[mou-net] Pacific Loon and others, Douglas County
Saw a Pacific Loon on Lake Osakis yesterday afternoon from the city park in Osakis, MN. Also saw white Phase and Blue Phase Snow Geese (both adults and Juveniles) ate the Osakis WTP. There was a flock of Pine Siskins in the cemetary just N of the WTP and I saw two Merlins in the county as well. John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Spruce Grouse and others/ Lake and Cook counties
Just returned from camping in NE MN. Saw three Spruce Grouse on Kiwishiwi Lake Road in Lake County about midway between Hog Creek BWCA entry point and Kiwishiwi Lake entry point (5:20 P.M. Wednesday.) Saw many N. Flickers, Swainsons and Hermit Thrushes, Palm W., Orange Crowns, Yellow Rumps, some Vireos, some Black Polls and a few Juncos scattered around in Cook County. Also saw 7-8 Sharp-Shins and a Goshawk in Cook, John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Douglas County Pine Grosbeaks/Black Scoter
Had two Female Pine Grosbeaks eating Red Splendor Crabapples at my cabin near Miltona in NE Douglas County yesterday from 10:30 (when I noticed them) until at least 3:30 when I left. Seems early for Pine Grosbeaks that far south, and it was a county first for me. Also saw a Black Scoter in Lake Osakis off of the city park in Osakis. There were big flocks of waterfowl coming in and settling onto the Lake as sunset approached. Fun to see! John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Fwd: Curve-Billed Thrasher
-- Forwarded message -- From: "John P. Ellis" <jellisb...@gmail.com> Date: Fri, 6 Jan 2017 21:03:12 -0600 Subject: Curve-Billed Thrasher To: "mou-...@lists.umn.edu" <mou-...@lists.umn.edu>, mou-net <mou-net@lists.umn.edu> At 3:42 P.M. this afternoon I was sitting in my car across from 605 NE 11th Avenue in Grand Rapids, having arrived about 3:10. The Thrasher first flew into the apple tree in the front yard and quickly went to the feeder in the front yard. It was on the house side of the feeder and while I could not see it clearly, it tossed copious amounts of seed as it fed. This was about two minutes. The bird then flew to some shrubs inside the fence in the back yard, and was perched with its back and left side to me as I sat in my car. The bird vocalized three times, fairly soon after alighting. After 4-5 minutes it flew over the intervening house and into the Cedar tree(s) in front of 601, a small bluish house. I turned to look for it but couldn't pick it up again. The bird was a large Thrasher, dark brown/grey on the back with a long, darker tail. The dark beak was quite long and substantially de-curved. I did not see any appreciable white on the face, but had only quick views. there was subtle spotting on the breast, seen as it flew. The iris of the eye appeared more orange to me than yellow. The vocalizations, when compared with iBird Pro, sounded identical to the curve billed Thrasher call (on my program, #3, the call of a bird from Texas.) It is described as a liquid "whit-wheet" a fairly apt description. I listened to the calls of all the other Thrashers and no others come anywhere close to what I heard. I am certain the bird is a Curve-billed Thrasher, on the basis of call alone, but also the eye color, bill color and shape and overall appearance...drab brown-grey and no striping. John P. Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Curve-Billed Thrasher
At 3:42 P.M. this afternoon I was sitting in my car across from 605 NE
11th Avenue in Grand Rapids, having arrived about 3:10. The Thrasher
first flew into the apple tree in the front yard and quickly went to
the feeder in the front yard. It was on the house side of the feeder
and while I could not see it clearly, it tossed copious amounts of
seed as it fed. This was about two minutes. The bird then flew to some
shrubs inside the fence in the back yard, and was perched with its
back and left side to me as I sat in my car. The bird vocalized three
times, fairly soon after alighting. After 4-5 minutes it flew over the
intervening house and into the Cedar tree(s) in front of 601, a small
bluish house. I turned to look for it but couldn't pick it up again.
The bird was a large Thrasher, dark brown/grey on the back with a
long, darker tail. The dark beak was quite long and substantially
de-curved. I did not see any appreciable white on the face, but had
only quick views. there was subtle spotting on the breast, seen as it
flew. The iris of the eye appeared more orange to me than yellow. The
vocalizations, when compared with iBird Pro, sounded identical to the
curve billed Thrasher call (on my program, #3, the call of a bird from
Texas.) It is described as a liquid "whit-wheet" a fairly apt
description. I listened to the calls of all the other Thrashers and no
others come anywhere close to what I heard. I am certain the bird is a
Curve-billed Thrasher, on the basis of call alone, but also the eye
color, bill color and shape and overall appearance...drab brown-grey
and no striping.
