[mou-net] Lark Sparrow, Dakota C, 140th st. Marsh
A very cooperative Lark Sparrow was foraging the roadside of the marsh late this morning, giving ample time to examine its harlequin facial pattern and colors. I had just been to Spring Lake Park Reserve on Pine Bend Trail, looking for this species without success, though it was a treat to hear Orchard Oriole singing there. At the marsh, I stopped to look at a Yellow Warbler on the fence. Two Lark Sparrows appeared on the edge of the road in front of the car. One entered the grass, but the other remained in the road, seeming on high alert, for a few minutes until I drove off. It seems the compromised habitat can still hold some pleasant surprises Linda Whyte General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html 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] Red-headed Woodpecker and more, Dakota C, Rachel Lilly Preserve
At Rachel Lilly Preserve this morning, a Red-headed Woodpecker was scouting the recently burned main prairie, to the delight of the St. Paul Audubon group I was leading. Originally, it was spotted in the oak trees on the west side of the stream before flying off. At that point the walk was due to end, so many folks headed back toward the cars, but a few stuck with me, in hopes of better views and also an actual look at the vociferous but elusive Brown Thrasher. The lingering birders were not disappointed on either count. Heading south parallel to the stream with the greening prairie on our west, we were treated to repeated performances of the Red-Headed Woodpecker's survey. It flew from one isolated shrub to another, seeming to glean food from the slender trunks. Between trees, it would drop briefly into the growing grasses; we couldn't have asked for more or better views. Apparently, the recent burn made the habitat worth at least a visit by the species, so kudos to Dodge Nature Center and its volunteers. As for the Brown Thrasher, we did finally see it, on the south side of the main prairie, bordering the north side of the lake. It flew from upper canopy down into shrubs on the hillside, where it was joined by another, possibly a mate. Meanwhile, we had seen more waterfowl from the lake dock, which had Wood Ducks, as well as Blue-winged Teal. As with the Baltimore Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Tennessee Warbler, and Common Yellowthroat, the Thrasher was only briefly viewed, though often heard. More cooperative species included Indigo Bunting, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Eastern Wood Pewee, Eastern Kingbird, Eastern Bluebird, American Redstart, Tree Swallow, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Gray Catbird, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, and Wild Turkey. There were flyovers by Bald Eagle, Broad-winged Hawk, Green Heron and, for the last few birders, American Pelican. Some species were heard only, like Eastern Phoebe, Yellow and Chestnut-sided Warblers, Nashville and Tennessee Warblers, and Red-eyed Vireo. There were other, more common and expected, species noted as well, bringing the species total to over 30. Thanks to the great group of birders, who made this hike so productive and fun ! Linda Whyte General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html 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.
Re: [mou-net] Salt Lake Weekend 2024 - Final Tally - 130 species
And special thanks to you, too, Jason, for heading up this year's fun ! Making arrangements, keeping things organized, plus leading caravans, takes Herculean effort, so we're all indebted to you! Linda Whyte On Fri, May 3, 2024 at 8:12 AM Jason Frank wrote: > Hello Birders, > > > > Our final tally for the Salt Lake Birding Weekend can be found here: > > > > https://moumn.org/saltlake/ > > > > We had 130 species this year, with upwards of 150 birders canvassing the > Lac qui Parle/Big Stone region. Morning weather was tough, but lots of > shorebirds started showing up after lunch, with Salt Lake being one of the > highlights. There we found Wilson’s Phalaropes, with Stilt Sandpipers and > Long-billed Dowitchers feeding side-by-side. All five of our core Grebe > species were located, with multiple pairs of courting Western Grebes > spotted in the Refuge and on the scattered potholes lakes of Big Stone > County. Other highlights included Sandhill Cranes, a Spotted Towhee in Big > Stone National Wildlife Refuge. Snowy and Cattle Egrets, along with > Black-necked Stilts, were located on Sunday. > > > > Shorebird migration is now peaking in the area, and there is even more > standing water in the fields than there was last weekend. > > > > Thanks again to all of our participating birders, my fellow guides Ken > Larson, Steve Weston, and Trey Weaver, and to the cities of Marietta and > Madison, the Marietta Legion Auxiliary, Madison Mercantile and Kris > Shelstad, and the Sons of Norway Lodge for hosting and feeding us. > > > > > > Jason Frank > > Ortonville MN > > > General information and guidelines for posting: > https://moumn.org/listservice.html > 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. > General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html 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] White-throated Sparrows, St. Paul
Several White-throated Sparrows blew, (probably literally), into our yard this morning, a worthy distraction from breakfast preparations. They're sharing ground space with our current Juncos, who are fewer in number of late, and granting lovely looks at their bright crown stripes and yellow lores. Linda Whyte General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html 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] Vesper Sparrows, Dakota C.
A brief visit to the 140th St marsh (RIP) turned up some very melodic Vesper Sparrows, foraging along the roadside bushes, and the roadside itself, on the east end. Their presence gave pause -and hope - for the thought that this and other species may find the hilly grasses of the landfill worth considering, at least for a stopover. It seemed to appeal to the American Tree Sparrows (and one White-crowned) this past winter. Linda Whyte General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html 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] spring arrivals, Lilydale, Dakota C
There were some FOYs to brighten the exercise walk this morning: Ruby-crowned Kinglet heard in full song, Golden-crowned Kinglet both heard and seen, and a flock of active Yellow-rumped Warblers by Pickerel Lake, foraging in the small, budding trees by the boat ramp. Linda Whyte General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html 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.
Re: [mou-net] Yellow throated warbler
Peace, Dan, Once others have reported it, and perhaps documented with photos, the listing may be corrected. Unless there's something at stake riding on your list, patience may do the trick, though this non-lister wouldn't know the protocol for corrections. Meanwhile, enjoy the fact that the bird has survived and given you the pleasure of seeing it. In this climate-change weather, many birds may do unexpected things in the face of changing conditions. Indeed, they likely always have, but now more folks are out there observing it. As someone once said, "the birds don't read the books", or maps, or lists for that matter. They do what they must to survive, and we need to support that however we can. Linda Whyte On Sat, Mar 30, 2024, 8:42 AM Dan Ahlman wrote: > Good morning > I’m emailing because of the stupidity of the board on the yellow throated > warbler reported 5/27/23. This should not have been removed from my > list!! This was seen on an MBW trip with Kim Eckert . He was standing > right with us and pointed it out to all of us!! Please make sure my re > entry of this this siting this morning is accepted! > Thanks! > Dan Ahlman > > Sent from my iPhone > > General information and guidelines for posting: > https://moumn.org/listservice.html > 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. > General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html 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] Peregrine Falcon, Ramsey C.
Seen today in the noon hour, perched at the hack box on the SE corner of the Xcel Energy Plant roof (Randolph Ave., St. Paul). Linda Whyte General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html 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] ID confirmation help, Am Pipit flock ? Dakota C.
This morning at Dennison Sewage Ponds there was, among the expected waterfowl, a large (perhaps a hundred) flock of small, brownish, very active, very vocal birds with high-pitched voices. They circled and landed frequently, and seemed to feed and drink with rapid-fire precision among rocks and at water's edge along the grass/dirt banks. They landed and rose as a flock repeatedly, in various spots, but the action was so intense I was never able to get a decent glance at any individual, no matter how many times they repeated the behaviors. I have only seen American Pipits individually, and only a handful of times, but I'm wondering if this flock's behavior matches theirs - and hoping someone else has seen them there today. Thanks for any help. Linda Whyte General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html 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.
Re: [mou-net] Pine siskin mortality
Volunteers who do transport and rescue for the Raptor Center have just been sent a reminder that Avian Influenza is still currently active in wild bird and domestic populations. Perhaps it is a consideration here, and extra sanitizing of feeders may help. Linda Whyte On Mon, Mar 18, 2024, 4:20 PM Susan Tertell wrote: > A friend of mine lives near Hinckley and has found several pine siskins > dead in her yard. There is no visible sign of injury and she is wondering > if there might be some reason - like maybe weather-related - to cause this. > > Thanks for any thoughts. > > Susan Tertell > Minneapolis > > > General information and guidelines for posting: > https://moumn.org/listservice.html > 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. > General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html 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] E. Meadowlark, Dakota C.
As of late this morning there were at least two (possibly four) E. Meadowlarks present in the southeast section of Randolph Industrial Park. They perched in a deciduous tree close to the edge of the St. Mark's church property, where they rested for several minutes, before two of them burst into song. Afterwards, they flew off toward the north part of the park. Given the extensive development there now, it seems likely they would have moved on, although the south section might still offer suitable, if marginal, habitat. In any case, the "for sale, for development" signs there don't bode well for Meadowlarks. Linda Whyte General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html 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] Red Rock Road FOY species, 2 cooperative, one less so
Among the many Canada Geese, there was at least one Cackling Goose, helpful enough to swim next to and between, some Canadas, making ID easy. In the nearest pond west of the RR tracks, one male Wood Duck perched on a branch in the water, and finally untucked his head to display his vibrant plumage. As for the lone sparrow among a small flock of Juncos, it shall remain unidentified. It moved too quickly into the wet meadow grasses, and we could only say what it probably wasn't! Linda Whyte General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html 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] Sandhill Cranes, Rachel Lilly Preserve, Dakota C
Currently feeding in NE corner of the lake, and seen from the dock on the north shore, at least one, perhaps one of 3 that circled the marsh to the south earlier. Also, a Barred Owl calling from the NE part of the property, closer to hwy 62. Linda Whyte General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html 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] Turkey Vulture, Dakota C
Seen yesterday, 1/29, sharing air space with a few Bald Eagles over Sibley Memorial Highway, just west of the 35 E bridge. It flew low over the road a few times near Acacia Cemetery, close enough to show its dihedral wing position and its red head. Linda Whyte General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html 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] trying to locate/identify 2 CBC counters from Afton SP 1/1/2024
In hopes that you use this listserve (or someone may recognize you from Facebook or the like): If you are Rachel or Nick, who helped count yesterday, please contact li...@moosewoods.us - I need your full names and a way to contact you for the future. Linda Radimecky does not have your contact info, and I'm trying to finish the day's report Thank you for participating, and I apologize for not catching the missing data on your form. Linda Whyte General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html 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] Brown Pelican post
The recent Brown Pelican post is confusing. The coordinates show no immediate water bodies, but the post references a dock. Presumably this was a river sighting . Clarification might be appreciated by anyone wishing to see the bird. Linda Whyte General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html 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.
Re: [mou-net] Black-chinned Hummingbird
BEST WISHES on that, Steve !!! Having been on the summer bird-banding team at Sugarloaf Cove, and experienced a Cook County (record, I believe) female Painted Bunting, I can appreciate the excitementand be grateful for those who "keep the faith" , birding, banding, documenting, researching, protecting habitat, etc . Birds may always deliver surprises that keep hope alive. Linda Whyte On Mon, Aug 28, 2023, 11:02 AM Steve Weston wrote: > Almost exactly twenty-four years ago I was bird watching in Miesville > Ravine County Park, in the southeast corner of Dakota county. In a > beautiful little wet meadow up trout brook I found a hummingbird feeding on > the jewelweed that did not look like the expected Ruby-throated > Hummingbird. After a couple of days of checking the internet, I identified > it as a female Black-chinned Hummingbird. The females of these closely > related species are difficult to separate. And, it had never been reported > in Minnesota. I didn't have a camera and without a photo, it would never be > accepted as a new species. Although the hummer was around for the next five > days, I could not get anyone down there with a camera until after the bird > had flown off. One dean of the state birding community even stated that it > was impossible to separate the females of the two species. > Every year at this time, I lead a bird hike to Miesville Ravine. This year > on August 20th, there was more spotted jewelweed flowering than I have seen > in years and the flowers were attracting a swarm of hummingbirds. As we > approached that meadow, I was talking about finding the hummingbird that > has never had an accepted sighting in Minnesota. As I explained what to > look for to find a Black-chinned: a hummer with a light crown that makes it > appear as if it has a black mask, Richard Gotz was clicking away on his > camera at a nearby hummer. He said, "Like this?" > I have attached a couple of his photos of a first year male Black-chinned > Hummingbird to my Facebook page and am hoping to be able to post one to > MOU's Recently Seen page, although I have to get it added to the list > before I can. Now I have to fill out the paperwork to submit the sighting > for MOURC review for a first Minnesota record. > Steve Weston > On Quigley Lake in Eagan, MN > swesto...@gmail.com > > > General information and guidelines for posting: > https://moumn.org/listservice.html > 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. > General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html 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.
