[mou-net] Immature Red Headed WP Anoka Co

[Holly Peirson]

Saw 1 immature Red-headed Woodpecker, briefly visited our seed feeder, around 
Sept 14-15.

Holly Peirson
Columbus, SE Anoka Co



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 Original message 
From: Anne Hanley 
Date: 9/17/22 3:52 PM (GMT-06:00)
To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
Subject: [mou-net] Red Headed WP Hennepin Co, Bryant Lake Reg Park

Saw two adult red-headed woodpeckers at the Three Rivers Park Bryant Lake in 
Eden Prairie. They were at the boat launch, picking up acorns.
Anne Hanley & George Skinner


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[mou-net] Tufted Titmouse, SE Anoka Co

[Holly Peirson]

On Saturday, we had several looks at a tufted titmouse, as it visited our black 
oiler feeders. We didn't see it again on Sunday.

We are very familiar with them as we frequently visit family in the Lower 
Peninsula of Michigan where they are regular.

Neat siting, and definitely new for OUR yard list! Now I have to read up to see 
if they disburse widely after nesting. Hmmm...

Holly Peirson
Columbus, SE Anoka Co




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[mou-net] Golden-winged Warbler singing on territory

[Holly Peirson]

We've been taking our walks earlier in the a.m. to be done before it gets tooo 
hot...

Yesterday, we heard a Golden-winged Warbler singing for the 1st time since 
2014. It was in the same general area as the last time we heard/saw it: marshy 
woodsy edge habitat, near Carlos Avery WMA. How "cool" was that!!

Holly and Paul Peirson
Columbus, Anoka Co.



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Re: [mou-net] Sandhill Cranes

[Holly Peirson]

There are cranes at Carlos Avery, and all over in this section of Anoka Co. 
We've heard them arriving over the last few days. The roads at Carlos are 
mostly sand, usually quite difficult at this time of year, but the southern 
section is usually more dry. The road is shaped in a figure 8, and has been 
hiked quite often. Current conditions unknown, best to try contacting the WMA 
office before goind.

As to Crex Meadows, I cannot for sure say there are trails, have not been there 
recently.

Holly Peirson
SE Anoka Co.


From: Minnesota Birds  on behalf of Mary Westra 

Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2020 5:33 PM
To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU 
Subject: [mou-net] Sandhill Cranes

We have grandkids out of school who want to know where they can hike/walk to 
see Sandhill cranes. They live in St Paul. Are there hiking trails at Crex 
Meadow?

Mary Westra
2355 5th Street
White Bear Lake MN 55110
H - 651-426-3325
C - 612-868-1509


> On Mar 19, 2020, at 4:53 PM, KATE BRADY  wrote:
>
> Yesterday (3/18) at dusk, two Am. Woodcock were "peenting" and doing mating 
> flight displays in the Black Dog Unit of MN Valley National Wildlife Refuge 
> (MVNWR). From Minneapolis or Bloomington, drive S on 35W, cross the Minnesota 
> River to exit 4A, drive 0.5 mile east on Cliff Road, turn left into the 
> parking lot S of the playground and W of the recreation field. Take the trail 
> to the NE through the recreation field past the MVNWR-Black Dog Unit sign. 
> Follow the trail to the power line right of way (ROW) that parallells the 
> north side of the power line, then walk E for 1/4-1/3 mile. Boots advised, as 
> places on the trail are wet and muddy. Clear nights make for better viewing.
>
> Dave Zumeta
>
> 
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[mou-net] Carroll Henderson featured in ABA's Birding Magazine

[Holly Peirson]

My BIRDING magazine came the other day, and fell open to a photo I've seen 
before, in the Minnesota Conservation Volunteer, of Carroll Henderson holding a 
swan. So, I read the article right away, and thoroughly enjoyed it!

I have been going to write a note to Carroll and to the MOU for a couple of 
weeks, but time gets away from one...

We took a Sunday Drive recently, and saw small family groups of Trumpeter Swans 
along the St. Croix River in several spots.

We frequently go through Centerville to get to I-35E, and over the winter have 
seen up to 30 swans between Peltier and George Watch lakes in the Rice Creek 
open water areas.

My St Paul Audubon Society team does St Paul North's Area 2 for the annual 
Christmas Bird Count. For at least the last 5-7 years, the number of swans 
we've seen on Sucker Lake, the creek between, or at the north end of Lake 
Vadnais has been in the 25-33 range.

Every time I see them, I think of those articles and how Carroll pulled the 
reintroduction off!

Since I live a long home run from the south end of Carlos Avery,  we recall 
seeing the hatching cages there, and hearing the story from the manager as to 
what they were used for.

I am SO grateful to Carroll for not taking NO for an answer, when the 
opportunity arose for the DNR's Non-Game Wildlife (group? or just Carroll at 
that point?!) to begin the reintroduction.

Holly Peirson
SE Anoka Co.


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Re: [mou-net] Northern Flicker

[Holly Peirson]

Very cool, eh?!
We have had a flicker over-winter for several years.

Holly Peirson
SE Anoka Co.


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[mou-net] Possible Western or Summer Tanager - Anoka County

[Holly Peirson]

On Tuesday morning, we had a very quick look at either a Western or a Summer 
tanager, as it visited our feeders. We were so startled by it that we both 
missed ID points that would rule out 1 or the other, and, despite watching the 
feeders for the next couple of hours, we didn't see a repeat visit.

My impression was of a bright yellow bird with a scarlet red head and tanager 
bill, but I missed whether it had wingbars. Paul said the yellow was more of a 
dull color, and the red went down into it's nape and breast.

So, no specific ID, but sure was neat to see!

Holly and Paul Peirson
Columbus, Anoka Co.


Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S7, an AT 4G LTE smartphone

 Original message 
From: Bruce Baer 
Date: 5/18/19 8:19 PM (GMT-06:00)
To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
Subject: [mou-net] Western Tanager - Hennepin County

A Western Tanager was seen late this afternoon here at our condo abovd the Old 
Cedar Ave Bridge.

Bruce Baer
Bloomington

Sent from Mail for Windows 10



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Re: [mou-net] Ferruginous Hawk

[Holly Peirson]

Been driving back and forth to Colorado all April and into May... moving M-I-L 
to MN. On our trip east last Weds/Thurs, we saw quite a few Swainson's Hawks in 
migration, along I-80 & I-76.

Holly and Paul Peirson
Columbus, Anoka Co



Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S7, an AT 4G LTE smartphone



 Original message 
From: m...@moumn.org
Date: 5/5/19 9:02 AM (GMT-06:00)
To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
Subject: [mou-net] Ferruginous Hawk

 Original message 
From: m...@moumn.org
Date: 5/5/19 9:02 AM (GMT-06:00)
To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
Subject: [mou-net] Ferruginous Hawk

(Posted by Dan Orr  via moumn.org)

The posting I made earlier regarding the Ferruginous Hawk was in error. It was 
actually
a juvenile Swainson's Hawk.

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[mou-net] Sandhill Cranes & Red-Shouldered Hawk on the 1st Day of Spring!

[Holly Peirson]

Heard both spring indicator species today, about 3 hours before the beginning 
of spring!

Holly Peirson
SE Anoka Co.


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Re: [mou-net] Common Redpolls - Anoka County

[Holly Peirson]

We've had redpolls for a few weeks, but no siskins!!

Holly Peirson
Columbus, Anoka Co.


From: Minnesota Birds  on behalf of Refsnider 

Sent: Saturday, March 16, 2019 6:28 PM
To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
Subject: [mou-net] Common Redpolls - Anoka County

We had 6 Common Redpolls feeding beneath our black oil sunflower feeders
today.  We've routinely had Pine Siskins (sometimes dozens) here through
most of the winter, including today, but these are the first redpolls.

Ron Refsnider
Coon Rapids, MN


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[mou-net] NICE issue of Minnesota Birding!

[Holly Peirson]

The Nov/Dec issue arrived in my in-box at 4:40 a.m. today. I have already read 
most of it, and will save the rest for dinner-time reading - gotta get SOME 
stuff done today!


The most inspiring article for me, is Carrol Henderson's introductory article 
as the new MOU Conservation Chair. I have always been in awe of the way Carrol 
writes to inspire. Reading it gets me thinking. Here are a couple of ways I 
have tried to be effective over the years:


Host an MOU Youth Mentor Kit. A GREAT way to get kids out birding. School 
children from 4-7th grades do regular nature segments during the year - one is 
always about birds. Hosts contact local schools and home-school groups to set 
up times to go birding with a class. I have been birding with both schools and 
scouts. I learned to KISS!


VOTE, AND contact your legislators. Bob Dunlap and Carrol Henderson both 
focused on legislative matters. To those who have never called or written to 
their state and US Congress-people: I say DO IT! Go to your elected officials' 
websites, send them an email, or better yet? Call to give your opinion. BEST? 
Visit them to talk about your issues. Visiting alone or with a group is the 
best way to 'read' what they think about an issue. Don't be shy, they were 
elected to SERVE THE PEOPLE. They should want to know what we think.


Join a local Audubon Chapter or Nature Center. Become active in attending 
and/or leading field trips. Go to their programs. This issue has a lot of field 
trips on the Calendar. If your local group is not listed, go to their website 
to find their schedule. Like Dave Bartkey says, going with a group enhances 
your chances of learning more about birds. By becoming active locally, you meet 
other birders and become more knowledgeable about local issues.


For those who enjoy being around children, become a Merit Badge Counselor for 
the Scouts. The Bird Study merit badge booklet was re-written by none other 
than Scott Weidensaul a few years ago, with illustrations by Julie Zickefoose. 
It's a great resource for beginning birders! I manage a district list of 
counselors for Northern Star Council, and can tell you, scouts all over the 
state need people to become active counselors - there are 136 topics - you may 
find more than one that you can help kids with!


Do you get the Minnesota Conservation Volunteer? If not, sign up today!! It's 
one of the best of 50 state nature-related conservation magazines. It's free, 
but your donation will sure help them produce these lovely and timely journals.


I found that along with raising two children and holding down a career, I could 
be effective by using my design and editing skills, so I know that even if 
you're not out in the field actually looking at birds every day, there are ways 
to use your knowledge to help birds.


Holly Peirson

Columbus, Anoka Co.


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[mou-net] Any Great Grey Owls being seen in the Aitkin area?

[Holly Peirson]

We'll be fishing on Mille Lacs for the next week or so, and it would be nice to 
take a little side trip. Thank you in advance for any reports of owls and 
northern birds in that area.


Holly Peirson

Columbus, Anoka Co.


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Re: [mou-net] Nesting? Black-and-white warbler near Stillwater

[Holly Peirson]

Hello;
Back in the 1990's, I helped a U grad student with point counts for his thesis 
on urban sprawl. We found that several species of warblers were consistent 
nesters over several types of habitat: varying degrees of rural to somewhat 
suburban. Black and white is on that list.

Holly Peirson
Columbus, SE Anoka Co.



Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S7, an AT 4G LTE smartphone


 Original message 
From: Steve Weston <swesto...@gmail.com>
Date: 6/5/17 9:24 PM (GMT-06:00)
To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
Subject: Re: [mou-net] Nesting? Black-and-white warbler near Stillwater

Hi Kyle,

When doing the Breeding Bird Atlas, we had confirmed breeding Black &
Whites in Goodhue County with probable breeding elsewhere in Goodhue and a
report of a Black & White carrying nesting material either in Houston or
Fillmore counties.

Steve Weston
On Quigley Lake in Eagan, MN
swest...@comcast.net

On Mon, Jun 5, 2017 at 6:39 PM, Kyle TePoel <kctep...@smumn.edu> wrote:

> I just moved into a new (to me) home, and am delighted with the yard birds
> in my first few days here, including a pair of Barred Owls, Blue-Winged
> Warblers, Ovenbirds, Wood Thrush, among the more typical stuff.  But the
> most surprising to me is the almost daily (5 of 6 days) appearance of
> Black-and-white Warbler.  The house is in Washington County, not far north
> of Stillwater.  On ebird it looks like the only place with relatively
> frequent B Warbler summer reports in this area over the years has been
> Afton SP.  So if it sticks around that would be a nice treat! (haven't seen
> a mate--but it does keep to the same general area and sings frequently.)
>
> Kyle Te Poel
> Stillwater Township
>
> 
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[mou-net] Hooded Warbler, Black-billed Cuckoo, Ramsey County

[Holly Peirson]

There are both male and female Hooded Warblers at Comp Park's Outdoor Classroom 
area, as well as Black-billed Cuckoo, seen within the 1/2 hr, just NE of the 
outdoor memorial fireplace.

PS: There are a lot of school children and buses in the park today!

Holly and Paul Peirson



Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S7, an AT 4G LTE smartphone


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Re: [mou-net] Red-necked Phalarope - Anoka County

[Holly Peirson]

Thank you, Eric, for these postings! We were lucky at all 3 stops, 190th, 
165th, and in Forest Lake the turnstones are north of Lakeside Park, 3 docks 
up, but before a white fence. A spotted sandpiper was nearby, and nighthawks 
are migrating, too.

Holly and Paul Peirson




 Original message 
From: Erik Collins 
Date: 5/22/17 6:23 PM (GMT-06:00)
To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
Subject: [mou-net] Red-necked Phalarope - Anoka County

There's a Red-necked Phalarope in a flooded field on Elmcrest Ave. south of 
165th St.  Elmcrest is the Anoka/Washington County line.  The bird is in the 
wet area just south of the tan house.

Erik Collins
Shoreview, MN

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Re: [mou-net] Killdeer

[Holly Peirson]

There were PLENTY of killdeer, more arriving every day, on our week-long trip 
to SW Minnesota last week. The cccoool weather didn't seem to stop migration - 
we had ruby-crowned kinglets every day, as well as N. Harrier pairs... And many 
other great species. 2 warbler sp.: YRWA and NAWA.


If I was to write down all the species we saw last week, they would cover 94 
lines of email!! If anyone is interested, I can photo the list and send it to 
you back-channel. I kept a list for each day for the general area we were in: 
beginning with the Mankato area, going all the way up the MN River (to 
Ortonville), then down the western edge of MN, and meandering across the 
southern and next to southern tiers of counties.


Great trip!


Holly Peirson

SE Anoka Co


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Re: [mou-net] Brown Thrasher

[Holly Peirson]

Who are you?

We saw several Brown Thrashers over the last week, when traveling and camping 
along the Minnesota River. Always love to hear their repetoir!

Holly and Paul Peirson
Columbus, SE Anoka Co.


Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S7, an AT 4G LTE smartphone


 Original message 
From: ihatehicks666 
Date: 4/23/17 6:43 AM (GMT-06:00)
To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
Subject: [mou-net] Brown Thrasher


Woke up to one singing outside my bedroom window this morning. In Hopkins - 
Excelsior Blvd/ 169 area. Saw him glazing around the neighborhood.

Sent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device


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[mou-net] Marbled Godwits and Grebes sp., LQP Co.

[Holly Peirson]

Yesterday (Tues., 17th) there were 2 Marbled Godwits on mud flats on the SE 
side of the 119 bridge over head of Lac Qui Parle lake. A good mix of ducks on 
the Auto Tour route at Big Stone NWR, and both Horned and Eared Grebes on 
different parts of the Bowland's Slough complex.

Holly and Paul Peirson




Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S7, an AT 4G LTE smartphone


 Original message 
From: m...@moumn.org
Date: 4/19/17 2:07 PM (GMT-06:00)
To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
Subject: [mou-net] Northern Mockingbird, Dunlin, Willet, Lqp Co.

(Posted by Jason Frank  via moumn.org)

There has been a Northern Mockingbird along 170th St, between Prairie Marsh 
Farm and Lac
qui Parle CR 12, at a residential site.

Found a small flock of Dunlins around a cattle pond in Yellow Medicine County, 
plus a lone
Willet in a flooded field on the SD border.

Have seen 3 Swainson's Hawks since the beginning of the week.


Jason Frank

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[mou-net] Sandhills in our marsh - Robins in our fir

[Holly Peirson]

We live just south of Carlos Avery WMA in Columbus, near Forest Lake in SE 
Anoka Co.


For the past 10 or so years, we have enjoyed the explosion of cranes nesting at 
Carlos and feeding all over this area. THIS year, we may be hosting a pair in 
one of our marshes... maybe. They have been here 24-hrs a day for over 2 weeks 
- been back for at least 3 weeks.


They call frequently, even at 2-3-4:00 a.m. (this is NOT a complaint!) 
answering others in farther-away marshes with the same number of calls each 
time. So neat to hear them 'talking' amongst themselves...!


But over the last few days as it has been warmer (was - now cool and snow/sleet 
today), our increased outdoor activity may have chased them out to a more 
remote location. We'll have to see...


Also this week we have noted the arrivals of phoebes, both kinglets, tree 
swallows, fox and swamp sparrows to go with the song already here, more migrant 
juncos, and there is a 'tenement' birch nesting happening, with downy 
woodpeckers near the top and red-bellied down below! And the silly robins are 
trying for the 3rd year to 'hide' the nest in a very small fir... We'll have to 
restrict our activity on that side of the house again. The last 2 years the 
nest was predated by a jay.


ah, spring, how puddle-wonderful!


Holly Peirson

SE Anoka Co.


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Re: [mou-net] Sandhill Cranes

[Holly Peirson]

Could very well be! "Our" cranes that nest at Carlos Avery WMA near Forest Lake 
have been back for a couple of weeks already. They are loudly calling from the 
marshes in the area today.



Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S7, an AT 4G LTE smartphone


 Original message 
From: Susan Gilmore 
Date: 3/19/17 4:22 PM (GMT-06:00)
To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
Subject: [mou-net] Sandhill Cranes

My husband & I just heard what sounded like a flock of Sandhill Cranes flying 
over our house in Golden Valley MN!

Susan

Sent from my iPhone

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[mou-net] American Bitterns calling at night in Anoka Co., near Carlos Avery WMA

[Holly Peirson]

Saturday and Sunday evenings. 2 birds each night.

Holly Peirson
Columbus, SE Anoka Co.

Also, Tennessee, Ovenbird, and Yellow-rumped Warblers, and Swamp Sparrows
have shown up this week.


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Re: [mou-net] American Avocet - Ramsey County

[Holly Peirson]

The American Avocet was seen again this afternoon, at about 1:00 p.m. It is
sharing a mudflat with egrets and gulls. The black and white wing was
visible (just) with a pair of 8-power binoculars, but a scope view offered
by another birder confirmed this very cool sighting (thanks again for the
view!) 

Avocets are quite rare on the eastern side of MN. The bird is in either
adult breeding or juvenile plumage; difficult to tell at that range but the
throat and head were the light cinnamon color associated with breeding
plumage. Bill and feet indistinguishable at that range.

Holly Peirson
Columbus, Anoka Co.

-Original Message-
From: Minnesota Birds [mailto:MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU] On Behalf Of Erik
Collins
Sent: Monday, August 10, 2015 8:50 AM
To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
Subject: [mou-net] American Avocet - Ramsey County

There is an American Avocet out from the AHATS Wildlife Observation Area on
Lexington Ave., north of Highway 96.  It's quite a ways out, so a scope is
needed.

Erik Collins
Shoreview, MN

Sent from my iPhone

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[mou-net] Carlos Avery WMA, Anoka County

[Holly Peirson]

For those of you who ask about the condition of the sandy roads at Carlos
Avery, here is an update from a CA staffer this a.m. I would still drive a
4WD vehicle just in case but we've had so little rain that the sand should
not suck you in!


The roads are in good condition.  We on working on western section of 205th
ave. West of Wyoming.  The east portion of 205th to pool 8 is in good
condition.

Holly Peirson
Columbus, Anoka Co.


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[mou-net] Pelicans over Renaissance Festival

[Holly Peirson]

The sky was the most beautiful blue today, wasn't it?! 

Especially when, while wandering among the king and queen's minstrels,
ladies and gentlemen in waiting, beefeater guards, and other oddly dressed
and acting folk, we looked up and sighted one of the most beautiful things
in all bird-dom: A flight of 25-35 White Pelicans with their black wing-tips
flashing in the sun. There were other ooh's and aah's, so others in the
vicinity saw them too! 

Another bird was soaring with the flock; it was dark and had just as large a
wing-span with a flat soaring flight, so I'm guessing it was an immature
Bald Eagle. If you stand still and look up too long though, someone will run
into you... 

I saw 2 other adult eagles during the day. I was watching one during a
comedy show; you know the kind, where you get singled out to help in some
way? So I tried to stay incognito as I looked up - then I remembered! I had
my sunglasses on, so they couldn't really tell what I was looking at!! Whew,
that was a close one...

Holly Peirson
Columbus, SE Anoka Co.


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[mou-net] Orioles! Thrushes! Grosbeaks!

[Holly Peirson]

4 male Orioles showed up THIS A.M.!! I walked out to get the paper and there
they were, already visiting the jelly I put out last week... Vying for space
in the tree branches near the feeders with 3 male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks!

Yesterday we had 2 Wood Thrushes singing in the woods near dusk. This a.m.,
the orioles, an Ovenbird, and the grosbeaks were here. They knew exactly
where to find the food, so they are return journeymen!

ah, spring, when all is puddle wonderful...

Holly Peirson
Columbus, Anoka Co.


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[mou-net] Eclipse

[Holly Peirson]

Awesome Eclipse tonight. Hope all owls are enjoying it...

Holly Peirson
Columbus, SE Anoka Co


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[mou-net] Purple Finches!!

[Holly Peirson]

Today's additions are a small flock of purple finches to add to the
multitudes of juncos. 

Sandhill Cranes and Canada Geese have been back for a week or more; Robins
and Bluebirds flew in over the weekend.

Holly Peirson
Columbus, SE Anoka Co.


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[mou-net] No Snowy Owl in Chisago/Pine County on Sunday p.m.

[Holly Peirson]

Sunday p.m. we went to look for the Snowy Owl that was posted in
Chisago/Pine county area, on Falcon Ave just west of I-35. No owl. But, we
saw a nice flock of snow buntings!

Holly Peirson
Columbus, SE Anoka Co.


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[mou-net] A travel puzzle for you!

[Holly Peirson]

I was out of the state over last weekend, but still in the lower 48. See if
you can identify where our family went, in this email I sent to my birder
mother when we arrived home (place names removed for the puzzle...)! 

 

Send any replies back-channel, so as not to clog our in-baskets!!

 

Tuesday we drove home, beginning in early a.m. with good weather and a
wonderful panoply of views and birds: so many rough-legged hawks (all phases
of adult and juvenile plumages were represented) on every 3rd electric or
phone pole or sparsely available tree and some fences for several 100 miles!
Every 3rd or 4th was a red-tailed hawk (again, several phases), a few
kestrels and smaller raptors that may have been sharp-shinned, 1 for sure
golden and quite a few bald eagles, and 1 for sure short-eared owl coursing
over the partially snowy landscape. I would say at the LEAST 200,000 snow
geese (not kidding on the numbers, they made many salt/pepper flocks in the
air and covered many fields along the way), a close-up look at a flock of
the smaller cackling geese, quite a few of Canada geese, a few horned larks,
and 2 meadowlarks. There was hardly any snow and it was a lovely, sunny and
WARM day, about 50 degrees early in the day (very uplifting!) but getting
colder as we approached and entered Minnesota.

 

Holly Peirson

Columbus, SE Anoka Co.

 



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Re: [mou-net] snowy owl article in Washington Post

[Holly Peirson]

Yes, that was a good article. 

I believe, but am not 100% sure, that the photo of the lemmings beside the
nest first appeared in a similar article on the Cornell Lab of Ornithology
site, where you can also find some of the tracking maps that the group Scott
Weidensaul is heading. 

Holly Peirson
Columbus, SE Anoka Co.


-Original Message-
From: Minnesota Birds [mailto:MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU] On Behalf Of Henry,
Michael R., M.D.
Sent: Monday, February 17, 2014 11:24 AM
To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
Subject: [mou-net] snowy owl article in Washington Post

Great article on Snowy owls in the WP today. I especially like the picture
of the nest surrounded by 70 dead lemmings for the newly hatched owls to
eat.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/a-snowy-owl-bonanza-th
anks-to-a-little-stubby-legged-arctic-rodent-the-lemming/2014/02/16/57c08cfe
-94c9-11e3-83b9-1f024193bb84_story.html?hpid=z1

Mike Henry
Rochester


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[mou-net] Woodpecker Daze

[Holly Peirson]

I read Jim the Wingnut's 9-Woodpecker Day article in Wednesday's STrib,
and thought about our own woodpecker heaven... At two times of the year, we,
like many Minnesotans, have 7 of the 9 species in our area. 

All year:
Downy, Hairy, Red-belled, Pileated

Spring  fall:
+ Red-headed (they nest nearby, but not here)

Spring, Summer, Fall:
+ Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  Flicker

THIS winter, however, we are also hosting 3 flickers!! 1 female and 2 males
have been seen together several times, so I know there are 3. I am AMAZED,
that in this cold of a year, they have stayed! 

Or, maybe these are some of those 'snowbird' northern flickers that have
come down from the really cold to the just very cold of MN for the winter!!!
Wish I could be like Audubon; go out and band them, to see if they are here
all year or not...

I keep suet in 3 feeders for the woodpeckers and the other winter survivors.
Trying to stay ahead of their appetites... Went out the other day and found
that in their hunger they had torn the front off 1 of the feeders! The
pileated's have also torn open a huge hole in a lightning-struck tree.
Probably now a good place for smaller birds to spend the night. 

Holly Peirson
Columbus, SE Anoka Co


For interesting info on how birds survive winter, there's a chapter in Thor
Hansen's book Feathers that talks about how birds use muscles to control
their downy insulation, and Bernd Heinrich has written several books that
talk about winter survival. And there are many magazine articles on this
fascinating topic... 


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[mou-net] Snowy Owl story overheard

[Holly Peirson]

Tuesday, on a trip to Costco in Maplewood, I overheard the gas attendant say
that there were 2 snow owls nesting near Dale and Hwy 36.

I was cold and it was windy and he was already 3 cars back, so I didn't ask
more about his 'story.'


I know they are summer nesters, and all about the irruption this year. I
also know they are usually loners when coming south. 

But: Are there any snowy owls near that intersection in Roseville, or
nearby? 

Holly Peirson
Columbus, SE Anoka Co.


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[mou-net] 1st yard bird of 2014

[Holly Peirson]

A nice beginning for a New Year's Day 

We caught a fleeting glimpse of a Northern Shrike about 8:00 a.m. today; it 
perched for a minute or so outside our bedroom window! Just as we got enough of 
a look to determine it was not one of our usual feeder birds, it flew... all 
other avian activity was shut down for a few minutes, just as when the local 
Cooper's Hawk pays attention to our yard for the next meal. By the time I got 
my glasses on and my binoculars in hand, it was gone. 

We have been hosting at least 2, possibly 3 flickers so far the winter; I got a 
good look at two, on separate feeders at once this a.m., and both were male. 
Over the last few weeks we have also seen a female. 

I've been careful to make sure to keep the suet feeders full, but having 
trouble finding real suet at the grocery stores. 

Holly Peirson
Columbus, SE Anoka Co.

Sandy Aubol egf_baseb...@yahoo.com wrote:

I observed 3 Snowy Owls in western Polk County this morning. One was on 380th 
Ave SW, roughly 1.25-1.5 miles south of Polk County 21 (48.0003, -96.8694), a 
second, also reported yesterday by Heidi Hughes, on Polk County 20, roughly 
1.25-1.5 miles south of Polk County 21 (47.9892, -96.7840), and a third, an 
adult male, on Polk County 19 just east of 370th Ave SW (47.9494, -96.8399). 
All were sitting on top of telephone poles.

Sandy Aubol
Polk County
East Grand Forks, MN


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Re: [mou-net] Mystery wren captured on my backyard feeder cam

[Holly Peirson]

Interesting! Liz, would you let us know if you see it again, and whether the
diagnoses were correct?!!

Holly Peirson
Columbus, Anoka Co.


-Original Message-
From: Minnesota Birds [mailto:MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU] On Behalf Of Steve
Weston
Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2013 11:06 PM
To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
Subject: Re: [mou-net] Mystery wren captured on my backyard feeder cam

Interesting photo!  Wouldn't it be nice if the birds would carry ID tags.
The bright white supercillium and long tail narrow the field down to just
two choices: Carolina Wren and Bewick's Wren.  The Carolina Wren is regular
in the SE Minnesota and perhaps into the Metro Area.  The Bewick's is
accidental with only 7 fall records in the state and hasn't been seen since
1998.  Obviously, we can't expect it to be a Bewick's.  The really long
tail and the cool brown color make it an easy decision: it is a Bewick's
Wren.  The only problem is that I do not have confidence in the color
integrity.  Looking at the white under-tail coverts, and using Sibley, we
definitely tell that this is a juvenile plumage...ummm...a juvenile plumage
Carolina or Bewick's.   If you look carefully, you will see some faint
barring on the edge of the wing, which according to Sibley makes this
definitely a Carolina Wren and when you look at National Geo for
confirmation, you can see that both species have barring on the edge of the
wing.  Look at the shape of the bird.  Sibley describes the Carolina as a
stocky bird and the Bewick's as slender.  The Carolina weighs more than
twice the Bewick's.  And, when we compare this bird to the Downy on the
edge of the photo and ask the question of comparative size:  Is the Downy
closer to 1.33 times the weight of the wren or three times the weight of
the wren?  To me, the Downy looks much larger than the wren and easily
twice its weight.