John P. Ellis-St. Paul
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[mou-net] Douglas Western Tanager
As far as I can ascertain, this bird I just reported may be a first Fall record for Western Tanager in Douglas County and the sixth Fall for MN. John Ellis- St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Douglas County Western Tanager
On Friday morning about 8:35 A.M. I was sipping coffee and watching birds off the deck of my cabin in Douglas County. A more unusual looking bird flew by me and lit in a Red Osier Dogwood shrub just off the corner of the deck about 30 feet away. General appearance was brownish and black. I was surprised to find that it was a male juvenile Western Tanager. Wings were black with two light wing bars (color not noted), tail was black, back was a medium olive green. and there was a splash of red color on the face, forehead and chin area. The edge of the breast that I could see was a slightly lighter olive green. Bill was tanager-like, light-medium gray, and the eye was dark. The bird sat for about 20 seconds, flew into the brush and I never saw it again. Other than that, few migrants, a Wilsons Warbler, and some Wilsons Phalaropes at Osakis sewage ponds. John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Douglas County
Looked for the Bairds on Wednesday night and Thursday AM with no luck. The Osakis Sewage Ponds had about 40 Least Sandpipers and a handful of Semi-Palmated Sandpipers foraging on top of the green scum on one of the ponds. About a dozen Franklin's Gulls were loafing with some Ring-Bills on the back side of another. John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Worm Eating Warbler
Has anyone found or not found the WEWA at the Cannon River Wilderness Area since the initial report about yesterday AM??? Thanks John Ellis- St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Strange (Hybrid??) Goose pair at Osakis Sewage Ponds
Saw Pair at noonish today, sexes different, Male with golden brownish head and neck and golden highlights on leg feathers, Bill and feet dark pink with dark grey splotches, tail, back, belly dirty white with grey highlights on back. Wing tips black and primaries had black edging on them. About one and a half times larger than mallards. Feeding with ducks and C. Geese on berm between last two ponds. Female was all greyish brown flecked with dark eye and a dark line behind eye. She had a whitish crescent of feathers around the base of the bill. Belly was light brown. Bill and feet were pink with grey areas. Tail appeared white. If anyone is out and could get a picture or impressions I would love to hear from you. I dont have an international Goose/Duck guide! John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Douglas County birds
Had some interesting waterfowl Saturday near where the Long Prairie River flows out of Lake Carlos, a female Scaup (Lesser?), two Drake Common Mergansers and a single Pied-Billed Grebe, as well as a Trumpeter and a Canada Goose. Hardly any raptors in the area I birded, a single Bald Eagle and a Northern Shrike. Only a few finches and a handful of Horned Larks. Not a lot of snow cover outside wooded areas and areas of local rivers and streams were running. John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Ivory Gull
To clarify my son Jesse's earlier post; I got to Canal Park about 4:00 PM and talked to several birders there who had not seen the Ivory Gull. There were 50 or so gulls around. At somewhere past 4:20 but before 4:25 the Ivory came flying from the harbor, up the ship canal, flew over the visitor center and down the point on the lake side toward town. At some point it reversed direction, flew back toward the ship canal, turned back over the point and went behind a limestone building on the harbor side of the point. The dark on the face was clear, the tail and wingtips were difficult to discern, but by size, flight, facial markings and overall pure white appearance it was clearly the Ivory who was clearly still in the Canal Park area. it was 4:35 when I looked at my watch after the Ivory had disappeared. I looked in the harbor briefly but did not see the gull. At the point that it flew over there were only a handful of other gulls left in the area. John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Spruce Grouse-Sawbill Trail
Had two Spruce Grouse on "the Grade" about two and a Half miles east of the Sawbill Trail on Friday morning at 8:35 AM. Lots of N. Flickers and Hermit Thrushes around, a few warblers and several Merlin in the area of the Crescent Lake N.F. campground. John Ellis- St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Douglas County Birds 7/31/15
Thanks to those who posted Buff-breasted Sandpipers yesterday. It got me out looking in Douglas yesterday evening and my last stop (Douglas 15 and 56) there were mud flats with 3-400 shorebirds present. While I was there a flock of 23 Buff-breasted Sandpipers flew in and landed on a mud peninsula in the middle of shallow water, looking decidedly out of place. In ten or 15 minutes 22 of them took off, flying NW. The other stayed and fed for about another 15 minutes. I did not see it take off. Also present were Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Semi-Plover, Least, Semi, Pectoral, Stilt, and at least one White-Rumped Sandpipers, a Wilson's Snipe, a Wilson's Phalarope and some Bairds Sandpipers. Also present were a family of Soras feeding on bulrush seeds. Also had a Nashville Warbler yesterday earlier in the day. Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Franklins Gulls
P.S. Had upwards of 1500 Franklins Gulls at the Osakis Sewage Ponds today. John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Douglas County birds
Had a few new birds in Douglas yesterday: Warbling, Blue-Headed and Yellow-Throated Vireos, Black and White, Orange Crowned, Wilson's, Yellow, Nashville Warblers and C. Yellowthroat, Savannah and Vesper Sparrows and a Sedge Wren. Just a few in numbers. John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Douglas County birds
Had a few new birds at my property near Miltona Saturday; Kingfisher, White Throated Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Brown Thrasher, Hermit Thrushes, and a Virginia Rail. Lake Osakis had many, many waterfowl still, including Western, Horned, and Eared Grebes. No Red Necked Grebes yet and I did not see a single Watbler of any ilk. John Ellis- St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Douglas County birds (ECDove et. al.)