Re: [mou-net] Worm-eating Warbler (Hennepin Co.)
These thoughtful, analytical posts are one very compelling reason to follow MOU, presenting both pros and cons on an issue, to guide our behavior. Whether our goal is bird-listing and supporting local economies globally, or bird-banding, it is the ultimate well-being of birds and their species that must concern us most. It matters less that we see all those species than that they survive and thrive for future generations. Thank you for sharing. Linda Whyte On Wed, May 3, 2023, 6:20 PM marshall or janet howe/mcmillen < howe.mcmil...@gmail.com> wrote: > As a former bird biologist I agree with Alyssa in general on the impact of > playback. This is especially true with local rarities that attract a lot > of birder attention. This Worm-eating Warbler or the Swainson's in > Minnesota are cases in point. But playback is a crucial and legitimate > technique in many field studies of birds. Its occasional use by lone > birders seeking out local species isn't a problem either because it isn't > repetitive. It's the constant repetition that is the problem. T > > That point hit home with me on a recent guided birding trip in the > neotropics. Playback was almost essential for luring out many secretive > species, of which there are many in the tropics. Some guides used it > constantly. In reflecting on this trip I realized that these guides almost > certainly go to the same locations every day with different clients and > play back to the same individual birds. That has to have an impact on > those particular birds. A more experienced guide we had was able to locate > some difficult species without playback. I made this point to the lodges > we stayed at. In the future, for guided trips, I will ask for minimal or > no use of playbacks, even though that will almost certainly deny me some > species I would love to add to my life list. I encourage all birders to > consider these thoughts. > > Marshall Howe > > > On Wed, May 3, 2023 at 5:54 PM Alyssa DeRubeis > wrote: > > > May 3 update: No one has seen it (per Facebook and eBird), although I > have > > a third-hand report of someone playing a tape and getting it to sing a > > little. > > > > Friendly reminder that using playback is widely regarded as unethical, as > > the bird diverts its energy from feeding on a cool spring morning (or > > keeping an eye out for real predators) to seek out a nonexistent > > territorial male. Additionally, using playback tapes is prohibited in > > national wildlife refuges (among other places, but note that Bass Ponds > is > > part of the Minnesota River Valley National Wildlife Refuge). > > > > Here’s a nice article that goes into detail about the negative impacts of > > playback, including results from studies: > > > https://www.audubon.org/news/why-photographers-should-reconsider-using-playback-field > > . > > > > You can also check out the American Birding Association’s Code of Ethics, > > part 1b: https://www.aba.org/aba-code-of-birding-ethics/ > > > > I hope this can be a good learning lesson for us, and I also hope that > > this tape didn’t scare off the Worm-eating Warbler for good (a real > > possibility). > > > > Good birding! > > > > Alyssa DeRubeis > > Montreal, Quebec (where I’m still waiting on those warblers you said > you’d > > send me…) > > > > > On May 2, 2023, at 5:59 PM, Alyssa DeRubeis > > wrote: > > > > > > Yesterday Tim Stuck observed a Worm-eating Warbler at Bass Ponds > > (Bloomington), which wasn’t relocated until around 11am today by Wendy > > Pepin. At least a couple folks saw and/or photographed it an hour ago at > > these coordinates, which is “down trail E of lower lot…on log in pond, > > towards marker 4”: 44.8475247, -93.2301360. > > > > > > I got this info from a couple places: eBird and the Minnesota County > > Listers Facebook group. These two spots are usually where I get all my > > rarity updates. > > > > > > Good luck and good birding! > > > > > > Alyssa DeRubeis > > > Montreal, Quebec (feel free to send any of your warbler rarities to us > > once you’re bored of them!) > > > > > > General information and guidelines for posting: > > https://moumn.org/listservice.html > > 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. > > > > > General information and guidelines for posting: > https://moumn.org/listservice.html > 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. > General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html 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] Clark's Grebe, L. Byllesby
Seen this afternoon from the public boat ramp that is on the south shore. It was diving actively between mid-lake and the north shore. Rob spotted it with binoculars, and the scope helped nail the ID. I couldn't refind the Eared Grebe from yesterday, but the great mix of ducks remained, along with Pelicans, Yellowlegs, etc. Despite the Cannon's current, there's plenty of mudflat. There was one flyover Sandhill Crane headed south that we didn't locate on ground; also an E. Meadowlark calling from the south field of the Industrial Park. (The remainder of the "park" is a "paradise paved-over".) Good birding to all. Linda Whyte General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html 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] Golden-crowned Kinglets, Red-breasted Mergansers, Lilydale Rd, Ramsey C end
This morning there was a mix of waterfowl on the eastern ends of Pickerel Lake. Most of the species had been present in Dakota County earlier, including the Common Loon, but the half dozen Red-breasted Mergansers were first-of-year for me. Their slim beaks and necks, rounded heads and double-spiked rear head- crests caught attention easily. Further east , on the clay-pit trail, Golden-crowned Kinglets were foraging in the trees, one of them at eye level just a few feet away. They also showed up in our Randolph Heights neighborhood this afternoon. Stopping to watch a very close Brown Creeper, I discovered a Barred Owl with serious injury, most likely a car-strike. One wing was bloodied and seemed broken. I was without raptor rescue gear, so a call to the Raptor Center was in order. Thanks go out to whoever went on the rescue. Linda Whyte General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html 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.
Re: [mou-net] MOU-NET Digest - 9 Jan 2023 to 10 Jan 2023 (#2023-8)
Thank you all for the heads-up. We live SE of that area, in the east end of Macalester-Groveland, or Randolph Heights. Our feeders have been exceptionally quiet, which I've attributed to the presence of our local Merlin(s). It made sense, since I was hearing their familiar call close by, during recent numerous hours of shoveling. It hadn't occurred to me that the lengthy scarcity of feeder action, even by squirrels, might also indicate a larger predator. While there's been a local Red-tail around, we've noticed far more noise and sentinel/chase behavior on the part of of our Crows than Red-tail, Merlin, Cooper's, or Sharpies have elicited in the past. Now I will be on the lookout for a nomadic Goshawk! Good birding, Linda Whyte On Wed, Jan 11, 2023, 1:32 AM Leslie Marcus wrote: > On Tue, Jan 10, 2023 at 11:00 PM MOU-NET automatic digest system < > lists...@lists.umn.edu> wrote: > > > There is 1 message totaling 43 lines in this issue. > > > > Topics of the day: > > > > 1. Possible Goshawk Ramsey County Hamline-Midway neighborhood > > > > > > General information and guidelines for posting: > > https://moumn.org/listservice.html > > 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. > > > > -- > > > > Date:Tue, 10 Jan 2023 21:15:17 + > > From:Simon Emms > > Subject: Possible Goshawk Ramsey County Hamline-Midway neighborhood > > > > This morning a very large juvenile accipiter briefly visited a tree next > > to my garden birdfeeder near the intersection of Aldine and Blair. I saw > it > > with the naked eye through a window from about 15 feet away, but it flew > > off before I could grab a camera or binoculars. I’m tilting (cautiously) > > towards Goshawk rather than Cooper’s based on the following features: > > > > 1. Size and bulk. It looked very large – rather like a Red-shouldered > > Hawk but with a longer tail. It was much larger than a very brave gray > > squirrel that was mobbing it from a few feet away, and although I didn’t > > see them simultaneously, I would say it was easily more than twice the > size > > of a Blue Jay or a Red-bellied Woodpecker and larger than an American > Crow. > > On the other hand, it may have looked larger than it was simply because > of > > how close I was to it. > > 2. Color and patterning. I saw it from the side-rear, and it seemed to > > have a greyish mid-brown tone, rather than a dark brown one, and had lots > > of coarse white spotting on its back and coverts. The left flank looked > > near-white, and the dark spotting seemed coarse, but the view wasn’t > great. > > I had a good look at its head, and didn’t see an obvious white > supercilium, > > but it was perched somewhat above my eye level. > > > > I realize that none of this is definitive, and that in an urban > > neighborhood Cooper's is far more likely, but I thought I’d put the > > information out for anyone who lives and birds in the neighborhood or > > surroundings (Como Park is quite close). If it was a Goshawk, it’s > possible > > that it’s the same bird that was seen at Vadnais and Sucker Lakes in late > > 2022. > > > > Simon Emms > > > > > > General information and guidelines for posting: > > https://moumn.org/listservice.html > > 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. > > > > -- > > > > End of MOU-NET Digest - 9 Jan 2023 to 10 Jan 2023 (#2023-8) > > *** > > > > > General information and guidelines for posting: > https://moumn.org/listservice.html > 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. > General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html 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] on behalf of the National Eagle Center
The annual Golden Eagle Survey will be happening on January 21st across SE MN, western WI, eastern Iowa, and NW Illinois. The survey area is expanding, and new routes are being created. For those interested in joining, or in refreshing their skills, there are 3 virtual training sessions being offered: 1/8/2023 @2:00 PM, Golden Eagle Survey Training, session 1 1/10/2023 @6:30 PM, Golden Eagle Survey Training, session 2 1/16/2023 @2:00 PM, Golden Eagle Survey Training, session 3 If you're interested in joining one of the sessions, send your name, where you live, and the training date and time that works for you, to golden@nationaleagle center.org. If you have done a training session in the past, have had a route previously, and are able to help again, please send an email to that effect to golden@national eagle center.org. (Linda Whyte) General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html 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.
Re: [mou-net] Red-bellied Woodpecker with rodent, Hennepin County
Interesting observation/documentation, Brian. Caching behavior is not surprising, but the particular content seems a bit so, especially given that it's not breeding season. It opens a whole host of speculative questions. Might recent drought and lower insect population make such birds more interested in larger prey? Would cached carcasses in frozen state be a form of food insurance? Do the Red-bellieds present food trophies to prospective partners? If this species is increasing in number, does such behavior represent a learned adaptation that gives them some advantage? It all makes the Red-bellieds even more interesting to watch! Thanks for posting. Linda Whyte On Fri, Nov 25, 2022, 12:45 PM MOU wrote: > (Posted by Brian Tennessen via moumn.org) > > This morning at Old Cedar Bridge, actually beyond the bridge, over where > the trail from the bridge T's at the river, I observed a behavior I've not > seen before--A Red-bellied Woodpecker with a small rodent, maybe a vole or > shrew, maybe a mouse for that matter. > > The bird carrried this around for some time, then put it into a tree hole, > seeming to cache it. It then flew off. I would imagine this is an > opportunistic find that this Woodpecker came upon, maybe a cached kill of a > Shrike for example. After caching, the woodpecker still had a small piece > of innards that I presume it then ate, I have a photo of this as well. If > anyone has seen this behavior before or thoughts on this, please comment. > Quite an interesting behavior.. > > I talked with Dale Carlson and Steve Carlson about this after this > occurred, as they were both down at the bridge as well, and showed them the > photos on my camera. Neither of them had observed this behavior before. > > Please comment with any thoughts, similar observations you may have had in > the past etc. > > https://flic.kr/p/2o2jjxc > > https://flic.kr/p/2o2gvbR > > Brian T. > St. Paul MN > > > General information and guidelines for posting: > https://moumn.org/listservice.html > 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. > General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html 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] Golden-winged Warbler, Ramsey/Dakota C, Tuesday 8/30
On the east end of Lilydale Road, next to Pickerel Lake, there was easily visible warbler action at eye-height, mid-morning yesterday. The most prominent was the male Golden-wing in breeding plumage, but there were other species present as well, such as Tennessee and Nashville. Though the pause it put in the power-walk was intentionally brief, I was glad to have worn binoculars. Warbler movement is picking up at bird-banding, and it's worth having binoculars handy for any outdoor activity! Linda Whyte General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html 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] Blue Grosbeak, Dakota C
On a noon drive-by at 140th st marsh, the female Blue Grosbeak was observed seeming to bring food into a shrub along the fence line, east of the east entrance to the landfill. She perched several minutes on the fence, holding what appeared to be a caterpillar, exchanging metallic chip calls with something in the bush along the road. Eventually, she dropped into the foliage, where the chip calls continued. For lack of time, I did not wait to see her emerge nor search for any others of her kind. I did happen to notice 3 Green Herons. One perched near the Grosbeak, but at the summit of a deciduous tree. It appeared to be in a watchful state, guarding something. Another was in flight, behind the fence and the Grosbeak. The third was at the water on the north side of the road, where I also had a brief look at was likely a White-rumped Sandpiper. Linda Whyte General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html 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.
