[mou-net] Black Crowned Night Heron in Duluth.
Observed a night heron on the backside of Hearding Island last night. There is a marina next to Hearding Island. Walk around the backside of the marina, (still public property here I believe). The bird was foraging across the boat channel on the shoreline of Hearding Island. I would have posted this last evening, but the bird's plumage was throwing me for a loop. Thanks to Bob Dunlap and John Longhenry for helping me to identify the bird as a black crowned night heron. The reason I'm posting the info is because this is typically a difficult bird to find in the Duluth area and maybe it will still be there. Towards sunset, it did fly way up into a poplar tree on the island, and looked like it was going to spend the night. I'll post an image in the showcase for review. Regards, Shawn Zierman. 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] Wilson's Snipe
Observed a wilson's snipe two days ago, (2/5/13), in Duluth. The snipe did not leave the area when I approached, though it did fly around a bit, and nearly landed right next to a river otter that was watching it. Anyway, that was cool, and a decent sighting for February. Regards, Shawn Zierman. 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] Harlequin Duck in Duluth.
Completed the death march from the airport at Minnesota Point to the first breakwater on the Minnesota side. Was rewarded with a Harlequin Duck foraging along the breakwater. If anyone wants to take a quack at sexing the bird for me, I'd appreciate it.No prize though...sorry. Also 50+bohemian waxwings at the point by the airport on my way out. Also pockets of Pine Grosbeaks at the point and in West Duluth. Check the showcase on MOU for a pic of the Harlequin Regards, Shawn Zierman. 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] Pine Grosbeaks descend on Duluth, and other stuff...
Tooled around Duluth a bit for today and easily found over 100+ Pine Grosbeaks. The world is apparently their oyster and many bellied up to the ornamental crab apple buffet. Others dined on the plentiful ash and maple seeds. I found several scattered groups of Pine Grosbeaks including one flock of at least 60 birds. Generally, most of the action on the ground centered around crabapple trees. At one point this morning, in one crabapple tree, I observed an American Robin, several Pine Grosbeaks, a Rusty Blackbird(!), and a Common Redpoll...all in the tree at the same time. While hardly doing an adequate job paying attention, I also observed a couple hundred Tundra Swans migrating way up there, 2 Bohemian Waxwings, 30+Common Redpolls, 10+American Tree Sparrows, 15+Rough Legged Hawks, and 50+Bald Eagles. Coincidentally or not, with all the eagles flying around, I also found a fresh, (still warm), dead American Coot on top of an iced over puddle on the side of the road. I of course immediately thought it was a dovekie, or some type of pelagic seabird, because if I ever do find one of those, I'm sure it will be dead on the side of the road when it's freezing cold out. Besides, I'm not used to identifying dead coots on the side of the road, so it was an easy mistake to make. I'm not into avian forensics, but I really would like to know what happened to that coot Fun day to be out! Regards, Shawn Zierman. 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] Hoary/Common Redpoll
To those interested in such things. I just posted an image of a side by side Hoary and Common Redpoll on the showcase section of MOU. Just interesting to compare the two when they are in the same frame. Regards, Shawn Zierman. Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Snowy Owl West Duluth....
Had some really nice viewing of a snowy owl hunting at 8PM tonight, right by StoraEnso, (Ramsey Street) in Duluth. The owl was using the billboards on the highway to perch on. It was pretty active and fairly easy to view thanks to all the street/highway lights in the area. Sadly, this was one of the Twin Port's several molested owls, with it's head spray painted by a local owl nabber, er... I mean researcher. :) Oh well, still a gorgeous bird. Regards, Shawn Zierman. 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] Posting locations of owls...
To any who cares to respondI'm wondering why it's acceptable and praised to post locations of an out of range bird that may or may not be stressed due to being in a possibly challenging climate, (Tropical Kingbird in Duluth for example), but worriesome to post locations of owls? Is it ethical to support increased carbon footprints being left all over the state so a person can pad their state list? I don't know, but... this seems like some type of double standard to me. I do not have an issue with anyone posting locations of rarities or owls, but the seemingly double standard perplexes me...? Regards and feedback appreciated, Shawn Zierman. 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] Posting locations of owls...