I believe that this is the rarer Bewick's Wren.  I think that the size,
shape, tail length, and most important, color indicate an ID of Bewick's.

Steve Weston
On Quigley Lake in Eagan, MN
swest...@comcast.net


On Thu, Sep 12, 2013 at 9:09 AM, Liz Stanley l...@lizstanley.com wrote:

 Yesterday I noticed this bird on my feeders, which appears to be a type of
 wren. We had a lengthy discussion on the Minnesota Birding Facebook page
 about it and I was curious if anyone here has an opinion on what it might
 be. While the camera does capture high quality images, of course it would
 be much better to have additional views of the bird, which I unfortunately
 didn't get (not for lack of trying.)

 http://www.pbase.com/image/152304186

 Any comments are appreciated!

 --
 Liz Stanley
 Bloomington, MN
 Backyard weather and feedercam: http://www.overlookcircle.org/
 Photo gallery: http://www.pbase.com/gymell/liz_favorites
 Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lizmstanley

 
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Re: [mou-net] Fwd: IBET FW: Update on Paton's Property in Patagonia, AZ

[Holly Peirson]

Thank you for bringing this to our attention. I likewise had a great
afternoon at Paton's in the mid-1990's while on a MBW trip to AZ. It was a
WOW!

Holly Peirson
Columbus, Anoka Co.


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Re: [mou-net] Most Surprising Bird?

[Holly Peirson]

The Wood Thrush singing in our woods, way after migration was over, so we
know they are here for the summer! 

Holly Peirson
SE Anoka Co


-Original Message-
From: Minnesota Birds [mailto:MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU] On Behalf Of Al
Schirmacher
Sent: Tuesday, July 16, 2013 12:56 PM
To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
Subject: [mou-net] Most Surprising Bird?

What is your most surprising bird of the (half) year?

Mine would have to be the (lifer) Chuck's-wills-widow that visited our
Kansas backyard the first week we moved here from central Minnesota; then
it, of course, hasn't dropped by audibly or visibly since.

(Unless, of course, it was the surfeit of shorebirds that graced Princeton
Sewage Ponds our last week or so in Princeton, adding new county birds not
seen in the previous nine years there.  Nice to have godwits and avocets
dropping bye to say goodbye.)

Al Schirmacher
Muscotah, KS 
(formerly Princeton, MN  Madison, WI)
  

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Re: [mou-net] Song research

[Holly Peirson]

Over many years of watching and listening, I know that my phoebes are
quiet when they are feeding their first brood (except when I come around the
corner, then they give a quick chip until I've moved on...) The male begins
singing again when they have fledged that brood and are working on repairing
the nest and beginning the second brood. Sometimes this happens 3 times
during a summer. This year, both pairs were done after one brood on each
side of the house. They arrived and started later, and I think the rain was
hard on them. Now we are re-staining the house, and I had to take down 2
very well-built nests off the platforms we installed under the eaves many
years ago. I'll put them back up when we're done, and we'll see if they
continue to add to them or make new ones, next spring.

The red-eyed vireo has been keeping me company as I stain. Even the hottest
days don't deter him!! Though I decided to take a day off today, he is still
out there, going strong. 

Holly Peirson
SE Anoka Co

-Original Message-
From: Minnesota Birds [mailto:MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU] On Behalf Of Al
Schirmacher
Sent: Saturday, July 13, 2013 2:46 PM
To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
Subject: [mou-net] Song research

Has anyone done significant song decline research across different species
as summer progresses?

Most birders notice less song as summer progresses, but it would be
interesting to know which species grow quiet, which become infrequent, and
which continue, graphed against time.

My thanks.

Al Schirmacher
Muscotah, KS

Sent from my iPhone

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Re: [mou-net] Eastern Towhee Ramsey County

[Holly Peirson]

Was it tow- heeng a suitcase and headed north??

Sent from my Samsung smartphone on ATT

Clay Christensen clay.christen...@comcast.net wrote:

We had an Eastern towhee singing Drink your tea! in our neighbor's fir tree 
here in Lauderdale. It flew toward the south after 10-15 minutes. 



Last seen near the intersection of Malvern St. and Roselawn Av., Lauderdale, 
Ramsey Co. 



Clay Christensen 
 
The Birdman of Lauderdale 


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[mou-net] Spring Birds are here

[Holly Peirson]

Spring is coming... 

I am feeding bluebirds at a new feeder with freeze-dried mealworms. Have
seen 4 males at one time on or near it. Wow, that blue is dazzling against
the snow. They are also eating suet. 

The Brown Creeper has been seen on the ground under the suet feeder,
briefly, then it flies back to its favorite tree. 

We have seen and heard quite a few of my version of Aldo Leopold's making
the spring, the Sandhill Cranes.

First Fox Sparrow was seen last week.

The Red-shouldered Hawks have been back for weeks now. We didn't see or hear
them in the middle of the winter when the crusty snow was too hard to get
through.

Paul saw 2-3 Trumpeter Swans checking out our marsh but our dog and the
neighbor's dog barking over where the property line is probably shooed them
off. The dogs will be quiet and shy away when the cranes are in the marsh,
though. That's some bill to contend with!

The Juncos are still here, as well as a few lingering redpolls. The
Goldfinches are beginning to live up to their name again.

Foiled a huge raccoon who had been nightly rattling the top our large metal
bird food garbage can with heavy paver brick on top, and leaving it open for
the squirrels during the day... by chaining it closed. He tried several more
times to open it, then gave up.

Spring IS coming...!

Holly Peirson
Columbus, SE Anoka Co.


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Re: [mou-net] First flocks of Tundra Swan returning over Carver County

[Holly Peirson]

Sandhill Cranes Tuesday or Wednesday.
Red-Shouldered Hawks on Thursday.

Smaller flock of Redpolls still here.

Holly Peirson
SE Anoka Co.


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Re: [mou-net] Minneapolis City Council looking at trap release of feral cats

[Holly Peirson]

back channel this discussion, please

-Original Message-
From: Minnesota Birds [mailto:MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU] On Behalf Of Chuck Cole
Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2013 7:14 AM
To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
Subject: Re: [mou-net] Minneapolis City Council looking at trap  release of
feral cats

Your tunnel vision about birds, like a lobotomy, blinds you to over-all
nature and animal behaviors.
 
Don't ask me to research stuff that YOU have not, and that you have not
given ANY balanced attention in your prejudicial stance.  Your tunnel vision
is obvious.
 
Apply your view to predation by birds.  Study THAT.  If that exists, it
needs as much elimination as predation by other species.  
 
 


  _  

From: Matt Dufort [mailto:zeledo...@gmail.com] 
Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2013 1:29 AM
To: Chuck Cole
Subject: Re: [mou-net] Minneapolis City Council looking at trap  release of
feral cats


Natural behavior of cats?  What's natural about a domesticated,
introduced, subsidized predator?


And since you said predation and disease spread from birds seems a bigger
problem, I'd ask you if you can point to any evidence of that.  Certainly
West Nile Virus knocked a lot of bird populations way down, but I believe
they're mostly recovering now.  There's pretty good evidence that cats kill
a whole lot of birds (see the article cited in the original email).  And
it's not just pigeons and house sparrows they're killing.


Matt




On Thu, Mar 21, 2013 at 1:09 AM, Chuck Cole cnc...@earthlink.net wrote:


MUCH better to eliminate the city's pigeons and sparrows and let the cats
concentrate on the very common rats and mice.  Predation and disease spread
from birds seems a bigger problem than the natural behavior of cats.


 -Original Message-
 From: Minnesota Birds [mailto:MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU] On
 Behalf Of Matt Dufort
 Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2013 12:46 AM
 To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
 Subject: Re: [mou-net] Minneapolis City Council looking at
 trap  release of feral cats

 Thank you for raising this. Mr. Gordon is my city councilman,
 and I will be
 contacting him about this issue.

 On a related note, the lead author of the recent study on cat
 impacts on
 wildlife, which got so much press, was Dr. Scott Loss. Dr.
 Loss received
 his Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota just a few years
 ago, and was
 for several years an active member of this listserv.

 Matt Dufort
 Minneapolis


 On Wed, Mar 20, 2013 at 11:33 PM, Stephen Greenfield
 tapac...@q.com wrote:

  In spite of the recent release of a comprehensive analysis of the
  destruction of birds and other wildlife by cats, City
 Council member Cam
  Gordon has proposed ending Minneapolis' program for trapping and
  euthanizing
  feral cats [http://m.startribune.com/news/?id=196232891].
 The study by US
  Fish  Wildlife and the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
  conservatively estimates the annual loss in the billions of
 birds and
  mammals, mostly by un-owned feral cats, and summarizes that
 free-ranging
  cats cause substantially greater wildlife mortality than
 previously thought
  and are likely the single greatest source of anthropogenic
 mortality for US
  birds and mammals
 
 [http://www.nature.com/ncomms/journal/v4/n1/full/ncomms2380.html]. The
  alternative policy of trap, neuter, and release makes
 people feel more
  humane, but just encourages people to release and foster
 feral cats and
  extend the damage.
 
 
 
  City Council members need to hear from constituents who
 care about birds
  and
  other wildlife.  (Of course you may want to encourage
 programs for adoption
  or shelter of these animals instead.) The only site where I
 can find their
  e-mail addresses is the following:
  http://www.mpls.dfl.org/elected-officials.  Cam Gordon's is
 missing, but I
  believe it is cam.gor...@minneapolismn.gov.  You can also
 find other ways
  to
  contact individual members at
  http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/council/index.htm.
 
 
 
  Yours,
 
  A cat owner
 
 
 
  Stephen Greenfield
 
  Minneapolis
 
  tapac...@q.com
 
 
 
 
  
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 http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net
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Re: [mou-net] Winter finches

[Holly Peirson]

My 70-120 redpolls are also gone. Hard to keep track, but there were days
when 120 seemed low...

The seed was only about 1/2 gone when I filled it this morning. Other days
during the last few months it was completely empty in about 2 days!!

Holly Peirson
SE Anoka Co.


-Original Message-
From: Minnesota Birds [mailto:MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU] On Behalf Of
Frederickson Randy
Sent: Sunday, March 10, 2013 10:53 AM
To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
Subject: [mou-net] Winter finches

Currently have about 220 redpolls feeding in my back yard.  Numbers had
dropped off these past two weeks, and reading other reports from southern
MN, I thought the large flock I'd been feeding all winter was gone.  I
always have goldfinches in the winter, but the redpolls seemed to have
displaced them this year.  I honestly don't think the goldfinches can
compete with this mass of redpolls, though I have a smattering of siskins
mixed in.  The siskins typically feed at the end of the redpoll sessions.
Going through about 7 lbs of seed/ day, and all my feeders are squirrel
proof.
Conversely, I have searched at least twice a week since early Dec. for pine
grosbeaks and crossbills and have not turned up a single bird, though I have
found areas where crossbills have fed.

Off topic...perfect time of year to remove sparrows and starlings from your
Martin housing.  Use live traps so you can release nuthatches, chickadees,
etc.

Randy Frederickson
Willmar Middle School

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[mou-net] Looking for Judy Sparrow

[Holly Peirson]

Chase Davies would like to be contacted by Judy Sparrow, concerning a kit
she may hold for the Youth Mentor Kit Program.

Please respond back-channel to this email to CHASE, if you know Judy's
current email address or telephone number.

Thank you,

Holly Peirson 
Columbus, SE Anoka Co.

Chase Davies
Roseville, Ramsey Co.


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[mou-net] Belated Report? I-35E Eagles Build new nest...

[Holly Peirson]

Noted late last week:

(but other birders may have already reported on this phenomenon...) 

The eagles who have nested for years in a tree on the east side of I-35E,
just south of the merge with I-35-W, have built a new nest in the same
tree!! 

Both nests are quite huge and clearly visible in winter when there are no
leaves. I have not been down that stretch of the freeway for quite a while.
It would sure have been fun to watch them build it! 

Holly Peirson
Columbus, SE Anoka Co.


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Re: [mou-net] Audio assistance

[Holly Peirson]

How about Raven?

Holly Peirson
Columbus, Anoka Co.

-Original Message-
From: Minnesota Birds [mailto:MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU] On Behalf Of Al
Schirmacher
Sent: Tuesday, October 16, 2012 9:54 AM
To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
Subject: [mou-net] Audio assistance

This morning, while walking Blue Hill Trail in Sherburne Refuge, heard a
call that I've not heard in 20 years of birding.

Unfortunately have no visual or recorded evidence.

Would describe the call as keeeit, one syllable, loud, gruff, bass (I'm a
baritone, for me to imitate must go to bottom of my range), touch of
rolling, repeated every few seconds in flight.

Impressions were medium to large bird, circling at tree height, relatively
fast flyer.  Bit of a hawk/corvids mix to call.

Thoughts?

Al Schirmacher
Princeton, MN

Sent from my iPhone

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[mou-net] Mille Lacs Sunday - Bald Eagles

[Holly Peirson]

We were up across the road from the east side of Lake Mille Lacs, doing some
repairs to our fish house, when I saw a shadow go over, so I looked up, and
watched 3 beautiful adult Bald Eagles go over at about 50 ft; Could hear the
wind in their wings and they called just as they flew by. Wow. 

They are there all winter, too. We frequently see eagles over the lake when
we're fishing. My Mille Lacs WINTER Lake List stands at about 6 species:
Bald eagle, Raven, Pileated Wdp (heard since we are only about a mile out),
Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl (both heard), and Snow Bunting -- a flock went
over when we were about 4-5 miles across the lake, one winter!

The fish house has a painting of an eagle carrying off a fish under our name
and house number. 

Holly Peirson


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Re: [mou-net] Hennepin Cty: Great Horned Owl question

[Holly Peirson]

Calling back and forth to their young?
Holly Peirson
Columbus,  Anoka Co.