Re: [mou-net] Eagles
Indeed, an adult pair was very much present a few days ago just west of the public ramp on river. Linda Whyte On Tue, Aug 16, 2022, 9:07 AM Tom Gilde < 2247eb7407f6-dmarc-requ...@lists.umn.edu> wrote: > It was great to see a fledge and parent Bald Eagle this morning along the > Mississippi this morning after a spring of flu. In the perfect world of my > imagination they would be awaiting the return of the other parent who had > gone fishin’. > > Tom Gilde > > General information and guidelines for posting: > https://moumn.org/listservice.html > 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. > General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html 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.
Re: [mou-net] Raptors, metro area.
I'm happy to hear the positive local raptor news! I will add another piece: the Merlins that have traditionally nested in the Macalester College area have apparently been successful again. I brought in to the Raptor Center a grounded brancher/fledgling for a check up; it was deemed healthy, banded, and returned to its nesting area within the hour. The parent keeping track of it had been in vocal and visible evidence, and its behavior too, was clearly normal. I know less of the status of a pair of fledgling Cooper's Hawks over in Oakland Cemetery. The first had been released after treatment for a common mouth infection. The second was strong enough to combine leg work and some low flight to evade capture for a bit of time. Given the extreme heat that day, and the likely scenario that it had gotten it's siblings infection, I can only hope it too was able to be treated and released. If parents are still feeding these inexperienced flyers and hunters they may avoid dehydration. But it's good if we all keep bird baths clean and filled; I have seen even small raptors using them in extreme heat. Now we can hope the predicted storms bring them relief and a minimum of accidents. Linda Whyte On Fri, Jul 22, 2022, 8:58 AM Brian Tennessen wrote: > Just to pipe in again on this St. Paul area raptor thread, last weekend I > did a bike ride through Lilydale park and saw one eagle perched along the > river downriver of the yacht club, near the nest there. > > This past Tues I went down by Ford Dam and didn’t see any of the falcons > while there but did see an Osprey nab a Sheepshead in the channel just > downstream of the lock. > > https://flic.kr/p/2nzfdoD > > Yesterday afternoon I did another bike ride through Lilydale park and > coming up Ohio St / Cherokee St., along the bluff I saw 3 falcons flying, 2 > juveniles interacting / locking talons in the air. The third I didn’t spot > whether adult or juvenile, I was huffing and puffing up that big hill.. > > All the best to you all, happy birding! > > Brian Tennessen St. Paul > > On Sun, Jul 10, 2022 at 1:37 PM Jason Frank wrote: > > > I'll chime in here, from The Edge of the Realm (Ortonville) > > > > -Eagle numbers around here seem pretty average to me. There is a nest in > > Big Stone NWR, easily visible on the exit route of the auto tour through > > the woods by the river, where there's a strong/healthy-looking juvenile > > branching now and ready to fly. I'm still seeing multiple adults per day > > soaring around. > > > > -Accipiter numbers appear typical. Cooper's and Sharp-Shins are a common > > site in town and in the woods along Big Stone Lake. Kestrel numbers seem > > typical (for the past 10 years, which is to say: fewer than there were 20 > > years ago). Red-Tails are still around but seem to be roughly 1/3 less > than > > what I was seeing last year at this time. > > > > -Turkey Vultures are showing the most notable decline here. Last year, > > there would be at least 40 adults who would congregate in Ortonville to > > roost every evening. By late summer, they'd typically expand to around 60 > > individuals. They'd usually start drifting into town around 6:00 PM. > That's > > about how many showed up in April, and since early May I haven't seen > more > > than 15 coming in to roost and/or taking off in the mornings. They were > > eating a lot of roadkilled turkeys and pheasants this spring. > > > > On Thu, Jul 7, 2022 at 3:52 PM Tom Gilde < > > 2247eb7407f6-dmarc-requ...@lists.umn.edu> wrote: > > > > > Subjectively, I am not seeing the familiar eagles and osprey in SW St. > > > Paul and Lilydale. I’m wondering whether anyone has, or can point me > to, > > > objective data about the impact of avian flu on our local raptors. I > > miss > > > them. > > > > > > Tom Gilde > > > > > > General information and guidelines for posting: > > > https://moumn.org/listservice.html > > > 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. > > > > > > > > > -- > > Jason M. Frank > > Founder & Vice President > > Luddite Ornithologists League (LOL) > > Big Stone County, Minnesota > > > > > > General information and guidelines for posting: > > https://moumn.org/listservice.html > > 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 responsi
Re: [mou-net] Raptors, metro area.
Their numbers in Lilydale seem decidedly lower now, though I did spot two adults on the river just west of the boat ramp last week. The usual younger birds are absent so far. Linda Whyte On Thu, Jul 7, 2022, 3:52 PM Tom Gilde < 2247eb7407f6-dmarc-requ...@lists.umn.edu> wrote: > Subjectively, I am not seeing the familiar eagles and osprey in SW St. > Paul and Lilydale. I’m wondering whether anyone has, or can point me to, > objective data about the impact of avian flu on our local raptors. I miss > them. > > Tom Gilde > > General information and guidelines for posting: > https://moumn.org/listservice.html > 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. > General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html 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] Bell's Vireo continuing, 140th St marsh, Dakota C.
For those interested, this week's drive-by showed that the Bell's Vireos remain in the fence-line shrubbery below the landfill, east of the wet areas. As of late morning yesterday, there was much vigorous vocalizing, and even some cooperative viewing. Over background noise from the landfill, there seemed to be a Dicksissel voice, but it didn't call more than once, and none were seen at the time. However, the species has favored the site in the past, so another check may reveal its presence. The Brown Thrasher, further west in the fence-line, was more quiet than usual and a bit secretive, unlike the Flycatcher that perched up occasionally. Perhaps nesting is in progress, as the Thrashers showed up earlier last month. There was no sight or sound of the male Pheasant that had been along the road and fence line since April. Song Sparrows are numerous as usual, and Clay-coloreds in evidence, but there are hopes of finding more of the grass-loving sparrows on the hillside above the fence line, as the landfill is now growing more cover foliage there. A trip in earlier hours, especially on a Sunday, when landfill business is inactive might make it easier to detect the likes of Grasshopper Sparrow. Linda Whyte General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html 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] Common Nighthawk, Orchard Oriole, Bell's Vireo, Dakota County
Following bird-banding at Carpenter Nature Center, the weather prompted a short detour to the Spring L . Park Reserve archery unit, in hopes of seeing an Orchard Oriole. That hope was fulfilled by seeing one in action, foraging low, beside the fence on the east side of the driveway. In the meantime, however, a good look was scored at a C. Nighthawk in its dayroost, resting on a horizontal branch of a sparsely-foliaged tree in that same area. It soon took to the wing, hunting over the field, headed south. After that there was no resisting a passing glance at 140th St. Marsh nearby. Expecting nothing new, I was delighted to hear a familiar voice and sound: Bell's Vireo, singing in the shrubs along the fence line, just east of the few remaining cedars there. Possibly it was one of the Bell's that had nested close by, before the landfill expansion and major habitat reduction. It will merit another check to see if the bird remains. Linda Whyte General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html 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] unidentified vireo, Rachel Lilly walk, Tuesday AM, 5/17/2022
To anyone who attended this walk, and saw the Vireo that was confusing me along the SE side of the lake, I finally realized it may have been a Philadelphia Vireo. I see/hear them seldom enough that I failed to even consider that possibility at the time, though there was no clear visual or aural match with the other Vireos that came to mind. Hopefully, we'll all have more definitive encounters with this species in the future. Thanks for your patience, and I hope no one was late for work or other commitments. Linda Whyte General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html 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] Wilson's Phalarope, 140th st marsh, Dakota C., 4/26
Having enjoyed the Ibis at 180th St. a second time, it was prudent to check the 140th St. marsh on the way home. I was expecting the continuing Yellowlegs, but this time FINALLY saw the Phalarope, doing its typical circling/stirring feeding behavior. It was in the west waters (south side), far west end but very close to the road. My apologies to the woman named Rose (if I recall correctly), whom I had met there the day prior; she was correct about phalaropes being there, and I was apparently correct that I wasn't seeing the same birds she had seen. They were farther back then, and I had forgotten how pale the males are, remembering the colorful females. In any case being without the scope and full Sibley book that day, didn't help! Also at the 140th yesterday was a pair of Brown Thrashers, foraging under one of the evergreens near the east end of the road. Linda Whyte General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html 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] Ibis, 180 st marsh, Dakota C
Still present, west lake, west end, fairly close to road, mid-water. No scope needed. Linda Whyte General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html 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] Ibis, Dakota C, 180th st marsh
Still present, two, north shore of west lake, north side of road; feeding close to shoreline Linda Whyte General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html 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] Peregrine Falcon, St. Paul
A Peregrine Falcon appears to have claimed (or reclaimed) the nest box at the SE roof corner of the Xcel facility on Randolph Ave. off of Shepard Road. It was perched and preening there about a half hour ago. It, and the Red-tailed Hawk perched on a light-pole along Randolph, just a short distance to the west, showed no interest in one another; the Red-tail was studying the grassy areas below it, where rodents were a likely target. Linda Whyte General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html 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.
Re: [mou-net] Elizabeth Bell
Thank you for letting us know, Tom. Elizabeth "has her wings" now, but she will be missed by many for a long time to come. You know how to find us, and please don't hesitate to do so. Linda Whyte On Fri, Mar 25, 2022, 4:20 PM Tom Bell wrote: > My wife Elizabeth took her last breath this morning. I post this because > the birding community was a big part of our life. Elizabeth served MOU as > editor of the newsletter and as membership chairman. We will have a > memorial service at Carpenter Nature Center in April. I will keep you > informed. Lung cancer was the villain, she elected not to tell many, yet we > have known about it for over two years. The first year was symptom free and > we took our last birding trip to Panama. We have valued the friendship of > many of you. > > Tom Bell > bell.to...@gmail.com > 5868 Pioneer Road S. > St. Paul Park, MN 55071 > 651-459-4150 > cell 651-214-5274 > > > General information and guidelines for posting: > https://moumn.org/listservice.html > 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. > General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html 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] 140th St. Marsh, 3/25, Dakota C.
Several Green-winged Teal and a few Greater White-Fronted Geese have joined the mix at the marsh, in addition to the Blue-winged Teal and Wood Duck that were there Wednesday. Still present were some Hooded Mergansers and Kildeer also, among the many Canada Geese and Mallards. There were Red-winged Blackbirds, but no Yellow-headed, Brewer's, nor Rusty so far as I could tell. Linda Whyte General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html 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] Lilydale 3/21/22, Dakota C.
Sandhill Cranes were frequenting the marsh area just next to the pipeline infrastructure, east of the parking area for the Pool and Yacht Club. My attention was drawn away from them by travelers overhead: a flock of Tundra Swans moving NW. Counting stopped at 85, but 100 was more likely. A subsequent flock numbered around 50, going in the same direction. Later, near the west end of Pickerel Lake, a FOY American Woodcock flushed from the side of the trail, flashing nice views of its buffy-orange underside. I had paused there to note that the flatter, disc-shaped eagle nest was occupied by an adult Bald Eagle, with a partner on sentinel duty over the wetland to the west. There's no telling if this is the same pair that has been seen in the huge, deep nest beside the railroad bridge at the east end of the lake. If so, perhaps recent work at the bridge prompted them to moveor else the neighborhood is truly saturated with Bald Eagles; the nest just downriver and across from the Pool and Yacht Club has also been occupied. I'm not optimistic about the prospect of seeing Osprey return to the area, with that kind of competition. Linda Whyte, St. Paul General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html 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.
