[mou-net] Minnesota Tropical Kingbird
Hey everyone- I went out to chase the Tropical Kingbird that has been seen at Murphy-Hanrahan Park south of Minneapolis/St. Paul and got a few photos that I have posted here: http://minnesotabirdnerd.blogspot.com The bird was seen off and on between about 7 am and 9:30 am. It did not vocalize while I was there. Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Hooded Warbler at Lebanon Hills Regional Park
I had my Field Ornithology class out this morning at Lebanon Hills Regional Park when we found a singing Hooded Warbler near the Visitors Center off Cliff Road. The bird was heard in the same location as last summer along the trail that circles Schulz Lake and the swimming beach. The location is along the trail on the far south side of the lake. Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Anyone lose a falconry bird?
I was just driving along Interstate 94 south through Minneapolis when I saw a large buteo (Red-tail?) flying along the highway just north of exit 226 (53rd Ave N.). The bird was wearing jesses and I could see one clearly on each leg. This was about 11:50 am. No good rabbit hunting on the highway so I figure some one might be looking for a bird. Good luck, Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Lost falconry bird?
Hey everyone- I was just driving along Interstate 94 south through Minneapolis when I saw a large buteo (Red-tail?) flying along the highway just north of exit 226 (53rd Ave N.). The bird was wearing jesses and I could see one clearly on each leg. This was about 11:50 am. No good rabbit hunting on the highway so I figure some one might be looking for a bird. Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
Re: [mou-net] Acadian Flycatcher, Burnsville, Dakota County
I went to check out the Acadian Flycatcher reported by Caleb A. yesterday. I did hear what I believe was the flycatcher in the exact spot described by Caleb. The bird was not seen but seemed to be hanging out in a stand of large Eastern Cottonwood trees. Airplane and highway noise didn't help the matter. Besides looking for the flycatcher I was impressed by this little nature preserve which I had never visited before. It was quite active in spite of visiting at mid-day. Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN Original Message From: bale...@aol.com To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU Subject: [mou-net] Acadian Flycatcher, Burnsville, Dakota County Date: Fri, 22 Jun 2012 18:31:29 -0400 Yesterday, around noon I heard an Acadian Flycatcher at Rudy Kraemer Nature Preserve in Burnsville. It was singing in a small stand of woods on the south east side of the park. Seemed like an odd spot and I didnt think it would stick around but I heard it again this morning. The quickest access to where the flycatcher was is actually through Sue Fischer Fields (past the Mcdonalds at 12700 Vincent Ave South in Burnsville). Hike south out of the parking lot on a paved trail. Take the SECOND trail you see to your right, between two small ponds. As you get to the end of the two small ponds, there is a small mixed stand of trees on your RIGHT. Thats where it was singing. There is a water outflow that cascades down a few limestone boulders on your left at this spot. It is less than a quarter mile from the parking lot. If you continue past this, there is another mile or two of hiking trails around a large wetland complex. Caleb Ashling Bloomington, MN Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Hooded Warbler, Lebanon Hills regional Park
I had my Field Ornithology class out this morning (Monday) at the Lebanon Hills Regional Park Visitors Center in Eagan (off of Cliff Road) where we came upon a very loud male Hooded Warbler sitting over the hiking trail. The spot we found him at is along the trail on the south side of Schultz Lake. We saw him about 11:00 am. Right below the Hooded Warbler was a very cooperative Eastern Towhee. Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN http://minnesotabirdnerd.blogspot.com Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] MRVNWR FOY Birds
Spent a couple of hours hiking the Minnesota River Valley Refuge (Old Cedar Bridge and Bass Ponds) this afternoon. Diversity of waterfowl is declining but still got 11 species. FOY birds for me included: Peregrine Falcon (at nest box on Black Dog Power Plant smokestack) Belted Kingfisher Turkey Vulture Yellow rumped Warbler. Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN http://minnesotabirdnerd.blogspot.com Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Another one bites the dust
I was headed home yesterday when I drove past the intersection of Cedar Ave. and Dodd Road in Lakeville where many of you know there is a tree that holds a stick nest that usually holds Great Horned Owls. The entire stand of trees has been cut down and there is just a flat field that will soon be retail shops. This note is just to let everyone know so they don't drive down to look for owls. Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Another one bites the dust
