[mou-net] Thanks
Would like to publicly thank Roger Schroeder and Garrett Wee for helping so many birders get the LTJA in Lyon county this week. Great find Roger and detective work by Garrett to get I.D. Many birders notched this rare inland migrant this week, as both gentlemen continued to help us “get on it.” Well done, you two! Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html During the pandemic, the MOU encourages you to stay safe, practice social distancing, and continue to bird responsibly.
[mou-net] Phoebe, Kandiyohi county
Just saw an Eastern Phoebe...poor thing. Forecast highs for 5 consecutive days here in the 20s and mostly single digit lows. Last year we had green grass and ice out by now. Hopefully some of those early migrants can find enough open water somewhere to eek out an existence for the next week, but I anticipate high mortality for some of these species as we have February in April. On a brighter note, it will be easy to find the Easter Bunny tracks in the new snow, and wind turbines are having a banner day. Happy Easter to all. Randy Frederickson, Willmar 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] White pelicans
With waterfowl migration still quite slow in the county, I was surprised to see 5 pelicans this morning on the Foot Lake aeration system just north of Willmar, Kandiyohi county. From Willmar west we had almost no snow all winter (until March), so many creeks and spillways are barely...or not even...flowing; open water is quite limited. I am reminded a year ago today we had "ice out" on Foot Lake, but looking at the long range forecast and current ice depth, I would guess we are still 3 weeks away. This morning, I did see/hear my first: sandhill cranes, red-winged black birds, grackle, and 7 tundra swans (lots of trumpeters in area). Winter finches still around, with redpolls abundant, but scattered. Steve Gardner found several white-winged crossbills at the north end of MinnWest Technology Campus yesterday. Randy Frederickson, Willmar 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] TUDU Seen today
Sorry for the late post, but a friend of mine WAS able to relocate the Tufted Duck in Red Wing today. (He is not an MOU member but asked me to post on his behalf). He saw the bird near Colvill Park around noon. The good news is the bird is still in the areabut patience and luck seem to be prerequisites. Randy Frederickson 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] Tufted Duck Query
Sometime in the next few days I am going to take another run for the TUDU. It would be helpful if I knew where it was seen right away last Sunday morning (north in the lagoon?), (SE on the river?), and if folks are seeing it moving from point A to point B. Are there any patterns of movement? There are quite a few of us this bird has eluded to date. The more info we have, the better the odds of connecting next time. Thanks in advance; all advice appreciated. I can forward to others or post to members if sufficient responses are received. Randy Frederickson Willmar 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] TUDU Tufted Duck
ANY info today appreciated, including if it was searched for and NOT found. thanks Randy Frederickson 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] Red Crossbills, Kandiyohi county
After 31 hrs of searching the past 10 days, I was able to FINALLY put that tick on my county list late this morning. Five birds were seen at the extreme north end of the Raymond golf course, on the west side of Hawk Creek. Randy Frederickson 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] Blue Grosbeak follow-up, Kandiyohi county
Permission has been granted for people to look for the BLGR found Saturday in Kandiyohi county, with stipulations. The property owner is concerned about liability so access will only be granted when the pit is OPEN: M-F, 7-5:00 (need to be gone by 5). The owner is requesting I be the contact person and to keep a list of names and phone numbers of visitors. (Not my preference but understandable). You must check-in with pit personnel when you arrive; they will direct you where to park. I will give you employee names, pit information, and specific location of bird when you contact me. Sorry for the stipulations, but much better than not having permission. My cell is 320-979-9774. A great find for our county; thanks again Josh Watson, John and Chris Hockema. Thanks also to Josh Wallestad for putting this species on our collective radar, and his research on the Blue Grosbeak range expansion in Minnesota. Randy Frederickson Willmar 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] King rail
After much waiting, a group of birders is looking at King Rail as i type this. NW intersection of previously posted location of Ottawa Impoundment, Grant County 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] Western Wood-Pewee
For anyone venturing out to chase the (probable?) Western Wood-Pewee found by Mark Otnes at Buffalo River State Park, these directions may be helpful. From the main parking lot, go to the right of the swimming area on the cement walking trail. It will turn to gravel and bring you to a bridge. Just after crossing the bridge, the trail splits, take the left trail and stay on this trail until you cross a small clearing and come to an area I would describe as oak savannah (the next wooded section after the clearing). About half way through this area, there is a finger of woods that extends to your right (south). The bird is being seen/heard in this area. Though most birders are having no trouble finding this bird by voice, we had to wait over two hrs to hear multiple vocalizations and confirm ID, albeit we arrived there at a bad time of day (around 3:00). There are multiple eastern pewees in this area also. Good luck. Randy Frederickson 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] Surf Scoter, Kandiyohi county
Earlier this afternoon, I found a surf scoter on the south end of Lake Lillian. The bird was just east of where cty 8 goes south. Overall numbers of waterfowl have dropped sharply in the last 10 days and the big last push (which includes swans) has not happened yet...at least here. Randy Frederickson Willmar 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] White fronted geese, Todd county
While deer hunting today near Bertha in Todd county, I saw 4 large flocks (125-250/flock) of migrating white fronted geese shorty after the cool front passed and wind shifted. Never seen this species in Todd county in the fall before and other than individual birds, I almost never encounter this species in Minnesota outside of March or early April. This fall WFGO has been reported weekly in the state. Anyone know why this species is migrating so far east this fall?? Randy Frederickson 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] Arctic tern update
To the best of my knowledge no one saw the Arctic tern in Big Stone County today, despite the area being covered by multiple birders. Randy Frederickson and Steve Gardner 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] Weather conditions at hummer location. Park Point
Heavy fog, drizzle, wind. 48 degrees 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] CAHU
Looking at calliope hummer at 6:20 a.m. Wed Randy Frederickson 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
Re: [mou-net] yellow-billed cuckoo window kill
My interpretation of that data is that being cuckoos are prone to understory and dense vegetation flight, they are also more prone to window collisions. I think this would account for both data sets, and the peregrines find them after the window strikes?? Has anyone ever seen a falcon chasing a cuckoo? I have not, nor have I ever seen them chasing anything smaller than a gull or pigeonoops and lots of shorebirds. Randy Frederickson > On Jun 10, 2016, at 6:59 PM, linda whyte <bi...@moosewoods.us> wrote: > > Interesting --just this week, I learned that 3 cuckoos, 1 yellow-billed, 2 > black-billed-- or the other way around, I don't recall--were brought in for > treatment of serious, identical, neck wounds that were probably caused by > peregrines. They were found in downtown St. Paul, close to a peregrine nest > area. > Linda Whyte >> On Jun 10, 2016 3:29 PM, "JULIAN SELLERS" <juliansell...@msn.com> wrote: >> >> Perhaps 20 to 30 years ago, one of the leaders of the Twin Cities raptor >> community (Bud Tordoff, I believe) presented a program about Peregrine >> Falcons to a downtown St. Paul firm where my wife was employed. He stated >> that the most common prey species identified at the nest box on the Bremer >> Building was Yellow-billed Cuckoo. (Who would have guessed?) Maybe the >> cuckoos you've found were also "peregrine leavings." >> Julian >> >>> Date: Fri, 10 Jun 2016 09:35:10 -0600 >>> From: m...