I do feed mice to owls, and for me, in regards to the way that I go about it, I have no ethical dillemas. I started doing this last year and will continue to do it in the future. I also feed seeds to chickadees, suet to woodpeckers, potica to crows, and trail mix to gray jays. I will continue to do that as well. I don't think asking about double standards in regards to posting locations of owls and posting locations of rarities is ridiculous. There are more than a few seemingly double standards in the birding community and I find myself curious, so I ask for feedback. I think there has been some excellent discussion and feedback regarding posting the location of owls, and I respect and appreciate that. Thank you to all who have entered into the discussion. My apologies to those who cannot nor ever will accept my offering live mice to owls. My interactions with wildlife are very personal and not meant to offend anyone else at large. Regards, Shawn Zierman. 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] Regarding Whooping Crane Ethics...
First let me state that I'm not trying to start an argument, just looking to gain insight into this compelling scenario. I appreciate people that put forth the time and effort to be in the field and then share sightings of the birds that they see. I did not go look for the cranes. I've never chased after any birds south of Carlton Countyyet. I can easily tell from the posts about the cranes and subsequent ethical issues, that the posters care deeply for their subjects of interest. That is very admirable, uncommon in this day and of age of mass disconnection from the natural world, and deserved of respect. So it is with that background of thought that I am putting forth these questions. I do make a few assertions that are merely opinions and perceptions. Basically, I am just looking for greater insight into this situation because I am at a point in my relationship with nature where developing my own ethical guidelines is an ever increasing matter of importance. I readily admit that I've made many mistakes in regards to ethical scenarios regarding birds thus far. No one is perfect, and I am certainly part of the no one in that sense. But, I seek to do better, and with that in mind, any feedback to these questions will be greatly appreciated. 1: In the original posting about the cranes, the poster stated that the birds were in a wetland. Later, in the same post, the writer states his wish that people not trespass into the field or wetland. So, is there, (was there) a No Trespassing sign posted? Is this private property? Because if it's not private property, what law is being broken by entering the area? 2: If there are No Trespassing signs, did the poster have a dialogue with the land owner prior to posting the sighting? Knowing full well of course that a number of people would visit the area, I would think this paramount. Frankly, if he did not, that, in and of itself was unethical in my opinion. Similar to obtaining permission from homeowners to post information about a rare bird being seen at their feeder 3: If this was private property, how does ANYBODY know that the individual photographing the birds was not the owner of said property??? Or, did not have permission from the owner to go into the field??? 4: Is it not a HUGE assumption (unless the individual's identity was already known by the poster who took his picture/license plate picture), that the person in question went to the field based on information posted on the MOU? Whooping Cranes are huge, white, and very noticeable. Anybody might have been driving by that area, (and or observed others with optics viewing the birds), and been interested in what was going on, and made a subsequent approach on the birds, possibly even unaware of their endangered status... 5. In his post on MOU about wether or not he should put the photos of the individual on his website, the writer only states that the person was in the field next to the cranes. He does not state wether the cranes were moving away from that location and the individual was pursuing them...If not, how can this be construed as harassment? For all that is known, based on the posts on MOU, the cranes did not mind the presence of the individual in the least and there was zero harassment going on. 6. Why in the world, if so bothered by the activity of the photographer, did the MOU poster not attempt to have a dialogue with the person about his concerns? Honestly, the way this has played out, seems to portray birders (over generalizing quite a bit there), as elitist snobs, who believe their way of interacting with wildlife is the only appropriate way. I can envision a number of scenarios where the photographer was just struck by the sheer beauty of the subjects and wanted to be closer, with nothing but the purest of motivations. Why must the worst be assumed, i.e. selfish, un-ethical. There are millions of people in this country that don't even know what a whooping crane is, why vilify somebody who obviously recognized something special in the natural world and wanted to get close? Regards, Shawn Zierman. 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] Random thoughts regarding the showcase section of MOU.