Sent from my Samsung smartphone on ATT

Judy Chucker jchuck...@comcast.net wrote:

This evening starting at around 8:15, I heard the resident pair of Great 
Horned Owls hooting back and forth. 

I thought they did most of their hooting during their nesting season. What am 
I missing here? 

Thanks. 

Judy Chucker 


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Re: [mou-net] Cerulean

[Holly Peirson]

Al:

 

The one I had here last week was not singing its normal song that is on
the tapes, CD's, and apps. But it was so close as to not be anything else.
Seeing it just closed the deal. Maybe 'my' bird ended up at Sherburne. He
was only here for one a.m. so I'm very glad I happened to be outside, moving
a plant in the light rain!

 

I'm sure you've found that birds have dialects. For instance, the Song
Sparrow that sings here sounds like a SOSP should (!) because it's what I'm
used to hearing, but when I go to my mom's house in Michigan, sometimes I
have to do a double-think for a few songs! They even sound a little bit
different in northern MN than they do here. Once on a Big Day I had a little
trouble with that... (Once when I listened to a message of my voice on my
mom's answering machine, I really sounded like a Minnesotan! But when I
listen to me speak in relation to MN's who have lived here all their lives
(I've only been here 33 years this summer), I definitely still sound like a
Michigoose.

 

8-10 or so years ago, I helped a grad student at the U do a spring/summer of
early a.m. point counts. We began around 4:00-4:30 a.m. and ended about 9:30
a.m. We stood at pre-determined locations and listened for 5 minutes to
hear/see (mostly hear) everything we could within about 50 yds, then for 5
minutes for everything within 100 yds. Then, we moved 250 yds by compass or
GPS and did it again, 8-10 times every morning, depending on how hard it was
topographically, to get from site to site. We found, over weeks of counts at
all different times of the morning, that birds have 3, 4, sometimes as many
as 5 different versions of their song, depending on how light it is. They
start out with the chips and squeaks that they use on migration. As it gets
lighter they add a few burbles, until at about 6:00 they are singing the
song you recognize, the lovely Dawn Chorus song, then about 7:00 they change
to their early a.m. song, and by 9:00 they are winding down to their day
song and maybe settling on a branch or near a nest for a short siesta. 

 

Of course, they kept up the type song if there was competition from
another male in the area (or if they were a Red-eyed Vireo or an Indigo
Bunting...) :o) 

 

Also, sometimes they sing other species' songs or what could really pass for
it: Chestnut-sided W's will sing the Redstart's song, or the Clay-colored
Sparrow will sing 7 buzzes instead of his normal 3-5, just to throw you off
a little. I once, as a newer birder, looked all over the woods for the bird
that was making a loudish ch-ch-ch-ch. It could not be the female
Brown-headed Cowbird in plain sight, because I knew what the male sounded
like, and wouldn't she sound somewhat the same? Nope. Major chagrin...
Likewise with the chattery call of the meadowlark, you are sure it's
something else until you see them make it!

 

Isn't it fascinating?!! One of my very favorite books ever is Donald
Kroodsma's The Singing Life of Birds.

 

Holly Peirson

Columbus, SE Anoka Co.

 

 

 

-Original Message-
From: Minnesota Birds [mailto:MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU] On Behalf Of Al
Schirmacher
Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2012 10:02 AM
To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
Subject: [mou-net] Cerulean

 

There is variety in warbler song, then there is Sherburne's Cerulean.

 

Not sure who he learned to sing from, but it was not a close relative.

 

Some days I'm certain that it is the Cerulean singing, other days I scratch
my head as he throws in portions of other warblers.  Today is the latter.

 

And then there's always the h word, although he appears Cerulean enough.

 

Sigh.

 

Al Schirmacher

Princeton, MN

 

 



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[mou-net] Unusual Warbler in my yard today -- Puzzle for you

[Holly Peirson]

I'm not going to put a name to this warbler yet, but I will describe it, and
its song. If you have an idea of what it is, please respond back-channel.

I am quite sure I know what it is, but want to get your opinion without
naming it right now. I recognized the song right away from having heard it
in other areas of MN. It is a rare but regular nester in MN, but not usually
in my area. If I am right it is a new bird for my yard, and the 25th Warbler
species to be seen over the years.

Song: buzzy, 3-parted. 1st part a single buzzy note; 2nd part a series of
2-3 almost musical buzzes; 3rd part a definite buzz, a good 1/2 of the whole
song, with a slight rise to the note. Similar to Black-throated Blue or
Black-throated Green's buzzy quality.

Bird: (Could only see bottom 1/2) All white from throat to end of tail. (No
yellow or green at all). Hint of color on side of face but could not see
what color. Hint of necklace, no color visible. Streaks on sides when flew,
not visible when feeding. Impression of black near end of tail, no good
view. Crisum to end of tail projection very short, flat across end of tail.

Location: Pretty darned way up there... Never saw top of bird, color bad
today. It was sprinkling at the time.

Habit: Slow progression through tree tops, with a stop to sing every so
often, not a constant singer like a Tennessee (they were here for over 3
weeks, now seem to have moved on). No fly-catching like a Yellow-rump, or
gleaning on trunks like Black-and-white. 

I wrote the description and impression of the song BEFORE looking in the
book to confirm my thoughts, and before listening to the song in two
different sources.

I'm going out to get a better look, if I can. I DO have other things on the
list today, but they've fallen by the wayside


Holly Peirson
Columbus, SE Anoka County


BTW: Are other birders noticing leaves at tops of trees that are being eaten
by bugs? The oaks are usually quite full by now, but many of them have been
chewed. I'm thinking maybe that's why we had Tennessee W's here for so long
this spring, lots of fodder about. 


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Re: [mou-net] Rock County Henslow's Sparrows and -- bird goings-on in SE Anoka Co

[Holly Peirson]

Wow! Such great bird goings on in far SW Rock Co., a very good place to bird
prairie sites. Makes me want to jump in the car and see it all for myself.
Obligations at home will help me save gas, so I'll bird vicariously with
Shawn's reports!

A great spot in SE Minn. for Henslow's is at Frontenac State Park. Went down
last week to take my mom and sister (visiting from Michigan for a few days)
to Frontenac and Hok-Si-La to experience migration on the Mid-continent N-S
flyway. We heard and saw several different Henslow's, mostly on the entrance
road's prairie sections at the top of the bluff, where we also listen for
woodcock on clear moonlit nights, near the entrance to the walk-in sites'
parking lot, and the picnic area at the end of the road. My mom was
especially excited, since I don't think she actually believed that we'd be
successful, she'd never seen one before!

The birds at home are going crazy with song today, after the rainstorms with
hail last night. It's been sooo dry here that I'm sure they're drinking
water off every leaf! New arrivals in the last few days have been Redstarts,
Indigo Buntings, and more Wood Peewee's (think the first batch about a week
ago were migrants). What has been very fun to watch are the 2-3 pairs of
Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers that have decided to stay this year. Up until
about 3 years ago, they were migrants, or nested in other locations, but
have taken territories on either side of the house and one along the drive. 

We have 2 phoebe nests on the house this year, too, and they don't seem to
be fighting or competing for food. One set is singing their quiet, you
don't really hear us song right now, which means they have babies in the
nest. When that brood is gone, they will step it up again, until the next
batch hatch. This happens 2-3x all summer, so the phoebe population around
our area must be expanding.

The Ovenbirds have stepped up their songs, and the Tennessee's are still
going through, for at least 3 weeks now! Fun. The Barred Owls are calling a
lot, both day and night, which wakes up the dog, which wakes us all up. We
hear a good amount of the 'monkey' calls from the Barred's as they talk
about this n' that. I think the owl that whinnies more on the last notes of
their call is the female.

This year's resident Baltimore Orioles must be younger than the adults that
were here last year; their songs are not as loud and complete. They are more
skittish about coming to the feeder for jelly, but it's disappearing
nonetheless, filled the bowl 3x over the last 1.5 weeks.

We just began slapping mosquitoes yesterday. The 'dry' spell ended with the
hotter weather over the last couple of days... I'm sure all the rain came
because we finally had time to get out our hoses and begin watering the
yard... Watered all day yesterday with the 2 traveling sprinklers and moving
others around... !!

Excuse me, gotta go, hearing an unusual blackbird calling near the marsh.
Will report back if it's something noteworthy...

Holly Peirson
Columbus, SE Anoka Co.



-Original Message-
From: Minnesota Birds [mailto:MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU] On Behalf Of Shawn
Conrad
Sent: Saturday, May 19, 2012 8:53 PM
To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
Subject: [mou-net] Rock County Henslow's Sparrows and MNBBA observations

This morning I was at Touch the Sky NWR in Rock County and heard a hiccup
that turned out to be a Henslow's Sparrow.  The bird was singing right on
the edge of the road directly across from the south parking lot of the To
the Sky trail kiosk (on 171st, about 2.5 miles west of 75); photos at
http://www.moumn.org/cgi-bin/doc.pl?rec_id=2810  Shortly after, I heard
another Henslow's in the tract just to the west, then found 2 more of them
singing at the north To the Sky trail kiosk along 181st.  There are very
few records for this species in far SW Minnesota.  I also heard an Upland
Sandpiper at the south To the Sky kiosk.

Surveying Breeding Bird Atlas blocks in Rock County has been interesting.
Species like Red-headed Woodpecker have been almost common (dozen), I've
seen at least 8 Upland Sandpipers including a group of 3, Dickcissels are
all over, Orchard Orioles are frequent, and I've seen a few Swainson's
Hawks including an adult feeding chicks on a nest (photo on the MNBBA.org
gallery) along CR 10 in NE Rock.

I saw 2 male Blue Grosbeaks at locations along 231st between Hwy 23  50th
Avenue.

A few migrant warblers are still around, including Tennessee Warblers all
over the place, Northern Waterthrush, Magnolia, Blackpoll,  (late) Palm at
Blue Mounds SP.  I've seen several Swainson's Thrushes in the last couple
of days as well.  At the south end of Blue Mounds, I found a Northern
Cardinal nest with chicks that was constructed with a shopping bag.  A
photo will be on the MNBBA.org gallery this week.

Field puddles are drying up fast, but I have stumbled on American Pipits,
Pectoral, Least,  Semipalmated Sandpipers, and Short-billed Dowitchers in
fields.  The Hardwick sewage ponds had

[mou-net] Warblers and Vireos -- it's a Wave!

[Holly Peirson]

I am tied to my desk and other indoors activities today but my windows are
open just a little bit so as to keep rain out.

 

In the last hour, I have heard calls from MANY birds of these species, and
can see them flitting about in the underbrush and canopy. It's a WAVE at my
house!

* Yellow-rumped Warbler (first heard Weds - several)

* Black and White Warbler (first heard Weds - 1 individual)

* Tennessee Warbler (wow are they loud when they get up close! Like
the spring peepers...)

* Nashville Warbler

* Blue-headed Vireo

* White-throated Sparrows (been here for weeks, but still fun to
hear them)

* Song and Swamp Sparrows (also been here for a while)

 

I also saw/heard the B. Oriole yesterday, so have to rush out when time to
do errands and get some grape jelly... I tried the Strawberry we made last
year but they just don't like it as well...!

 

The Red-shouldered Hawk has built a new nest, almost visible from the porch,
this year. They are kee-eeer-ing overhead quite frequently.

 

Holly Peirson

Columbus, SE Anoka Co.



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Re: [mou-net] Loon rowing activity

[Holly Peirson]

Sounds and looks like fun to me! Could also be preening or mating behavior.

Or it could be -- getting all the salt from winter's oceans off their
plumage! Loons' physiology changes so they can winter on oceans. It's an
interesting thought that they might just be happy to be back in fresh
water...!!  (I know, I know, unless they flew straight from there to here,
that it's just a thought...!)

Holly Peirson
Columbus, SE Anoka Co.


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Re: [mou-net] Hudsonian Godwits, Blue Earth County 4/15

[Holly Peirson]

First American or Painted Lady Butterfly today, seen fluttering over front
walk. I didn't look close enough to tell which one it was. Hope to see it
again tomorrow!

Usually the first one I see is Mourning Cloak. Hmmm.

Holly Peirson
Columbus, SE Anoka Co.


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Re: [mou-net] Birding Apps

[Holly Peirson]

Are you saying this app can be used on Android phones? If that is so, I will
be downloading it to my Samsung Infuse phone - yet this evening... I can't
tell by looking at the website... But the images and the write-up about it
sure sound good.

Holly Peirson
Columbus, SE Anoka Co.


-Original Message-
From: Minnesota Birds [mailto:MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU] On Behalf Of HawkWelter
Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2012 5:57 PM
To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
Subject: Re: [mou-net] Birding Apps

iBird Explorer Pro is the best - bar none!!

-Original Message-
From: Minnesota Birds [mailto:MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU] On Behalf Of Valerie
Slocum
Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2012 2:10 PM
To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
Subject: Re: [mou-net] Birding Apps

I have the iBird Explorer Pro for my iPhone as well, and I love it! You can
search by name, family, range, color, shape, etc. Great illustrations as
well as photos.

Valerie

Valerie Slocum
Raptor Program Coordinator/Wildlife Program Coordinator Eagle Bluff
Environmental Learning Center
28097 Goodview Drive
Lanesboro, MN 55949
507-467-2437 phone
507-467-3583 fax
rapt...@eagle-bluff.org
www.eagle-bluff.org


-Original Message-
From: Minnesota Birds [mailto:MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU] On Behalf Of Gail
Wieberdink
Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2012 1:49 PM
To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
Subject: Re: [mou-net] Birding Apps

I like iBird Pro for my iTouch (Android platform).  I also have the Audubon
Birds program on my Nook Tablet and while that one has beautiful photos, it
is much harder and slower to navigate.  It is my hope that before too long,
iBird Pro will be available for the Nook, it currently is not.

Gail

Gail Wieberdink, Ramsey County   

-Original Message-
From: Minnesota Birds [mailto:MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU] On Behalf Of Bill
Bruins
Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2012 11:58 AM
To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
Subject: [mou-net] Birding Apps

A friend asked a what is a good app for bird identification? I don't know
what type of phone so include all types.
Bill

--
O. William (Bill) Bruins
Rochester, MN, on the Zumbro River
Telephone: Five Zero Seven - Two Eight One - One Six Zero Seven
Cellphone: Five Zero Seven - Two Zero Two - One Two Eight Four

Water is a resource not a waste product.
I hold one share in the corporate earth and am uneasy about the management.
- E.B. White, Sootfall and Fallout, 1956.