@moumn.org >>> Subject: [mou-net] yellow-billed cuckoo window kill >>> To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU >>> >>> (Posted by Todd Starich <stari...@umn.edu> via moumn.org) >>> >>> Two summers ago I found a dead black-billed cuckoo, apparent victim of >> hitting a >>> window, on the north side of Moos Tower on the UMN East Bank. One day >> last >>> summer I found another dead black-billed cuckoo, maybe within 15 ft of >> where I >>> had found one the summer before. Today I came across a dead yellow-billed >>> cuckoo about 30 yards away, by the adjacent PWB. This is not a prominent >>> window-kill graveyard-- I bike through there every workday of the year, >> and it is >>> rare to see dead birds other than peregrine leavings. So the proportion >> of cuckoo >>> window kill compared to other birds seems exceptionally high. Something >> that >>> cuckoos see that other birds in general don't?? >>> >>> Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net >>> Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html >> >> >> Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net >> Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html >> > > > Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net > Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Tern update
The possible gull-billed tern was relocated about 12:55 by Joel Schmidt and myself SE of Salt Lake at a private residence about a mile north of the lark bunting location (GPS given previously) Nearest intersection is 170th St and 141 st ave. It was scared off by an eagle around 1:10 and headed in a WSW direction. Randy Frederickson 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] Goose migration in WC MN
Though I have seen much better, in the 4 hrs I was working in the yard this morning cleaning martin and wood duck housing, I saw 11 flocks of white fronted geese, one flock of snow geese, and two flocks of mixed snow/Ross geese. Personally, I think seeing a Ross goose in a smaller flock of snows as they fly over head (presuming the flock isn't too high and you have viewing optics) is fairly straight forward, especially if the Ross are sandwiched between snow geese for comparison. The largest flock of white geese was only about 35 and the largest flock of white fronted about 140. Still have not seen a tundra swan this spring and puddle duck numbers are way down, so far. Many small lakes and wetlands are/will be having ice out in the county today/tomorrow. On Foot Lake where I live, it is happening now, surpassing my previous early record by 3 days. Randy Frederickson Willmar, Kandiyohi 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
[mou-net] Huge thanks to Duluth area Birders
Another wonderful bird found by Duluth area birders, but so much more. Not only a "lifer" for most of us, but how often does a chase end up where you park in a public lot for free, walk 60 yards and get phenomenal looks at your target bird? Throw in a heated visitors center with clean bathroom facilities and could it get better? Well yes; make sure the report goes out on Friday to give us all a weekend to travel and have the bird frequent the same area long enough that almost no one can miss it. Now place it on the top of a cement wall about eye level and color it in such a way that it stands out amongst its contemporaries. Next, turn up the outside temperature so it runs about 8-10 degrees above the winter average. Heck, let's do it on the 1st of January so the new year has an avian prelude. Lastly, have the target bird show up among some of the most generous (of time and talent), and Laridae literate folks in the upper Midwest and there you have it, the perfect chase hosted by wonderful birding brethren. If there is reincarnation after death, I'm coming back as an Ivory Gull and heading to Duluth for unrivaled recognition and camaraderie (but could someone please tell Peder I prefer Walleye)? Randy Frederickson Willmar 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] Saw Whet owl, Todd county
While sitting in the pre-dawn darkness this morning, enjoying the phenomenal weather, stars, and night sounds, I was treated to several minutes of the unmistakable call of a Northern Saw Whet owl. It took me back to my very first Saw Whet encounter, over 30 years ago...while I was deer hunting. At that time I had no idea what I was looking at, as I watched it calling. This time, I didn't see it, but knowing the little guy was sharing the woods with me made for a special morning. Some people deer hunt to shoot deer, others of us do it as an excuse to enjoy friends, familyand sit in trees uninterrupted. Not that it matters, but I was in NW Todd county. Randy Frederickson Willmar 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] barn swallow rides 4 wheeler
While putting down some granular fertilizer the other day using a four wheeler, barn swallows spun around me snatching up winged insects dislodged from their solitude. As many of you have no doubt encountered, the swallows are opportunistic around machinery that stirs up bugs and often fly toward you before they swirl back around for another loop. So I didn't think much about the swallow flying directly towards me...until it landed on the middle of the handle bars. The little guy/gal was having a hard time hanging unto the metal bar, so I slowly moved my open hand towards it, at which time it obligingly hopped unto my index finger. The bird looked like it had just fledged and I suspect was tired and needed some place to land out in the middle of the field and I was the tallest thing around. We were best friends for about 25 seconds but a unique and memorable encounter. Randy Frederickson Willmar 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] Warren Nelson Memorial Info.
Posted with permission- *Warren Nelson Memorial Initiated* In his unassuming way, Warren Nelson exemplified human dignity, kindness and compassion. He wove those same traits into his love of birds, and birders. Leading by example, his message was simply to treat other creatures, avian or human, with respect. Warren never asked for anything in return for his birding services or expertise, choosing to give freely of himself with anyone who shared his passion for nature. To honor Warren’s life while continuing to help promote the birds and habitats that endeared him, a group of his friends have come up with an idea to pay it back, while paying it forward. We have contacted the Friends of Sax-Zim Bog organization to acquire a parcel of land there as a memorial. Although Warren was not directly tied to this group, nor did he bird extensively in this area, the Sax-Zim Bog location was chosen for several reasons. The habitat is essentially a continuation of many of Warren’s favorite and most frequented areas of Aitkin county. Additionally, most of the bird species he studied and enjoyed in the bogs and meadows of Aitkin county are found in the Sax-Zim region. Since Friends of Sax-Zim Bog has been so successful, a memorial there will have more visitors. The acquisition will not be a stand alone habitat island, but part of a larger habitat preservation goal. Lastly, the Friends of Sax-Zim Bog has the infrastructure in place to help make and properly monitor the acquisition. The area we hope to preserve in Warren’s memory is a 40 acre mature black spruce bog in the heart of the Sax-Zim Bog birding area. It is prime habitat for boreal birds including Great Gray Owls, Connecticut Warblers, Boreal Chickadees, Black-backed Woodpeckers, and other priority species. With your help, we hope to purchase and preserve this tract. It will be named the “Warren Nelson Memorial Bog” to honor one of Minnesota’s nicest and best birders. A high quality sign with Warren’s name will be erected there and the entire property will be open and accessible to birders and other nature lovers to explore on foot or snowshoe. To make this dream a reality, we need to raise only $10,000. Friends of Sax-Zim Bog has graciously offered to match each donation dollar for dollar, doubling your contribution and turning $10K into $20K. With the financial support of the wonderful birding community and friends, the Warren Nelson Memorial Bog could be a reality before summer. Parties interested in donating for this memorial can designate “Warren Nelson Land Fund” on checks made out to Friends of Sax-Zim Bog, or they can donate at https://www.givemn.org/organization/Foszb (look for the tab that says Warren Nelson Land Fund). Friends of Sax-Zim Bog is a 501c3 non profit organization and “all donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.” In Memory of Warren, Ken and Pam Perry Steve and Jo Blanich Kim and Cindy Risen Butch Ukura Randy Frederickson 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] lethal week for martins