Hello all, As a frequent contributor to the showcase section of MOU, I wanted to share a few thoughts regarding recent activity/inactivity in that part of the MOU website. 1: I don't believe the rules/guidelines for that section have changed. A contribution of 1 image every 24 hour time period is the limit that the MOU has set. So, for example, to post six images in one day exceeds that limit... 2: Any birders that are seduced into wandering into Wisconsin and happen to get some wonderful images of say a jaeger speciesdon't lament! MOU has got you covered. All you have to do is go the homepage of MOU, open galleries, scroll down and open photo gallery world, then post your sweet images of those elusive species in the Wisconsin section. Then you can direct folks to go look there. The two cool things about doing that are people get to see those images, and possible increased participation in that section of MOUsweet!! 3: I encourage everyone to post images in the showcase section of MOU, regardless of wether or not someone else has recently posted the same species. For example, buff breasted sandpipers, can a person ever look at enough images of this species??!!! I say no. Fill the showcase section of MOU with images of buff breasted sandpipers. The world will be a better place for it! Regards, Shawn Zierman. 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 Winged Scoter, Gray Jay...Park Point, Duluth.
6/1/11: Nice mix of shorebirds at Minnesota Point on this evening, including: Ruddy Turnstone, Sanderling, Semi Palmated Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper, and one White Rumped Sandpiper. The shorebirds were mostly present on the lakeside of Minnesota Point, from the airport to the Wisconsin Entry. At approximately 08:15 a gray jay was observed moving towards the soccer field, hugging the bayside shoreline by the airport...I've got a flight shot of the bird for any doubters. Shortly there after, a white winged scoter was observed hanging out very friendly like with some scaup. To see an average picture of the bird (where unfortunately the whites of the scaup are completely blown), check the showcase section of MOU. Regards, Shawn Zierman. 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 Throated Loon, Duluth.
Found a red throated loon twenty feet from shore off Minnesota Point, halfway between the breakwater and the airport. If you would like to see a picture, check the showcase section of MOU. Regards, Shawn Zierman. 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] Marbled Godwit at Park Point, (Duluth).
This evening there was a marbled godwit at the park point recreation area and adjacent beach areas on the bay side. This is the third marbled godwit that I've observed at park point this spring. Shorebirds are beginning to show up in the Duluth area. This morning a large flock, 50+, of sanderlings was observed, as well as five ruddy turnstones, on the lake side of Minnesota Point. Regards, Shawn Zierman. 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] Stickney Road, another perspective...
First, my deepest sympathy to the original poster, Chris Edwardson and to the subsequent others who have had negative experiences with the gentleman from Stickney Road. Your experiences must have been unnerving to say the least and that is very unfortunate. Thank you to Ben Yokel for the thoughtful and tasteful recommendation. Your advice was very reasonable and sensitively put sir, good work! I've spent (hundreds?) of hours in the bog over the last few years and have never had a run in with anyone local that was anything less than pleasant, then again, I've never gone down Stickney Road. Please consider that the gentleman being discussed in this forum might have some type of PTSD, or possibly a thought disorder. A sensitive approach is certainly in order whatever the case may be. This man has had pictures of his home taken and posted on the internet by at least one MOU member. I can only imagine the stress that he was under during the 2005 owl invasion, what with strangers from all over the country appearing outside his property with spotting scopes and binoculars. The way(s) in which he is choosing to deal with stress are obviously inappropriate, and yes, it's important to keep law enforcement updated on inappropriate behavior for the safety of all concerned. Consider though that this is a public forum, where all messages can be viewed by anyone with a computer. So, now we have a clearly paranoid individual who may or may not be aware that suggestions are being made on MOU that law enforcement officers pose as birders, in some type of sting operation. He is being called an idiot who could have committed a fifth degree assault. Another poster made the suggestion that he might kill someone, followed by another post suggesting he might kill a car full of birders(!!) How do these comments do anything to diffuse this difficult situation? Again, my thanks to Ben Yokel for your sensitive and helpful advice, it's helpful and reflects positively on the MOU. Take care out there, be safe, and may the sun be at your back with the birds in your field of view. Regards, Shawn Zierman. 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] Sax Zim Bog.