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Re: [mou-net] Getting to Carlos Avery

[Holly Peirson]

If taking Lexington, go to Hwy 18 and turn RT. (it's a split turn, the west
section comes first, do not turn L or west, the east turn comes in about
another 1/2 mile), go east approx. 3-4 miles to Zodiac, turn L or north. At
the T, go Rt, and follow the roads around; keep making left turns at the
intersections and soon you'll be out in the pools. 

If taking I-35, take the Forest Lake exit for Hwy 18 or Broadway (may also
be called Hwy 2 since you're in Washington Co when on the east side of the
Fwy), go west approx. 5-6 miles to Zodiac. Follow the directions above to
get to the pools.

You can also get into Carlos from Lexington and from Hwy 22, but those are
harder to describe and find on the map.

You can download a map of Carlos from the DNR so you know which pool you're
looking at. Please report what you see!

Even tho Carlos is a GREAT place to go birding, I must remind people that it
is not necessarily managed for birders, (gasp!) It's a hunters' mecca,
so is managed for waterfowl, not shorebirds. That said, this year there
*may* be some wetlands or exposed edges of pools due to the low amount of
rainfall. Report on that as well, so the rest of us know what pools to look
at!

Holly Peirson
Columbus, SE Anoka Co.

PS: Stop for turtles, please! They are out now. I saw a lg. salad
plate-sized box turtle on our road the other day. 

PPS: If you have time when done looking at the pools and checking the
woodland sections for early arrivals in the main part of Carlos Avery, you
could go back to I-35 and go north a few miles to the Stacy exit. Go east
from the Fwy, and the NE section of Carlos opens up before you in about 1
mile. There is no shoulder on the road and lately not that many wetlands to
look over, but there are parking areas after you get over the open area, and
you can see a bridge to the south that is good to look out from. Use the map
you downloaded and you should not get lost in the wilds of Chisago Co!
Although if you want to, there is plenty of good birding habitat there,
including the Nickerson bog area on the border with the St. Croix and Pine
Co to the north...



-Original Message-
From: Minnesota Birds [mailto:MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU] On Behalf Of Fr. Paul
Kammen
Sent: Wednesday, April 04, 2012 9:40 PM
To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
Subject: [mou-net] Getting to Carlos Avery

Great to hear the roads are open, but for those who have been could you let
me know how to get to the unit? I'd come up 35 to Lexington I believe to
197th according to a google map. I'm real curious to see what's back there
and am guessing this is a good spot in April and May for shorebirds?

Thanks for the help,
Fr. Paul


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[mou-net] Sandhill Cranes, Red-shouldered Hawk, Robins

[Holly Peirson]

Have my windows cracked today with this warm rain.

Just heard Sandhill Cranes go overhead!! That is my spring sound, ala Aldo
Leopold... Geese also.

Have been hearing Robins for the couple of hours and just realized it!

Also, our Red-shouldered Hawk, might have overwintered, has been calling and
soaring all over the place in the last few days.

Few owls calling at night, they are already sitting on eggs.

Holly


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[mou-net] Swans in Columbus, SE Anoka Co

[Holly Peirson]

On an early a.m. excursion, I saw 2 adult swans flying, and landing in a
spring ephemeral pond approx. 1.5 miles north of the intersection of Lake
Drive and Main Street/Hwy 14, west side of road, in SE Anoka Co. Also
present, numerous Canada Geese and other waterfowl. No binoculars... They
were still there about 10:00 a.m. when we drove back by...

Since there were only 2, I surmise that they are Trumpeter, since there are
such that nest at nearby Carlos Avery and other sites in the area, and have
heard no reports of Tundra overhead, plus there would be a whole flock if
Tundra. Size hard to discern, but these looked approx. twice the size of
nearby c. geese...

Holly Peirson
Columbus, SE Anoka Co.

PS: Friday mid-day: Dark Morph Rough-legged Hawk seen on west side of I-35
just north of Pine City, approx. mile marker 173.


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[mou-net] Books on Birds, Birding

[Holly Peirson]

With Spring on the way, excitement about migration is here, so I'm going to
do the Question thing, and ask, what is your favorite book about birds?
Here are my top few...

Of course I have not read all the bird books...

 

My all time favorite, Last of the Curlews, by Fred Bodsworth. The writing
is sublime, the story is a page-turner; leaves one with hope...

The latest I've read and couldn't put down, Feathers, by Thor Hanson.
Absolutely fascinating from first to last word. I want more!

Wild America, by R.T. Peterson and James Fisher.  A journal of an American
and British birders' trip around No. America in the 50's. Wild! I re-read it
every so often. Great for beginning birders and just about everyone else.
The newer Return to Wild America, by Scott Weidensaul is just as hard to
put down.'

About song and other fascinating topics: Donald Kroodsma's, The Singing
Life of Birds.

A very cool series, also older, is Edwin Way Teale's Seasons 4-book cycle,
beginning with North with the Spring. Just phen-omenal (get it?
phenology...)

A page-turner on I.D., Peter Dunne's Field Guide Companion.

Another about migration, a favorite topic: Songbird Journeys, by Miyoko
Chu. 

2-book set (they come separately but if you travel in the U.S. at all you
need both): Olin Sewall Petingill, Jr's A Guide to Birdfinding East and
West. Highly researched info is by state and then habitat, including bird
lists for each type of habitat in the area. Almost as old as Peterson's and
Teale's but the birding locations mentioned have hardly changed so the bird
lists should still be good unless climate change has taken hold of the
area...

Another by Olin Sewall Petingill, Jr.: The Bird Watcher's America, a
greater introduction to birding is still not to be found, in my opinion.
Compilation of introductions by great birders and naturalists from around
No. America, speaking about their favorite habitat. A bit large in size for
a backpack but... has been squirreled away on MANY vacations, trips to BWCA,
etc. Open it to any page and feel the love.

Best about saving birds and nature in general, 101 Ways to Help Birds, by
Laura Erickson, Duluth birder extraordinaire.

For anyone who is writing about/researching birds, John K. Terres'
Encyclopedia of North American Birds.

 

There are quite a few on my shelf that I have not finished so I can't review
them, yet...

 

Holly Peirson

Columbus, SE Anoka Co.



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[mou-net] Are there any Snowy Owls still in the TC Metro Area? + Thanks to Duluth Birders

[Holly Peirson]

In response to family viewing my reading the article about irrupting snowies
in the Natural History magazine that arrived yesterday, they asked where one
might see a Snowy Owl. I said I would see if there are any still about.

Please reply back-channel...


Thanks much!
Holly Peirson
Columbus, Anoka Co.


PS: Had about 20 minutes to look at gulls at Canal Park in Duluth, with 5
kids in car waiting patiently (!) to eat dinner before heading back to
cities, after watching the FIRST Robotics tournament at DECC yesterday p.m.
in anticipation of our own tournament at the U of MN's Wilson Arena at the
end of March. 

Thank you very much to the 2 birders who were there at the time, for
pointing out the 6 species in various stages of juvenile and adult plumage
that I was able to figure out with their help: Herring, Ring-billed,
Thayer's, Glaucous, Iceland (all close-by, one of the birders was
photographing them), and Great Black-backed (on a small ice floe near the
lake). 

That was KISMET for a birder in her mom/driver mode!! I was surprised to see
that at least 1/2 of the bay is already thawed and hardly any ice to be seen
on the lake... It was especially awesome to be able to point out the sites
to 1 of the young men who had never been to Duluth before. Took them back to
freeway via Skyline Parkway so they could get a good overview at a couple of
the pull-outs! Fun times.


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[mou-net] Kestrel siting, Anoka Co.

[Holly Peirson]

Sited a hunting Am. Kestrel yesterday, at 2:30 p.m., on the wire near/over the 
south side of the I-35 freeway bridge at exit #129, for Hwy 97/Lake Drive. 
This is in Anoka Co, practically at the border with Washington Co.
Holly Peirson 
Columbus, Anoka Co.

[mou-net] St. Paul Audubon's February March newsletter The Cardinal

[Holly Peirson]

St. Paul Audubon Society's February March Cardinal is available in PDF
format, by going to www.stpaulaudubon.org  

You are welcome to attend member meetings and field trips -- all activities
are open to everyone.

Holly Peirson
Columbus, SE Anoka Co.
(Editor)


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[mou-net] Belated Reports (and some current)

[Holly Peirson]

Hello MN birders!

 

On Jan. 16, my son and I spotted a Peregrine Falcon on a light post above
Hwy 36 in Roseville, between Lexington and Hamline. We both looked up, then
at each other to confirm. Yep, we both saw it!! And then just down the road
closer to Rosedale (probably to their dismay) were the Red-tailed Hawk pair
that spends most of their year along that stretch of 36.

 

On Jan. 26, I saw a perfect light phase juvenile Rough-legged Hawk flying
over Main Street/Hwy 14/Hwy 242 in Blaine, between Sunset and Lexington. I
say juvenile bcs the dark under-wing patches were surrounded with white,
there was no darker leading edge like there would be in an adult bird. What
a lovely bird that was!

 

Last week I spotted a Brown Creeper in the yard. It's been here frequently
since then (probably been here all the time, I just was blind before last
week) This is probably the first time one has stayed all winter I'll
have to check my notes.

 

There are 2 adult Bald Eagles that are spending the winter very near the
Osprey platform on Lake Drive west of I-35 about 3/4 mile or so. They
commonly perch at the very top of a large tree very near the canoe access
parking lot. We see them at least 2-3 times a week. Nice!

 

Owls are calling nightly!! Both Great Horned and Barred, different
directions from the house.

 

Today there were two Trumpeter Swans on the river below the outflow dam from
Peltier Lake, in Centerville, visible from the bridge and parking lot off
Cty 14.

 

Holly Peirson

Columbus, SE Anoka Co.



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Re: [mou-net] Threats against birders in Sax-Zim Bog

[Holly Peirson]

Hi Birders:

I've been to the bog many times, know the area, and have seen this
residence, but not lately. Can anyone say how much frontage this person has
on the road? When are you safe to stop nearby? 

It may also be nice for those who have been there recently to write some
landmarks to watch for (coming from each direction) while birding this
immediate area, so people know when they are getting close and can coast on
by.

On the other hand, unless there is a staked-out boreal chickadee or the
like, this land is just like ALL the rest of the bog, so there should BE NO
reason to need to stop and aggravate this person... Right?!

Holly Peirson
Columbus, Anoka Co.



-Original Message-
From: Minnesota Birds [mailto:MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU] On Behalf Of Erika Sitz
Sent: Monday, January 02, 2012 5:17 PM
To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
Subject: Re: [mou-net] Threats against birders in Sax-Zim Bog

This is at the north end of Stickney, but I believe it's just south of the
Sax Road/CR-28, not Arkola.
Erika Sitz
Ramsey, north Anoka County

-Original Message-
From: Minnesota Birds [mailto:MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU] On Behalf Of sparky
stensaas
Sent: Monday, January 02, 2012 4:33 PM
To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
Subject: [mou-net] Threats against birders in Sax-Zim Bog

I just received a phone call from Hartley Nature Center in Duluth that a
resident of the Sax-Zim Bog was quite irate that birders are stopping on the
road in front of his place.


He demanded to know who was in charge of birders going to Sax-Zim area. He
was very threatening in his statementsAnd was very strange on the
phone...and swearing.


As most regular Sax-Zim birders know, this is the Sniper of Stickney
Road...the man who lives in the house on the west side of Stickney (CR207)
just south of CR52 (Arkola Rd).


He has spray painted his garage with the words Trespassers You will be
Violated...U.S Marine Sniper Retired ...Danger Combat Marine


I URGE ALL BIRDERS NOT TO STOP ALONG THE NORTH END OF STICKNEY ROAD
(CR207)EVER.


I know this is a public road, but this guy is trouble (and probably
troubled).


I am especially concerned because of the in-progress PHOTOTHON and this
weekend's BDATHON.


THE ST. LOUIS COUNTY SHERIFF HAS BEEN ALERTED.


I've only had one experience with this gentleman. I was in my DNR truck and
he stopped me to complain that someone was putting gypsy moth traps on his
land. I said I would look into it and then he was fine...even chatting about
owls for a minute. This leads me to believe that there is mental illness
involved (paranoid schizophrenia?)


Anyway the bottom line is to STAY CLEAR OF THE NORTH END OF STICKNEY...AND
DON'T AGGRAVATE THE SITUATION BY STOPPING ALONG HIS STRETCH OF ROAD OR
ARGUING WITH HIM.


Thanks!





Sparky Stensaas 
2515 Garthus Road 
Wrenshall, MN 55797 
218.341.3350 cell 

sparkystens...@hotmail.com
www.SaxZim.org

 
  

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[mou-net] Rusty Blackbirds

[Holly Peirson]

Today while taking my son to school, I saw 4 Rusty Blackbirds sitting at the
top of an almost leafless poplar or aspen tree. 

Although the look was quick, I am calling them Rusty's because of their
large size (as large as or larger than a robin), their plumpness, their lack
of long tail -- considering the fact that our grackles have been gone for at
least a week. They were definitely too large for Redwing and Brewers, which
have also been gone for at least a week, and both of which are more like
Cardinal-sized. They were completely black, so not Yellow-headed and wrong
habitat -- tho there are YHBB's in the area, but they are gone as well. 

Juuust right for Rusty, which I have mostly always seen at the tops of
trees.

The location is just east of exit #129 from I-35, for Hwy 97/Lake Drive,
between Columbus/SE Anoka Co. and Forest Lake/N Washington Co. The land is
either on or very near the eastern portion of Lamprey Pass WMA, with marshy
low lands and somewhat higher wooded hunting land. 

I will watch for them this p.m. when I head back that way, but I would be
surprised to find them still there.

Holly Peirson
Columbus, SE Anoka Co


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Re: [mou-net] feather identification help wanted

[Holly Peirson]

Looks like an owl. Maybe Barred?

Holly Peirson
Columbus, SE Anoka Co 

Chris Mansfield mansfie...@gmail.com wrote:

Found in central Duluth, MN, October 18, 2011, in urban habitat with
ornamental trees including tall spruces:

linkhttp://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6rMmbCc2TZM/Tp9HYOPCdAI/AC4/S2ikOXDlgqU/s1600/feathersgraybkgd.JPGor

URL:
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6rMmbCc2TZM/Tp9HYOPCdAI/AC4/S2ikOXDlgqU/s1600/feathersgraybkgd.JPG

My best guess is Long-eared Owl.  I welcome any input.

Chris Mansfield


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[mou-net] Apostle Islands, Labor Day Weekend

[Holly Peirson]

Getting ready to go fishing in amongst the Apostle Islands, we decided to
put in at Red Cliff, headed for Outer Island and vicinity. 