On Thursday I had a Eurasian Collared Dove drinking water off the pavement at the public landing at Osakis, MN. I had stopped looking for them a couple of years when they turned up in Kensington, but there it was! Lake Osakis was 99% iced on Thursday and it was 20 degrees or so Thursday night, but somehow the SW bay (off Douglas 10) had opened up and many variety of waterfowl were present. Between that and Swim Lake (south of the water treatment facility) most waterfowl were present though I couldn't get an ID on the Scaup (sp.). Also had a Merlin, C. Grackle, Fox and Song Sp., Bluebirds, Flickers, many Robins, Juncoes and Am. Tree Sp. The Heron Rookery off of 94 on Doug 3 was active, but overall it was still fairly slow. John Ellis-St Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Belize birding
Looking for info and recommendations on guides for hire for day at a time birding outings in Belize (March, 2015). Please contact me offline at jellisbird@gmail .com. Thanks. John P. Ellis- St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] [mou-rba] Least Tern
Tern was still at posted site from 8:10 to 8:30 P.M. Last night. Light was fading but very adequate. Tern was first sitting on mud flat in SW corner and then was circling and diving as in foraged. John Ellis- St. Paul Sent from my iPhone Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] [mou-rba] Gargeny seen today by many birders at same locations. Today seemed mostly N of Abel. As early as 6:00 or so. Good luck! John Ellis- St. Paul
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[mou-net] [mou-rba] Douglas County birds
The south winds yesterday and today seemed to blow in many migrants which changed birding from Saturday to today. Had 8 or so Rough legs on Friday, a N Shrike today and a handful of Am. Tree Sparrows and Juncos. Canada Geese were in small to medium flocks everywhere today. New birds today included; a single Fox Sparrow, several Killdeer, a Mourning Dove, a Meadowlark, a single Ring-Necked Duck, Red-winged Blackbirds, Sandhill Cranes and a Coopers Hawk. I also had several Kestrels, N. Harriers, and lots of Red-Tails. John Ellis- St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Douglas County Snowy Owls, L. Longspurs, others
Saw two Snowy Owls in Douglas County today. One was found by Ben Eckhoff, the Naturalist at Lake Carlos State Park and may be a bird that was seen earlier near Carlos (who really knows?) It was along MN 29 in the NW quadrant of the intersection of 29 with Buckskin Road, sitting on top of a hill behind a utility transformer. It was there early AM and again after 9AM when I saw it and was NOT there at 3:45PM today when I went back. The second Snowy Owl, probably a new bird, was sitting on top of a large stack of hay bales at a feedlot. Where Douglas County 24 (in the NW part of the county) terminates at Douglas County 7, the road that continues going east is called Gravel Pit Road. The bird was south of Gravel Pit Road at the point that the road jogs north. Saw Snow Buntings in groups of 4, 8, 8 and 95, One group of four Horned Larks, and one group of 3 Lapland Longspurs. Had 3 N. Shrikes, NO Rough-legs or Red Tailed Hawks. There were a few Am. Tree Sparrows around in multiple places but over all birds were scarce. The blowing snow and sculpted drifts were beautiful in the bright sunshine. Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Cook County birds last Tuesday (Aug 20)
On vacation, had a pair of Spruce Grouse on the Grade about 2 miles east of the Sawbill Trail, also had a Goshawk further east.. Most impressive though, were the flights of Nighthawks. John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Douglas County White-Faced Ibis/others
Had a White-Faced Ibis on south side of Douglas County 5 west of Douglas 7 and .6 miles east of Douglas 16. Bird had typical Ibis size and shape and long decurved bill. Had white curved border around eyes and pinkish highlights inside the border. The bird flew into the interior of essentially a 100 Acre or so hayfield area that had a stream running through it that was flooding much of the area. Last saw the bird fly into the center of the area and was largely obscured by a stand of Phragmites. Went back later and failed to see it. Hundreds of ducks tho'. Also had GWFGeese, a single Marbled Godwit, both Yellowlegs, W Phalaropes, Bonaparte's Gulls, a Yellow-rumped Warbler, Chipping, Lincoln's, Savannah and Vesper Sparrows. County went from 90% snow covered to 95% snow free from Friday to Sunday. Jennie Lake (a shallow wildlife lake) was open today. Had most species of duck except ocean ducks. John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Not Ross's Goose (180th
Steve Weston saw the probable Snow Goose at 180th marsh yesterday. Three of us had decided (through the snow and rain-that's an excuse) that the single White Goose was probably a Ross's Goose.) Sorry to put others out for a Snow Goose. John Ellis Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Ross's Goose at 180th
Saw a Ross's Goose lying in the vegetation at 180th this AM. Northeast pond, reeds separating the small front pond from the rear pond on the S edge. John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Douglas County (again)
Not a lot new in Douglas besides waterfowl. New for me were 3 Cooper's Hawks, a single Fox Sparrow, several Song Sparrows and a few duck species. Lots of Raptors; 6 Rough-legged Hawks, 3 Sharp-shins, a Merlin, 23 Red-tailed Hawks, a Northern Harrier, 7 Bald Eagles, 2 Turkey Vultures, 9 Kestrels, 2 Northern Shrike and a Great Horned Owl still on nest. Saw a Falcon with a very strong wing beat that I thought might be a Prairie but it was going straight away and never stopped. Robins and Juncos were everywhere. Also had 18 Am. White Pelicans going somewhere or other, lots of Meadowlarks (presumed migrating Westerns) and still lots of C. Redpolls and a few Am. Tree Sparrows. Saw a herd of deer and counted 76 for sure and I know I missed some in the tall grasses. John Ellis- St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Douglas County birds
Had more than 50 species in Douglas today (first time since last fall). New were Turkey Vulture, Eastern Phoebe, Common Grackle, Tundra Swans, Lesser Scaup(1), Pied Billed Grebe(1), Gadwall(1), Cackling Geese, Northern Flicker(1), and Tree Swallows. Saw many Raptors; 19 Red-Tails, 4 Rough-Legged Hawks, 4 Harriers, 4 TV's, 16 Kestral, 4 Bald Eagles and a Sharp-Shinned Hawk. Few Waterfowl besides geese. Only small areas of sheet water, the most shallow vernal ponds, and some larger streams were open. John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Douglas County Birds