Today within a thirty mile radius in the bog: 3 black billed magpies 2 northern hawk owls 1 great gray owl 4 black backed woodpeckers 2 gray jays 1 rough legged hawk numerous pine grosbeaks fly over redpolls. Regards, Shawn Zierman. 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] Bohemian Waxwings, Pine Grosbeaks in Hibbing.
To anyone in the Hibbing area that is interested, today I observed approximately 70+ Bohemian Waxwings, and 25 Pine Grosbeaks in Hibbing in the vacinity the courthouse. A more exact location to look for the birds would be 16th street and 15th avenue east. There are many crabapple trees in the area, and at different times of the day it took some looking to find the birds as they moved around a six block radius quite a bit. If you go looking, just scan the tops of the taller deciduous trees to look for the waxwings clumped up in between feeding frenzies. The pine grosbeaks will be scattered about and at times mingled in with the waxwings. If you don't see them, make sure to shut your vehicle off and get out and listen every so often as their trills and whistles can be heard from some distance away. And Merry Christmas! Regards, Shawn Zierman. Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Black Scoter, Bohemian Waxwings, in Duluth.
The male black scoter,(originally found by Kim Eckert I believe), is still out at Minnesota Point on the bay side by the soccer field, as of 08:00 this morning. Also, at the corner of Arlington Avenue, and Central Avenue Entrance, there was a flock of approximately 15 bohemian waxwings present at about 10:00 AM. The waxwings were feeding on some of the many fruit bearing trees by the multi story apartment complex located at this intersection. This seems to be a good place to look for Bohemians, I remember just a few years the ago Michael Hendrickson turned up a very sizeable flock of birds at the same location. Regards, Shawn Zierman. Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Male Black Scoter in Duluth.
This morning there was a male black scoter in Duluth. The bird was seen on the bayside of Minnesota Point near the soccer fields adjacent to the airport. This was a lifer for me and a rather beautiful one at that :) Bird present from 08:00 to at least 09:30, I tried to show a most gracious birder (Hi Mel!) the bird, but it evaded us. It was noted to periodically associate with the goldeneyes while feeding 30 to 50 yards off shore. I will post a picture of the bird in the showcase section of MOU. Regards, Shawn Zierman. Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Black Scoter in Duluth...ooops!
Part of my excitement in regards to the black scoter was that I thought it was previously unfound. After I posted my image in the showcase section of MOU, I saw that Mr. Eckert was all over this birdyesterday. Anyway, still cool, and perhaps it will stick around a bit :) Regards, Shawn Zierman. 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] Cattle Egret on North Shore.
Spent the morning birding from Duluth to Two Harbors. Counted at least 300+ snow buntings between the two cities. That is a conservative estimate. One flock had close to that many birds in it, plus several smaller flocks of 10 to 15 birds. Also encountered two gray jays right outside of Two Harbors heading back to Duluth. On scenic hwy 61 in between the French River and the Mcquade small craft landing area, I encountered a cattle egret. The first time I drove by, I thought it was a lawn ornament. It was exciting to finally get a north shore cattle egret as I have missed out on previous ones. It was also slightly melancholy, as it was clear this bird is not sure where it is, though it ambles along the ditches on the residential side of 61, snatching at who knows whatearthworms? It wanders around the different yards, walking up a driveway or two as if it belonged. I'll post an image of the bird in the showcase section later tonight. I believe that the area I'm describing still falls within St. Louis County...? There was also a lone bohemian waxwing in a mountain ashberry tree right next to the french river. I would not be surprised if the egret stuck around for a day or two. Regards, Shawn Zierman. 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] Scaup id experts...
I just posted an image of a very cooperative (female/juvenile?) scaup in the showcase section of MOU. If anyone has ideas about the scaup being a greater or a lesser, I'd love for you to backchannel me. Thanks in advance. I'm currently labeling it a greater because that seems to be the consensus currently. Regards, Shawn Zierman. 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] 50 Stilt Sandpipers in Duluth.