There were 2 Merlins making a lot of noise since we had parked too close to
their light tower... We were 1/2 of the parking lot away but getting ready
to go deep lake fishing is a noisy affair...

A flock of about 25 Am. White Pelicans flew over in formation one gorgeous
blue-skied morning...

And there were several small waders along beaches, mostly Sanderlings, and 1
Semi-palmated Plover.

We caught all Lake Trout this time out. Nice weekend, but none of it spent
in woods so no warbler waves...

Holly Peirson
SE Anoka Co.


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Re: [mou-net] Carlos Avery Connecticut Warbler

[Holly Peirson]

Sounds GREAT! The list here in the marsh and savanna-lands just a couple of
miles south of that location is quite long, too. 92 for the year; 15
warblers.

If you go to Carlos, be aware that the bridge from Forest Lake going west on
Broadway/Hwy 83/Hwy 18 has been taken down and is being rebuilt this summer.


The exits are sometimes open, or not...  To go west on Hwy 18, you need to
take the new exit for 11th street, which is SOUTH of the usual Forest Lake
exit. Go west across the new bridge that was built to accommodate traffic
during construction, then take a right just over the bridge, and that will
lead you north to Hwy 18.

Go west on 18 about 4-5 miles to Carlos.

Another way to get to Carlos near Forest Lake is to take the Lexington Ave
Exit from 35W and go north to Hwy 18 going east, but that seems longer and
the 2-lane road is heavily used, especially at rush hour times.

Holly Peirson
Columbus, SE Anoka Co.



-Original Message-
From: Minnesota Birds [mailto:MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU] On Behalf Of Jason
Bolism
Sent: Sunday, May 29, 2011 7:55 AM
To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
Subject: [mou-net] Carlos Avery Connecticut Warbler

Yesterday at Carlos Avery - In the SE corner, at the intersection of
Headquarters Rd  Pool 10 Rd - Had a Connecticut Warbler singing at 8:00am 
9:00am, bird was cooperative and relatively in the open.  Also in the area
were Blue-Winged Warbler, Mourning Warbler, Black-Billed Cuckoo 
Yellow-Billed Cuckoo (Two YBs heard only.)  There is a small parking area
where the 2 roads meet.

Jason Bolish
Bloomington - Hennepin County
  

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[mou-net] In the Yard Sunday...

[Holly Peirson]

...I was doing some gardening in the almost freezing weather this afternoon,
when I heard a call other than the White-throated Sparrow flock that had
been working its way through. We also had a nice wave of Ruby-crowned
Kinglets, and I had already seen several Yellow-rumped Warblers and a
Black-and-White Warbler. 

Then I heard a call that I couldn't place, around to the front, near the
pond that is threatening, in all this rain, to take over my lawn. Walking
around the house, I heard it again. That sounds almost like a waterthrush, I
thought. Hmmm. Went round to the car for the binoculars I keep there. Didn't
have my glasses on, but my prescription sunglasses were there, so I put them
on. The bird called again. 

I moved closer to the pond, and waited. A red squirrel ran across a log, and
the White-throated Sparrows kept flitting by. At first they were a
distraction, but after about 10 minutes of standing in place, I caught a
glimpse of a small, dark bird flying around a log at water level. Landed and
in a couple minutes I found it again. It was singing, and sure enough, the
tail was tipping, tipping, constant movement. 

That's all I saw of it, but I can picture the rest. In my minds' eye I see a
creamy streaked breast and belly, a long white eye stripe, fast, sure
movements to grab food from the water and the mossy, water-soaked logs. 

It sure pays to know your songs. 


Holly Peirson
Columbus, SE Anoka Co.


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Re: [mou-net] yellow-rump at suet feeder--hennepin county

[Holly Peirson]

These little guys (and gals) are omnivores, and generalists. That's why they
are so common and can come earlier than many other migrants. They don't need
to wait for the caterpillars and inch worms and other like food. I have had
them eating suet in many of the colder springs. You may also find them
eating last year's flower seeds just like a goldfinch or chickadee.

That's why we see Tree Swallows earlier than other swallows, too.

Holly Peirson
SE Anoka Co.


-Original Message-
From: Minnesota Birds [mailto:MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU] On Behalf Of
wickl...@umn.edu
Sent: Thursday, April 21, 2011 8:30 AM
To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
Subject: [mou-net] yellow-rump at suet feeder--hennepin county

This is new for me! A yellow-rump was chased away from a hanging suet 
feeder by a nuthatch the first few times it tried to land. When the 
nuthatch left, the warbler returned and has come back several times since 
to pick at the suet.
Jan Wicklund


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[mou-net] Out and About in SE Anoka and Washington Co's Today...

[Holly Peirson]

Today's birds while on an errand run:

* Tree Swallows over several marshes today!

* My phoebe came back overnight. Was not here yesterday, but this AM
it was upgrading the nest under the eaves and singing away.

* More B. Eagles everywhere, saw at least another 5 today (1 taking
a fish to the nest in midst of southern end of White Bear Lake), and an
immature fishing in the almost open water of Goose Lake in WBL; Another 2-3
on the wing overhead. Went by nest on Keller Lake; traffic too fast to see
any birds. Nest at intersection of I-35E and W has an eagle sitting on eggs,
and the one just a mile or so to the south (seen from I-35W) on the north
end of Peltier Lake is also active. One just flew over my marsh as I was
writing this. There must be another nest pretty close-by that I have not
found yet...

* Saw a head on the nest platform that Ospreys use just west of
intersection of I-35 and Hwy 23/Lake Drive (Anoka Co)/Hwy 97 (Wash Co) on S
end of Howard Lake, but didn't have time to determine if Osprey or not.
There's enough open water at the edges of the lakes now that they could find
fish if they were lucky...

* Turkey Vultures circling on thermals...

* Killdeer, Song Sparrows, Grackles, Robins, Red-winged BB's...

* Scaup (sp), Eagles, Great Blue Herons, C. Geese, Ring-billed
Gulls, and 1 swan (Trumpeter) were in the outwash of dam at S end of Peltier
Lake in Centerville.

* And a male No. Harrier over WBL, too.

* Frog began singing last Saturday, in all ponds, marshes, etc. as
the ice melted in the shallower areas.

 

Spring is here in the TC area. Soon to come to the north, too, we promise!

 

Holly Peirson

Columbus, SE Anoka Co.



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Re: [mou-net] Best Approach to birding Carlos Avery?

[Holly Peirson]

Hi folks:

 

I live very near to Carlos, so I can speak to this.

 

If you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle, you're good to go. If you don't, the
roads are mostly all sand, and be very wet, pitted, and hard to drive on,
please don't attempt it with just one vehicle or if you don't have a cell
phone to call for back-up or a tow truck... Unfortunately, the local tow
Co's know just where to find you if you call from Carlos...! 

 

There is no phone for info because there is no one manning the phones for
the public, due to budget constraints. The WMA is managed for hunting.
Finding birds on it is just a bonus for Birders, but they don't have any
staff whose job is to do tours or the like. There may be maps at the T with
Zodiac. The office there is for the equipment and workers, not for the
public. Better to download a map from the DNR site before you go... 

 

The best short to mid-length tour is to begin at Hwy 18 west of Forest Lake
and go north on Zodiac St., then turn Rt or east when you get to the T. Go
slowly at all times or you will miss something great (and the speed limit is
low, too...) On your left is the Sanctuary portion of Carlos, no entry
permitted for walking, hunting, birding, morels. Look but don't enter. On
the right as you go through the wooded section, there are trails that you
can take more time on, or mark on the map for a later visit. This section is
great for migrating songbirds like tanagers, thrushes, warblers, and owls at
all times of the year.

 

At the first intersection, go L, and stay near pools 10 and 4 on your left
and pools 9 and 5 on your right. Keep turning L at each intersection and
you'll find yourself back at Zodiac at some point. The shortest you can do
this trip in is about an hour but that would be w/o any lengthy stops.
[Later in the year, or if you have more time, go right and follow the road
around pool 9 to the left, then pool 8. This leads you north and east. There
are more walks and pools this way. At the T, there is a way out to the east,
to Viking Trail (22) and the town of Wyoming. Or, you could go west and then
back down around the western pools, and out to Lexington Ave., or make the
full circuit back to Zodiac.] 

 

Take your camera and a scope. Stay IN your car (use it as a blind) as much
as possible when you get out into the pools sections, and you will be
rewarded with close looks at as many ducks, geese, swans, cranes, loons, and
a bit later in spring - shorebirds, as are there when you are! As the
songbirds come back, don't forget to look away from the pools now and then!!
And always, look UP for raptors. Pools 5, 3, and 2 are where you might find
cranes feeding in the shallow wet marshy areas.

 

Look to the north from the first intersection you come to (between pools 10
and 9). There's an Eagle nest (don't know if active this year yet) that
might be able to be seen from there.

 

Later in the year, a trip to the south of Hwy 18 is always interesting. This
is one of the areas that the cranes nest, on Carlos (and where the ravens
that I see/hear do, also). If the gate is closed you can walk in, but the
trail is lengthy so take water and a hat (and bug repellent if it's late
spring to mid-fall.) The eastern section of Carlos, accessed near Stacy, is
harder to see much of from a car, but the trip across the marsh and Sunrise
River on Hwy 19, if it's not busy that day so you can stop and use your car
as a blind, can be really great for shorebirds and of course all the ducks
and other water birds.

 

Take water and a snack.  A full tank of gas. Your cell phone. Scope. Bird
Guide. Frog sounds guide. Hat. Rain or wind gear. Shovel. Later in the
season, bug repellent is a good idea.

 

Holly Peirson

Columbus, SE Anoka Co.

 

 

 

 

-Original Message-
From: Minnesota Birds [mailto:MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU] On Behalf Of Paul
Kammen
Sent: Monday, April 04, 2011 11:29 AM
To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
Subject: [mou-net] Beat Approach to birding Carlos Avery?

 

I've heard a lot about Carlos Avery, but haven't seen too many reports this

season yet from there. I'd like to spend an afternoon up there though, but

because it's got a lot of roads I was wondering if anyone had any suggested

routes through there. I did a search online and the DNR site says simply

very popular for birdwatching. That's great, but where can one make the

best use of their time once you are there? There also is no phone number

listed to the place itself. If anyone could enlighten me as to how you'd

spend 3 hours with a camera in this place I'd appreciate it. Many thanks! 

 

As a side note, I had a northern flicker in my tree in Chanhassen yesterday.

Also went to Lowry Nature Center in Victoria and the Osprey were there in

their nest.

 



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Re: [mou-net] Pig's Eye Lake, Ramsey Co

[Holly Peirson]

A Maybe that's why I saw about 7 B. Eagles today as I drove from
Columbus to White Bear Lk, and back again (may have seen same ones 2x). 

Only 2-3 of those are resident birds. They are on the move!!

Holly Peirson
Columbus, SE Anoka Co.


-Original Message-
From: Minnesota Birds [mailto:MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU] On Behalf Of John
Zakelj
Sent: Monday, April 04, 2011 7:37 PM
To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
Subject: Re: [mou-net] Pig's Eye Lake, Ramsey Co

Bald eagle numbers on Pig's Eye are down considerably from yesterday 
morning's high of about 100.  Last evening and this morning, there were 
still over 50.  This evening, there were about 30 on the last remaining 
area of ice on the south end of the lake and about 10 soaring and 
swooping in the vicinity.  I expect most of these will leave as the rest 
of the ice melts.  Of course, our resident nesters will stay (at least 3 
active nests).  There are still hundreds of mergansers and gulls, but 
they have moved farther out and are harder to see.  Its fantastic to 
have a resource like Pigs Eye within view of downtown St. Paul.


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[mou-net] Pair of Eagles - Sittin' in a tree...

[Holly Peirson]

k-i-s-s-i-n-g?

Don't know (and not an anthropomorphist (!), but the tree is along Lake
Drive/Hwy 23 very near to my house. They were there when I left to take son
to school this AM, and there when I came back, so I went to get camera. They
were still there, but even tho my camera has a nice zoom feature they are
still pretty small. They were at the top of a very large cottonwood. Both
are full adults. Their heads were so bright in the early sun! The tree is
nice and tall and might have several spots to build... But I would have
thought that they'd be almost done building by now, and I wouldn't like to
think they like a spot right on this quite busy road... There are a couple
of established nests in the area, but I'm going to be watching for
construction activities now...

Holly Peirson
Columbus, SE Anoka Co.

PS: Cranes, Eagles, Owls, Geese, Ducks, Red-winged Blackbirds, Killdeer,
Red-tailed Hawks, Robins by the yard-full, all have been seen and heard this
week nearby! Saw a Turkey Vulture down by U last week, flying over Hwy
36/I-35 intersection.


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[mou-net] Sandhill Cranes in E Anoka/W Washington Counties

[Holly Peirson]

Went fishing this evening, on Clear Lake at SE edge of the city of Forest
Lake. Around 6:00 PM, to our GREAT excitement, 7 Sandhills flew directly
over us, going in the direction of Carlos Avery. 

Caught 4 small fish, all went back down the hole. The ice is 24-26 but if
we have more days as nice as today, we won't be out on it much longer!

Also, many small batches of ducks and geese went over. 

For me, Sandhill Cranes are the birds that, as Aldo Leopold said so well:
make the spring.

Holly Peirson
Columbus, SE Anoka Co.


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[mou-net] Washington Co. Monday PM

[Holly Peirson]

On a ramble in the countryside (son's driving exercise) of Washington Co.,
just east of Manning Trail on Hwy 97, saw a flock of 20-30 Snow Buntings!!
The only other birds seen were a lot of crows and one raptor, too far in
distance to tell species.

Holly


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Re: [mou-net] Stearns County Harrier

[Holly Peirson]

Wow, that rings a bell in the old noggin! 

I, too, saw a male Harrier -- last week! This was while I was riding in the
car my son was driving, probably on Friday afternoon between 2 and 4:00 pm.
We were going north, and were between Hugo and Forest Lake on Hwy 61. I was
not aware that they were such early migrants. I have never seen one this
early before.

He flew over road in front of us and low over a corn stubble field. With all
that snow cover (up to over the weekend when we lost 5 of it) I was
wondering if he would survive to snow melt.

Thanks, Betsy, for jiggling the brain a bit! 

Holly Peirson
Columbus, Anoka Co.