Re: [mou-net] Spruce Grouse Flock - Lake County
I second that emotion! Linda Whyte On Mon, Feb 28, 2022, 3:58 PM Judith Clayton wrote: > THANK YOU! Nothing beats an uplifting story! Judy in Douglas Co., > Alexandria > > > On Feb 28, 2022, at 12:48 PM, Steve Wilson > wrote: > > > > Yesterday Bob Tamannen of Soudan encountered a flock of spruce grouse on > Hwy 1 about 2 miles east of the Spruce Road - he did not note the precise > location. There is an interesting backstory of the spruce grouse roadkill > that didn't happen, a refreshing change. As he was driving down the > highway, he noted a brown object ahead in the road. It wasn't until he was > almost on it before it took the shape of a grouse, but it was too late to > stop their motorhome to avert a collision. He looked in the rearview > mirror, expecting to see feathers flying, but there sat the lump, seemingly > intact. Doubting that it had actually been a grouse, he turned around and > went back. Upon returning to the spot, to his surprise, the lump was still > there and it was an unharmed spruce grouse. Apparently the bird hadn't > flinched, even as a large motorhome passed just overhead. As he and Pat > watched, first one, then two more, and eventually a total of nine other > spruce grouse flew in from the surrounding woods and joined the lucky bird. > When another car came along, Bob flashed his lights and blew his horn to > get the car to stop, then shooed the grouse off the road so they would be > safe, at least for the time being. > > > > > > General information and guidelines for posting: > https://moumn.org/listservice.html > > 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. > > Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished > Lao Tzu > > > > General information and guidelines for posting: > https://moumn.org/listservice.html > 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. > General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html 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] Curt Rawn (memorial poem)
Curt Rawn A gentle giant, Curt Rawn, Tall in stature, if short on brawn; Quick to smile, and ready with humor Wordy and whimsical, taming rumor With honesty, spoken cleverly, Delivered plainly, in that mainly Even, ever-so quiet voice An arresting voice, held back listening, Something you did so well, Curt– Sometimes because hearing was Your physical challenge, but mostly Because you listened thoughtfully To the words beneath the words, Whether from strangers or friends You made connections with others And between others, in a huge way; We bonded over birds and birding But with you, it was about much more; For many of us, it exemplified what the Grace of selfless kindness can restore When we face tough situations Ever quick with assistance Of any kind, when you saw the need And the opening, you shared expertise, Beauty in birds and photographs, but the Wisdom of your life’s experience as well; Generous always, not quick to complain About the pain of what befell you And those of us who love you So we toast you with gratitude For our time together, and hope To share your attitude, listening To the birds and more, to the words Beneath each other’s words, spoken Or not, though heart-broken for now; We will celebrate beauty and kindness With fellowship and joy, in your memory (Linda Whyte) General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html 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.
Re: [mou-net] Curt Rawn
A great loss to so many of us, for many reasons. On Sun, Dec 26, 2021, 4:02 PM Gail Wieberdink wrote: > Very sad news. > > Sent from my iPad > > > On Dec 26, 2021, at 3:56 PM, Alyssa DeRubeis > wrote: > > > > For those who have attended Birds and Beers in the Twin Cities, chances > are that you met one of the bubbly coordinators, Curt Rawn. I just learned > that he lost his battle with cancer earlier today. > > > > Curt was arguably one of the most outgoing and humorous birders I’ve > known. His presence will be dearly missed not only in the Minnesota birding > community, but at birding festivals across the country. My favorite memory > with him was chasing the Garganey at Crex Meadows, which Curt jokingly > called “The Gorgonzola.” > > > > If anyone has info on a memorial service (assuming it’s public), please > share here. > > > > Rest In Peace, Curt. > > > > Alyssa DeRubeis > > > > General information and guidelines for posting: > https://moumn.org/listservice.html > > 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. > > > General information and guidelines for posting: > https://moumn.org/listservice.html > 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. > General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html 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.
Re: [mou-net] Red-breasted Nuthatches in the metro area
Your post reminded me of a previous Red-breasted Nuthatch that seemed to relish mealworms in particular. I was raising mealworms at the time and would put them out in a little cup hung on the clothesline. The Nuthatch would show up and perch on the line within reach, whenever I came out with the tub of mealworms, to fill the cup. Only the Chickadees were equally bold. Linda Whyte On Sat, Oct 23, 2021, 3:48 PM Kathy Brown wrote: > I seem to have Red-breasted Nuthatches in my yard all year long. I don't > see them every day, but of course any regular species might be absent for a > day or more, and I didn't think it was unusual to see them throughout the > year (and eBird shows them present in Washington County year-round, too, > although more abundant in winter.) There are lot of woods in my yard and > nearby (just north of Lake Demontreville in Washington County) and I have a > nice variety of feeders offered at all times. The Red-breasted Nuthatches > seem to especially like peanut hearts and a seed log that contains > mealworms. Might they be year-round residents in this area if they had the > right habitat and food? I really love seeing them! > Kathy Brown > > > From: Minnesota Birds on behalf of Kim Wilcox < > 1f18f49fc403-dmarc-requ...@lists.umn.edu> > Sent: Saturday, October 23, 2021 3:02 PM > To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU > Subject: Re: [mou-net] Red-breasted Nuthatches in the metro area > > I'll have to keep my eyes open! We have sometimes seen one during the > winter but never for an extended time. I think they are such cute little > things. Fingers crossed! > > Kim in Otsego > > On Sat, Oct 23, 2021, 12:50 PM MJH wrote: > > > Also at Hyland Lake in SW Bloomington this AM, in deciduous trees. > > > > On Sat, Oct 23, 2021 at 12:02 PM linda whyte < > > 004e7b0e779a-dmarc-requ...@lists.umn.edu> wrote: > > > > > We had one hanging out at our feeders last fall, into winter. It showed > > > evidence of caching in our St. Paul neighborhood, based on its behavior > > at > > > the plexiglass feeder on the front window. > > > Linda Whyte > > > > > > > > > On Sat, Oct 23, 2021, 9:34 AM MOU wrote: > > > > > > > (Posted by Tom Gilde via moumn.org) > > > > > > > > Have Red-breasted Nuthatch sightings become pretty routine in the > Twin > > > > Cities? > > > > I ask because we just enjoyed watching one at our feeder a few > minutes > > > ago. > > > > > > > > > > > > Join or Leave mou-net: > https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Flists.umn.edu%2Fcgi-bin%2Fwa%3FSUBED1%3Dmou-netdata=04%7C01%7C%7C6e73ad280bb844da742308d99660116c%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435%7C1%7C0%7C637706161636079085%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000sdata=RNq0epycnNL%2FkQzdViuPRnRMNxGuq1f%2BIRKn%2Bhvf9d8%3Dreserved=0 > > > > Archives: > https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Flists.umn.edu%2Farchives%2Fmou-net.htmldata=04%7C01%7C%7C6e73ad280bb844da742308d99660116c%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435%7C1%7C0%7C637706161636079085%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000sdata=fEQem4sA3beqdIqElrDz%2FYjOyRSCuc0HOIpo3EReVQ4%3Dreserved=0 > > > > > > > > During the pandemic, the MOU encourages you to stay safe, practice > > social > > > > distancing, and continue to bird responsibly. > > > > > > > > > > > > > Join or Leave mou-net: > https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Flists.umn.edu%2Fcgi-bin%2Fwa%3FSUBED1%3Dmou-netdata=04%7C01%7C%7C6e73ad280bb844da742308d99660116c%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435%7C1%7C0%7C637706161636079085%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000sdata=RNq0epycnNL%2FkQzdViuPRnRMNxGuq1f%2BIRKn%2Bhvf9d8%3Dreserved=0 > > > Archives: > https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Flists.umn.edu%2Farchives%2Fmou-net.htmldata=04%7C01%7C%7C6e73ad280bb844da742308d99660116c%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435%7C1%7C0%7C637706161636079085%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000sdata=fEQem4sA3beqdIqElrDz%2FYjOyRSCuc0HOIpo3EReVQ4%3Dreserved=0 > > > > > > During the pandemic, the MOU encourages you to stay safe, practice > social > > > distancing, and continue to bird responsibly. > > > > > > > > > Join or Leave mou-net: > https://na01.safelinks.protection.outloo
Re: [mou-net] Red-breasted Nuthatches in the metro area
We had one hanging out at our feeders last fall, into winter. It showed evidence of caching in our St. Paul neighborhood, based on its behavior at the plexiglass feeder on the front window. Linda Whyte On Sat, Oct 23, 2021, 9:34 AM MOU wrote: > (Posted by Tom Gilde via moumn.org) > > Have Red-breasted Nuthatch sightings become pretty routine in the Twin > Cities? > I ask because we just enjoyed watching one at our feeder a few minutes ago. > > > 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. > 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.
Re: [mou-net] Dickcissels
Dickcissels were singing at Randolph Industrial Park this past weekend, in the agricultural fields on the south side. Linda Whyte On Wed, May 26, 2021, 6:58 PM Gail Wieberdink wrote: > We saw two Dickcissels near Schaar's Bluff in Dakota County today. We also > saw another first of the season, a pair of Indigo Buntings. This is the > earliest I have seen Dickcissels and haven't seen them mentioned here. > > Gail Wieberdink > Ramsey County > > > Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net > Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html > > During the pandemic, the MOU encourages you to stay safe, practice social > distancing, and continue to bird responsibly. > 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] Bell"s Video, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Dakota C.
Currently listening to a Bell"s Video at 140th st. marsh, next to the road, in honeysuckle bushes in front of the cedars. Cuckoo was at Spring L. Park archery range, at the last bend on the trail down to the river. Linda Whyte 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] N Mockingbird, Dakota C
Currently singing its very extensive repertoire, at Tennisioux Park, River hills Drive, on power line bordering the parking lot, along north side of hwy 13. Made a short jump up to grab food, and revealed the "window panes" under the wings; pale eye also visible. Linda Whyte 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.
Re: [mou-net] Marsh Lake Shorebirds - Location
Apologies, Curt--I should have finished reading the emails before requesting county location! Linda Whyte On Wed, May 5, 2021, 8:23 AM Vacek, Curt (DNR) wrote: > Sorry I didn't include this in my initial email: > > Marsh Lake is a reservoir of the MN River between Appleton and Correll. > Most of the basin is in southern Big Stone County, with portions also in > Lac qui Parle and Swift Counties. > > Curt Vacek > > > 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. > 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.
Re: [mou-net] Marsh Lake Shorebirds
It would be helpful to include county location when naming lakes---something I frequently forget myself, sorry to say. Thank you for the update. Linda Whyte On Wed, May 5, 2021, 7:43 AM Vacek, Curt (DNR) wrote: > As part of the continued restoration work on Marsh Lake, the plan is to > maintain very low water levels through spring and summer to allow sediment > to consolidate and vegetation to grow prior to allowing it to refill in > fall. Of course much of this is weather dependent. So, fingers crossed > Mother Nature cooperates. Waters levels are currently low enough that > there are newly exposed expansive mud flats throughout the basin. > Shorebirds are just starting to discover the new flats and numbers are > building. With a quick scan in just one bay this morning I saw dozens of > yellow-legs, and low numbers of semi-palmated plover, dowitcher, stilt, and > avocets. > > There are various access points around the lake, but very limited options > for up close viewing right now as the water and mud flats are a > considerable distance from shore. As water levels continue to drop, the > best views might along 615th Ave (aka Louisburg Grade) looking west into > the "West Pool". > > Curt Vacek > > > 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. > 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.
Re: [mou-net] Eastern Phoebe
That may be the case, but also, drier conditions and cooler temperatures hereabouts may depress/delay the insect hatch on which Phoebes rely for food. They do indeed seem less numerous than usual, at least so far. Linda Whyte On Tue, May 4, 2021, 6:20 PM Gail Wieberdink wrote: > So far this spring, I have only seen one Eastern Phoebe. Am I just in the > wrong places or are their numbers way down? I look for them every time we > are out and about but I'm just not seeing any. > > I have also only seen one bluebird and that was on April 10 at Carlos > Avery. Could these storms that have killed so many bluebirds also have > killed phoebes? > > Gail Wieberdink > Ramsey County > > > Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net > Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html > > During the pandemic, the MOU encourages you to stay safe, practice social > distancing, and continue to bird responsibly. > 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.