A lovely evening on the St. Louis River tonight with 50 stilt sandpipers putting on a show. Other migrants included: 1 shortbilled dowitcher, 3 pectoral sandpipers, several least sandpipers, 3+ semipalmated sandpipers, 10+ semipalmated plovers, 3 lesser yellowlegs, 20+ blue wing teal, and the local gang of turkey vultures :) Over the next few days I will feature images of this lovely night in the showcase section of MOU. Regards, and live the migration, if only vicariously. Shawn Zierman. 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] Common Grackle in Duluth.
There is a warming pond by the St. Louis River on the outskirts of the Riverside Community (Duluth), that had a Common Grackle in it today. From reviewing recent LOON accounts, I know that this is a fairly early date for this species to be found in a northern county. This pond has been open all winter long and I wonder if the bird overwintered there. Are there known accounts of common grackles overwintering in St. Louis County? Feedback would be most appreciated. Regards, Shawn Zierman. Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
[mou-net] Black backed woodpeckers in Hedbom Bog.
This evening I had the pleasure of running into two cool dudes from Iowa while birding in the Hedbom Bog by Floodwood. I had already observed and photographed a male black backed woodpecker before meeting the gentlemen from Iowa. They asked if I'd seen any woodpeckers so we gave it another go and discovered two males and one female foraging in close proximity of one another (on the left hand side of the road as you drive in). This is the largest congregation of this species I've encountered this year. There is also still a northern hawk owl at this location, unfortunately I was unable to observe the owl hunting during the three hours I watched it. The owl did follow me around however, like literally follow me around, everywherecurious. Stark contrast from the behavior I had the fortune of observing from this owl after I first discovered it back in December. If you would like to see an image of the male blackbacked woodpecker check out the showcase section of MOU. There is now about a mile to two mile section of Hedbom Rd. that has been plowe, coming in from the Floodwood side, then you have to follow other vehicle tracks in. There is a spot to turn around near but before the classic woodpecker workings area. If you go, I would still strongly suggest only going with a four wheel drive or at least all wheel drive vehicle and get yourself turned around at the turn around spot, it's VERY difficult to get turned around elsewhere without running the risk of getting stuck. Once your vehicle is turned around just walk down the road, the hawk owl hangs out on the right hand side of the road in a couple acre clear cut area, woodpeckers typically on the right. Regards, Shawn Zierman. 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] Bohemians in Duluth!!
After going through much personal torment from reading postings about bohemian waxwings sightings here or there, and seeing little evidence, this weekend they decended upon my neck of the Duluth woods (Riverside). What cheer these birds bring. What boisterous banter and feasting they exhibit. Is there a species that can give one goosebumps more intense than the coldest winter chill? I think not. They are the reward for enduring the cold. They are the pot of gold (or in their case tans, russet, yellow, blacks, whites, and reds!) at the end of the snowstorm. Can you tell I adore this species? At most sixty Bohemians with at least half as many cedar waxwings, and 15 hardy robins relieved the mountain ash trees of their berry load in Riverside/Duluth today. To celebrate this wonderful event, (though I know it hardly competes with white winged doves and black headed grosbeaks!!!), I will post pictures of these wonderful birds on the showcase section of MOU. May as many or more Bohemians come your way! Good Birding. Regards, Shawn Zierman. 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] Waxwings in Two Harbors leads to unexpected find.
Every once in a while, during the search, something unexpected turns up. While following up on a recent post by Mr. Lind regarding waxwings in Two Harbors, (and thanks Jim, I found the waxwings,) I came upon a most unexpected animal. While walking a path at Lighthouse Point, I spied a pine martin! And the irony is that the pine martin was in a mountain ash tree, much like the many I had scanned to find the waxwings. Seems this pine martin had a hankering for the taste of mountain ash berries, as it consumed many while I watched it. Even more ironic, after the pine martin left the area, a bunch of cedar waxwings showed up in the same tree to have their fill! If you would like to see a picture of this pine martin in it's mountain ash berry tree, just ask, and I'll shoot you an email. Good Birding to you, and whatever else comes your way while your at it! Regards, Shawn Zierman. 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] More observations of a Hawk Owl.