Had a decent mix of winter and spring birds yesterday and this AM (despite the fog). Still had a Rough-leg, a N. Shrike, Purple Finch, C. Redpolls, a RBNuthatch and Snow Buntings. Not many waterfowl yet, Hoodies, Woodies, two Ring-Necked Ducks and a single Ruddy Duck. Had a Sharp-Shinned Hawk, six Sandhill Cranes fly over, another Merlin, five Kestrals, a Belted Kingfisher, a GBlueHeron, a Meadowlark (in a spot where I've had Easterns before, two N. Harriers, and Robins and Red-Wings in many locations. Also had two Red-Shouldered Hawks calling at Lake Carlos SP. More to come! John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Douglas County birds (Snowy Owl)
Went on my bi-weekly quest for my Douglas County Red Crossbill and Evening Grosbeak and struck out once again. Had 30 species for the day however, including a Snowy Owl. I flushed him inadvertantly and he flew south over I-94 and landed on the 6th power pole from the freeway from a location just west of the sign along the freeway that indicates 1 mile to the Osakis Exit (going east.) The poles are wooden poles running N-S going over 94. I think the bird flushed from a pole on the same line about 1/2 mile north of the freeway. It may be hunting both or either side of the freeway. The bird was heavily speckled on the back and the belly and was flying away from me. Other birds included two Pine Siskins, six Mourning Doves, six Purple Finches (at one feeder), Am. Tree Sparrows in three locations, and a Red-Winged Blackbird at a feeder (the homeowner said he showed up about a week ago.) John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Great Grey Owl/others in St. Louis County
Saw a Great Grey Owl hunting about 3-3:30 PM this afternoon on Lismore Road just west of Ryan. He was sitting on a 12 foot snag just off the shoulder of the road working an open field. Saw him go down in the nearly foot deep snow and nail a mouse or vole with his claws while looked around the field. Then he buried his head in the snow and came up with the critter after a few seconds. Also has Red-Breasted Mergs at McQuade Harbor and had a Drake Hooded Merg at the WLSSD at 27th in Duluth. John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Douglas Cnty Hoary Redpoll, Raven, others
Went looking for Red Crossbills or Evening Grosbeaks in Douglas County again and turned up NO crossbills or Grosbeaks of any kind, nor any Snow Buntings nor H. Larks nor L. Longspurs. There WERE many redpolls in many places, mostly feeders and in grasses alongside roads. I've had only one Hoary in Douglas before, in '03 or '04 (I think,) but they are not frequent. This one was with three Common Redpolls and was very distinct (probably male.) It had VERY faint streaks (2) along the sides and very very faint blush on the breast. It appeared larger than the Commons and was distinctly whiter overall including the secondaries and wing coverts. The bill appeared stubby and the forehead was distinctly white, making the poll on the head appear smaller than on the Commons. The bird was at a feeder along Douglas 91 between MN 114 and MN 27 along the NW corner of Lake Mary in a front yard. Heard a Raven at my farm property (again) N of Miltona. Had 28 species overall including 32 Trumpeters near the outlet from Lake Carlos, one N. Shrike, 3 Rough-legged Hawks, an adult Bald Eagle and 3 Red-Tails. Also had a group of 24 Wild Turkey trot (amble? waddle?) down a gravel road in front of me for a block or so. Found a headless hen pheasant carcass in a ditch and then noticed the severed head on the opposite road shoulder...a vehicle aerial??? Go figure! John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Douglas Cnty Pine Grosbeak, Goshawk, others
Lars Benson and I took a half day looking for winter finches, etc, in Douglas and found a single Pine Grosbeak at Rose City in a mature White Cedar in a feeder yard just N of the main crossroad in town. The bird sat, sang, and took off about 15-20 seconds after we saw it. We saw NO Red Crossbills, NO Evening Grosbeaks and Lars heard WWCrossbills over the cemetary on the west edge of Alexandria N of the fairgrounds. We had CRedpolls in a few places and a flock of LLongspurs mixed with HLarks just N of Osakis. We saw an adult Northern Goshawk perched in a tree along Fairfield Creek Road, had a good look at a Barred Owl near the Spruce Hill Lutheran Church, and had two Kestrels and three NShrikes in the county. I've looked two other weekends in the past four for winter birds and have had None of the Crossbills or Grosbeaks before today. Please post if you find any in Douglas. John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] [mou-rba] Cassin's Kingbird
Seen this AM at 9:05 for 10 minutes or so on front of Cook County Courthouse. John Ellis-St. Paul Sent from my iPhone Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] [mou-rba] Canada Goose hatch
Just saw a hatch of five CGeese in Douglas county. JEllis-St. Paul Sent from my iPhone Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Douglas County birds
Had a few new species yesterday in Douglas. Had an Am Bittern calling Friday evening and again Saturday AM. Lake Osakis had Bonaparte's Gulls (no Franklins yet) and also had at least three Forster's Terns. I also saw many more W Grebes. Conditions were calm yesterday PM when I drove by and the lake had thousands of Waterfowl of many type. Also had Rusty BBs, Pine Siskins, Hermit Thrush and YB Sapsucker. Saw the C.Raven I've been watching carrying mice from my corn food plot toward the area I've seen it hanging out so it could be setting up shop, though I haven't seen two at a time this spring. The Veery I thought I heard last weekend morphed into a probable aberrant RW Blackbird (Thanks Bob). Had two Pectorals (first shorebirds other than YLegs, Snipe and Woodcock.) John Ellis- St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Douglas birds/ Grebes and others
Had some new birds in Douglas County yesterday and today. Yesterday Lake Osakis had Red-Necked Grebes and today they were joined by Horned Grebes and a handful of Western Grebes. I'm not sure whether they came in on yesterday's south winds or today's westerly winds. Had a Raven for the 4th weekend in a row. This morning I heard a Veery singing. There are many more Tree Swallows but I have yet to see a Barn. I've only had one Fox Sparrow, one RCKinglet, NO Yellow Rumps. There are still many Juncos and a few Tree Sparrows around. John Ellis- St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] St. Louis Trumpeters