Re: [mou-net] FOY Rose-breasted Grosbeak, south Cass
I've seen some at Carpenter Nature Center, and at Rachel Lilly Preserve, but they have been more scarce and quiet on my daily walks than in past years. Linda Whyte On Sun, May 2, 2021, 8:21 PM Steve Weston wrote: > I have heard from others in Dakota County wondering where the bluebirds > are. > > Steve Weston > On Quigley Lake in Eagan, MN > swest...@comcast.net > > > < > http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=webmail > > > Virus-free. > www.avg.com > < > http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=webmail > > > <#m_8618439994447476040_DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2> > > On Sun, May 2, 2021 at 7:25 PM Jeanie Joppru wrote: > > > I live in Thief River Falls, Pennington County, and have yet to see a > > bluebird this spring. Usually I see several in March or early April, then > > by May , the main migration shows up.I think they must have run into some > > of the snowstorms further south causing them to turn south again. I > expect > > they will eventually arrive, but no time for two broods this summer. > > Jeanie > > > > Jeanie Joppru > > Pennington County, MN > > > > Sent from my iPad > > > > > > > > > On May 2, 2021, at 5:57 PM, m...@moumn.org wrote: > > > > > > (Posted by Mike North via moumn.org) > > > > > > Had my first rose-breasted grosbeak (a male) this morning, ONE day > after > > my first eastern > > > bluebird. What's wrong with this picture? I haven't heard from any of > > my northern > > > birdwatcher friends who have seen a bluebird yet, but they must be > > nesting in some places in > > > MN already. Just curious where. > > > > > > 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. > > > > > > 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. > > > > < > http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=webmail > > > Virus-free. > www.avg.com > < > http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=webmail > > > <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2> > > > 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. > 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] Carlos Avery WMA/Refuge, Anoka C, today
Despite fickle weather, birding Carlos Avery was rewarding enough today, with repeat sightings of many species and several First-of-Year. Most of the waterfowl had already been viewed at Lake Byllesby in prior weeks, but closer, better looks are always welcome. The two Common Loons were FOY, and very cooperative. The Great Blue Heron, Broad-winged Hawk and two Northern Harriers were also FOY, and a Red-shouldered Hawk kept us watching some lengthy passes overhead. Smaller birds were more scarce to find, with most no doubt lying low, out of the wind. A lone Swamp Sparrow was spotted in the road; surprisingly, no Song Sparrows were even heard. In a wooded area there were at least two Eastern Bluebirds and a single Yellow-rumped Warbler. But the real "troupers" were the Tree Swallows at water's edge, working hard to forage down low, among the cattails. There are plenty of tree cavities for shelter, but insect food is far more challenging to find right now. Linda Whyte 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] Peregrine Falcon, Ramsey C
Seen at 2:15 this afternoon, perched on the nest box at the SE corner of the Xcel building, off Randolph Ave. on the river. Linda Whyte 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] Golden-crowned Kinglets, Hennepin C
Five, possibly six, Golden-crowned Kinglets were foraging in the upper and mid-canopy, near the beginning of the bluff trail at Old Cedar Avenue Bridge, in the latter part of this morning. They were just west of the pond outlet cutting through the trail, where beavers seem to have started a tiny dam. Despite the high winds, their high-pitched contact chips gave notice of their presence. They were easy to spot, given their active movements among the sparse foliage; it can't have been easy for them to hunt down insects today. Linda Whyte 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] Red-Shouldered Hawks, Dakota C
Two, seen and heard this afternoon over and around one of the northern-most woodland ponds on Dodge Nature Center's main property---Their strident vocalizing continued for some time. Seeing no apparent other cause for their agitation, I concluded it might be territorial dispute, unless Red-shouldered Hawks behave thus when pairing and courting. One voice was heard calling again later on the walk, on a section of the property further south. Linda Whyte 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] N Shrike, Lilydale Regional Park, Dakota C.
Seen mid-morning in the open area around the picnic pavilion at Pickerel Lake; it circled low overhead and perched briefly only yards away, affording a good look at its narrow eye mask. This is the same location where a N. Shrike presented itself last fall, though none were detected all winter. The open water on the lake is expanding, and last week's flock of Trumpeter Swans was replaced by a flock of Ring-billed Gulls. Bald Eagles are in evidence over both lake and river, and one of them was sitting briefly in the smaller, flatter nest on the west end of the lake, while a pair of adults were doing tandem flight over the 35E bridge. Also present was a Red-tailed Hawk, dodging harassment by a Crow. In the wetland, the spring chorus is just beginning to ramp up, with the arrival a few days ago, of Red-winged Blackbirds. A Song Sparrow was also audible, but there was no sound from the flushed flock of small, ground-feeding birds that may have been American Tree Sparrows, in an area where they were seen in the fall. Linda Whyte 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] Hooded Merganser, Lilydale Regional Park, Ramsey C
Among the many Canada Geese and Mallards gathered on the river under the railroad swing bridge this afternoon, there was one male Hooded Merganser. The river ice is thinning and opening in many places, and the birds were dividing their time between sunning on the ice and paddling in open spots. The Merganser's upright white head-feathers made it stand out in that crowd. Linda Whyte 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] Regarding Carolina, a Breech of Etiquette
It has come to my attention that I have inadvertently stressed a homeowner in posting her Carolina Wren. She had no intention of random birders visiting to see it. Though my 3 minutes of viewing was from my car, on the street, it never occurred to me that such activity might make a homeowner nervous. I would never have done that if I'd known of her wishes. Please leave her in peace, and include a "no visitors please" or "permission requested" in your reports in cases like this. Linda Whyte Linda 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] Carolina Wren, Hennepin
Thanks to the Bloomington homeowners, for sharing the Carolina Wren at their well-stocked feeders---no easy thing to maintain in recent weather. The wren spent a considerable amount of time there, late this morning, in full view, giving some of the best looks I've ever had of its kind--a most welcome followup to a cold and relatively birdless exercise walk ! Linda Whyte 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] Bass Ponds birds, Friday
Still present along the creek was the Yellow-rumped Warbler---this time, not in the upper reaches, but in the lower section, midway between the two bridges. It was on the west side of the stream, perched around 8 feet high. Also in (obscured) evidence, was the Winter Wren that seems to favor the fenced holding pond next to the parking lot. This was my 4th sight of the bird, the third at this pond. It has a knack for zipping up from the muddy edges and through the fencing, before I can get my binoculars up for a satisfactory look. (There was even less satisfaction from the look given on an earlier occasion, along the upper reaches of the creek as it flew down the stream.) Yesterday, it at least spent some minutes foraging at the edges near the intake culvert, disappearing among the rocks and clumps of marsh grass. Two other birders were watching the action at the same time, and would surely attest to the difficulty of getting great looks. I'll be holding out for better views, in hopes of catching it downstream with no interference from fencing and steam ! As before, the biggest pond had numerous mallards, and again, a female Common Merganser. In addition there were two pairs of Canada Geese. As another birder pointed out, and I would agree, these seemed to be the Lesser or Richardson's variety, with shorter neck and bill. Linda Whyte 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] Brown Creepers, Lilydale Regional Park, Dakota/Ramsey
Two Brown Creepers, one of them very cooperative, were foraging diligently on the two largest cottonwood trees, just to the east of the entrance for the river-access boat ramp. Although their calls usually alert me to their presence before sighting them, today they were seen before heard, because the two trees are across the road from one another, and required a flight in the open. Watching them forage in the deep striations of thick bark on those trees, reminded of why I don't as often see them as hear them. In addition to camouflage coloration, their shape allowed them to disappear deep into the bark, several seconds at a time, as they worked their way up. It would be smart to pay closer attention to trees with that kind of bark ! Linda Whyte 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] Yellow-rumped Warbler, Bass Ponds, Hennepin C
Still present at noon, in the upper reaches of the trout stream, directly north of the fenced holding-pond by the parking lot. The bird's chip call alerted to its presence and it was spotted flitting amidst stream-level foliage. This area, and many lengths downstream, have abundant spring seepage on the SW facing slope. The numerous muddy areas were rife with Robins, though no other Thrush species, nor Winter Wren were seen. I did search the lower stream for the Wren as well, to no avail. The large pond to the west had much open water. Among the many Mallards in it, there was a single Common Merganser female. Briefly, there appeared to be a potential Black Duck in view also, but I was unable to relocate that bird when its sub-flock scattered into the shelter of the overhanging bank. Linda Whyte 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] Mtn. Bluebird, Como Regional Park
Seen today, around 2:00, on the golf course, foraging low along the bottom of the wooded hillside, west of the cross country ski pavilion. It was in the company of Eastern Bluebirds, along with many Robins, and spent a generous amount of time out in full view--- a highly satisfying experience, for appreciating its exceptional color! Linda Whyte 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.
Re: [mou-net] Carolina Wren and Hermit Thrush - Washington County
No need for apologies! It's generous of you to share so much, as it is. Linda Whyte On Sun, Jan 3, 2021, 11:53 AM Kathy Brown wrote: > It's no longer Jan 1, but I was away for the last few days and wanted to > wait until I was sure they would both reappear. Sure enough, I had a > Hermit Thrush at my water bath this morning at 9:20 (first seen on Dec 30), > and the Carolina Wren that I've had on and off since Dec 13 showed up at > 11:30 at my Flaming Hot Feast seed cake (still there 15 minutes later.) > Both have also been seen late in the day; I haven't really noticed a > specific pattern yet. But if you want to try to see them, you are welcome > to visit. I'm at 8470 Demontreville Trail N, Lake Elmo. There is no > parking on the road out here, but you can park in the turn-around area in > my driveway (to the left as you come down the driveway and face the > garage.) From there, go south around the road-facing portion of the house > to the south side patio, where there are feeders and the water bath and > some chairs. (I'm sorry, but with COVID-19 I don't feel comfortable > inviting people to watch from indoors.) > > Kathy Brown > > > From: Minnesota Birds on behalf of Tom Gilde < > thegl...@q.com> > Sent: Thursday, December 31, 2020 1:47 PM > To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU > Subject: Re: [mou-net] Update: Carolina Wren - Washington County > > Thank you - this is a very generous sharing of information. > > Tom Gilde > > > On Dec 31, 2020, at 1:11 PM, Gregory Jahner > wrote: > > > > Hi everyone, since i’ve been receiving inquires about the Washington > County Carolina Wren here’s an update and some additional birds to check > for if you’re in the area anyway... you know, for all you Jan. 1st birders > (me included :)) > > > > Carolina Wren: Still showing up at my Mom’s house very regularly in the > morning and evening at minimum, for the morning feeding I would say arrive > by 7:25 AM, for the evening feeding arrive by 3:30 PM. Park in the road, > walk up the driveway, go to the left of the orange garage, the bird feeders > are in the back yard. > > 1237 Summit Avenue > > Saint Paul Park > > > > Here’s some other good winter birds/spots in St. Paul Park or within a > couple mile radius worth checking out: > > > > Merlin: Seen in Saint Paul Park year round, I usually see him perched > toward the top of the biggest/oldest trees in this specific area > (44.83.6636 -92.995972) scan in about a 6 block radius. In all directions. > > > > Red Shouldered Hawk: RSHA regularly nest on a home owners property > across the street from the old Mississippi Dunes Golf course and have > overwintered here in the past. Park here (44.799054. -92.974095), walk up > road to either side of creek and stand in the right of way area. RBNU are > also present at this location. Great habitat for a winter wren as well... > > > > Northern Shrike > > This location has hosted a wintering Northern Shrike for years now. > (44.826861 -92.996844) Just park anywhere along the road and stand in the > right of way. > > > > Grey Cloud Island Gravel Pit: This one is actually an eBird hot spot. > I was just there yesterday and some of the water is still open and I > observed 10 species of waterfowl. Park here (44.786430 -92.973554). > Bring a scope and park your self just behind the big rock by the fence and > you’ll be set! > > > > > > Gregory Jahner III > > Saint Paul Park > > Washington County > > > > Join or Leave mou-net: > https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Flists.umn.edu%2Fcgi-bin%2Fwa%3FSUBED1%3Dmou-netdata=04%7C01%7C%7Cf96638cf89f3483da46f08d8adc4fae3%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435%7C1%7C0%7C637450408823543873%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000sdata=vbLF8roC3GjcAcwveQWm1WH7KPJclxgISq%2Fdj6rrp4I%3Dreserved=0 > > Archives: > https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Flists.umn.edu%2Farchives%2Fmou-net.htmldata=04%7C01%7C%7Cf96638cf89f3483da46f08d8adc4fae3%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435%7C1%7C0%7C637450408823543873%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000sdata=KtWjfUASZl4rG0ZY2U8XITyKv7QR6HXA9i9WwNP9oyI%3Dreserved=0 > > > > During the pandemic, the MOU encourages you to stay safe, practice > social distancing, and continue to bird responsibly. > > > Join or Leave mou-net: > https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Flists.umn.edu%2Fcgi-bin%2Fwa%3FSUBED1%3Dmou-netdata=04%7C01%7C%7Cf96638cf89f3483da46f08d8adc4fae3%7C84df9e7fe9f640
[mou-net] N. Shrike, Dakota/Ramsey?as
Just spotted, surveying the new picnic area along Lilydale Rd at Pickerel L. Linda Whyte 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] Wilson's Snipe, Dakota C, Lilydale bike trail
Feeding this morning in the wet area on the east side of the entrance to the current Xcel project at the wetland. It was right next to the temporary platform laid out to the marsh, and flushed as I approached. Linda Whyte 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] Tundra Swan movement, Dakota C; river trail status
Flock of Tundra Swans heard in flight over Lilydale/Mendota Heights late this morning, headed south; followed minutes later by a few Trumpeters that took off from Pickerel Lake. Sight and sounds of the many passerine migrators along the river bike trail have grown increasingly scarce since last week, with a few individual exceptions, supplanted by winter arrivals. Normally there's a good concentration of bird activity around the several springs west of the Pool and Yacht Club, but a massive rock slide last night totally covered the trail in an area parallel to the east end of Pike Island. This end of the trail will likely be closed for some time. East of the Pool and Yacht Club, there's a project in progress to replace some power poles in the wetland. The temporary infrastructure laid down to support heavy equipment and materials gives some birding access to the wetland between work sessions. It might be a good place to check for migrating waterfowl in coming weeks. Linda Whyte 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.