Spent some more time with the hawk owl from Hedbom Bog this afternoon. Once again, the owl proved intolerant of gray jays. This must be related to the cached voles that this owl has in the area and it's concern with gray jays stealing from it. The owl was mobbed by seven white winged crossbills for over fifteen minutes and never flinched. A male black backed woodpecker and at least two hairy woodpeckers came relatively close to the owl and it only eyed them up. But, a gray jay comes to the edge of a clearing near the owl and quick as a flash the owl was chasing the bird away. Then came an unexpected, exciting, but brief event. The owl was perched some twenty feet off the ground on a long horizontal perch extending from an isolated spruce tree in a clear cut area. Suddenly the owl, who was about three feet away from the main trunk of the tree, quickly hopped right next to the trunk of the tree, it's face toward the trunk and it's body flush with the trunk so that it appeared to be nearly flat up against the trunk. It then appeared to elongate it's body, pressing up against the trunk as close as it could. No sooner had this occured when a gorgeous Northern Goshawk, in perfect evening light, flew into this clear cut area and glided past the owl and myself. Clearly the owl sensed a threat from the Goshawk and saw it long before I ever did. Which of course led me to wonder if goshawks have predated on hawk owls before. Whatever the case may be, this owl clearly did not wish to tempt fate. Another fine evening in the Hedbom Bog. Good Birding to you, Regards, Shawn Zierman. 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] Observations of a Hawk Owl...
The Northern Hawk Owl that I happened upon today provided some interesting moments. Most notably was the way in which it interacted with the local gray jay family. By interaction, I actually mean complete lack of tolerance. The owl was working a recently logged area in the middle of a bog. Every and anytime the jays were within earshot, the hawk owl was after them. At one point, I had lost view of the owl and was trying to pish the jays in and one responded, coming in quite close to investigate. The jay was sizing me up, when suddenly it gave a sharp AAAPP!! (That's what it sounded like), and took off just in time for me to hear a swooosh coming over my head. The hawk owl was in hot pursuit and appeared falcon like in it's banking and maneuverability. The owl was relentless in driving the jays away. I considered this for a while as I watched and marveled. Was the owl trying to catch and eat the jay? Perhaps. Are there records of hawk owls catching and eating gray jays? Would love to hear if anyone knows. But then I observed something that I really found interesting. The owl, in between bouts of jay chasing, removed a cached vole from a tree and flew to another tree and re-cached the vole under some peeled bark and lichen in the fork of the tree some twenty feet off the ground. I wonder if the jays, clever as they are, have been watching where this owl has been caching voles, and might not be stealing from the owl when the opportunity presents itself? Like squirrels who watch where other squirrels cache their nuts. Would jays eat a vole? Interesting to say the least. Towards the end of my observing the owl, it caught another vole and cached it eight feet off the ground, on the SIDE of a tree, in a crevice created by peeling bark. The owl had to hang on to the side of the tree like a woodpecker while it worked the vole into the crack, only thing showing when it was done was the tail and hind feet of the vole. During my watching the owl, it cached three voles in three different trees including the re-cached vole. And there are a lot of voles in this area. I counted five that skirted my footsteps during the day. While in this area (Hedbom Bog) on the St. Louis County side, I also observed two male black backed woodpeckers, common redpolls (a few), red crossbills (a few), american gold finches, and one pine grosbeak. When the finches (or the ravens) saw the hawk owl, they would circle around it and chatter in their own ways. All in all, a very enjoyable way to spend a very seasonable November Day. Good Birding to you. And, if interested, I'll post a picture of today's owl in the showcase section of MOU. Regards, Shawn Zierman. 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] Motherly Love and the northern flicker....
If the title interested you, check out the showcase section of MOU, and good birding to ya. Regards, Shawn Zierman. **Make your summer sizzle with fast and easy recipes for the grill. (http://food.aol.com/grilling?ncid=emlcntusfood0006) 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] Blackburnian Warbler in Duluth....
Weird day, was out agate hunting and first it was snowing, then it was raining, then it got sunny :) Anyway, if you like Blackburnian warblers checkout the showcase section for one from today in Duluth. Regards, Shawn Zierman. **Dell Mini Netbooks: Great deals starting at $299 after instant savings! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222627952x1201458914/aol?redir=http:%2F%2Fad.doubleclick.net%2Fclk%3B214819460%3B36680227%3Bi) 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] An evening with the Bonapartes, (Duluth).