Four days of rain and temps in the 30's-40's have hit purple martins hard in most of Minnesota. Preliminary numbers here in Kandiyohi county suggest we had about 10% mortality by late yesterday, with a second group of birds too weak to fly and soon to succumb. Combined with last year's large chick die-off, it has been a tough 10 months on these little guys. I'm curious what other martin landlords are finding throughout the state(?) Randy Frederickson Willmar 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] spring waterfowl season summation
Thanks to about 15 people covering most geographical locations in the southern half of the state, I am confident in saying the spring waterfowl season was poor, at best, in much of southern Minnesota. From the information I received, duck numbers were near average in the east and SE areas and well below average in the central and SW areas of the state. Canada and cackling geese were reported near normal in most areas. Swans were near normal in some areas and well below normal to essentially absent in S central MN. (And if you were lucky enough to be near a staging area, they were plentiful). Everyone commented on the absence or low numbers of snow, Ross, and white fronted geese. One report I received from a DNR official stated the over-all lack of waterfowl was a topic of discussion at a recent statewide meeting in Bemidji. Another reporter stated the LACK of white fronted geese in SW Mn was amazing. Another stated goose and swan migration in the SC part of the state was abysmal. Perhaps the best summary came from one of the state's top listers who said it was the poorest waterfowl migration in 60+ years of birding (in Minnesota). Maybe shorebirds, sparrows and warblers will be awesome! Randy Frederickson Willmar 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] MIA- ducks
With the majority of waterfowl migration behind us, observations from Kandiyohi county for spring 2010 suggest duck migration was down 50-75%. Personally, I think we were down about 70% from a normal year and by far the fewest numbers of all species I have ever seen. Goose migration is always fickle, but I only saw a few flocks of white fronteds and never saw a snow or ross' goose all spring in our county, though it is still possible to see flocks of predominantly first year birds. Swan and Canada goose numbers were down some, but would still fit into the low end of a normal spring migration. Spring temperatures and snow melt came almost 2 weeks earlier to the eastern 1/3 of the state, so I'm wondering..were there areas of MN that saw substantially more waterfowl than usual? Please share your observations with me and I will summarize for the group. I did travel out to the Wheaton area on 3/21, with weather patterns favorable, I should have hit the goose migration there near peak. I saw about 45,000 geese that day with about 75% being white fronted, 8-10% snow, ross. So by western Minnesota standards, bird numbers there were rather weak also. Randy Frederickson Willmar 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] thanks
As Paul Budde, Dave Cahlander (and others?) wrestle with list serve issues, I wanted to take a moment to publicly thank them and ALL MOU volunteers for their many hours of dedication and commitment to making the MOU such a wonderful organization. Carl Greiner and whomever else tabulated all the CBC results and put together the recent article in the LOON did a huge amount of work. Randy Frederickson 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] SS hawk after pileated
Yesterday I watched a sharp shinned hawk repeatedly try to nab a pileated woodpecker. The hawk would only engage the woodpecker when it was flying (which I thought a bit odd since I would think the exposed back of the WP on a tree a reasonable target), but every time the woodpecker would fly to a different tree the sharpie would try to grab it. The wingspan of the woodpecker seemed at least that of the sharpie and I can't imagine either bird would have gone anywhere but down had the sharpie actually grabbed its quarry. Although I did not see any feathers fly, the sharpie appeared to hit the woodpecker at least twice. The pileated seemed no worse for the wear when it came back to my suet and peanut feeders later in the day. I saw a Coopers hawk engage a pileated last year, but in that encounter, the hawk seemed less serious about actually grabbing the pileated. Randy Frederickson Willmar 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 martin mortality
With the cool snaps and winds that have lingered across the state this summer have come some unwelcome consequences; purple martin chick mortality. Our colonies here in the Willmar area suffered 20-25% chick mortality from the cool snap about 2 weeks ago. The deaths were primarily a result of starvation. Fewer flying insects result in not enough food for the young. About half of my nests that still contained young had dead birds. However, the eastern half of Minnesota has suffered two such cool snaps and as I understand it, had two bouts of chick loss, with some colonies experiencing upwards of 100% mortality. These significant losses are NOT the norm for this species. So, as the nesting season for martins winds down, I am curious what other martin enthusiasts show for fledgling success. I encourage you to share your comments and summative data with the entire list serve, so we can be jointly educated. Randy Frederickson Willmar 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] 23 sp. of shorebird, Kandiyohi co.
On 5/13 I counted 23 species of shorebird at the Olson Lake WPA drawdown in SW Kandiyohi county. Highlights included: A single avocet, but awesome looks 11 hudsonian godwits 1 marbled godwit 5 willets 3 b.b. plovers 2 a.g. plovers- both sp. of large plover were still in transitional plumage Several hundred semi-palmated plovers Approx. 85 dowitchers, both species represented Approx. 120 wilson's phalarope 3 red necked phalarope Approx. 40 sanderling All expected peeps, including FOY white rumped s.p. There were easily 3000 birds here yesterday, but with the strong wind they were moving frequently and counting was difficult. I just scratched the surface on peep ID and could have *easily* overlooked something significant. Water levels here have dropped significantly with the complete lack of rain and large exposed mudflats are on the south and west edge of the wetland. For good looks it may be necessary to walk in from the N or NW and unfortunately that is where the shrubs and tree line are. Randy Frederickson Willmar 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] Piping plover, Kandiyohi co.
Yet another piping plover was seen Saturday 5/10 at the Olson Lake WPA in SW Kandiyohi county. This bird was different from the two seen last weekend, as it had a thick, full chest band. Other birds of interest on Saturday included 3 avocets, 32 willets, one hudsonian godwit, 3 trumpeter swans. Shorebird numbers are down significantly from a week ago, but a pestering peregrine falcon may be part of the reason. For anyone wanting to see a particular species at this location, be advised the turn-over rate is very high, with most birds staying only a day. Whereas this is consistent with some species, others usually linger. Also the wetland near Pennock that had been holding some good shorebirds is completely dry; only a few peeps present. Unlike what others have been reporting from E and SE MN, Saturday was incredibly birdless here for passerines. I had a group of students at Sibley State Park Saturday morning and it took almost two hours to find a single species of warbler. In 4 hours of birding on Saturday, I found only 4 species of warblers, 2 of those being represented by a single individual. Happy Mother's Day to all you mom's out there! Randy Frederickson Willmar 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] Shorebird update- Kandiyohi co.
The two piping plovers seen Sunday at Olson Lake WPA were NOT relocated today but could still be present, as there was over 800 shorebirds this evening. Today's highlights included: 104 wilson's phalarope (still no red-necked), 81 dowitchers sp., 11 avocets, 2 golden plovers. Turnover rate is very high, with lots of birds moving through. I would have liked to count more species, but my fingers and toes were getting tired. The banded piping plover west of Pennock WAS still present as of 6:00 pm this evening. For both these locations you are looking east, so afternoon/evening viewing is much more productive. Randy Frederickson Willmar 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] Shorebirds on the move- kandiyohi co.