I was headed home yesterday when I passed the intersection of Cedar Ave. and Dodd Road in Lakeville where many of you know the is a stand of trees that contains a stick nest that often holds Great Horned Owls. The entire stand of trees has been cut down and the area is now a flat, wide open space that will soon be retail space. I had not seen any activity near the nest this spring so I don't know if the nest was active. I'm just passing this along so folks won't bother driving down there to look for owls. Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
Re: [mou-net] Cardinal numbers
I wonder if lack of snow cover this winter is causing the low numbers of cardinals in some places. Birds have been fewer at my feeders in general this winter. I suspect they have been more spread out than usual. Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN Original Message From: vp...@bitstream.net To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU Subject: Re: [mou-net] Cardinal numbers Date: Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:42:39 -0500 I have many more cardinals in my yard in south Minneapolis than even five years ago. I have seen as many as four pairs at one time for the past two years. Virginia Pear Minneapolis - Original Message - From: Manley Olson manleyol...@gmail.com To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2012 9:30 AM Subject: [mou-net] Cardinal numbers I have had very few cardinals all winter. Yesterday I was talking with a friend from Roseville and he has the same experience. Then yesterday there was a report on tne Wisconsin network showing the decline in cardinals on Christmas counts and Backyard Birdcounts. Have other Minnesota birders noticed any reduction in cardinal numbers? Manley Olson Falcon Heights Ramsey County Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.1913 / Virus Database: 2114/4882 - Release Date: 03/20/12 Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Sunday at 180th Street Marsh
I went out despite the howling winds on Sunday afternoon to check out 180th Street Marsh in Dakota County and had a good variety of waterfowl (11 species) but the best birds of the day were, not one but 3 Loggerhead Shrikes! I found 2 at the usual spot along Emery Road between 160th and 180th St. but then had a third one at the marsh. It was hunting along the road next to the water. http://minnesotabirdnerd.blogspot.com Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] FW: Re: [BIRDBAND] Strange growth on a crow bill
Hey everyone - I got the note below from Richard Guthrie in New York and I don't have an answer for him. Does anybody out there know of a banding group from Minnesota that works in Belize? Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN http://minnesotabirdnerd.blogspot.com Original Message From: richardpguth...@gmail.com To: everh...@black-hole.com Subject: Re: [BIRDBAND] Strange growth on a crow bill Date: Tue, 9 Aug 2011 19:51:00 -0400 Hi, Roger; No I don't have a guess as to what that growth on the crow's beak is. But I'm wondering if you know what the group from Minnesota that bands in Belize is, and who a contact person is. If our schedules can mesh, I'd like to join up with them down there. Rich Guthrie New Baltimore, New York gael...@capital.net On Tue, Aug 9, 2011 at 1:26 PM, R.D. Everhart everh...@black-hole.comwrote: I have had a family of crows hanging around the yard lately and one has this strange growth on (or near) its bill. It could be a tick but I can't tell. I have a couple of photos showing the object that I took through the window, not great but best I could do. Any ideas what it is? http://minnesotabirdnerd.blogspot.com Thanks! Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN www.ncbo.org archives and subscription options can be found at: http://listserv.arizona.edu/archives/birdband.html Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] 180th Street marsh, Dakota County
This is a little late but last Sunday (3/27) I headed out to the marsh to check on water levels. Last summer it was so low that it was quite dry. The good news is that there is plenty of water and, in fact, there is even water in the roadside ditches east of the marsh heading toward the farmstead. FOY birds seen on Sunday included: Killdeer Northern Shoveler American Kestrel and one very lonely Tree Swallow The fields east of the marsh are quite wet and held lots of ducks. Still some small groups of Horned Larks in the fields. Watched a Red-tail Hawk carrying sticks to a nest it was building in some pines. It also looks like the Vermillion River was receding after having flooded the fields. Had a large flock of blackbirds moving around the farmhouse including one with a white head and a yellow beak. Partially leucistic Red-wing or something. Didn't get a good enough look as it flew. Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
Re: [mou-net] Late Chipping Sparrow in Bloomington (Hennepin Co.)