5/10/09, Headed to a potential shorebird site in Duluth and was pleasantly welcomed by the toy like sound of the Bonapartes Gull. I usually hear this species before I see it, there call is unmistakable. During spring migration I typically get one or two opportunities to observe this species at close range if they stage at these mudflats and I actually thought I had missed out this year, so I was very excited that I had not. I approached the gulls, approximately 120 birds, as slowly as I could and luckily they let me get very close. Of course I had to crawl on my stomach in the mud, but cmon, these are Bonapartes gulls in breeding plumage, worth some getting dirty in my opinion :) These gulls are very enjoyable to watch, such a social tight knit group. I was having quite the time until some young boys somewhere back on shore decided it might be fun to hit golf balls at myself and the gulls. One ball finally landed quite close to myself and half the Bonapartes immediately took flight. Luckily this satisfied the boys who were easily heard congratulating whoever hit the final shot. The silver lining to that disturbing part of the story was that I then got to watch the gulls that flew gain extreme elevation and circle above us, literally dots in the sky. Then came the exciting part, one at a time the gulls decided to drop, and I mean drop, out of the sky to take their respective places back on the mudflat. I'd seen them maneuver like this before, it's astonishing. The Bonapartes literally cut the sky and wind with such speed and sharp banking maneuvers that you can hear the birds descend. If you've never seen or heard it, it's quite a site. I could not help but feel sorry for the few ringbilled gulls out there that tried to show off some of their flight skills, pitiful in comparison. Anyway, I'll post a few pictures in the showcase section of MOU over the next few days from this wonderful evening. There were a few yellowlegs out there, but no other shorebirds. The yellowlegs busted out there song (not call but song) a few times, what a goosebump inducing experience that was. Regards, and enjoy the migration. Shawn Zierman. **An Excellent Credit Score is 750. See Yours in Just 2 Easy Steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222585010x1201462743/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072hmpgID=62bcd=May Excfooter51109NO62) 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] Smith's Longspur in Duluth...
See the showcase section of MOU. **Worried about job security? Check out the 5 safest jobs in a recession. (http://jobs.aol.com/gallery/growing-job-industries?ncid=emlcntuscare0003) 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] Meadowlark in Duluth.....
Did a snippet of birding today and discovered a meadowlark at the soccer fields at the Park Point Recreational Area in Duluth today. Pretty good bird to turn up in March in Duluth. The bird was walking all over the field while constantly flicking it's outer white tail feathers in and out. There were also two killdeer on the frozen field. Shawn Zierman. **Feeling the pinch at the grocery store? Make meals for Under $10. (http://food.aol.com/frugal-feasts?ncid=emlcntusfood0002) 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] Communing with the Redpolls...
After a few days of thinning out in my area of Duluth, the redpolls were back in my yard this afternoon in good numbers. This evening I decided to go out and spend some time with them. With the onset of the rough weather, these birds only had minds for feeding so I decided to try some hand feeding. In less than five minutes I had three birds on and in my hand eating thistle with other birds landing on my head. This was the first time I had tried to hand feed these birds and it was wy too fun and easy. I wore no gloves so it was great to feel their little claws on my hand as they moved about. It was also interesting to watch up close how they would settle disputes if one bird came in and tried to displace another bird from my hand. I will miss these birds so much when they are gone. Even my daughter, who is usually less than enthused about my bird obsession was enthralled with our opportunities to get up close and personal with the Redpolls. Life is good, even when the weather is not :) Take care and happy birding. Shawn Zierman. **Worried about job security? Check out the 5 safest jobs in a recession. (http://jobs.aol.com/gallery/growing-job-industries?ncid=emlcntuscare0002) 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] Sax/Zim, and to celebrate redpolls.