In two brief stops Thursday evening in strong wind and fading light, I counted: 44 Wilson's phalarope, 36 willets, 21 golden plover, 7 dowitcher sp., 1 hudsonian godwit, and several hundred peeps. Whereas I have been seeing a smattering of dozens of birds, yesterday was 300 plus. These are the same two locations I posted last week: Olson Lake WPA and the area just west and north of Pennock. Randy Frederickson Willmar 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] Shorebirds, Smith's longspur- Kandiyohi co.
This was meant primarily for those going to and from Salt lake this weekend, so I apologize for it being tardy. Two locations starting to produce birds in the county. The drawdown of Olson Lake WPA in the SW part of the county. The birds of note there today were not shorebirds, but 7 Smith's longspurs that briefly stopped to take a drink and bathe. A few tundra swans still present and about 50 shorebirds including 7 species. Location #2- from the town of Pennock on state hwy 12 (west of Willmar), go west 1.4 miles and turn north on 120th St NW. Proceed north about .8 mi. About 80 shorebirds present including both hudsonian and marbled godwits. Also seen in the county today, one cattle egret, flying. Randy Frederickson Willmar 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] Thank you for remembering
As spring migration ramps up and posts to birding list serves significantly increase, I want to thank everyone for remembering to include enough information in the subject heading to allow members the option of reading, browsing or deleting. Randy Frederickson Willmar 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] Shorebirds- Kandiyohi co.
After reading Brian Smith's report from Sleepy Eye, this morning I had to check the one spot I felt has the greatest potential here in Kandiyohi county. Sure enough: 6 lesser yellowlegs, 5 greater yellowlegs, one pectoral sandpiper, one golden plover (entirely in basic plumage), 16 killdeer. Watching these things wander around in the slush when the temperature is 27 and the wind chill about 12...makes me shiver. If the wind allows it, everything will freeze up again tonight. Interesting waterfowl anecdote...after seeing a significant swan and goose migration on Sunday, I could not find a single swan, white fronted, or snow goose today. Randy Frederickson Willmar PS For anyone interested, the Olson Lake WPA in SW Kandiyohi county is in drawdown and has significant potential for shorebirds this spring. 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] No crossbills in SW MN?
In spite of weekly searches, twice this week. I have seen NO ww crossbills in Kandiyohi county this winter. There was ONE confirmed report, from early Dec. Reading this week's crossbill reports from SE MN makes it appear they are dripping from every black spruce grove. So I'm curious, is anyone in SW Minnesota seeing crossbills? We certainly have plenty of black spruce full of cones. As I have seen with other winter boreal invasions (great gray owls, esp), the farther south you go in the state, the further east the birds are found. However, siskin numbers are very high for this region, and the huge redpoll invasion that began about 3 weeks ago seems to be impacting us here to the same degree as everyone else at our latitude. So I am trying to enjoy them twice as much, to get my finch fix. I have never seen a redpoll invasion occur so late in the winter (we had none on our CBC). Randy Frederickson Willmar PS In case anyone is interested, I did get a report of a hoary redpoll from a reliable source in NE Kandiyohi county, earlier this week. 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] Eurasian Collared Doves- high count?
A friend of mine who works in Olivia, Minnesota (Renville county) called the other night to tell me he had counted a flock of 41 Eurasian Collared Doves at his work place on 11/6. If this record is substantiated, I believe it would be the largest concentration of this species ever found in Minnesota, by quite a margin. He works at Pannar Seeds/Genetics on west hwy 212, which is on the south side of hwy 212. Randy Frederickson Willmar
[mou] lark bunting update
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[mou] American golden plovers- kandiyohi co.
Between graduations and Mom's day stuff, got out for a little while on 5/14 to look for shorebirds. Checked 3 small spots and found golden plovers in all 3 locations. Numbers were: 2, 5, 63. The flock of 63 was by far the largest flock of this species I had ever seen. Later in the day, a friend of mine counted a flock of about 50 golden plovers at the location I had seen 2. These are small insignificant wetlands. Makes one wonder what a larger attractive wetland in western Minn would have yielded yesterday. For some reason, this species was on the move in the best numbers we've had represented here since I've been birding. Gorgeous birds! Randy frederickson willmar
[mou] Lethal weather study
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[mou] Geese- 165,000
Had one of the most enjoyable bird days of my life yesterday, 3/23. Spent the day in western Minnesota with Ron Erpelding and hit a goose migration I didn't think was possible in this state. Estimates: White geese: snow/blue, Ross'- 110,000 White fronted- 35,000 Canada- 20,000 If you think these numbers are impressive, consider we did not really put on many miles looking to count. Ron is a county lister, so we spent time at each stop sorting through birds. Ron sorted as I did my best to count. But then, how do you count a flock of 25,000+ white geese, which we had at least 3 times. Mud Lake in Traverse county had impressive numbers of both white geese and white fronted, but we saw equally large concentrations north of there into Wilkin county (and excellent numbers of birds in Grant, Stevens, and Big Stone counties.) Because white goose hunting season is currently open, I would rather not divulge exact locations on the net. There were many times during the day, the sky was absolutely full of geese, scores of flocks with some flocks over 1500 birds. (I differentiate between flocks and swarms. Interestingly the white geese were swarming but not migrating...20,000 birds would get up circle around and land again in the same general area. Where as we would see large lines/flocks/skeins of white fronteds in formations heading north.) An interesting thought...even if my counting was pathetic and I grossly over-counted (which I didn't), if one assumes we saw 10% of the geese in Western Minnesota yesterday, that easily puts the bird numbers over 1 million. But the reality is, we really only spent time in 4 counties, and only got a few miles into both Wilkin and Big Stone. So, IF the goose numbers were any where near what we saw in the north and south ends of the state, there was easily several million geese in western Minnesota yesterday. The weather was absolutely gorgeous, the birds were unbelievable, and the company was...well, you can't have everything (just kidding, Ron). A day and experience I may never equal. P.S. If anyone else was at Mud Lake yesterday, I would be interested in knowing the number of birds you estimated there. Randy Frederickson Willmar
[mou] Crane donations
Thanks Pam Perry, MOU conservation committee chair, for providing MOU members a concrete way to help our human friends, as they try to help our feathered ones. The MOU has many fine people as members, I hope we can make a statement by showing our financial support (I know some of us have already sent donations). Also, please consider calling notice to the fact you are an MOU member as you make your donation. One of the reasons I belong to professional organizations is because choirs can always sing louder than soloists. We need to remember, most voices on our planet are not human; it is our moral obligation to hear, AND REPRESENT them. Randy Frederickson Willmar
[mou] Lac Qui Parle kittiwake- not
Two attempts (one of the 9th with Ron Erpelding, and one on the 14th by myself) failed to refind the B.L. Kittiwake Billy Unzen saw on the 8th. Mr. Unzen has also not seen the bird again. It appears the bird was probably just passing through (on its way to Lake Pepin, perhaps?) Randy Frederickson Willmar
[mou] Snowy plovers- not?
The snowy plovers at Big Stone NWR were NOT seen yesterday 8/5 by the shorebird workshop group, nor had they been seen that day prior to our arrival. The group, including Buri, Janssen and Chu spent about 45 minutes at the usual location. Denny and Barb Martin were still there when we left, so would have more current information. Some group members did walk all the way to the end of the spit (an activity I do not endorse) with no luck. This post is merely intended as an FYI. Randy Frederickson
[mou] Probable Mississippi kite- Kandiyohi co.