Re: [mou-net] SMLO at Park Point.
They're "bird-bander speak" for Smith's Longspur and Lapland Longspur. Linda Whyte On Fri, Oct 9, 2020, 10:24 AM Law, Carolyn wrote: > Where is Park Place? What is a SMLO? WHAT IS A LALOM > > > > Blessings of Peace and All Good! > > Carolyn Law osf > > www.carolynlaw.com > 320.260.1030 > www.fslf.org > > > > Original message > From: Lon Baumgardt > Date: 10/9/20 10:07 AM (GMT-06:00) > To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU > Subject: [mou-net] SMLO at Park Point. > > A single bird among 20-25 LALOs. Observed at about 20 yards with sun at my > back. Could clearly see tannish-beige color extending through belly to the > vent area. > > > 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. > > > 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. > 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.
Re: [mou-net] Anoka Co. vs. Rice Creek --- Locke Park/ Fridley
Heart-breaking, maddening, and all too familiar a story. Well-said, Gordon. Somehow, we fail to make the perpetrators understand that, while nature MAY make a restorative comeback, nature can afford to take the long-view, but some wildlife cannot. Birds and pollinators in particular often have a short life-span, and if we abbreviate their chance to survive and breed in that short period, they will soon be gone as species. Thank you for the contact info, and to all involved in educating the next generations about what's at stake, Linda Whyte On Fri, Sep 11, 2020 at 12:16 AM Gordon Andersson wrote: > MOU readers > > > > After checking Birdcast and Weatherunderground last Friday night I thought > Locke Park might be good for migrating passerines along Rice Creek. I > wanted some nature therapy and opps for bird photography. What is the > opposite of nature therapy? > > There were large clearcuts and wide bare-earth scrapes on slopes along the > creek. There were piles of logs of mature trees (one of 40 dead trees). > There was a ~24 in. dbh willow on the stream side of the trail that had > been > felled. (a tree that held the soil back from the water for 50+ years) A > 100 > yd slope to the creek had been turned into bare earth, with about 50 yds > largely vegetation-free along a bank. There was riprap dumped where there > there had been rooted banks. > > I was angry and asked trail walkers what was happening. An older couple > who > lives in Fridley said they had no idea of this until they saw it two weeks > before. He said Anoka Co. had issued a contract for cutting and removing > trees and creating bare earth with heavy equipment. Another walker said a > worker told him that they had to cut the wide tracks "to get their > machinery > down to the water". He also assured him that it would "all grow back". > > Instead of getting photos of birds I took pictures of large-scale > degradation of what was a beautiful meandering stream bordered by bluffs > and > forest. > > > > There was a sign that read "Construction of the Lower Rice Creek > Stabilization Project is underway. This project will stabilize eroding > stream banks and improve water quality. For more information see > www.ricecreek.org/projects <http://www.ricecreek.org/projects> or call > 763-398-3075." RCWD Rice Creek Watershed District. The RCWD decision > makers, contract writers, and the contractors are probably pleased with > their work. They see no irony in destroying the vegetative cover, exposing > uneroded ground to new gully erosion, and replacing natural banks with tons > of riprap. This creek did not need its water improved by destroying the > vegetation that "stabilized" the slopes and bluffs. So to get the tons of > broken rock down to the water edge to prevent erosion, we need to remove > the > trees and shrubs. So the bulldozers, and then large earth movers dumped > riprap piles along the stream banks. Maybe this is a logical circle. We > have to take out the forest to put in rock to catch the erosion caused by > removing all the natural cover. > > > > When I retreated, after only crossing three bridges (very depressing) I > drank coffee on a bench and talked to passers-by. Every one was very mad > about what was happening to the creek and the forest. One of the > individuals told me how the water district had made a beautiful raingarden > -- that was full of wildflowers this summer. But when he walked by the > site > again, it was entirely dead. A city worker admitted to using an herbicide > spray and killed everything-- this is weed control and pollinator control. > The resident said this is "right out of the 1950's". He said the same > about > the Locke Park "construction" project. (construction = destruction) > > Just one detail---bridge No. 10 is the first bridge on the trail south from > the east pkg lot. The trees and shrubs and ground cover on the SE side of > the bridge are gone. Well actually two young aspen were felled into the > stream. It is now bare ground on a ~30o slope. But there is no pile of > riprap in the water. Why this egregious destruction? Where a Canada > Warbler caught a moth one spring,-- right there-- there is dirt. And maybe > by today there is big white riprap on the bank. > > > > To me the raingarden and this forested park were both destroyed by kill and > overkill. Last spring I photographed a Swainson's Thrush taking a bath > from > the natural bank below a bridge. There is now a bulldozed spur from the > trail to that spot that ends in a pile of riprap. > > > > Notice that I havent mentioned loss of bird habitat. I don't need to. You &
[mou-net] Carolina Wren? Lilydale/Mendota Heights, Dakota
Hiking the bike trail, just west of the 35E bridge, this morning around 7:45, I had a second glimpse of a Wren who caught my attention by its long, bright white supercilium. The bird was foraging on the wooded bluff side of the trail. Its only vocalizations were a few alarm rattles; it stayed hidden in the shadows of the shrubs. Unless there are wet areas on the bluff top above this spot, it seems unlikely it would be frequented by a Marsh Wren. This bird also lacked the patches of striping a Marsh Wren has, and seemed longer and leaner in shape and bearing. It's not one of the many House Wrens, so I'm thinking it's a Carolina. If anyone ventures that way and can confirm its identity, I'd appreciate hearing about it. Linda Whyte 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.
Re: [mou-net] In search of shorebirds...
Has anyone revisited Armstrong Wetland Restoration ? I never got there in the spring, and have no idea if it has any potential for mudflats, but it sounded as though it might attract migrators at some point. Linda Whyte On Mon, Aug 17, 2020, 10:27 AM Steve Weston wrote: > Lake Byllesby reservoir is a recreational lake during the summer and they > keep the water levels high until after Labor Day, when they start to draw > down the water and expose the mud flats. For that reason it is better for > shorebirds in the spring than the fall. > > On Fri, Aug 14, 2020, 10:52 PM Nancy Sundeen wrote: > > > I was at Lake Byllesby today. It is at full height, no mud flats. > > Nancy S. > > > > Sent from my iPhone > > > > > On Aug 14, 2020, at 6:56 PM, Tom Gilde wrote: > > > > > > I meant to send this to the entire listserv - I am curious about > > conditions at Lake Byllesby. > > > > > > Tom G > > > > > > “ Missy, the sod farm is on both sides of Blaine Ave. for a half mile, > > tops. The west side was being stripped of sod when I visited earlier in > > the week - apparently that is where birds are now being found. There are > > also a variety of puddles along this road and there will be more after > this > > evening, I’d imagine. > > > > > > To the west along 200th St. there is another sod farm on the south side > > of 200th. This street is fairly busy but I think that there is > sufficient > > shoulder to park on, although I’ve been leery of that. If you head south > > of Farmington on Denmark Ave. you will find the eBird hotspot, Farmington > > Shorebird Ponds - sloughs, actually. I watched a number of Virginia > Rails > > there and saw some sandpipers, too, think week. > > > > > > Maybe others will weigh in about Lake Byllesby, further south. There > > are great mudflats on the northwest side of this lake unless the dam on > the > > east side has been opened to raise the water level - I don’t know if > these > > flats are exposed or not but they were great in spring, even yielding > > Avocets.“ > > > > > >> On Aug 14, 2020, at 3:23 PM, Missy Bowen > wrote: > > >> > > >> All, > > >> We were heading to western MN to check out shorebirds for a couple of > > days, > > >> but family matters got in the way. My academic work starts next week. > I > > >> still need my shorebird fix, however. I have tomorrow open until > > >> mid-afternoon, coming from northern Washington County.I will also have > > more > > >> travel time the following week, but I am thinking most of the birds > I'm > > >> hoping for will have already left. > > >> > > >> Jirik Sod Farm in Dakota County looks like a great bet. Any other > > >> suggestions? Those who bird Jirik: is there any particular spot(s) you > > >> recommend? I've never been there. > > >> > > >> I'm looking for Baird's, Stilt, Upland, and Buff-breasted sandpipers > > plus > > >> both Wilson's and Red-Necked phalaropes for lifers, and for my skimpy > > >> Covid-year list I'd be happy to see a Semi-palmated, a Solitary > (!),or a > > >> Least (yeah I know!). > > >> > > >> This group provides immeasurable help to a part-time resident like me, > > who > > >> has to relearn species every year and limited knowledge of "go-to" > > places. > > >> > > >> Thank you all! > > >> Missy Bowen > > >> Otisville. > > >> > > >> > > >> 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. > > > > > > > > > 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. > > > > > > 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. > > > > > 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. > 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] Post-storm movement?
At 7:30 this morning a flock of Chimney Swifts was foraging at low elevation over Hamline/Wellesley in St. Paul. Most summers, as with this one, there have been breeding pairs using the chimney of the school at this intersection. This morning's flock may have been communal-roosting there, in preparation for the move south. (In years past, flocks of over 150 were there for the August Swift Count.) So now I'm wondering what effect, if any, last night's storm may have had on such movement. Would migrators move out ahead of such weather, or hunker down to get behind it? I was anticipating warblers in the bird-banding nets at Carver Park this morning, but we had none. It will be interesting to see if today's birding reports show a large influx of warblers and other migrators. 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.
Re: [mou-net] Purpose of this listserv?