-Original Message-
From: Minnesota Birds [mailto:MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU] On Behalf Of Betsy
Beneke
Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2011 3:41 PM
To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
Subject: [mou-net] Stearns County Harrier

I was surprised to see a male northern harrier flying low over some
marshland 
this afternoon, northeast of Avon in Stearns County.

Betsy Beneke



  


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Re: [mou-net] Stickney Road, Sax Zim

[Holly Peirson]

I am coming in to the middle/end of this conversation... Wonder if anyone
posted an address or nearby intersection so we can mark it on our maps of
the bog and stay away from that area as much as possible... Or drive by that
area more quickly, not stopping to see birds...

I agree with Ben, we want the birds to be safe, too. Winter provides enough
of a hardship for them.

Today I've been watching the Barred Owl hunt near/under my feeders, where
the vole tunnels are slowly being exposed due to snow melt.

Holly Peirson
Columbus, Anoka Co.


-Original Message-
From: Minnesota Birds [mailto:MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU] On Behalf Of Ben Yokel
Sent: Monday, February 14, 2011 7:12 AM
To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
Subject: [mou-net] Stickney Road, Sax Zim

Based on conversations we have had with our friends and neighbors, we worry
that any interaction with this individual (be it with birders or law
enforcement) will potentially have a negative impact on owls and other
conspicuous birds and wildlife in the area.  My advice, for the sake of the
owls, is just to move on.

Ben Yokel
Cotton, MN

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Re: [mou-net] Deer Problems

[Holly Peirson]

Folks:

I live in a very deer-y area, near Carlos Avery WMA. I have a large shade
garden. To keep the deer out, I push a pellet of Repellex into the soil to
touch the roots of each plant on the deer-love-em list. You only need do it
once each season. I have done this since summer of 2007, and so far the deer
have only eaten 1 plant. I must have missed that one!!

It's a bit $$ but when you think about how much $$ and effort you put into a
garden in a season, being able to view and work with your plants all season
seems to be worth it. 

The pellets last more than 1 year. I don't use the whole jar in one garden
season, so I finish it up the following spring. I push the pellets into the
ground just as the plants are coming up. If the plants are large, it
sometimes takes 2 pellets.

I first used the spray product which lasts for a month, but it smelled like
excrement and my dog loved it She ate the plant I did the experiment on,
so I figured the deer would, too. Returned it and got the pellets. Had to
keep the remains of that plant out of her reach for over a month until the
spray wore off.

Holly Peirson
Columbus, Anoka Co.

Now, about those voles... My owl families are not keeping up their end of
the bargain... But I'll go to a gardening listserv for that discussion!


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Re: [mou-net] [mou-rba]

[Holly Peirson]

Happy New Year, everyone!

I am writing today to say THANK YOU to those who put out the RBA's for
Minnesota and environs, week-in, week-out, and those who may do it when the
real folks are on vacation (out looking at birds!) 

While I don't chase rarities these days out of the need to be near home for
my family, I super enjoy knowing what is around, and someday I will get back
out on the road for some of the closer birds that appear on these lists!

I know it may take a bit of work each week to make sure everything seen is
listed; and from editing a newsletter for a while, I know what it takes to
plan your time around getting that done.

Thank you all very much for your time and dedication.

Holly Peirson
Columbus, Anoka Co.


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Re: [mou-net] woodpecker nictitating membranes

[Holly Peirson]

I just read in a recent birding magazine that all birds have the nictitating
membranes. I thought it was only those who spend time in water, but the
article said they all have one, but, those who spend time in water have
clear ones so they can see under water!! Is that cool or what?! 

Very cool to catch it on film (so to speak).

Holly Peirson
Columbus, Anoka Co.


-Original Message-
From: Minnesota Birds [mailto:mou-...@lists.umn.edu] On Behalf Of danerika
Sent: Monday, January 03, 2011 4:47 PM
To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
Subject: [mou-net] woodpecker nictitating membranes

Hi All--

On Sunday, Erika and I photographed a Downy Woodpecker at the River Bend
Nature Center in Faribault, Rice Co.  I was surprised to capture the bird's
nictitating membrane in action.  In my blog I have shared a bit of what I
have learned about woodpecker eye membranes.

http://dantallmansbirdblog.blogspot.com

dan

-- 
Dan or Erika Tallman
Northfield, Minnesota
http://sites.google.com/site/tallmanorum
http://dantallmansbirdblog.blogspot.com
http://picasaweb.google.com/danerika
daner...@gmail.com

 the best shod travel with wet feet
Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes --Thoreau


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[mou-net] Grackle at feeder today

[Holly Peirson]

We had a grackle at a feeder in section 2 of the St. Paul CBC on the 18th of
Dec (North Oaks, Vadnais Hts). It had been coming to the feeder for some
time. It was surprising to see, but welcome on our list!

Imagine my surprise when a huge bird (compared to the chickadees and
nuthatches) landed on the suet feeder right outside my window, and began to
take large chunks of suet!! It was a grackle! 

So, this is the first winter in the 23 years we've lived here that I have
seen a grackle after they all headed south in droves earlier this fall. My
son and I went outside that day, to listen to the racket as 100's of them
sat in the trees overhead and then up and left in large groups. It took
15-20 minutes for the birds to move on and the noise to subside! 

Holly Peirson
Columbus, Anoka Co.


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[mou-net] Binocular Repair

[Holly Peirson]

Hello Minnesota  Western Wisconsin Birders:

 

I am in need of the name/number of someone or a business that does binocular
cleaning and repair, preferably in the Twin Cities area.

 

Thanks to all who reply back-channel. 

 

Holly Peirson

Columbus, Anoka Co.

 

hpbirdscou...@msn.com 



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Re: [mou-net] cleaning hummingbird feeders

[Holly Peirson]

Or you could use the old restaurant coffee pot cleaning method: put a little
shaved or small pieces of ice in, along with some lemon juice, swirl it
around a few times and then rinse with water. Works like a charm on cooked
on coffee and other grime at the bottoms of jars. 

Holly Peirson
Columbus, Anoka Co.



-Original Message-
From: Minnesota Birds [mailto:mou-...@lists.umn.edu] On Behalf Of Pat S.
Sent: Friday, September 17, 2010 6:20 PM
To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
Subject: Re: [mou-net] cleaning hummingbird feeders

Put some uncooked rice in, add water, and shake it hard.  Pour out and do
again if needed.  This was abrasive enough to get the black spots out. 



Pat S. 






- Original Message - 
From: Forest Strnad prairie...@yahoo.com 
To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU 
Sent: Friday, September 17, 2010 11:58:54 AM 
Subject: [mou-net] cleaning hummingbird feeders 

How do you get the dirt out of the bottom of the feerer? 
Greetings: 

How do you get the dirt out of the bottom of the feerer?  Tooth brush
can't 
possibly reach it all. Black dirt does not all come out with a tooth
prush.  
Is there some solution that helps remove the black spots. 

Rev. Forest V. Strnad  




 
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Re: [mou-net] close up look at Black-Crowned Night-Heron Minnehaha Creek, Minneapolis

[Holly Peirson]

Remembering those years of early parenthood, when we would sometimes take the 
kids for a week on the beach in the winter (before school grades and activities 
kept them here), we could find Yellow-crowned and Black-crowned Night Herons on 
the backwaters of places like Laguna Atascosa and So. Padre Island (not on the 
Gulf beach, too wavy), right along with the Great Blue Herons, Louisiana 
Herons, Cattle Egrets, Common Egrets, Little Blue Herons, Tri-colored Herons, 
and sometimes even Roseate Spoonbills, and any number of terns, gulls, 
skimmers, shorebirds, Brown Pelicans, some feeding along the watery irrigation 
ditches next to busy highways (not the pelicans!), or watching from a dock or a 
tree branch as the shrimp boats would come in to Pt. Isabel. So, I think if the 
herons seem 'tame' here, it's because they ARE used to people, and sometimes 
not above mooching a by-catch fish or dead shrimp meal or two. 

 

Those southern locations in winter are good spots to watch the different 
fishing techniques of the waders! If you go to Aransas and take the boat trip, 
you can see all of the above AND Whooping Cranes feeding along the shallow 
waterways, paying no attention to boat traffic.

 

Holly Peirson

Columbus, Anoka Co.

 


 
 Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2010 10:54:17 -0500
 From: d...@mac.com
 Subject: Re: [mou-net] close up look at Black-Crowned Night-Heron Minnehaha 
 Creek, Minneapolis
 To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
 
 Years ago, when I had a sailboat on Harriet, there was a BCNH that hung 
 around on the sailing dock during the day. It *seemed* to enjoy watching 
 people. One day I was tied to the dock doing maintenance on my boat, and the 
 bird stood there watching me the whole time, tilting its head this way and 
 that. People could pass by it on the wide part of the dock, and it was only 
 slightly wary or anxious about being within feet of people.
 
 When evening came, it would fly off the the stone wall on the NW side of the 
 lake and fish. Other BCNH would roost on the SW in the willow trees. It was 
 fun to have him/her around.
 
 
 On Jul 21, 2010, at 9:36, Madeleine Linck wrote:
 
  I watched a BCNH from about 10 feet away catch and eat a fish yesterday;
  the view was from the pedestrian trail just west of where Nokomis Ave
  crosses the Creek (and north of Minnehaha Pkwy). A lady walking a dog
  said the heron hunts there every day. I had never seen a BCNH so close
  before and it seemed completely unphased by my presence. 
  Madeleine Linck
  Medina, Hennepin Co.
  
  
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 David Bergum d...@mac.com
 [1282 Wander Rd, Isabella, MN] 218-365-0887
 POBox 696 218-206-2133 Skype
 Ely, MN 55731 612-723-7135 Mobile
 
 
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[mou-net] Bobolink!

[Holly Peirson]

This AM on a quick trip to Forest Lake, I spotted a male Bobolink on a wire!!

 

This was over the same field that holds an active Osprey nest, along Lake Drive 
just to the east of I-35, near Mud Lake. This is probably about 1/2 to 3/4 mile 
west of the Zodiac St. entrance to the Racino, and about 1 mile from the 
freeway. I turned the car around to view it again, since it's been a LONG time 
since I've seen a Bobolink in this part of Anoka Co, and especially along such 
a busy highway with no large prairie immediately adjacent. There is open land, 
but it's mainly marsh and bog, with the very shallow Mud Lake, on which black 
terns nest. I have seen Bobolinks recently in Washington Co, to the ESE of this 
location (not this year as I haven't been on the road where I usually see them, 
but regularly in the past 5 years.) 

 

This is the same field that I mentioned earlier this week in a response about 
Sandhill Cranes and Turkeys. A couple of years ago, I wrote a note about this 
same area in mid-May, when I was transfixed for about an hour by a mixed flock 
of warblers, swallows, vireos, and other spring migrants. What a great field 
and farm pasture area, to support all this wildlife!

 

Holly Peirson

Columbus, SE Anoka Co.
  

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Re: [mou-net] RFI: Carlos Avery cranes

[Holly Peirson]

The cranes are there, AND all over up here these days. You can see them in many 
fields and marshes all over the area, not just on the WMA. They nest mostly (as 
far as I know and can hear) in the southern part of the WMA, and to the west of 
our road, which is a dead end. The square that is made up of Lexington, Hwy 
14, Lake Drive, and Hwy 18 must hold many nesters, as there are only a few 
roads that penetrate very far into the wiregrass marsh. They may nest at 
Lamprey Pass WMA as well, as I commonly see a few in fields around there, along 
Hwy 97. We hear them many days from March to November. 

 

To Aldo Leopold, it was the geese that made the spring, but for me, it's the 
first cry of the cranes overhead or when we hear them in the distance and know 
they are over at Carlos, doing their dancing... They spend a fair amount of 
time in our marshes or flying around overhead. For a few weeks all is quiet 
while their young are small, but then they begin to call to each other again. 
Somewhere I heard or read that their call can be heard for over a mile, and I 
believe it! It is VERY loud when they are just a few yards away in our marsh! 

 

At Carlos, the easiest place to see them is not on the south side of Hwy 18, 
but just to the WNW of or around Pool 4, where they did some prescribed burning 
a few years ago. At least, that is where I recently saw 20-30, feeding in the 
wet marsh there.

 

That's the long answer...

 

Holly Peirson

Columbus, Anoka Co.
 

 
 Date: Fri, 2 Jul 2010 22:51:02 -0500
 From: tapac...@q.com
 Subject: [mou-net] RFI: Carlos Avery cranes
 To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
 
 I'd appreciate knowing if anyone has seen Sandhill Cranes in Carlos Avery
 WMA this summer and, if so, where in the park? I've only rarely seen them
 there other than flying over, which is odd with a bird 4' tall.
 
 
 
 Thanks,
 
 Steve
 
 
 
 Stephen Greenfield
 
 Minneapolis
 
 tapac...@q.com
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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[mou-net] Stearns BSA, Star Camp Bird List

[Holly Peirson]

53 species either heard or seen by 2 observers at Star Camp, the 100th 
Anniversary Celebration of the Boy Scouts of America. 

 

Would any other birder-scouter attendees like to add to the list?

 

Hi-lights:


Eagle with fish in talons, being harrassed by a crow; overhead while waiting 
for Troop Trailer, Sunday, 1:00 p.m.
Common Loon alarm, Saturday about 5:30 a.m. The bird flew over Boyce Sub-camp 
several times, once at 50-75ft up, calling loudly! (also heard on nearby lake, 
several times during night)
Pelican flock soaring and sailing overhead; while waiting for evening show and 
fireworks. Over 5,000 Scouts  Scouters in attendance.
 

Holly  Paul Peirson

Columbus, SE Anoka Co.

T9136, Lino Lakes; Many Waters District; Boyce Sub-camp

 

 

Full List:

CAGO WODU MALL COLO AWPE DCCO GBHE GREG

BAEA COHA  AMKE MODOBAOW RBWODOWOPIWO

EAWP LEFL  EAPH  GCFL YTVI   REVI  BLJA  AMCR

TRSW BCCH WBNU HOWRMAWRBGGN  EABL AMRO

EUST TEWA NOPA YEWACSWA BAWWAMRE OVEN

COYE CHSP FISP   SASP SOSP NOCA  RBGR INBU

RWBL COGR BHCO BAOR AMGO 

 
  

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[mou-net] Ah, Spring! Winter.... Spring!

[Holly Peirson]

Despite the cooler than normal weather the past few days (and some distinctly 
white stuff on the ground in the AM early on Saturday...) our yard was bursting 
with spring bird song and frogs calling during this wonderul Mother's Day 
Weekend. 

 

This AM, I added Blue-headed Vireo, Blue-winged Warbler, and Catbird! 