Yesterday 2/2/09, Sax/Zim Bog: 2 Bald Eagles 1 Rough Legged Hawk, Cranberry Ln. 1 Northern Hawk Owl, 1/2 mile south of West Melrude Rd. off the West side of Hwy 53 at 4:00 PM. 2 Rough Grouse 1 Black Billed Magpie Several Ravens Several Crows 3 Black Backed Woodpeckers, all female, all on McDavitt Rd. 1 Three Toed Woodpecker, female, McDavitt Rd. Pine Grosbeaks, many more females and or young males, than adult males now. 10 White Winged Crossbills, Arkola Rd. 2 Boreal Chickadees, Arkola Rd. 100's of Common Redpolls, easily surpassing my own highest counts in the bog this winter. 30 Snow Buntings, Hwy 7. Gray Jays, Arkola Rd. and Admiral Rd. Lastly, in celebration of the fantastic winter redpoll event, I will be posting a picture a day of Common or Hoary Redpolls, for the remainder of March, in the Showcase Section of MOU. I have been enthralled with the experience of being able to observe so many redpolls for such a duration of time. I have become a bit redpoll obsessed and will surely miss them when they depart. Spring beckons.:) Shawn Zierman. **Worried about job security? Check out the 5 safest jobs in a recession. (http://jobs.aol.com/gallery/growing-job-industries?ncid=emlcntuscare0002) 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] Hoary Redpoll at the Admiral Rd. feeder...
I had the pleasure of meeting some birding legends in the Sax/Zim Bog today. I learned new words, gained insight into subspecies, and had an all round good time getting very cold from the waist down :) There was a Hoary Redpoll that would occasionally come into the Admiral Rd. feeder and I am posting the best image that I was able to get of the bird in the Showcase section of MOU, (as promised :) The image is not as sharp as I would like, but I think the image still clearly shows a Hoary Redpoll. And again, I would like to publicly thank Jason Mandich for getting the Admiral Rd. feeder going, he's a cool dude, of course that does not suprise me being that he is from Hibbing, m any cool dudes come from Hibbing! Take care out there. Shawn Zierman. **A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/10075x1215855013x1201028747/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072%26hmpgID=62%26bcd=De cemailfooterNO62) 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] Birding and bird photography....
Normally I shy away from these type of threads because of the emotions that are involved, but like someone I know says You gotta stand for something in life, otherwise you're gonna stand for nothing. :) Let's face it, there are reasonable and sound opinions on both side of the (baiting) issue in raptor photography. It's a gray world. I have followed these types of threads before and find myself agreeing with both sides of the argument, to some extent. I have never baited an owl, but I've certainly thought about it, and can understand why one might do it. I have seen ALOT of owl images through my participation in an online nature photography website, and what I really like is when the photographer denotes if the subject was baited or not. Then, depending on your stance, you can make your own value judgements with full knowledge of how the image was created. I have seen many AWESOME and DRAMATIC images of owls, (that if the photographer is to be believed), did not result from baiting the subject, but rather through time spent, knowledge of the subject, dedication, and LUCK! I have also seen many AWESOME and DRAMATIC images of owls that were a direct result of baiting. I was really hoping that this year's Sax/Zim birding festival was going to have some type of photography component to it, with knowledgeable instructors that could lead a field trip focused on bird photography, (I heard rumors that it might last year), in order to build understanding and mutual respect between birders and bird photographers and everything in between, as well as promote how much fun bird photography can be in conjuction with birding. We have some very talented bird photographers in this state, that are members of this MOU community, as well as many talented birders, all are no doubt caring and ethical folks to varying degrees. Personally, I think MOU does an excellent job of bringing bird watching and bird photography together for an excellent well rounded website experience. There will always be individuals, who for whatever reason, go a little to far (ethically), and Sparky is right, there needs to be dialouge with those folks to promote mutual understanding from both sides of the debate. Just as an aside, I put up an image in the showcase section of MOU that is part of a series of images that I took of a hawk owl hover hunting in the bog. No bait was used. I watched the owl for three hours while standing in knee deep snow and had the great luck of the owl hover hunting close by. Bird photography is similar to birding from the aspect of time spent equals results. Anyway, I'm starting to ramble, take care out there, and good birding to ya! Shawn Zierman. **Inauguration '09: Get complete coverage from the nation's capital. (http://news.aol.com/main/politics/inauguration?ncid=emlcntusnews0003) Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
