Minnesota River Valley Audubon Chapter Field trip report April 27, 28, 29, 2011
Martin & Faribault counties We encountered lots of wind and some rain over the three days. But did find a few interesting species, including the previously reported White-faced Ibis. Here are some of the species our group observed: 4/27 - Faribault county Wild Turkey Barred Owl Pileated Woodpecker Hermit Thrush Swamp Sparrow Yellow-headed Blackbird 4/28 - Martin County Snow Goose - several observed at the Ceylon Sewage ponds Western Grebe - several observed at Budd Lake White-faced Ibis - Note previous posting for location and that the birds were not relocated on the 29th at this location. Osprey Merlin Hudsonian Godwit - Three Hudsonian Godwits were in a flooded field along CR 50, just West of Minnesota Highway 15. There were also Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs and a single Pectoral Sandpiper present at this spot. Also note that other observers did not see the Godwit's on the 29th, but there were still other shorebirds at this location. Eurasian Collared Dove -A single bird was observed and heard in the town of Granada. Hermit Thrush Brown Thrasher Harris's Sparrow - One 4/29 - Martin & Faribault Counties We began the morning with an unsuccessful attempt to relocate the previously reported Spotted Towhee in the town of Fairmont. Thanks go out to Ed for posting this species. Red-necked Grebe - Wells Sewage ponds - on the South side of the South pond. Eared Grebe - Wells sewage ponds - same pond as the Red-necked Grebe Western Grebe - 100+, were observed at Minnesota Lake. Cattle Egret - We relocated the previously posted Cattle Egret along the East side of 405th Ave., at 4:00 pm. The bird was still present at 4:30, when we departed. Although, it had moved somewhat to the North, after a stray cat walked through the area it was feeding in. Sharp-shinned Hawk Broad-winged Hawk Barred Owl Chimney Swift Swallow's - There were large numbers of Tree Swallows migrating through today, in addition to a lesser number of Barn Swallows. Also observed a single Purple Martin, Bank and Northern Rough-winged Swallow. Ruby-crowned Kinglet Brown Thrasher Nashville Warbler Yellow-rumped Warbler - lots White-throated Sparrow - Two Eastern Meadowlark - Martin county Craig Mandel Minnetonka, Hennepin County egretc...@msn.com<mailto:egretc...@msn.com> ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html