My sister Mary(who commutes from Chisolm to Duluth) reported to me that there are two Swans, presumably Trumpeters, along US 53 at mile marker 50 in Caribou Lake on the west side of 53. This is evidently very near the wayside which is on the east side of US53. She sees them regularly in the AM but has found them difficult to see in the PM. She is a casual birder and does not have a scope, so if anyone checks tham please verify to me what they are and I'll pass it back to her. Thanks! John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Douglas County weekend
Had a good mix of winter migrants and spring migrants, including Pine Siskin, Purple Finch and a flock of about 2837 Lapland Longspurs (kidding but seriously a HUGE flock swirling around.) More interesting were waterfowl. Lake Jennie opened up on the south end and today had 345 Tundra Swans, 55 or so White Fronted Geese and many ducks, including Coot, Redhead, Canvasback, Common and Hooded Mergs, Ringnecks, Buffleheads, GW and BW Teal, Shovelers, Gadwall, Am Wigeon, Wood Duck and possibly more. I did not note any Scaup in the county. I Had Song Sp, many Tree Sp and Juncos but no other Sparrows. Also had N. Flicker, Mourning Dove, Kingfisher, many Killdeer, at least one Woodcock, one Snipe and only one Greater Yellowlegs. Also at other sites had two Snow Geese and several Cackling Geese. Lake Osakis was ice but should go in the next day or two I would think. John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] [mou-rba] GWGU@ 27th Ave 12:30
Briefly on ice, flew west. Also 12 GLGU, 1 ICGU, 2 GBBG , 2 THGU, goshawk. Sent from my iPhone Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Correction on Scoter/Lake Osakis
The Scoter I saw yesterday AM on Lake Osakis was mis-identified as a Black Scoter and it was a SURF Scoter. It was a larger Black duck, with no white on the wings, had lighter markings on the head but it was difficult to see details as it was diving constantly and the waves were constant. It used its wings to assist each dive (which I had mistakenly associated with Black Scoter and White Wings and in fact Sibley notes that this trait is absent in Black Scoters and is present in White Winged Scoters and Surf Scoters.) The absence of white on the wings (seen clearly several times and on each dive at different angles) mark this as a Surf Scoter when my ignorance is factored out.Thanks for your continued patience. John Ellis- St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Black Scoter at Lake Osakis
Saw a Black Scoter this AM from about 9-10 at the town end of the lake. I first saw it from the public landing in town straight out from the city park. It was out from about 4th to 6th when I first saw it and it was foraging to the east. It ended up over near the cemetary at the Todd County end of town (8th Avenue E is the boundary in town.) Later in the afternoon I failed to turn it up again but there was snow and the winds were much stronger so I could not see out very far onto the lake. There were other divers on the east side of Lake Osakis but not really large numbers. John Ellis- St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Purple Sandpiper
Swift Purple Sandpiper on the rocks at 5:10 P.M. on 230th SW on 10/18/11. John Ellis- St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Douglas Birds, esp. Sparrows
Had 12 Sparrow Species in Douglas today, mostly at my farm property: Harris, Fox, Song, Swamp, Lincolns, Junco, White-Throat, White-Crowned, Savannah, Vesper, LeConte's and Nelsons Sharptail. The LeConte's (3) was a County bird and the Nelsons was a second county bird . Also had an Orange Crowned, Yellow Rumps and Ruby Crowneds. two weekends ago saw many Coopers and Sharp-shins and not one this Fri or Sat. John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Douglas County Summer Tanager and others (Shorebird ID?)
K On Thursday evening I was watching warblers and vireos and catbirds from the deck of my cabin in Douglas County when either a female or juvenile Summer Tanager showed up. I wasn't sure how long it had been there when I turned to it as I had been looking through binoculars in another direction. It was sitting and eating buckthorn berries about 25-30 feet away (I'm trying to control the buckthorn, but maybe I shouldn't.) It was yellow with greenish tinges, darker gray-green with yellowish tinges on the wings, dark eye, dark legs and a large dark bill (long both in terms of length and thickness.) It was catbird size but more bulk in the body. I also had a Mourning Warbler, C. Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler, Ovenbird, Nashville, and Tennessee, Warbling Vireo (still singing), Red-Eyed Vireo (still singing) and a Philadelphia Vireo. Marsh Wrens were still vocalizing as were Soras and Virginia Rails. A few Nighthawks went over and later on Saturday many Franklins Gulls were feeding as they migrated by. I saw my Least Bittern twice and Green Herons were still around. Only one or two juv. Hummingbirds left and the Orioles were no-shows. A Cedar Waxwing was still feeding a voracious juvenile. In Douglas I had one Lesser Yellowleg, legions of Killdeer and one interesting shorebird in a water-filled gravel pit that I couldn't ID because it was strange (and I had left my scope at home.) The bird was small, showed a lot of white on the belly and up the side, had a brown head which showed reddish, and the wings were substantially darker, showing darker grey at the distance I was. The bill was dark and about the length of the head, perhaps a little shorter. Legs seemed dark but bad looks. It was on a sand island in a water-filled quarry and walked slowly and deliberately from about 8-9 feet from waters edge (height above water about 2-3 feet) and occasionally to the water's edge but never into the water. Foraging movements were deliberate also. The bird would lean to horizontal (from slightly above horizontal) and then lean over and pick at whatever had interested it. It was the only shorebird I saw besides the YLeg and Killdeer. It was 1/4 the size of the Killdeer (or 1/2 the length of a Canada Goose foot). Maybe a Baird's but it seemed smaller. Any thoughts??? John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Douglas County birds