Friends...do note the word probable in the heading, but all indications point towards a tentative ID of adult male MIKI. Yesterday early evening (6:30 ish), while working in the flower bed, I heard the martins making their alarm call. I looked up expecting to see the coopers hawk that harasses and dines on my martins, but all I saw was a nighthawk...wait, that's not a nighthawk. Mind goes into fast forward mode and I'm trying to make this bird fit a normal ID, but I can't. The bird was fairly dark (I'm looking almost right up at it so it would have been casting a shadow on its underside). The wings were angled very much like a falcon, but it wasn't a falcon. It had a completely black, unbanded tail that was quite squared off. Underside of wings were dark but not black, like tail. Underside (belly) was a darker shade of uniform color- no barring or banding. I did not get a look at the head or top of wings. I ONLY SAW THE BIRD BRIEFLY- about 4 seconds. The whole time looking at parts of the bird, trying to make sense of it. As it disappeared over the trees (it was gliding NE, about 90 degrees off a stiff NW wind over the edge of the lake), I exclaimed...ok I loudly exclaimed to my wife, that's a kite. I ran down to the dock (other side of trees) to try and see it again. But as luck, or lack thereof, would have it, the bird had turned and was working its way back over the yard. I saw it a second time, for about 2 seconds, before it flew west along the lake, just over the treetops. My wife, who was still in the yard, had a much better look at it the second time. She said, that wasn't a coopers hawk. Of course I immediately asked her about a bazillion questions (maybe 2 bazillion, I can't keep track after I run out of fingers). The main thing she saw that I didn't was that as the bird headed NW (more towards the sun), it looked much lighter, almost white, on the underside. I called my friend Ron Erpelding, told him what I had seen and asked a question. If kites are insect eaters, why would the martins be alarmed by it? One of his books indicated MIKI will eat swifts and smaller swallows. There was also a major dragonfly hatch yesterday and those buggers were everywhere at the time of the sighting. Every indication to me suggests kite, unless someone can suggest another plausible ID. I worked this morning from about 6-10:00 but hung around the yard the rest of the day...hoping. At one time I heard the blue jays we don't like you here chatter about half a block away. When I investigated, I found a male coopers hawk (waiting for tasty martins, no doubt) perched high in a cottonwood. I should also note Ron and I searched for the probable kite for about 45 minutes after the sighting, along the lake and down into the nearby cemetery, about half a mile away. The bird was NOT relocated. I MIGHT go chasing the least tern tomorrow (Thurs), but welcome questions (via phone if you need answers soon). Randy Frederickson Willmar, Kandiyohi county 320 231-1291
[mou] Shorebirds
Although passerine migration did pick up last Saturday (in WC Minn) to push it from dismal to poor, shorebird migration hit with a big bang on Friday and has not let up yet. Since Friday I have not had time to do much traveling, even around the county, but have still seen 18 species of shorebird, excluding snipe and woodcock. Highlights include: Hudsonian godwit, A. golden plover, many wilson's and a few red necked phalaropes, LOTS of peeps and dunlin, stilt sandpiper, SB dowitcher, and both my personal favorites- black bellied plover and ruddy turnstone. The black bellied plovers have followed their usual m.o. They are on the ground for maybe a few hours max. and then back in the air heading northward. I have seen them 5 times (diff birds) in the past several days, twice being on the ground for only about 30 minutes. The person I was with for a while yesterday said, It doesn't get much better than this. Most of the birds listed above were all being seen at the same time on the same small wetland, which is nothing special. Ironically, he had asked me when we arrived about ruddy turnstones. I replied that I have not seen any yet this year but expect them any time. About 10 minutes later a flock of 14 landed in our laps. I had meant any time to mean in the next couple of days, but what the heck...the next few minutes works just fine by me. Enjoy what the winds bring your way. Randy Frederickson Willmar Kandiyohi co.
[mou] No birds
In keeping with Steve's observations/questions... Here in Kandiyohi county I have seen or heard 7 species of warbler for the year, with 5 of the 7 being represented by a SINGLE individual. This part of the state has more bad years than good for neoptropical migration. We need big pushes of birds and overflow to get excellent days here. But, it is still considerably below average. Weather patterns have been unusual, so I'm still hopeful. A more perplexing question to me is shorebirds. They should be at peak now. Whereas I have seen good numbers of yellowlegs and Wilson's phalarope, most other species have been almost nonexistent (ie. One dunlin to date). Looking for shorebirds yesterday for 2 1/2 hrs produced 10 birds, excluding killdeer: 2 phalaropes, 1 dowitcher, 4 yellowlegs, 3 peeps. Swallows appear to be in normal numbers. White pelicans are everywhere. Herons and egrets also appear to be in good numbers. The usual 2 week sparrow migration of white throateds, harris, etc. was compacted, resulting in none, to huge numbers, back to none in 5 days. Joel Schmidt reported a mockingbird at his house yesterday, about 12 mi. NW of Willmar (I haven't spoken with him so don't have permission to post exact location). Wood tick numbers seem strong:-) Randy Frederickson Willmar
[mou] Snowy Eg. Kandi. Co.
On 4/14 I observed 3 snowy egrets, together, in Kandiyohi county. The birds were on the downside of the spillway where Shokapee Creek leaves Swan Lake. To get to this location, go north of the town of Pennock 4-5 mi (don't have a map in front of me) and then about 2 miles west on county 27. Also observed yesterday, the first martins at my colony- for the year (although martins were in the area already a week ago). Peregrine falcon was seen this morning (4/15) on the water tower in Willmar that is located west on Willmar ave. Randy Frederickson Willmar
[mou] Reflections
The MOU is a fine organization...lest we forget, run entirely by volunteers. Most of the big guys I know in the MOU are sincerely good people. One of the jobs of a few of the big guys is to make sure some of us smaller guys (and gals) don't go chasing all over the country after birds that are possibly misidentified. Another group has the unenvious task of actually reviewing records. Whereas it is wrong to be critical of one another's sightings, it is sometimes prudent to be skeptical. Even the big guys misidentify birds from time to time; we are all human and thus capable of error- this includes errors in judgement. I know I have made such errors. When we start taking sides on difficult issues, we create winners and losers. We all care about birds, and thus have a commonality of purpose. Let's promote this common good. Randy (self professed little guy) Frederickson
[mou] Golden eagles- Kandiyohi co.