This looks like an American Tree Sparrow to me. Note what appears to be a breast spot in one of the photos. Roger Everhart http://minnesotabirdnerd.blogspot.com Apple Valley, MN Original Message From: mnbir...@brainlaser.com To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU Subject: RE: [mou-net] Late Chipping Sparrow in Bloomington (Hennepin Co.) Date: Sat, 13 Nov 2010 14:54:15 -0600 The snowstorm has brought plenty of goldfinches, chickadees, woodpeckers and house finches back to our yard, but we have had a surprise this afternoon when we saw a sparrow that looks like a Chipping Sparrow. This is by far the latest that we have ever seen a Chipping Sparrow here. I have some pictures if others would like to look and give their opinion on whether it is Chipping Sparrow or not. The quality isn't the greatest because the dark lighting and the snow combined to make it difficult to take clear pictures. Sparrow Back #1: http://www.flickr.com/photos/54582...@n02/5172871768/ Sparrow Back #2: http://www.flickr.com/photos/54582...@n02/5172267151/ Sparrow Front #1: http://www.flickr.com/photos/54582...@n02/5172266961/ Sparrow Front #2: http://www.flickr.com/photos/54582...@n02/5172266613/ Sparrow Front #3: http://www.flickr.com/photos/54582...@n02/5172870746/ Thanks in advance for any help. Ben Harste Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Upcoming banding session
Hey everybody, Just wanted to let everyone know we're having our monthly banding session at the Lowry Nature Center tomorrow, Saturday March 20th, from 8 - noon. The center is located in Carver Park Reserve which is just west of Victoria, MN on County Road 11 between Highway 5 and Highway 7. I have hopes for early migrants being around but the weather change coming may dash those hopes. http://minnesotabirdnerd.blogspot.com Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Blackdog Road closed
High water has apparently caused Blackdog Road along the Minnesota River between Cedar Ave. and 35W to be closed. Be careful driving near high water, I'm afraid it's going to get worse before it gets better, Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN www.ncbo.org Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] American White Pelican at Blackdog
Hi everyone - I have to dispute the report of the pelican at Blackdog having died. I saw it alive and well at around 3:00 pm on New Year's Day. So unless there are two pelicans or this one is risen from the dead, it was doing fine when I saw it. There were several other birders observing it at the same time. Roger Everhart 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] New Gadget on Minnesotabirdnerd
Hey everyone, I wanted to let you know that I have added a new gadget to my blog that will allow you to see what notable sightings have been posted on eBird for your state. It's in the sidebar and all you have to do is go to your state for an update. Nothing has been posted on eBird for Minnesota recently. :-( http://minnesotabirdnerd.blogspot.com I also thought I'd remind everyone that we will be banding at Carver Park (near Victoria, MN) on Saturday and Ritter Farm Park (Lakeville, MN) on Sunday. The weather sounds like it will cooperate and the last front that moved through may have brought in the first migrants of the fall. Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN www.ncbo.org
[mou] Inland Bird Banding Assoc. Meeting
Hello all- Yesterday I posted some meetings I thought would be of interest to birders and completely forgot to include this year's IBBA meeting. To atone for that error I have posted the official meeting announcement for that meeting along with pictures from last year's meeting in Wisconsin. http://minnesotabirdnerd.blogspot.com Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN www.ncbo.org
[mou] List of Meetings
I have posted some upcoming ornithological meeting information on my blog for those who might be interested. http://minnesotabirdnerd.blogspot.com Roger Everhart North Central Bird Observatory Apple Valley, MN www.ncbo.org
[mou] Saturday morning banding
I took a few hours this morning to try and catch Sedge Wrens at Carver Park near Victoria, MN for a study I'm doing. I had some success and have posted pictures of birds in the hand on my blog for those who might be interested. http://minnesotabirdnerd.blogspot.com Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN www.ncbo.org
[mou] Characteristics of young birds
Hi everyone, I have posted some photos of young birds showing juvenile characteristics from last weekends banding session. A short discussion of each photo is included. http://minnesotabirdnerd.blogspot.com Roger Everhart North Central Bird Observatory Apple Valley, MN www.ncbo.org
[mou] Banding last weekend
We had a fairly successful weekend bird banding her in Minnesota in spite of the slow start on Saturday morning. I have posted photos from this weekend for anyone interested: http://minnesotabirdnerd.blogspot.com Roger Everhart North Central Bird Observatory Apple Valley, MN www.ncbo.org
[mou] Willow or Rock ptarmigan?