A few notables: had 450 or so Franklin's Gulls on Lake Osakis this PM, also 120 or so Wilson's Phalaropes (presumably all) at the Osakis Sewage Ponds. Had an Orange-Crowned Warbler yesterday and this AM, two House Wrens still attending a nest cavity, many ducks and shorebirds along Douglas 56 (west of 7). I've seen more Stilt Sandpipers this fall than I've seen total in my life I think. Hummers still around, Sandhills also and a Red-Shouldered Hawk. Had a flight of 20+ Nighthawks Friday PM. Eight Trumpeter Cygnets still attended by one parent (I've only ever seen one adult with these young.) John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Location of Douglas County Trumpeter Swans
Sorry I didn't post location with my original post as I have had several responses from people who would like it. Here goes: take MN 27 from Osakis or Alex to Nelson and go North on Douglas 9 and turn North on Johnson Road. Go east on Douglas County 30 from Johnson Road about .1 to .2 mile to a MN DNR Wildlife area and look to the small lake to the south. Once I saw the swans out foraging and once they were asleep on a Muskrat house (seen from the east edge of the accessible part of the lake.) Good luck to all and sorry for not responding to each of you individually. John Ellis- St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Douglas County Trumpeters
Saw a single adult Trumpeter Swan in Douglas County (Friday and Saturday) with either seven or eight Cygnets. I've not seen nesting swans in Douglas before so it was nice to see them. If anyone needs a location, let me know, I don't have my maps with me right now. John P. Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Douglas County Least Bittern
On June 3 while doing Beaver patrol work in Douglas County with my brother, Michael, we heard what I believed to be a Least Bittern call repeatedly from a large cattail marsh on my property. Yesterday a Least Bittern flew by me and flew along the edge of the beaver pond I was working near for just long enough to get a good visual ID as well. A new farm and county bird for me, and I wasn't even birding. John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Weekend birds/Douglas Cnty
Had 12 sparrows (most were Juncos with many White Throats), not many ducks, saw three flocks of Blue phase Snows with a few Whites, the largest being 135 blues with ONE white goose. Had a (probably local) Red Shouldered Hawk, a Loon, 3 Warblers (Palm, Orange Crowned, and many Yellow Rumps), Sandhills, a Merlin hanging out for a couple of days hunting. There were many Robins and Rustys around, no huge flocks of blackbirds yet. Saw a Thrashing Machine stuck in mud-quite a mess. Incredible weather!!! John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Douglas County weekend
Had flocks of C. Nighthawks Friday evening of 22, 115 and 1 (at 7:30 PM.) Had a few warblers Friday and Saturday the best being a juvenile Cerulean Warbler which must have been coming out of someplace further north. Had a Wilson's Warbler (had a Wilson's three weekends in June, two weekends in July, but this was the first in August, but I've missed two weekends.) Also had a Nashville, a Tennesee, an Orange-Crowned and the three locals; Redstart, Yellow and C Yellowthroat. Had a singing Olive-sided, Pewee, GC flycatcher, Least, and Phoebe. Saw 600+ Franklins in various places and a good assortment of usuals. John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Douglas Cnty Wilson's Warbler
Had a Wilson's Warbler foraging in the heavy underbrush off of the deck at my cabin near Miltona in Douglas County. The setting is perfect (heavy shrubs and undergrowth with a light overstory and near water) but the bird is 300 miles or so south of its nesting range. I could not follow it visually so am not sure if it is nesting or not. John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Douglas Cnty birds
Had a few new birds in Douglas this past Saturday while taking breaks from shrub planting. Had a pair of Brown Thrashers, an Orange Crowned Warbler, a Hermit Thrush and my first Doug. County Eastern Towhee, a single female scruffing around in the leaves while I was watching both phases of White Throats. John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Douglas County birds (RAVEN pair), also Albany sewage
Saw a pair of Ravens Friday (4/23) between 12:15 and 12:55 PM and again Saturday AM about 8:45 in the same area south of Miltona, MN bounded by Willow Road, Carlos-Miltona Road, Douglas county 5 and the railroad that runs N-S west of MIltona 65. A local farmer stopped to ask me what I was seeing (the birds were NOT there then) and when I told him he said that he had noted a bird that he thought was a really BIG crow early last week in the air over his farm (just south) so the birds have probably been in the area for a while. I think its probably a county record of some kind. Also had groups of 4 and 6 Willets in wet, grassy areas in Douglas and one just S of Albany sewage pond (West.) Also had a few Yellowlegs in Douglas (and Albany) but no shorebirds other than Killdeer, Snipe and Woodcock. Had Bonapartes in Douglas and at Albany. Had a single CSwift in Douglas but not much new other than the above and a Vesper Sp. John Ellis-St Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Douglas County this weekend
My 9 acre prairie burn got scrubbed for lack of humidity on Sat. so I went birding. Had Song, Chipping, Vesper, Field, Fox, Swamp Sparrows as well as a couple of Juncos in Douglas. Lake Osakis had a Red-Necked Grebe, 3 Horned Grebes and 2 Western Grebes as well as the ubiquitous Pied-Bills. (Christina had 12 W. Grebes today.) Osakis also had several thousands of ducks, predominantly Scaup and Ringnecks with a loading of Buffleheads and a smattering of just about everything else except Goldeneye (and Cinnamon Teal). Did not see any Scoters but didn't really look carefully. Also had all three Mergansers (not many Commons and none at Osakis.) There were also a couple of thousand Ring-Billed Gulls sitting out on the (very placid) water. Had my first (3) Great Egrets, a late Purple Finch, Sapsuckers, many Loons on territories and 2 Redtails and an Eagle on nests. The best shorebird habitat in the county (corner of Douglas 56 and 15 and corner of Douglas 56 and 7) had a smattering of Killdeer and ONE Greater Yellowlegs. (My property had Woodcock and Snipe.) A beautiful weekend!! Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Addenda