I apologize for the lateness of this posting (almost a week old), but last Sunday, 2/12 I watched a pair of golden eagles in extreme NE Swift county. We (Jeff Weitzel and I) watched/followed the birds for about 20 minutes, as they slowly hunted and drifted towards the East. It was a county lister's dream come true as the birds crossed hwy #104 (north of Sunburg) at the tri-county intersection of Swift, Kandiyohi, and Pope counties. One of the birds was an adult, but due to lighting conditions, we could not discern age on the 2nd individual. Randy Frederickson Willmar
[mou] Willmar CBC results
Willmar area CBC conducted on 12/17. Total species seen- 46 (way above what we had expected with the early freeze up) Additional CW species- 3 Only one RT hawk. Best finds: great blue heron, snipe, hermit thrush NO redpolls, siskins or RB nuthaches. Goldfinch and cedar waxwing numbers down significantly. Unusually high numbers of: snow buntings (202), lapland longspurs (130), horned larks (64 birds and often get none) Randy Frederickson Willmar, Kandiyohi county
[mou] Townsend's solitaire
A Townsend's Solitaire was seen on 12/19 in Sibley State Park, Kandiyohi county. The bird was seen by the park naturalist behind the Interpretive Center. Randy Frederickson Willmar
[mou] Snowy owls- Kandiyohi county
In the past week I have received two reports of snowy owls in Kandiyohi county. The first bird was only seen once and could not be relocated (and is assumed to have moved). Unfortunately the second bird was a road kill picked up this morning near Lake Lillian in the SE corner of the county. Another owl invasion...different color:-) Randy Frederickson
[mou] Cattle egrets
On Friday morning I saw two cattle egrets in Stearns county, about 7 miles South of Sauk Center along highway 71. One bird was feeding in a herd of...cattle, the other was flying. Randy Frederickson Willmar
[mou] no subject
Friends in birding- I only have a moment but wanted to update you all on our (Clay Christensen and I) dipper chase. On Saturday we spent about 3.5 hrs at the location in Cook county where a possible bird was seen this spring. Excellent habitat, no bird. Will elaborate later. Does not mean one was not present somewhere along the river or was not present earlier. Great people, new friends, paddling...still a successful trip. Randy Frederickson
[mou] Black headed grsbk- refound
Thanks to gracious assistance from Jeanie Joppru, home owner Mary Broten, and good luck charm Ben Fritchman, Ben and I saw the black-headed grosbeak north of Thief River Falls just after noon today. I arrived just after 10:00 a.m. and heard what I presumed (and later verified) was the bird. So I sat down about 50 yards from the feeders and waited, and waited, and waited. Saw 2 male rose breasteds and two female grosbeaks but the black headed did not show. When Ben arrived we looked for it and found it about 30 yards into the woods near the large wooden topped mammal feeders. A rose breasted male has a territory right next to, but seemingly not overlapping the black headed area. The song is very similar to a rose breasted, but a bit more choppy. Also, it does not carry as well; the bird sounded somewhat muted compared to the rose breasted. If you hear it well, he is fairly close (at least that is how it played out for us). The homeowners request permission to anyone entering their yard, so you must call ahead. Home # 218 874-2080 Work # 218 681-0889 Thanks again to Ben (for feeding the numerous mosquitoes), Jeanie and Mary Randy Frederickson Willmar P.s. The entire western part of the state has standing water in fields and low areas, some spots are near flood stage.
[mou] Dipper?
Is there anyone out there that has followed up on Jim's 2nd hand American Dipper report from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area? If no, who amongst you has a spirit of adventure, some canoeing experience and a couple days of free time?? Someone should follow-up on this. Contact me if interested. I am an experienced canoe person and am good company (at least when talking to myself). Randy Frederickson
[mou] Felton phoebes
I saw both Say's phoebes on Saturday (5/28) afternoon. The 1.5 hrs I was there, the rock wren did not make an appearance or utter a tweet. I would like to take this opportunity to remind birders that the longspur road is private and owned by the B B Ranch. Our use of it is a privilege and we should be respectful of livestock, machinery etc. Randy Frederickson Willmar
[mou] YCNH directions
People have contacted me and asked for directions to the 2 locations where the YCNH has been seen in Willmar, Kandiyohi county. I would like to preface this by saying I have looked diligently for this bird for parts of 7 days and about 5 hrs and HAVE NEVER FOUND IT when I was looking. The bugger always finds me after I have given up. On Saturday I watched it fly west across my property (can you say yard bird?) and was confident I could relocate it being that part of the lake is more limited. But it alluded me again, so...you are welcome to try for yourself. It obviously has a hang out or two we have not found. (Only one other Willmar birder has seen it). Directions to Berquist Area: Go west through Willmar on hwy 12. As you are leaving town going west you will go over some RR tracks via a bridge. Proceed west about 1/4 mile and turn N. on 19th St. Go one block and turn right (east). Berquist park is about a half block from this intersection on the N. side of the road. The lake is at the N. end and the heron has been seen in the snags at the S. end of the wetland. Be aware, this area is small, if the bird is there, you will flush it. I would suggest walking in on the West trail and going slowly once you see the water. There are Green herons nesting here, so you should see them. Directions to Robbins Island: Go N. through Willmar on Business 71. As you exit town to the N. you will go over a bridge then go through a 3 way intersection with stoplight. Proceed N throuth this intersection on hwy #71, Robbins Island will be the next left. This is a park and gets lots of joggers, pet walkers, fisher people, etc. I was surprised to find the bird about 90 yards west of the swimming beach, in a low spot, hunting for worms. I saw it from about 6:15 to 6:40 a.m. It was flushed by a dog at that time, but I was taking notes and did not see the direction. FYI- 6 miles N. of Willmar is a large rookery. I suspect the bird is utilizing it. However, even with a scope, birds on the rookery are too far to ID. Good luck. Feel free to call me for, or to report updates. Randy Frederickson 320 231-1291
[mou] YCNH refound
The yellow crowned night heron in Willmar, Kandiyohi county, was seen again both Saturday and Sunday. (I did not have time to post earlier, sorry.) Although I have been searching daily for the bird, without success, it was again at the Berquist park- where it was originally seen - on Saturday. However, it was seen late morning (about 11:00 a.m.) AND was not near the water but instead was walking down the west trail. I presume it was eating worms after the rain. That suspicion was confirmed when on Sunday morning about 6:15 (while looking for warblers at Robin's Island) I found what I presume to be the same bird hunting for and eating worms. It was walking around on the mowed grass about 80 to 90 yards from water and just north of the first (Guri?) shelter. Robin's Island is about 2 miles from the Berquist area and essentially on the same body of water. I know the bird does NOT regularly hang out at the Berquist area because there is too much human traffic here and the area is so small. I wonder if it doesn't end up here by default when chased from other areas. Anyone wanting directions to either location, please let me know. Randy Frederickson Willmar
[mou] Piping Plover- Kandiyohi co.