 

Weekend birds around our yard include Wood Ducks in the oaks, Canada Geese but 
no goslings yet, Turkeys calling at dusk on Saturday, Sora Rail out in the 
marsh, Sandhill Cranes in the marsh, Broad-winged Hawk out at the end of the 
drive just like usual, and Barred Owls later in the day and at night when I go 
out with the dog to get a bit of fresh air. The Ravens are commonly overhead 
during the day so I know their nest is quite nearby again this year. Tree 
Swallows are gurgling over the marsh. Song Sparrows are very common this year. 
A Red-breasted Nuthatch stopped by for a bite at the suet and peanut feeders -- 
hadn't seen it for a while. A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is calling and checking 
all the trees--maybe he'll stay around this year, but they usually go a bit 
farther north.

 

The Phoebe is somewhat quiet right now so I know they are sitting on the nest 
which is always built on a ledge we put up for them under the eaves of the 
house in the L next to the garage, a nice quite area to raise one's young... 
but the WREN! Wow, what output those little guys have! We had one in the 
closed-door fireplace last week, he must have come down the chimney while 
investigating a good place to make a nest start. We tried to use a butterfly 
net to get him to fly into, but he eluded us. So, we isolated him on the back 
porch and then picked him up after he got tired of missing the open door. Got a 
good look at his evil-looking bill, and then let him go. He flew to the side of 
the house, blinked the ash from his eyes a few times and off he went, to resume 
singing just a little while later. Speaking of output, the goldfinches are also 
pretty prolific, considering that they won't nest until later in the summer!

 

While working in the garden during the rain on Friday (under the trees it 
wasn't so bad but I got pretty wet anyhow!), I heard several Black-throated 
Green Warblers, and many Tennessee Warblers with their 3-parted song that, if 
you are closeby, can give you almost the same decibels as the Sandhill Cranes 
in the marsh during the day or the frogs at night! There are still some 
Yellow-rumped Warblers, too. One Ovenbird is singing quite close to the house, 
plus some are singing from opposite sides of the drive. White-throated Sparrow 
song awoke me early each AM, while the Indigo Bunting's song was a welcome 
addition during the day.

 

Last week we had Nashville, Black-and-white, Tennessee, and Yellow-rumped 
Warblers, and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers all over the place for a couple of days. 
This week I hope to add Redstarts and Chestnut-sided's, maybe a Pine, the 
Yellow, and Yellowthroat, maybe a cuckoo or two, and I will put out the jelly 
for the Orioles and the sugar-water for the Hummingbirds.

 

This AM I plan to spend out digging up sod so I can move my daylilies to a 
sunnier bed, hopefully before the rain sets in. Due to a lightning strike that 
took out a previous computer, I now have a bit of sun that I can put daylilies 
and peony's into, to break up the shade-lovers like hosta, astilbe, bleeding 
hearts, trillium, huechera, and ligularia. I love to listen to the birds while 
I work in the garden. Quite relaxing despite the exersion of digging up sod. 
This PM I will catch up on email and other indoor things, but I'll keep a 
window cocked open to hear the birds if they'll sing through the rain. 

 

Ah,

 

in Just-

springwhen the world is mud-

luscious

 

(to quote a favorite poet...)

 

 

Holly Peirson

Columbus, Anoka Co.
  

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Re: [mou-net] Sandhill Cranes

[Holly Peirson]

Ah, you beat me to it! The cranes also arrived at Carlos -- today!!!

 

Holly Peirson

Columbus, Anoka Co.


 
 Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:56:24 -0700
 From: roymz...@yahoo.com
 Subject: [mou-net] Sandhill Cranes
 To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
 
 I saw two sandhill cranes flying over Shoreview this afternoon.
 
 
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Re: [mou-net] Birding about the Metro

[Holly Peirson]

Speaking of eagles standing vigil, perhaps that's what I saw earlier this week. 

 

There is a huge power line just to the west of the new Racino here in Anoka Co 
(Hwy 97/Lake Drive Exit from I-35. Rice Creek runs N-S along that power line, 
through a batch of marshy areas, and on down into the Lino Lakes chain of 
lakes. It is open for much of the year. ON the power line there is a HUGE nest. 
It is not visible from Lake Drive, but IS visible from the Racino's entrance 
road (Zurich, I believe, at a 3-way light). I figured it was an Osprey nest, 
but the eagles may have taken it over. This week I saw an eagle sitting in a 
tree above the creek, near the tower. 

 

There is an Osprey tower and nest on the south side of Howard Lake, less than a 
mile west on Lake Drive. There is also a very huge and visible eagle's nest on 
the east side of I-35 very near the joining of 35E and 35W. As the eagle flies, 
these are all within a few miles of each other.

 

Holly Peirson

Columbus, Anoka Co.
  

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Re: [mou-net] Fw: mou-net has moved

[Holly Peirson]

likewise... 
 
 Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 08:23:04 -0800
 From: roymz...@yahoo.com
 Subject: [mou-net] Fw: mou-net has moved
 To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
 
 Are we supposed to tell you to move us?  If so, please move me also.  The 
 message was unclear.
 
 
 
 - Forwarded Message 
 From: m...@moumn.org mou-...@moumn.org
 To: roy zimmerman roymz...@yahoo.com
 Sent: Sun, February 7, 2010 10:20:04 AM
 Subject: mou-net has moved
 
 mou-net has moved to mou-...@lists.umn.edu.  Please resend your message to 
 that address.
 
 
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[mou-net] Spring's Eternal Hope

[Holly Peirson]

My Red-shouldered Hawks have been flying and calling loudly all over the
woods and yard since Friday afternoon. Their cries are shrill and
wild-sounding. At first when they arrive in the spring I think it's just the
jay that has learned their call, but then I hear their repeated cries and
see the shadows as they fly over the house. I find their nest each year
before the trees leave out. 

Later in the day a Raven called as it, too, flew over the house. Now there's
a wild-sounding call, echoing over the bare trees. Their call brings to mind
memories of days in the wild north. I find it interesting that they have
come to Carlos to nest. Perhaps they have always been near here but picked a
nest site nearer to my house a few years ago so we see and hear them often
now.

The Sandhills are getting louder daily. We saw several flying in the
direction of the southern end of Carlos today, so they are amassing for the
dance.

Today at Wargo Nature Center the redwings are already on territory, singing
from every wire and tree-top. I didn't have my binoculars (helping son with
Eagle project) but I think the small flocks of sparrows flitting along the
edges of the road as we walked by were Tree Sparrows.

Heard a killdeer while standing out on the front walk in the warm sun,
watching the dog cavort in the old fall leaves (she is the exact color of
them and can disappear like one of those puzzles you have to stare at to see
the second image of, if I take my eyes off of her!) The robins are still
sounding their high-pitched alarm calls, I've heard no singing yet. 

Many, many geese and a few ducks in the vernal ponds produced by the rapid
snow melt. Overhead today, saw either an Eagle or an Osprey carrying a fish
near Peltier Lake in Centerville. Did not take eyes off road much, as
helping son learn to drive takes all MY concentration as well as his!

I've had quite a few folks telling me where to find the Eagle nest up by
Center City, so I'm looking forward to finding it when I go up next weekend
to help 4 Scouts become Eagle. That's pretty exciting, too!

Still have many siskins eating me out of nyjer seed, but expect that one day
soon relative quiet will descend, more's the pity. Their rising calls are so
uplifting! 

Holly Peirson
Columbus, Anoka Co.


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Re: [mou-net] Sand hill cranes, Wash Co.

[Holly Peirson]

Me too, me too! Just went out with dog and there they were, calling at
Carlos Avery!! They must have come in overnight!!

Holly Peirson
Columbus, Anoka Co.


-Original Message-
From: Minnesota Birds [mailto:mou-...@lists.umn.edu] On Behalf Of Karen
Schik
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2009 10:35 AM
To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
Subject: [mou-net] Sand hill cranes, Wash Co.

I thought for sure cranes would be posted, but I didn't see it, so here 
it is: first of the year sandhills heard yesterday eve in far northeast 
Washington Co - probably the same pair returning to their breeding site. 

Karen Schik
Scandia


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[mou-net] Eagles - Chisago Co.

[Holly Peirson]

Yesterday while fishing on S. Center Lake in Lindstrom/Center City, there
were a pair of adult Eagles frequently flying overhead, a lovely sight on
such a warm spring day while there's still over 2 ft of ice!!

Must be a nest in the area... Anyone know where it is?

Holly Peirson
Columbus, Anoka Co.


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[mou-net] Robins in Forest Lake, Washington Co.

[Holly Peirson]

Thursday AM there were quite a few Robins in the bushes next to the Forest
Lake High School parking lot. Small flock, perhaps 5-10. Ah, Spring!

Holly Peirson
Columbus, Anoka Co.

Have been feeding quite a nice mixed flock of siskins and goldfinches for
the last couple of months... 50 +/- birds a day descend upon the nyger
feeder. It doesn't LOOK like that many until I let the dog out and the rest
fly up from whatever tree branch they've been resting on!


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[mou-net] Freeway I-35W Lino Lakes Eagles

[Holly Peirson]

A pair of Eagles can be seen sitting on or near the nest that is visible in
a large cottonwood (?) tree to the east of I-35W in Lino Lakes. This is just
north of Peltier Lake (in the large marshy area) approximately 2 miles south
of the I-35 split into 35E  35W. This nest has been occupied for many years
now. The Eagles have been in the area most of the winter. They sit/roost
either in the tree or on the power poles just to the S of the nest tree.

Holly Peirson
Columbus, Anoka Co.


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[mou] Lots of Sandhills on Pine/Chisago line

[Holly Peirson]

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[mou] RFI - Call Help

[Holly Peirson]

Perhaps a young Green Heron? They are out of the nest and I heard something
similar last night on a long walk. They have not got it down to the one
emphatic screech yet!

Holly Peirson
Columbus, Anoka Co.

-Original Message-
From: mou-net-bounces at moumn.org [mailto:mou-net-boun...@moumn.org] On Behalf
Of Pastor Al Schirmacher
Sent: Friday, August 01, 2008 10:31 AM
To: mou-net at moumn.org; mnbird at lists.mnbird.net; Wisconsin Birding Network;
BIRDCHAT at LISTSERV.ARIZONA.EDU
Subject: [mou] RFI - Call Help

Had a call (song) this morning that I have not heard before (16 years of 
birding in the Midwest), will attempt to describe.

I was walking in the coniferous section of Blue Hill Trail, Sherburne NWR 
(near Princeton, MN) when a rolling song started about 100 yards to the east

(much louder than the Chipping Sparrows and Red-breasted Nuthatches around 
me).  The song continued as the bird (apparently) flew overhead, stopped 
twice in the woods (again, apparently at the top of the 40+ foot coniferous 
trees), then proceeded west.

The song/call was loud (say, Hairy Woodpecker loud) - rolling - stayed on 
the same pitch for 3-5 seconds, then would go up or down a half step, 
calling again on a consistent pitch for another 3-5 seconds.  On most 
occasions (perhaps five minutes of listening), it would do a two pitch call,

then cease - although on one occasion I counted four changes up or down 
(during flight).  The song was never slurred.  The space between notes was 
similar to a slower Swamp Sparrow's song, but the notes themselves were 
similar to - of all things - a Red Squirrel.

I received an impression of a medium-sized to larger bird, but never had a 
visual - and anyone who has listened to a Ruby-crowned Kinglet or Carolina 
Wren knows how deceptive loudness of calls versus size comparisons can be.

Any input (or questions) would be appreciated.

Al Schirmacher
Princeton, MN
Mille Lacs  Sherburne Counties 



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[mou] Birding Code of Ethics (or ethics any kind...)

[Holly Peirson]

Humans will do what humans will do? 

 

Surely humans, since their brains expanded and they gradually but inevitably
have become the dominant species on the planet, can and do (ultimately -
perhaps only with imposed restrictions) learn from their previous mistakes,
even if those particular humans didn't make the mistake. 

 

The Birding Code of Ethics is a good start.

 

Another good practice would be that of RBA's and local listserves not giving
out the exact location of the bird but only it's general vicinity - with a
number to call to check for the local needs in order for birders to see
and experience the bird when it's obviously stressed and out of its normal
environs. 

 

The interesting thing about the timing of this particular discussion is that
I am currently reading the last few pages of a small monograph I found in a
rare book store, called Last of the Curlews, written by Fred Bosworth in
1955. The foreword by W. S. Merwin tells of how he found the first edition
on a friend's bookshelf while visiting their house and couldn't put it down.
He also couldn't find another copy of it to own for himself, so began to
work to get it reprinted. This edition was published in 1995, and contains a
short afterword by the original author, with an additional afterword by
Murray Gell-Mann. These essays are over 15 years old but truly
forward-looking. Many of the things written about in this little book are
STILL being worked out in today's human leadership. 

 

So, YES, the Birding Code of Ethics is necessary, and YES, we should treat
this listserve and the RBA's as directional tools. I believe strongly that
if a bird is so unusual as to be totally out of it's natural habitat when we
find it in our area, then exact directions to it should be held in reserve
the same way they are if the bird is found on personal property, and only
divulged to field trip leaders or those who state unequivocally that they
will not use tapes or stray from the driveway that has been allotted to
visitors to see the bird... 

 

Along that line. This summer we are being asked not to divulge the exact
location of Wandering Whoopers, but to alert Necedah NWR to their
presence. This is in direct reaction to announcing their presence in RBA's
and listserves over the last couple of summers and then having the young
birds be mobbed by human visitors. But the Western Kingbirds who have been
nesting near Ramsey in Anoka County for a number of years now are not so
stressed that exact directions to them could not be given out, mainly
because they are not (usually) over-stressed in their usual habitat west of
the 100th meridian.

 

If those who play tapes, try to get close for a photograph, or drive or hike
onto private or state or federal property cannot stop themselves, then some
form of action (read that more restrictions) will inevitably result at some
point in our future. [At what point do we have to stop pisshhing.]

 

So, to my mind, the best thing is to keep putting out the information
periodically, as is done on this listserve either by the moderators or by
the members, and hope that those of us who still find it necessary to
chase rarities for their state or county lists will do so in a fashion
that will preserve what they are going to see. I suggest that at the end of
each RBA there be a link to the Birding Code of Ethics. That's a simple way
to put the info out but not overwhelm us with discussion of whether we ought
to be paying attention to them or not.

 

Holly Peirson

Columbus, Anoka Co.

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[mou] Common Ravens in southern Chisago County

[Holly Peirson]

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