Also had a White Throated Sparrow, 4 Forster's Terns, and Cowbirds. John Ellis- St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Another bird
Sorry about this-its late- AND a Northern Rough Winged Swallow. J. Ellis Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Another Douglas Varied Thrush-
Went looking in Douglas County today for winter finches-not much luck with them but I turned up a Male Varied Thrush out in the boonies in NEastern Douglas. The bird was along the road and flew up and over the road as I drove by and lit in a young birch tree. I stopped and it flew a 75 yards into a bunch of White Spruce trees. I drove a hundred yards away and it flew back to the road in the same place that I first saw it. I watched it for 10 minutes or so and tried to get closer and it flew up into a birch again and then into the spruce. It was on Willow road, west of Douglas 68 about 3-400 yards west of fire call #15147. Its a boggy low area with grasses, some cattails, birch, aspen, spruce and lots of buckthorn. John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Douglas County/ WWCrossbills and Red Winged BBirds, sthers
Birded Douglas County yesterday and this morning (Sat). Had 29 species all told, including: a Brown Creeper; a Red-breasted Nuthatch; 3 Northern Shrikes; four flocks of Snow Buntings, 55, 65, 80, 90; a small flock of C. Redpolls feeding in some Tamaracks and another small flock flying over; 1 Pine Siskin at a feeder; 1 Purple Finch at a feeder; and 10 White-winged Crossbills at a cemetary just W of Alexandria. Most interesting was this AM as I was walking out to my car from the cabin. Six Blackbirds flew out of my corn food plot up into some Aspen along the field road. I looked at them expecting Rustys but they turned out to be Red-Wings, presumably overwintering. John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Osakis Scoters
Yesterday's glassy water revealed one White-winged Scoter and 2 Black Scoters on the Todd County side of Lake Osakis. There were 15 Trumpeters also and close to 2000 ducks of various species. I did NOT see the Pacific Loon nor the Long-Tailed ducks earlier sighted. Turned up a Ruffed Grouse in Douglas. Today saw many fewer ducks, fewer Swans and only the WWScoter (but I did not look very long.) John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] RLHawk
The Rough Legged Hawk reported earlier by Frank Nicolletti was at the N bound exit at Harris this afternoon (Sunday) shortly after noon. Had a F Purple Finch in Douglas County on Saturday morning. John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Urban Cooper's Hawks
There were a family (two adults with a juvenile) of Cooper's Hawks sittling in a tree on the median of St. Paul's Summit Avenue (1390 Summit) last night about 8 PM. This is midway between Snelling and Hamline Avenues. John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Weekend Birds (SEOwl, C.Egrets, Avocet, Loggerhead, others)
Lars Benson and I went chasing birds this weekend for his Big Year. Had a Short-eared Owl in Douglas County near L. Osakis along Doug 3 within a mile N. of Douglas 10 in the evening as we were driving in. Saturday we had an Avocet in Big Stone, a Loggerhead Shrike in Big Stone and some of 12 W. Kingbirds in both Big Stone and Lac Qui Parle. Went to Salt Lake for a handful of shorebirds, NO grebes. Went to 9-10 sewage ponds on Saturday for a quite disappointing smattering of shorebirds-12 species for the weekend but only one to a few of most species. Went to Grant County Pelican Lake to find out that the guy from Fridley that had kept the stock with the Cattle Egrets got too old, sold the stock (this according to Wes and Kurt who came out to check us out and chat for a half hour,) and the pasture is now overgrown and the egrets were not there. You can get looong looks at the rookery with a scope and can ID Cattle Egrets with patience but its NOT the same. Lake Alice in Fergus had ONLY Cormorants and Great Egrets nesting. Missed this AM on the Lazuli and again later on the Hyland Chats. John Ellis-St. paul Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Nicollett County Trumpeters/poults Bufflehead pair
Lars Benson and I were out and about today and saw a Trumpeter Swan pair with at least two poults in a wetland at the north end of Middle Lake, just south off of Nicollett County 5 about a mile or two east of MN 111. More unusual was the presence of a pair (M F) of Buffleheads in with a group of puddle ducks in the northwesternmost corner of this same wetland. John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Veterans Park/Worm-eating Warbler
Could someone let me know where Veteran's Park and the Worm-eating Warbler is located? Thanks- John Ellis Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Frontenac Chat and other birds
Heard a Chat singing at Frontenac State Park this AM for about 30-40 seconds. I never saw it and did not hear it sing again after listening, looking around and poking about for a half hour. There is a peninsula of woods in a draw pointing directly at the restrooms at the parking area at the end of the drive at the park. The bird sang from the edge of the woods about 100 yards from the tip of this wooded area. Also saw an Orchard Oriole and heard at least two Henslows in the prairie grass left of the road just at the top of the steep part of the hill going up. Weaver Dunes had Grasshoppers, Dicksissels, at least one Henslows, and at least two Bell's Vireos singing this AM. From the large sign along cnty 84, park and walk the dirt trail that goes back to the parking area that opens in the fall. Listen for the Bell's at the woody, shrubby areas. John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Douglas Cnty Birds
Was too late for the Varied Bunting on Friday and did not hear about the Brown Pelican? until a half hour ago. Had a good mix of shorebirds at the Osakis sewage ponds including 4 Red-necked Phalaropes, about 45 Dunlin, a Hudsonian godwit, a few Least, and several Semipalmated SP, 4 Stilt, at least one White-Rumped, and a Caspian Tern. At Douglas 15 and 56 there were 4 BB Plover, 1 Am. Golden Plover, several Semi-Palmated Plover, and 7 other species. Had a Black-billed Cuckoo near my cabin where two nested several years ago. John Ellis- St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Kentucky Warbler-Wms Nature Park-Blue Earth County
