I don't think I have ever flushed a yellow rail in southern Minnesota while on foot - odds of relocation are low. Brad 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] Yellow Rail, Brown County (Cottonwood River Scientific and Natural Area)
Sorry, forgot full name and my residence. Brad Bolduan Windom -Original Message- From: Brad Bolduan [mailto:bbold...@windomnet.com] Sent: Friday, September 30, 2016 6:54 PM To: 'MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU' Subject: Yellow Rail, Brown County (Cottonwood River Scientific and Natural Area) While using a tractor to harvest seed today I flushed a Yellow Rail from a prairie restoration near the west end of Cottonwood River Scientific Natural Area, Brown County. The bird flew about 100 feet. The timing and location seem to match my previous observations of this species during fall migration. I will add that I don't think I have ever flushed a yellow rail in southern Minnesota while on foot - odds of relocation are low. Brad 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] Fairmont CBC
I now have complete or nearly complete data for the Fairmont CBC which was conducted on Saturday. The great bulk of effort this year was watchers at 8 feeder stations. In addition we had about 10 1/4 party hours birding from car and only 1/2 hr total birding on foot. This may be the lightest effort afield in the history of the count, yet I think we had decent diversity - especially considering that the only open water was some short stretches of streams (perhaps all downstream from dams). Looks like we will likely end up with 42 species, including Red Crossbill which is a first for this count which has been conducted annually since 1990. 21 Canada Goose 3 Mallard 2 Gadwall 19 Pheasant 8 Turkey 12 Rock Pigeon 1 Collared Dove 13 Mourning Dove 1 American Coot 1 Great Blue Heron 6 Bald Eagle 2 Coopers Hawk 7 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Unknown Buteo 1 Rough-legged Hawk 3 Great Horned Owl 12 Red-bellied Woodpecker 38 Downy Woodpecker 16 Hairy Woodpecker 1 American Kestral 53 Blue Jay 43 American Crow 600 Horned Lark 43 Black-capped Chickadee 24 White-breasted Nuthatch 2 Red-breasted Nuthatch 3 Brown Creeper 1 Golden-crowned Kinglet 27 European Starling 59 House Sparrow 60 House Finch 7 Purple Finch 49 American Goldfinch 30 Common Redpoll 1 Red Crossbill 19 Lapland Longspur 130 Snow Bunting 7 Fox Sparrow 2 American Tree Sparrow 64 Dark-eyed Junco 41 Northern Cardinal 29 Red-winged Blackbird 5 Common Grackle Brad Bolduan Windom, 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] Fairmont CBC
The Fairmont CBC will be December 16 in tropical southern Minnesota. As always, assistance is appreciated. Anyone interested can contact me (reply to this email). Brad Bolduan Windom 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] Fairmont CBC
The Fairmont CBC will be Dec 15. Anyone interested in participating can contact me. It looks like it will be a white count and a white Christmas in Fairmont. Open water will be limited, but something interesting has to be hanging around, we just need to find it. Brad Bolduan 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] Snowy Owl Cottonwood County
Sorry about the delay. I received a call about an snowy owl observed by a couple ice fishermen at Carey Lake near Westbrook yesterday morning. They tried to get a photo, but the owl did not cooperate. I trust the observer, but that is about all the information I have. Brad Bolduan Windom 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] Snowy Owl - Martin County
Today while scouting for the Fairmont CBC I located a Snowy Owl west of Bright lake. The owl was on 140th Ave, south of 60th St.. Brad Bolduan Windom, 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] Cottonwood County Snowy Owl
Two of us located a Snowy Owl north of Windom yesterday. I do not know if it has been observed since. It had a considerable amount of fine barring on the underside of its body. The owl was on Cottonwood County Highway 4 adjacent to a Waterfowl Production area (south of the intersection of County Hwys 3 &4). That makes two years in a row that we found a Snowy Owl in this general area on the CBC count day. Brad Bolduan Windom, 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] Fairmont CBC Thursday Dec 19
We have moved the Fairmont CBC to a weekday this year to make the count available to more potential birders. It might be the only count in the state where Harris Sparrow has been recorded more often than Cedar Waxwing (or it might not). So if you are tired of counting Pine Grosbeaks in the north woods or Greater Scaup on the Mississippi and you are looking to add a Eurasian Collared-dove to your year list before the new year, you may want to consider adding this count to your calendar. The count circle does contain numerous lakes, Wildlife Management Areas, and other public lands. For the truly adventurous birder; there is always the challenge of trying to count the (usually) thousands of Canada Geese on the city lakes, or the risk of taking a wrong turn and ending up in Iowa. Additional information including contact information can be found here: http://moumn.org/CBC/locations.php?cid=265 Thank you for considering sunny southern Minnesota, Brad Bolduan Windom, 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] Jackson County Ibis update
I just wanted to pass along that there were ~35 ibis present at the previously reported location between 7:00 and 8:00 pm this evening. They did flush in two directions at 8:00 when a tractor with a planter drive past, but I suspect they will be back. I think I saw at least one of the birds being discussed, an apparent immature with red in its legs. Most of the time the birds were in the taller vegetation far from the road, so there were multiple birds I was unable to see well. I didn't realize 35 were present until they flushed. I don't think I ever saw the reported Glossy Ibis, but it may well have been present. Brad Bolduan Windom Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html During the pandemic, the MOU encourages you to stay safe, practice social distancing, and continue to bird responsibly.