Hi everyone- I haven't posted for a while but now find myself in need of some help. I saw and photographed (not very well though) a ptarmigan in Alaska last month and am having trouble deciding which species it is. I've posted 4 photos on my blog if anyone is willing to give me some insight. Thanks in advance for any help. This is what happens when you travel out of your home bioregion http://minnesotabirdnerd.blogspot.com Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN www.ncbo.org
[mou] Migratory Stragglers
Hey everyone- Sorry for this late report but the last few days have been very busy birdwise. On Friday 5/30, I had my class out doing a mini-big day for the last day of class and while I was at the Black Dog Fen area (just east of Cliff Road and 35W) looking for Bell's Vireo (which I missed) I saw a very late Harris' Sparrow in the hedgerow just behind the playground. Talk about surprised! I also had a Black White Warbler at the Minnesota River Valley NWR headquarters on the trail that goes down the hill to the left of the center. It was in the same area as a beautiful Scarlet Tanager. On Saturday Mark Newstrom and I were banding at Ritter Farm Park in Lakeville when we netted a Northern Waterthrush and a male Mourning Warbler. We wouldn't have expected either of those. We also found a Black-billed Cuckoo in the old orchard area where one was located last summer. In spite of the fact that most of the migrants have moved on, it might pay to take one more look in your favorite spot for the odd straggler or two. Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN http://minnesotabirdnerd.blogspot.com
[mou] New banding photos
Check out the new banding photos from this weekend at http://minnesotabirdnerd.blogspot.com Roger Everhart Appley Valley, MN www.ncbo.org
[mou] The truth behind bird photography
In an attempt to make lots of people feel better about the photos they've taken of birds they've encountered, I've posted some of my work from this morning's banding session in Lakeville, MN. http://minnesotabirdnerd.blogspot.com Humbly yours, Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN www.ncbo.org
[mou] Red-shouldered Hawk
I found an active Red-shouldered Hawk nest at the Landscape Arboretum in Chanhassen today while I was out with a group of high school students. I would have never noticed it if it hadn't been for the fact that the bird on the nest (presumed female) was very vocal as she sat. The male(?) was close by. http://minnesotabirdnerd.blogspot.com Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN www.ncbo.org
[mou] Cold front shuts down migration
Tonight's weather map shows no movement north of this strong cold front that moved through the upper midwest Friday and Saturday. There is some movement in the Ohio River Valley ahead of the storm front. Tonight's map is posted at: http://minnesotabirdnerd.blogspot.com Stay Warm! Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN www.ncbo.org
[mou] Great photos from banding session
Hello everyone, We had a pretty good morning bird banding here in central Minnesota in spite of overcast skies and cool temps. I've posted some photos of some of the birds on my blog: http://minnesotabirdnerd.blogspot.com I'd like to thank my friend Amber for taking and sharing these photos. With tomorrows weather supposedly improving, we are off to Wisconsin to band at another site. I hope to post our totals tomorrow night. Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN
[mou] OOPS! Correct URL for Radar
Sorry folks, A bit of a correction to my recent post. the correct URL is: http://radar.weather.gov As soon as I get the monkey trained I'll fire myself Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN
[mou] Radar Imagery Sites