Went to a demo bird banding session at Minneopa S.P. Group Campground on Saturday. Dr. Merrill Frydendall, the bander, told me he had heard the Kentucky Warbler last week, so I went with my sons, Alexander and Jesse Ellis this morning and found him singing his heart out while foraging just over the path a little further back in the woods from where he was two years ago when I last went looking. Take the path towards the classroom building but go right on the south loop of the ? trail. He was about 30 yards past an area that had been cleared of buckthorn. (Is this the 7th year???) We also heard/saw 8-10 E. Towhees at Minneopa, heard several Blackpolls, heard and saw a Blackburnian, several Nashvilles and Tennessees, Ovenbirds, and also had Yellows and Yellowthroats. Heard a BBCuckoo near the Group Camp. Did NOT locate any Bell's Vireos but we kind of ran out of time. My mother's 90th was lots of fun! John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Painted Bunting
As of 6:30 PM last night the Bunting was still present and active at the feeder in Moorhead as previously posted. The Homeowner noted that a Coopers has been working the neighborhood, The bird is using the apple tree as a refuge and at one point, held the same location without moving for about 20 minutes. John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Douglas County birds/Grant County C. Egrets
Did a burn on my property near Miltona this weekend-New birds in Douglas since last weekend are the following: R.T.Hummingbird, R.B. Grosbeak, B. Oriole, Marsh Wren, Blue-Grey Gnatcatcher (at Carlos State Park), Yellow Warbler, Am. Pipit, L.B. Dowitcher, Spotted S.P., Green Heron, Warbling Vireo, Caspian Tern, a Juvenile Goshawk, and a (my first county) Peregrine Falcon at the Osakis sewage ponds put about 350 Ring-billed Gulls in the air. So far in Douglas I have seen YRWarbler, Yellow Warbler, Orange Crowned Warbler and one Vireo species. I had Lincoln's Sp. and White-Throated last Weekend but there have been NO White-Crowned or Harris's, NO flycatchers of any kind. There were five Willets at Osakis and eight shorebird species total. There were 21 Cattle Egrets in the usual cow-pasture off of the south end of Pelican Lake in Grant County. The large pond at Albany has also been drawn down. Nothing exciting was there but my FOY semi- Plover. John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Douglas Cnty Birds/Weekend
Many Raptors over the weekend. Friday saw 22 Bald Eagles (NO Golden), 64 Red-Tail of every description except Krider's, 24 N. Harriers (including several Females), 30 Kestrel, One Rough-Legged Hawk, 3 Coopers and had a Barred and Great Horned Owl calling at night. Had FOY Brewer's BB, Rusty BB, and Great Blue Heron. Had a single Redpoll at a feeder and several Purple Finch. On Saturday had only 10 Bald Eagles, 46 Red-Tails, 15 Harriers, 26 Kestrel, 1 Coopers, 1 Sharp-shin and 1 Northern Shrike. Had FOY Fox Sparrows, Woodcock and 3 Tree Swallows. The Heron Rookery at Osakis had 11 GBH on Saturday and 32 on Sunday. Also Saturday had a flock of Snow Buntings and Longspurs probably from 4500 to 5000 moving into and out of a large area of picked/harrowed soybeans and short hayfields. I watched for 2 1/2 hours trying to find a Smiths but the field was lumpy and the birds were moving constantly and often too far away to see well. (There may NOT have been any Smith's there but I'm not convinced.) Found low areas with water spread out and a flowing channel in the middle that held a couple thousand ducks and Canadas and flocks of 113 and 33 Tundra Swans. Also had Grouse Drumming, Turkeys vocalizing and Sandhill in several areas. NO SHOREBIRDS yet (except Killdeer and Woodcock) and NO Red-Shouldered Hawks that I could ID. John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Douglas Ross's Goose and others
Went to refill my 14+or- wood duck houses this weekend and go birding. Saturday was foggy and hazy all day, saw a few raptors and waterfowl in late PM looking for a SEOwl or GEagle. Wind from E today and cloudy bright in AM and cloudy in PM but many birds seemed to have moved in and moving today (Sunday). Had three geese sp. including a lone Ross's Goose in feeding with a flock of about 80-100 Canada Geese. (My first in Douglas County.) Ross's was on south side of Douglas 56, .4 miles west of Douglas 7, just S of 94-Brandon Exit. NO Snow Geese! Canada Geese were everywhere and quite a few Duck species had moved in from yesterday to today. (Had all expected except Redheads, Am. Wigeon and BWTeal. Including Coot and CMerg. and Hooded Merg. I had 14 species of duck, three of geese and a flock of 16 Trumpeter Swans. Many raptors were moving: One Sharp Shin, 2 Coopers, 19 Am. Kestrel, 21 N. Harriers, 41 Red-Tailed Hawks, 38 Bald Eagles including 13 on the ice at Lake Christina, but the others in singles and a few pairs. There were a few unidentified but I think they were probably Red-Tails. Had a N. Shrike, a few Snow Buntings, still lots of Juncos and Am Tree Sparrows. Had first of year Bluebirds, W. Meadowlark, Sandhill Cranes (on Territory), Grackle, Killdeer, Mourning Dove and most of the Ducks.Runoff ponds are open to various depths, permanent ponds and lakes are still frozen except where there are inflows and outflows, all streams are open. Lake Irene still had two feet of ice on it. John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Fwd: St Paul Peregrine/Rock Pigeon (deceased)
-- Forwarded message -- From: John P. Ellis jellisb...@gmail.com Date: Fri, Feb 20, 2009 at 10:37 PM Subject: St Paul Peregrine/Rock Pigeon (deceased) To: mou-...@moumn.org My son Alex was coming home along Snelling Avenue this afternoon and encountered an interesting city scene. Evidently a Peregrine Falcon had made a successful stoop on a Rock Pigeon over Snelling Avenue just in front of the Fire Station between Selby Avenue and Summit Avenue and was attempting to partake of its kill in the snowfall on the four lane (quite busy) thoroughfare but was having trouble with the traffic. An onlooker , who had evidently witnessed the kill, or at least the aftermath, had flagged down one of St. Paul's finest. The officer, noting that he had never cared much for Rock Pigeons, directed traffic around the kill allowing the Peregrine to eat. (Evidently a DNR employee, on his way home from work had a camera and managed to get some photos (requested by one of the firemen who also was a witness to at least part of the spectacle) so there may be documentation around at some time in the future. John Ellis-St. Paul Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