I'm adding my thanks and appreciation to all the above, as MOU and mnbird are where I post. That happens rarely for now; volunteer gigs are ramping up a bit, and COVID is not ramping down, so birding is confined to exercise walks close to home. If I start seeing more migration action, though, MOU is where I'll post. Thanks again, to everyone who keeps us connected! Linda Whyte On Thu, Aug 13, 2020, 12:37 PM Elizabeth Bell wrote: > I remember discussing the pros and cons of going on-line at board meetings > way back when. > > Elizabeth Bell > Sent from my iPhone > > > On Aug 13, 2020, at 11:48 AM, Terence Brashear > wrote: > > > > " So, we're coming up on a quarter century of the public MOU-Net in a > couple > > of months. Quite a milestone! Feels like we should have some sort of > > celebration" > > > > Wow when you word it as a quarter century I feel really old - I've been > > moderating it from the beginning when Dave Cahlander set it up. > > > > I'm happy that we are getting more traffic. This is a valuable resource > > that used to get a lot more use. > > > > Regards, > > > > Terry > > birdn...@yahoo.com > > San Diego, CA > > http://naturepixels.com > > > >> On Thu, Aug 13, 2020 at 8:45 AM Dale Trexel > wrote: > >> > >> So, we're coming up on a quarter century of the public MOU-Net in a > couple > >> of months. Quite a milestone! Feels like we should have some sort of > >> celebration. > >> > >> -Dale > >> > >> > >> On Thu, Aug 13, 2020 at 9:47 AM Anthony Hertzel > >> wrote: > >> > >>>> On Aug 13, 2020, at 9:17 A.M., Dale Trexel > >> wrote: > >>>> > >>>> I, for one, am thankful that this ancient LISTSERV technology and its > >>>> admins have continued to provide a communication avenue for the > >> Minnesota > >>>> birding community for years. > >>>> > >>>> (Decades? The lists.umn.edu archive goes back to 2008, while > >>> mail-archive > >>>> goes back to 2005, and it was clearly in use prior to that: > >>>> https://www.mail-archive.com/mou-net@lists.umn.edu/mail50.html. How > >> long > >>>> has MOU-NET been around?) > >>> > >>> > >>> A small group of us started MOU-Net at Cray Computing Labs in mid 1994. > >> We > >>> went live with our web site on 18 October 1995. > >>> > >>> Anthony Hertzel > >>> axhert...@gmail.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 > >>> > >>> During the pandemic, the MOU encourages you to stay safe, practice > social > >>> distancing, and continue to bird responsibly. > >>> > >> > >> > >> 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. > >> > > > > > > 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. > > > 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. > 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.
Re: [mou-net] Interesting robin behavior
Would it make a difference what type of wood the chips are? Perhaps cedar, for instance, may have special qualities for the purpose of "antting". Linda Whyte On Sat, Jul 4, 2020, 8:29 AM Susan Tertell wrote: > From the original post, it doesn't seem as though ants are involved. Could > the fumes from the wood chips serve the same purpose? > > Susan > > On Fri, Jul 3, 2020 at 10:23 PM John Clouse < > 0249d7b7d4a1-dmarc-requ...@lists.umn.edu> wrote: > > > It’s “anting.” > > > > John > > > > > On Jul 3, 2020, at 1:49 PM, "jbaum...@usfamily.net" < > > jbaum...@usfamily.net wrote: > > > > > > Hello. I just observed some robin behavior I'd never seen before and > > wonder if someone can explain it. > > > > > > I went to close a window on the west side of the house and in the > garden > > there, a robin landed on the wood chips, leaned a little to one side, and > > laid - head tilted - with his mouth open. Within seconds, another robin > > flew in - spread his wings completely open on the wood chips, tilted his > > head and opened his mouth. Both stayed a few minutes - long enough for > me > > to get the binoculars to observe their open mouths, and then the camera > to > > snap a few shots. After a few minutes, the robin with the open wings > stood > > up, walked a few steps and flew off. Within 15-20 seconds, the second > > robin did the same. > > > > > > If the garden were in the shade, I'd assume they were cooling off. But > > this was in strong west-facing sun. Ideas? > > > > > > Jeanne > > > West Como, St. Paul > > > > > > Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net > > > Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html > > > > > > During the pandemic, the MOU encourages you to stay safe, practice > > social distancing, and continue to bird responsibly. > > > > > > > > > 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. > > > > > > 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. > > > > > 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. > 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.
Re: [mou-net] Help w. IDing large beaked bird in next in Roseville's Central Park
Has anyone identified the large-beaked mystery nestlings by Roseville's Bennet Lake? (I haven't gone to see them but I'm curious.) Could they be Green Heron? Peterson's nest book suggests Black-crowneds are somewhat social and often nest near other herons. Are there other nests nearby? Linda Whyte On Sat, Jun 27, 2020, 12:07 PM linda whyte wrote: > Has anyone identified the large-beaked mystery nestlings by Roseville's > Bennett Lake? Could they also be Green Heron? > ( I haven't gone to look for the nest, but I'm curious.) > Peterson's nest book suggests the Black-crowneds are somewhat social and > often nest near other herons. Are there other nests nearby? > Linda Whyte > > On Fri, Jun 26, 2020, 11:14 PM Keith Carlson > wrote: > >> There are three very large beaked birds in a nest above the trail leading >> east from the Victoria Street parking lot, which is south of Co. Road C, >> to >> Lake Bennet. You can't miss the white wash on the trail below the nest as >> you approach the playground and Lake Bennett. The three large beaked >> birds >> are in the nest on a branch of a pine tree. I think they are at least a >> couple of weeks from fledging. My guess is they are night herons. If >> anybody knows, I'd appreciate your insight. >> >> Keith Carlson >> Roseville, MN >> keitheca...@gmail.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 >> >> During the pandemic, the MOU encourages you to stay safe, practice social >> distancing, and continue to bird responsibly. >> > 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.
Re: [mou-net] Help w. IDing large beaked bird in next in Roseville's Central Park
Has anyone identified the large-beaked mystery nestlings by Roseville's Bennett Lake? Could they also be Green Heron? ( I haven't gone to look for the nest, but I'm curious.) Peterson's nest book suggests the Black-crowneds are somewhat social and often nest near other herons. Are there other nests nearby? Linda Whyte On Fri, Jun 26, 2020, 11:14 PM Keith Carlson wrote: > There are three very large beaked birds in a nest above the trail leading > east from the Victoria Street parking lot, which is south of Co. Road C, to > Lake Bennet. You can't miss the white wash on the trail below the nest as > you approach the playground and Lake Bennett. The three large beaked birds > are in the nest on a branch of a pine tree. I think they are at least a > couple of weeks from fledging. My guess is they are night herons. If > anybody knows, I'd appreciate your insight. > > Keith Carlson > Roseville, MN > keitheca...@gmail.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 > > During the pandemic, the MOU encourages you to stay safe, practice social > distancing, and continue to bird responsibly. > 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] Yellow-throated Warbler, Ramsey C
Thanks to yesterday's quick morning post, I was willing to try for the bird again this morning, having had just enough of a look to know it was worth the effort. It paid off with much more satisfactory views, shared by 3 other birders (one with photos). The bird perched near the top of a pine on the east side of the Vadnais parking lot, not far from the entrance, vocalizing often. Thanks again, Pete H. Linda Whyte 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] Fish Lake Nature Trail birds, Anoka C; Red-headed Woodpeckers, Common Raven
We finally paid a visit to this area, which is part of the Cedar Creek EcoScience Reserve. We were hoping to see Red-headed Woodpeckers there, and were certainly not disappointed, with close sightings of at least 4, possibly 6, of them. The trail entrance cuts through a small section of prairie, which offered looks at Meadowlark among the prairie flowers. A Grasshopper Sparrow was heard there too, despite the high winds, and Eastern Bluebirds as well Following the trail west around the lakeshore gave access first to oak savannah where the woodpeckers were, and then to the wet meadows and marsh on parts of its border. On the lake was a pair of Trumpeter Swans with 5 cygnets. In the meadows a Sandhill Crane reared its head briefly, and we watched as what we finally decided was a Red-shouldered Hawk perched astride a low shrub, eating a small rodent. Common Yellowthroats and Yellow Warblers occupied the meadow and marsh edges, and in more wooded sections there were Brown Thrashers and Red-eyed Vireos. On the west end of the lake, by gate 8, a tanger voice sang briefly. It sounded smoother than Scarlet, and more complex in pattern, but it gave us no views to determine if it was a Summer. It seemed to retreat eastward. The most surprising voice, however, was one very familiar from many days spent up north, the Common Raven. That raucous croak could be heard all the way across the water when we reached the lake. It was coming from trees on the west shore, and soon we saw a large corvid being hassled by a Red-winged Blackbird. It happened a couple of times, and left us wondering if nest-raiding was the provocation. Due to the presence of bison, some of the other trails to the south were closed, so this area will need a visit another day--perhaps when migrators move again. Linda Whyte 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] Cerulean Warbler, Acadian Flycatcher, Rice County
At Cannon River Wilderness East, in the Dundas/Northfield area, the original stair access from the parking lot has been freed of fallen trees and debris from the tornado of two years ago. Although the park signage marks the new switchback trail entrance on the north side of the lot, that path is narrow and steep, rather daunting. The old stairway has a rope hand-hold and leads down to the boardwalk, which is basically intact. Damage to the forest both above and within the ravine was major, but the footbridge over the creek seemed untouched. The path along the creek remains, and has been mowed a foot or so on each side for easier passage. While the storm downed many trees, the effect was more of a thinning; it left standing, a good many of the mature trees that lined the banks and hills on either side of the stream. The clearer understory makes for easier bird-viewing. At the head of the ravine, the Acadian Flycatcher was giving its call; it later moved downstream and perched briefly at eye height. A pair of Indigo Buntings was equally cooperative, foraging at waist level. Many other regular species were detected such as Great-crested Flycatcher, Red-eyed and Yellow-throated Vireo, E. Wood Pewee, E. Towhee, American Redstart, Common Yellowthroat, and House Wren among them. There were fewer Ovenbirds heard than usual, and no word from the expected Wood Thrush or Scarlet Tanager, but this was already mid-morning. What did call, was the one voice always sought here in the past: the Cerulean Warbler. It was about half way down the length of the ravine, an area where Ceruleans were seen in many past years. *If it continues there, the thinner canopy should make good viewing.* *Linda Whyte* 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] Crystal Spring SNA/Falls Creek SNA, Washington C
Today we hiked at two SNAs along the St. Croix River. We haven't been to Falls Creek in many years, and had never been to Crystal Spring, which is relatively new. Falls Creek is rather changed from what we remember. The creek was always somewhat ephemeral in its upper reaches, but dependable in the lower sections. Today it was totally dry, and we wonder if its flow has been stanched by the relatively recent sand and gravel operation upstream, across the highway. There were still Scarlet Tanager, Ovenbird, Pine Warbler, and Acadian Flycatcher to be heard, but no sound from the Wood Thrush, nor the Louisiana Waterthrush. Hopefully the scarcity of song was due to our lunch hour start there. Certainly, we found the original trail system much altered, whether an act of nature or simple disuse. Fortunately, we had devoted our late-start morning to Crystal Spring, which was every bit as rich as Falls Creek had been in the past. The two areas are almost adjacent, and identical in habitat, but Crystal Spring flows nicely from the rock formations. The entrance trail that gives access to the head of the spring and its creek, was lively with "edge" birds, like Indigo Bunting. Once in the woods, full of mixed deciduous and old-growth pine, there were Yellow-throated Vireo, Ovenbirds, Scarlet Tanager, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Swainson's Thrush, Veery, and more. By the time we approached the spring itself, the Acadian Flycatcher's call was unmistakable. We never got a look at it, beyond shadows in flight, though we followed the sound as it moved up and down the creek. Further downstream, toward the railroad track we may have seen the Louisiana Waterthrush, but never got a good view of the suspect, nor did we hear it call. Instead, we identified a pair of Eastern Phoebes that may be nesting on a rock ledge above a shallow pool. As we started to head back, we had a surprise encounter with a female Hummingbird. She seemed to be aiming for bits of red on our attire! It gave us pause long enough for another surprise--- a very vocal Cerulean Warbler was calling vigorously from directly overhead. This was near an 8-foot tall stump, riddled with holes, just a few yards off the trail. The canopy was high there, with some open understory, a landscape Ceruleans seem to favor. This SNA is a gem, and leaves me wanting to see it again, especially in future migrations. Linda Whyte 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] Black-billed Cuckoo, Dakota C
Seen at Schaar's Bluff this morning, where the bike trail intersects a grass path, east of the playground area. It called as I approached the trailside tree where it was perched, then flew east across a small open space, giving great looks at its long, striped tail. Linda Whyte 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.