Yesterday evening (5/15) I observed a piping plover in SE Kandiyohi county. Directions: look at a map and find Lake Lillian as a frame of reference The wetlands are 2.6 miles east of the intersection of hwy 7 and cty rd 8. Look for mile marker 118, or Sue's Metal Works if coming from the east. The driveway has a fire number at the highway: 16001. The area is a new DNR acquisition, but no signs have been put up yet; this is public land. Go down the driveway to the south and park in the open area west of the old bldg site (currently a big hole). Please do NOT drive further into the area, although there are not barriers preventing it, vehicles beyond this are inappropriate. Walk down the field road ESE into last year's corn field (worked but not plowed). Proceed walking ESE unto the rise and you will see several small wetlands. The bird could be in any of these but we saw it in the wetland farthest SE. Also present, 9 other species of shorebirds including 3 black bellied plovers- how can black and white be so beautiful? The piping plover is very difficult to see if facing away from you as the color of the back and corn residue is almost identical. Also, it did occasionally walk back into the corn stubble. A scope is highly recommended. Incidentally, this is the same location the Smith's longspur was seen about 9 days ago and it holds promise for water pipits or maybe even a Sprague's. Randy Frederickson Willmar
[mou] YC night heron update
Despite several hours of observation from a concealed area during optimal heron movement times, the yellow crowned night heron in Kandiyohi county has NOT been refound. I apologize for not posting location sooner but it was in a very small wooded wetland and extra human presence would have been counter productive. I was hoping the bird would return and set up a feeding routine as night herons often do, then more people could enjoy it. It was actually seen in Willmar. Berquist Wildlife Area (which is no more than a couple of blocks of destroyed wetland the city couldn't use). This is located one block south of highway 12 on the west side of town. (As you leave Willmar on hwy 12 heading west, turn north after going over the RR bridge -- at the Floor to Ceiling store. Go one block then turn right on Gorton Ave. for about 1/2 block. Park and walk towards the lake. There are green herons nesting here, but I have never seen another night heron in this specific location. You are only a block from my house here, so anyone traveling out this way, you are welcome to stop in- please call 1st (320-231-1291). The area is adjacent to Foot Lake so the bird could still be around. We will keep vigilant. Randy Frederickson Willmar
[mou] Yellow Crowned night heron- Kandiyohi co.
Thinking yesterday's dismal weather may have forced some warblers down, I went out in the rain after dinner to snoop. I found a single water thrush (4th warbler species for the year, and a single catbird). But I'm not complaining, because as I was sneaking along a wooded wetland a night heron flew in and landed about 25 yards away. I looked at it and thought NO WAY. There, perched on a snag was a bird that has eluded me in Minnesota for my entire life: a yellow crowned night heron. After 4 unsuccessful chases and over 1300 miles, I gave up on these guys deciding that some day I would find one of my own. Instead this bird found me, and it was so rewarding! I just stood there in the dark dismal rain, elated. There was lots of brush between myself and the bird, so I snuck to within about 20 yards to see all the classic field marks. Then I turned and slowly snuck away to alert other birders in town. The bird was there when I left but not when I returned about 20 minutes later. Nor was it there this morning when I checked before work. If it is seen again, I will post directions and location. Randy Frederickson Willmar, Kandiyohi county
[mou] Smith's longspur
While looking for shorebirds yesterday with a few of my students (and finding only 5 species), we bumped into a small flock of longspurs - about ten birds. The birds did not stay put long, but long enough to see several Lapland and a single male Smith's longspur. Being we were taking turns getting scope views, I did not see all the birds before they took off. The distinctly marked male Smith's really stood out, however. Thank you Warren Nelson for sending me your karma:-) I believe this a first county record for this species. Randy Frederickson Kandiyohi county
[mou] no subject
No whooping cranes, or cranes of any kind, were found in a 3 hr search of the area previously mentioned. Lots of hills and wetlands and egrets though. Randy Frederickson With eagle eye Ron Erpelding for luck... now I know why they don't call him crane eye
[mou] Expense reply
Ladies and Gentlemen of the MOU list serve- In that I am doing my report on behalf of the MOU, I am a mouth piece and instrument of the MOU. Therefore, my actions should not have compromised the good work and good name of any MOU member or committee. Being my actions DID offend some, I owe those people my most sincere apologies. I encourage you to contact a board member or Jan Green if you feel I should be removed from the conservation committee. I have no intentions of resigning. It is your committee people, your organization, and I am accountable to you. I am also a volunteer, however, and as such, feel your expectations should be considered in that light. I accept full responsibility for the comments I made, so PLEASE respond to me directly and do not let this issue fester on and clutter our list serve. There are birds to talk about! (Congrats Warren, my birthday is this week; what should I wish for?) Randy Frederickson
[mou] Expense info.- Final tally
Final numbers have been tallied for those who submitted expense information (I'm still open to more data though, for those of you who haven't submitted yet). I was hoping we could break $200,000 for our Minnesota winter travel birding expenses. It was close, thankfully some of the misc. categories were really large. Thanks to Ron Erpelding, John Hockema, Bob Janssen, and Roger Schroeder for including the money they spent on women while birding- that was an additional $10,000...wait, that was just for Hockema. And thanks to Jerry Bonkoski, Al Batt, Phil Chu and Chris Benson for including their $5,000 alcohol purchases while birding... or was that just Benson's part? Have to draw the line somewhere, though, so I did NOT accept the expenses submitted by Craig Mendel for the psychiatrist bills after spending birding time with Conny Brunell and Leslie Marcus. So the final numbers are...drum roll please Responses= approximately 265 Birders represented= approximately 720 (excluding Karla's 500 for her Festival of Owls) Money documented= $226,168.00 Fran Howard and myself are now trying to determine the % of birders who traveled here that we actually heard from and will extrapolate/project our final numbers using that information. Thanks Fran for the help! Randy Frederickson P.S. If I have offended anyone, please contact my sister Sew Soree.
[mou] Expense update
Birding expense update (reported monies spent in Minnesota for bird trips) for period Oct. 2004- March 8, 2005. Responses- 210 Birders represented- 574 Money accounted for- $160,000 States represented: AZ CA CO FL GA IA IN IL KS MD MN ME MI MO NM ND NE NY NJ NC OH PA SD TN TX UT VA WA WI WY MO has far surpassed all other states with the number of people responding (except MN). THANK YOU to all who have submitted expenses. I know some of you are waiting until the end of the month, thanks. Procrastinators who are done traveling- please share!!! Randy Frederickson MOU conservation committee
[mou] Expense changes
Friends- Several people have contacted me and suggested I extend the expense deadlin= e to include monies from March, being the owls do not seem to be in any hurry to leave. This seems like a logical thing to do (are those groans of ecstasy I am hearing?), as it would extend our window to a full 6 months. For all those who have so conscientiously sent expenses, thanks. If I coul= d make a suggestion to just hold your March info until the end of the month; it would perhaps be easier for all of us. Of course I am happy to accommodate any way you want to submit, as long as you keep those e-mails coming. We currently have over 190 responses totaling over $130,000. Fran and I ar= e working on some other angles to make our figures more accurate and meaningful. (The registry for the caf=E9 in Cotton contains about 300 names that we can cross reference to see % of respondents. All Minnesota guides will be contacted to solicit feedback and help- when things slow down for them). Thanks again, Randy Frederickson Fran Howard =20
[mou] Expense update
Friends- Just in case you are curious, as of Friday night, 2/25... Responses- 172 E-mails exchanged- 285 Birders represented- 488 States represented- most Foreign countries represented- 3 Money spent- over 118,000 All figures are approximations and change daily. Thanks to all who have replied and all who will at the end of the month. Thanks to all of you who have helped get the word out. A HUGE THANKS TO FRAN HOWARD, for volunteering talents, offering support and help. A HUGE THANKS..FROM...all the birds who cannot speak for themselves. Randy Frederickson MOU conservation committee
[mou] Expense update- 100,000
Thanks to Paul Trunk and their Florida group of ten, and Wayne Forsythe and their group of four from NC and Tennessee, our total just broke $100,000. Minnesota birders have been great getting me their stuff. But many of the out of state groups haven't reported in yet. Minnesota guides- I could really use your help reminding people! Randy Frederickson Serving the MOU and lots of other fine folks!