Hi everyone, I've had a few people ask me for the sites where I check the nexrad images for indications of migration. The best site is: http://weather.radar.gov I do have another spot bookmarked with the really long URL below: www.rap.ucar.edu/weather/radar/displayRad.php?icao=KUSAprod=n0ramp;b kgr=blackendDate=20050421endTime=-1duration=0 What I like about this one is that it is a composite map that let's you look at the entire country at one time. I don't know of any radar sites for Mexico but I'm sure they're out there somewhere. One person did mention that the gulf coast of Alabama has seen a couple of fall out mornings so there is at least some movement in the eastern gulf area. I don't know if there have been any big lift offs from the Yucatan Peninsula headed to Texas. A good site for a basic introduction to Radar Ornithology is the Journey North website: http://www.learner.org/jnorth/weather/radar/index.html Again tonight it looks like northward movement in the central U.S. but further east than last night. This may be due to a cold front moving south through the Dakotas and Minnesota. I hope this helps folks find good images for their area. Roger Everhart http://minnesotabirdnerd.blogspot.com www.ncbo.org
[mou] Migration on Monday night
Hi everybody, I have just posted 2 images from Nexrad radar on my blog that show significant migratory movement tonight through the middle of the country. This may be the first night of several this week that have good movement if the winds continue from the south. All this AND it's getting warmer! http://minnesotabirdnerd.blogspot.com Keep the feeders filled! Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN www.ncbo.org
[mou] Boreal Forests and birds
Hey everybody, I recently heard an interview with Jeff Wells, the author of Birder's Conservation Handbook on a Scientific American podcast. It was quite good and had a positive message. The focus of much of the podcast is the North American Boreal Forest and it's importance to birds. I have added a link to the podcast on my blog at: http://minnesotabirdnerd.blogspot.com Lots of juncos and a lone Fox sparrow trying to ride out this lousy weather in my backyard under the feeder. Luckily it sounds like this slush will be gone by Monday. Hang in there. Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN www.ncbo.org
[mou] Migration on radar tonight.
I was just checking the nexrad radar for any signs of migration and it appears that tonight might be seeing some movement up the Mississippi River Flyway. I have posted an image from doppler radar on my blog if you'd like to see what was going on about 11:30 CDT Saturday night. http://minnesotabirdnerd.blogspot.com Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN www.ncbo.org
[mou] Greater vs Lesser Scaup
Hey everybody, Someone on one of the listserves I read (I forget which one) passed along a nice website (thank-you!) that discusses the separation of Greater and Lesser Scaup. I had a chance to observe a group of scaup at a close distance and looked to see if I could find any Greaters in the group. As far as I could tell, all that was present were Lessers. This is an identification that I know lots of other people struggle with too and I think the website is a good resource. If you want to see some nice photos of scaup with detailed explanations of what to look for check out a link to that page on my blog: http://minnesotabirdnerd.blogspot.com The other observation from today was that I didn't see one Horned Lark where 3 days ago they were everywhere. The south wind has really cleared them out I guess. Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN http://www.ncbo.org
[mou] (no subject)
Hey everyone- I took advantage of the nice day and headed out to the 140th St. marsh and the 180th St. marsh to see what's around. As others have reported, the 140th St. marsh is bone dry and may be lost as a birding hotspot. The 180th St. marsh on the other hand was really fun. Highlights included 9 species of waterfowl: Gadwall American Widgeon Mallard Blue-winged Teal Northern Shoveler Northern Pintail Green-winged Teal Ring-necked Duck Lesser Scaup Also saw FOY Am. Kestrel, Turkey Vulture and Song Sparrow. Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN http://minnesotabirdnerd.blogspot.com http://www.ncbo.org
[mou] Lack of yard birds
Hey everybody, Yesterday, while waiting for the snow to stop, I noticed a distinct lack of activity at my feeders. The entire day was quiet until mid-afternoon when a few birds began to appear. I had 2 nice surprises later when a couple of Pine Siskins came to feed along with an Oregon junco. Besides that the day was pretty uneventful. Happy Easter everyone! Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN http://minnesotabirdnerd.blogspot.com
[mou] Lowry Nature Center Banding Program 3/15