[mou] Fairmont CBC is Saturday the 18th
Last call for anybody who wants to bird on the southern fringe of the state. Still looking for our first Rough-legged Hawk, Brad Bolduan bbold...@rconnect.com
[mou] Talcot WMA Cottonwood county, Yesterday and today
Both days had similiar birds, although perhaps more of everything today Thousands of Canada Goose - some paired on muskrat houses Cackling Goose (I don't have a good feel for numbers) White Fronted Goose - Thousand at least (flocks of fifty everywhere) Snow Geese - Thousands Mallards - Hundreds or thousands Pintails - Hundreds at least Widgeon - Green-winged teal Common Mergansers Other Waterfowl Ring billed Gulls - 10s Robins - Hundreds Cedar Waxwings - Hundreds or thousands Purple Finch - At least 3 likely more Goldfinch - many N Shrike - one Bald Eagles - Ten at least Blackbird numbers seemed to increase until sunday evening. Sunday evening many single singing males. No large flocks seen. That should give some of you a feel for what is comming your way, Brad Bolduan Windom
[mou] Tens of thousands of Geese in Watonwan County
I didn't have any optics so I was unable to pick through the flocks very well, but the subject line about says it all. A couple large flocks of snow geese got my attention and pulled me off Hwy 60. I guessed there were thousands of geese in those flocks. Once off the highway I drove a few miles south to the Sulem Lake area. For about three miles north to south and three miles east to west many of the unplowed cornfields contained large numbers of canada geese. There had to be tens of thousands. I did not see any white-fronts until I pulled off the road to listen. As soon as I pulled off I flushed about 200 geese about 30 of them were white-fronts. Another ten white-fronts didn't flush although all the canada geese around them did. I have no idea how many white-fronts were present, obviously there were at least forty. Most of the flocks I saw in flight appeared to be pure canada goose flocks. It will be interesting to see how goose migration proceeds with storms predicted. Brad Bolduan Windom
[mou] RFI - Gray Partridge
RFI - Gray PartridgeSorry, I don't have a reliable spot for partridge right now. I just wanted to comment that a surprising number of birders who visit our area have Gray Partridge as one of their top target birds. Brad Bolduan Windom -Original Message- From: mou-net-ad...@cbs.umn.edu [mailto:mou-net-ad...@cbs.umn.edu]on Behalf Of Hopkins,Jeffrey A. Sent: Sunday, March 20, 2005 5:30 PM To: mou-...@cbs.umn.edu Subject: [mou] RFI - Gray Partridge I hope this message is OK for this list, because the other list doesn't seem to want to approve me. I'll be coming to Minneapolis this coming weekend and hope to get some birding in between hockey games. Unlike most birders visiting Minnesota, the bird I most want to see is not Great Grey Owl, but would be gray partridge. I have a copy of Kim Eckert's guide, but if anybody knows a reliable place to find them within about 2 hours of the Twin Cities I'd really appreciate hearing from you. Also if anybody cares to join me birding Saturday AM, let me know. Off topic, if anybody has a spare ticket to the NCAA Hockey regional, especially for the Cornell-Ohio State game, I'll be glad to buy it from you :-) Thanks in advance, Jeff Hopkins Whitehall, PA hopkinja AT airproducts DOT com