[mou] Expenses????
As a long weekend draws to a close for many, the MOU conservation committee again reminds birders we are collecting data on bird generated travel expenses that occurred in Minnesota since Oct 2004. FOOD LODGING TRAVEL- car rental, gas, airfare MISC.- guide fees, clothes, photo supplies STATE of origin NUMBER of people in party We are nearing $100,000 dollars of REPORTED revenue, and I revise my earlier estimates; I think we are hearing from maybe 10-15% of birders. For all you Minnesotans, waiting until the end of the month is great, even preferred. Don't worry, I'll nag again. THANK YOU to all those who have endured my continued requests, and/or responded. To date, approximately 120 respondents, representing roughly 350 birders. Randy Frederickson
[mou] Expenses???
A reminder to ALL those who peruse this list serve that the MOU is trying to get a handle on the economic impact of birders in Minnesota this winter. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU, to all you kind folks that have already provided this information to me. Thank you to all you Minnesotans who are diligently keeping track to send me a final count in early March. (I will even accept your records if you are not diligent!) This is all bird generated TRIP MONEY, not just owling trips. Those of you going to look at the Gyrfalcon, or just out for a Sunday drive, it all adds up. If you are with a group, please consider submitting one response (it makes things easier in my little corner of the world). Please try to include the following expense information: Food Lodging Transportation (gas, car rental, etc.) Air travel Guide service Misc. (books, clothes, optics) Also were you with a group or by yourself? What state are you from? What month/s did you travel? Inclusive dates: Oct. 1, 2004 to Feb. 28, 2005. Of equal importance, if you do NOT WANT TO submit your expenses but traveled in Minnesota this winter, PLEASE LET ME HEAR FROM YOU. I do not need to know your reasons- they are your own. But I need to get a handle on total number of visitors. Just let me know you were here. To date I have heard from approximately 85 people. Interesting enough, EVERYONE of them has been exceptionally good looking and brilliant. Sowhat group do you want to be in:-) Send results directly to me at this e-mail address. Randy Frederickson MOU conservation committee
[mou] Good start
Birding Expenses- It is official; I have received 100 e-mails, representing 290 birders, from 22 states and 3 foreign countries. The expenses accrued thus far well heck, I'm not telling until we break $100,000. Some great honesty on misc. expenses. My favorite is probably the $200 spent on the tow truck after driving into the ditch while looking for an owl, and the money SEVERAL of you lost at the casinos:-) All in all, I can say MANY people have had a wonderful time looking at birds. And what you are doing by helping the MOU conservation committee on this project is giving back. We thank you. Randy Frederickson Minnesota Ornithologists' Union
[mou] no subject
Thanks to all those who have responded to my/our request for information on birding expenditures in Minnesota this winter. A brief update... I've heard from 57 people representing 151 birders, and 16 states. I will share final numbers, including dollars later. I'm guessing that is maybe 40% of all out of state birders and 10% of Minnesota birders who have actually spent money making trips (partially because many MN birders are not on this list serve). I'm hoping to hear from many more of my fine friends, and, oh well, even the not so fine ones! I know many of you are waiting to submit your results the end of Feb. which is of course great. (just don't forget, or the bird gods will send flocks of grackles to your feeders in May!) Randy Frederickson MOU conservation committee
[mou] Hoary redpoll- Kandiyohi co.
Twice this week I came home from work to find my finch feeders and tray feeder empty. I have a lot of feeders and was wondering how the heck... This morning I witnessed the onslaught. Ron Erpelding and I counted over 200 redpolls in my yard and estimated the flock to be easily over 300 birds. Add in the 40+ siskins, 35+ house finches, and hand full of goldfinches and it was a spectacle I have never witnessed before. So I went outside and spread finch feed all over the deck railings and deck, (so the birds would be more spread out) and started looking for a hoary. It took about 45 minutes before I found one. I have not seen many hoaries, and am thankful it was not one of those maybe birds. This gorgeous little guy had NO barring on the flanks. He had a soft, very muted pink wash on much of his belly, rump patch was white. The feather margins were also whiter than the other birds, even on the back. He had a noticeably longer tail, and something I did not see in any of the 7 books I looked at, the feathers on his legs came down farther towards the feet. I tried my best to make the beak more stubby looking but it seemed there was always food in it or hanging from it, so am thankful I did not need that trait as a clincher. A delicious bird! Second county record (only because some Janssen character found one last week). I saw it three more times in the next two hours. Randy Frederickson 416 19th St. NW Willmar 320 231-1291 P.s. And I cannot find a great gray owl in the county to save my soul!
[mou] Gift idea
Still wondering what to give that special birder on your list? Consider giving an MOU membership to a fledgling (sorry, couldn't resist) birder or perhaps someone who has drifted away from birding and could use a shot in the arm (or would it be primaries?). I'm giving a couple memberships this year- share your passion, help the birds, help the MOU. Randy Frederickson
[mou] Blackburnian warbler- not
The bird I reported earlier today as a blackburnian warbler was misidentified. I did not see the bird myself and was going on the ID that was given to me and seemed plausible with the information I had. Thanks to those of you who wrote to me and very politely suggested that ID was extremely unlikely. I asked Roger to look at a picture of a male varied thrush and whalaa- that is what he has. Sorry for the erroneous information posted earlier. Anyone wanting to see this bird should contact Roger directly at 320-354-2418. It is just east of Sibley Park in Kandiyohi county. Randy Frederickson Willmar
[mou] Black swan- Kandiyohi county
On Saturday and Sunday there was a black swan on the north end of Nest Lake in Kandiyohi county. Although this bird is native to Australia, and obviously an escapee from a breeder, it is still an interesting bird. This bird appeared to be a juvenile, based on the lighter shade of black and lack of white on wing. It was loosely associating with four Trumpeter swans. I do not know if the lake froze over last night in the cold conditions or if the birds blew away in the gale, but for updates you may contact Dean or Marriette Lovold at 320 796-2100. The bird can be viewed from their yard. (If you search for these swans please be careful not to disturb them- we do not have Trumpeter swans on our CBC). Randy Frederickson Willmar
[mou] Hawk owl- Chippewa county
One of those buggers finally got down this way! I have not seen this bird but it was reported from the refuge manager at Lac que Parle Wildlife Refuge as being present for the past several days. Directions are from the refuge headquarters, located on county road 33. From the headquarters go east on cty 33 for 1/2 mi Take a left (N) on 32 go down the hill and across the bridge The bird is about 1/2 mi past the bridge and has been hunting from power lines and power poles Again, I have not been here, so hope these directions make sense. Randy Frederickson Willmar P.s. Thanks to our local DNR guys for giving me/us a heads up!
[mou] Red phalarope
When I left Salt Lake at noon today 9/12, the phalarope was only about 50 yards from the road, in excellent light (same location as previously mentioned), and had only moved about 15 yards in the 2+ hours I was there. 15 species of shorebirds seen on the lake including the other 2 phalarope species. About 38 red necked phalaropes on the south and southwest side of the lake. After looking at them I returned to the red phalarope to compare notes. (No other phalaropes associating with the red while I was there). Great find Peder and Phil; thanks for posting so quickly! Randy Frederickson Willmar