Hey everybody, Had a pretty slow day at the nature center banding program near Victoria, MN yesterday. Only had 10 individuals of 7 species. HOWEVER, the best catch of the day was a second year female Pileated Woodpecker. If you'd like to see her check out my birding blog at: http://minnesotabirdnerd.blogspot.com Here's hoping all the stuff being reported down south makes it up here soon. Roger Everhart North Central Bird Observatory Apple Valley, MN
[mou] Unexpected visitor at my feeder
Hello everyone, While looking out my kitchen window this morning to see what brave birds might be out at -6F, much to my surprise I spotted a White-throated Sparrow sitting on the ground feeding on sunflower seeds. I can't imagine where it's been hiding up until now! Roger Everhart Apple Valley Dakota County
[mou] Labor Day Weekend Bird banding
Hey Folks, This report is a bit tardy but I wanted to post the results of some morning bird banding done last weekend at the School of Environmental Studies in Apple Valley. I was able to spend 3-4 hours each morning (Sat., Sun., and Monday) running 4 nets and had a wonderful time. The migration is in full swing and there were a couple of real highlights. Below is what I caught: Nashville Warbler - 1 Wilson's Warbler - 1 Northern Waterthrush - 3 Black-capped Chickadee - 7 Yellow-bellied Flycatcher - 1 Warbling Vireo - 1 (this one threw me for a second because of the yellow in the fall plumage, I thought it might be a Philadelphia) Black and White Warbler - 1 Red-eyed Vireo - 6 Ovenbird - 5 Connecticut Warbler - 1 (This was THE highlight of the weekend. It was a Hatch year Female and I got pictures.) Swainson's Thrush -1 White-throated Sparrow - 2 (strikes me as early) Gray Catbird - 2 Northern Cardinal - 1 I am now sure life is not fair. Just as this pick up I am back in school with limited chances to get out. Mark Newstrom and I will be doing a banding demonstration at Ritter farm Park in Lakeville on Saturday from 9 - noon. Hopefully the weather holds off. Roger Everhart North Central Bird Observatory Apple Valley, MN
[mou] Ritter Farm Prairie Warbler still there
Hey everybody, I took my ornithology class out to Ritter Farm Park this morning and refound the Prairie Warbler in the same spot as posted by Bob Williams. The spot is located just up the hill from the old apple orchard. If you take the short loop throught the prairie trail the warbler was just behind the short pine trees planted on the north side of the trail and along the trail that skirts the tall pines. I also found a black-billed cuckoo in the old orchard and had a great look. Roger Everhart School of Environmental Studies Apple Valley, MN
[mou] !80th St. Marsh Sitings
Hey everyone, Took my field ornithology class out this morning despite the rain and cold. Not much around until we got to the 180th St. marsh. Best sighting of the morning were 11 Black Terns feeding over the open water surrounded by 5 species of swallows. In a field west of the wetland I also had a Vesper sparrow which is a pretty good sighting for me. Not much else. Roger Everhart Apple Valley Dakota County
[mou] Ritter Farm Park Sunday morning, Dakota County
Hi everyone! While helping run a bird banding program in the high winds I was able to record 33 species. The following are highlights: Blue-headed Vireo Brown Thrasher Tennessee Warbler Yellow Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler Palm Warbler Northern Waterthrush Wilson's Warbler Canada Warbler Rose-breasted Grosbeak Baltimore Oriole Most of what I saw and heard was near the picnic pavillion in spots where there was a bit of shelter from the wind (and there weren't that many spots). Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN
[mou] Loggerhead Shrikes in dakota County
Hi Everybody, I went out in todays lousy weather and took a drive to 140th St=2E marsh and then down to 180th St=2E marsh=2E Not a lot of new birds a= t either place but on the drive between the two locations I got a good look at some Loggerhear Shrikes along Emery Ave=2E between 160th St=2E and 170th St=2E=2E I located one by itself first and then a bit down the road I located three together sitting on the phone wires and chasing each other around=2E I got good enough looks that I am confident that they are Loggerheads and not Northern Shrikes=2E This is the area where Loggerheads have traditionally nested=2E =20 Roger Everhart North Central Bird Observatory Apple Valley, MN www=2Encbo=2Eorg