Re: [mou-net] Blue-winged/Golden-winged Warbler hybrid, Murphy Hanrehan Park, Scott C
Interesting that the bird sings both versions. While it can't change its Blue-winged voice, it presumably could learn both song versions from being exposed to both. Given that its current habitat has a scarcity of Goldens, maybe he can change his tune to maximize the chance of attracting a mate from the bigger pool. With reference to trails missing from maps, that omission be purposeful, on the Summer Map version. Number 21 may lead to the trail for #11, which has been marked Closed, on the far south entrance. John Moriarty explained that it was closed to protect breeding birds---presumably, Hooded and Cerulean Warblers and possibly Acadian Flycatcher. However, the gate (s) leading to 11 from the north were breached by a fallen tree, and opened, either by mistake or intent. I question whether people know enough to check for Summer vs Winter version maps, and the little metal signposts are not all that obvious either! Linda On Sat, Jun 6, 2020, 9:46 AM Kyle TePoel < 0583427559cc-dmarc-requ...@lists.umn.edu> wrote: > I’ve refound this bird, it’s been following me (or me it) between markers > 12 and 21. (though never getting as far west as 21). Interesting that 21 is > not on the park website map—but it’s between 12 and the road. It sings both > the typical Blue-winged and golden-winged songs but in a just-slightly > “off” tone for either, as Linda alluded to. Got a decent look that matched > her description perfectly. > > Heard both Hooded and Cerulean warblers, but no Summer Tanager for me or > the several birders I ran into. > > Kyle Te Poel > Stillwater Township, MN > > On Tuesday, June 2, 2020, Bryan Tucker wrote: > > > I observed the same individual. It threw me off as I was sure the song > > matched the Golden-winged but I didn't see the white underparts I was > > looking for. > > > > Bryan Tucker > > > > On Mon, Jun 1, 2020 at 10:00 PM linda whyte < > > 004e7b0e779a-dmarc-requ...@lists.umn.edu> wrote: > > > > > Along the stretch of trail between markers 15 and 13, in listening > > > (unsuccessfully) for the > > > Summer Tanager, I heard what seemed to be the call of a Golden-winged > > > Warbler---a clear "bee-buzz-buzz". As I got closer to the source, it > > became > > > apparent that while the song itself was a match, the voice was not; it > > was > > > slightly lower in pitch, and more robust. > > > When I was able to see the bird, it proved to have the overall > appearance > > > of a Blue-winged Warbler, much yellow, with some darker plumage not > > typical > > > of the species. It was definitely singing the Golden's song, > however---I > > > watched as it sang---so it would seem to be a Lawrence's hybrid. > > > Linda Whyte > > > > > > > > > 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. > > > > > > > > > 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. > > > > > 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. > 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] Mourning Warbler, Dakota C
I am currently at Rachel Lilly Preserve listening to and watching an active, singing Mourning Warbler. It is in the oaks just west of the footbridge that crosses the stream between the east and west fields off hwy 62 in Mendota Heights. He's been singing at least a half hour non-stop, occasionally dropping into the moderate sized trees on either side of the trail. Linda Whyte 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] Summer Tanager, Scott C, 6/4
On a 4th attempt to see, not just hear, the Summer Tanager at Murphy-Hanrehan, this bird was finally cooperative, perched and singing in plain sight on the south side of the trail, just west of marker 13 at 10:15 this morning. It was easy to see the overall red plumage, and smooth crown. It flew between two sparsely-leafed oak branches and spent ample time on each. When it took off, it seemed to be heading across the trail toward the northwest. Linda Whyte 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] Red Wing area birding 6/3, C. Gallinule, Tufted Titmouse X2
Yesterday morning Rob and I were able to hear calls from the 2 of the reported Common Gallinule in the wetland off Cannon River Blvd and Tyler Ave N. They seemed to be very close to the dirt walking trail, just on the other side of the first two clumps of Wild Rose bushes. Though silent at first, they began exchanging calls as we approached. We peered through the few open spaces in the foliage with no luck, listening to the sounds, which were reminiscent of Coot but decidedly different. As we walked on, they fell silent, but once we were back off the trail we listened to the Sibley app and concluded that that was what we'd heard. On the way back to the car, we diverted to the Cannon River bike trail for a short stretch We enjoyed watching some Cliff Swallows at close range from the wooden bridge over a stream.They were feeding actively, but also dropping to a muddy spot on the banks to gather material for the nests they were building under the cement bridge several yards away. Between Swallows, other species (Brown Thrasher, numerous Gray Catbirds, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warblers, Indigo Bunting, Red-eyed Vireos, House Wren, Hummingbird) and many dragonflies, we escaped the relatively few mosquitoes with only one bite. Afterwards we hiked in Hay Creek and also checked for Tufted Titmouse. We had no luck on their winter site, at feeders up on Southview Ridge. However, we did hear them calling from both sides of Hay Creek Trail, just SW of the Ridge. This is the site where they were originally found on our CBC many years ago, when documentation was still required for them. On our way home, we stopped along Collischan Rd to eat lunch by the closed bridge, and were pleasantly surprised with another calling Tufted Titmouse above the Ovenbird and E. Towhee sounds. It's reassuring that a once somewhat scarce species has become more common. Linda Whyte 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] Blue-winged/Golden-winged Warbler hybrid, Murphy Hanrehan Park, Scott C
Along the stretch of trail between markers 15 and 13, in listening (unsuccessfully) for the Summer Tanager, I heard what seemed to be the call of a Golden-winged Warbler---a clear "bee-buzz-buzz". As I got closer to the source, it became apparent that while the song itself was a match, the voice was not; it was slightly lower in pitch, and more robust. When I was able to see the bird, it proved to have the overall appearance of a Blue-winged Warbler, much yellow, with some darker plumage not typical of the species. It was definitely singing the Golden's song, however---I watched as it sang---so it would seem to be a Lawrence's hybrid. Linda Whyte 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] Hooded and Cerulean Warblers, Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve
Returning to the area between trail markers 13 and 15 in hopes of re-finding the Summer Tanager I'd heard there Thursday, I was happily surprised to hear instead, the ascending zip-buzz of Cerulean Warblers. They were foraging high in the trees on the north side of the trail, along a steep incline, for some 20 minutes or more. Although this trail is part of a traditional Hooded Warbler area, no Hooded was detected between markers 13 and 15; however there was one both heard and seen north of there. The other summer species in evidence included: Great-crested Flycatcher, E. Wood Pewee, Scarlet Tanager, Ovenbird, Wood Thrush, Veery, Red-eyed Vireo, E Towhee, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, and Blue-winged Warbler...a very nice choral mix. Linda Whyte 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.
Re: [mou-net] Dearth of yellow-rumped warblers this year
I've seen a good number of yellow-rumps this year, but have had no major fall-out or super mixed-flock experiences. In fact I have missed several other warbler species instead, but they've been reported by others, so it could be a case of "wrong place/wrong time". On Sat, May 23, 2020 at 7:45 PM Susan Tertell wrote: > I have only seen a handful, and most years I see dozens just on the street > in front of my house eating seeds. Did I just miss them somehow? Has > anyone else noticed this? > > Susan Tertell > Minneapolis > > > 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. > 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] more warbler variety in the central metro area (Ramsey/Dakota)
A morning walk around Sucker Lake (Ramsey C) and an afternoon foray on the river trail west of Sibley House (Dakota C) featured some newer arrivals among the earlier warblers. Most notable was an especially vocal Connecticut Warbler on the east bank of the canal that flows between Sucker and Vadnais Lakes. Black-throated Green and Chestnut-sided Warblers were also in voice, along with Yellow and Common Yellowthroat. On the east side of Sucker, there was a brief, early flurry of activity that included Black-and-White, Palm, American Redstart, and possibly the sound of Mourning and N. Parula. Adjacent to the Minnesota River trail there is a considerable flooded area on the edge of Gun Club Lake, where Blackpolls and a Prothonotary Warbler offered excellent looks. A Yellow-throated Vireo was calling, near the trail entrance by the railroad underpass, though it was high out of view. Between warmer temperatures and rains increasing the insect hatch, we should be seeing more newcomers in the urban patches in the next few days. Linda Whyte 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.
Re: [mou-net] N. Mockingbird (Hennepin Co.)
Thanks, Alyssa, The bird was not detected on a search from 4 to 5 PM. I needed to do my daily mileage, so checked both the top of the bluff around the chapel and its surroundings, then the area below the bluff, from the visitor center and around the adjacent wetland. Other birders were planning to check the playing field, and may have had success. I would also consider the National Cemetery, the SW corner of the airport (which had a Mockingbird several years ago), and the vicinity of the Eden Prairie recreation fields which had one last year. In any case, the Ft. Snelling site is close enough to home, and good for a walk, so thanks for keeping us in the loop! Linda Whyte On Wed, May 13, 2020, 1:40 PM Alyssa DeRubeis wrote: > It's not a megararity. But since it's a relatively easy chase for Twin > Cities birders of an uncommon Minnesota bird, I wanted to pass along this > info: There's a Northern Mockingbird at the historical Fort Snelling site > in Bloomington. It has been seen both yesterday and today. The coordinates > are 44.8930579, -93.1861119. > > Good birding! > > Alyssa DeRubeis > Montreal, QC > > > 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. > 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.
Re: [mou-net] No mockingbird???
Keeping an eye on local patches you explore for yourself, without reference to anyone else's finds, has the potential to give you valuable data to shareand a find may be even more satisfying if it's your own. It's good many avid birders are out documenting the birds hither and yon, to add to the knowledge on which, hopefully, decisions regarding species and habitat protection will be made. At the same time, we can be glad if we're not adding too much to the carbon footprint with our own birding. It's a matter of asking ourselves, "Will this bird/species derive enough benefit from my seeing it to justify the trip?" There's something to be said for serendipitous local birding---and often plenty of interesting, even new, observations to be made about common species and their behavior. Linda Whyte On Sat, May 9, 2020, 12:54 PM Thomas Gilde wrote: > Thanks, Kyle - I can pretty much echo everything you wrote but less > articulately. I receive the daily rare bird reports from eBird and > otherwise “depend on the kindness of strangers”, namely, the listserv from > which I am reading your email. I haven’t found Facebook to be of value > when it comes to alerts but maybe I don’t belong to the right group (I > don’t care). I’m not going to chase accidentals but will be interested in > unusual birds in the metro neighborhood. Really, there are so many great > birds that I haven’t seen (or seen since in the last few years since I > started submitting some lists to eBird) that I’m pretty happy just getting > out in what’s left of local potholes and woods and seeing what’s up. If > I’m taking pictures there is always a better photo to be made of just about > every bird that I’ve photographed (hard lesson, that). > > Tom Gilde > > ps: I never noticed a post about a mockingbird . > > Sent from my iPhone > > > On May 8, 2020, at 4:57 PM, Kyle TePoel < > 0583427559cc-dmarc-requ...@lists.umn.edu> wrote: > > > > Just a general question, spurred by the mockingbird email (but not about > > the mockingbird specifically)--how many bird "things" (report sources) > are > > people signed up for? For example, the first email titled 'No > > Mockingbird???' implied knowledge among the general MOU-net recipients > > about a mockingbird in the first place (I didn't get an email about one > > previously, anyway). There's no location mentioned in that or the > follow-up > > email, either--is it assumed this is common knowledge? I'm guessing it's > a > > bird reported on ebird (for which I don't yet have an account, so that > > could be my problem), but I have multiple email listserv acounts and am > on > > multiple Minnesota bird-related Facbook groups. > > > > I'm not really a chaser, so it's not affecting me much but I am just > > generally curious. That said, if something interesting were to be found > > next door I could theoretically not know about it if I'm not getting all > > the right reports. My question is not MOU-net specific; even if I was on > > ebird, I'd miss things that are only posted here, or on Facebook, etc. > And > > it happens on the Facebook pages it happens too, where a report comes > > through, often suggesting a unique bird has been somewhere for days, and > > that everyone knows about it, but I can't be the only one who finds > > themselves the last to know, am I? For those of you who think you have a > > handle on pretty much all the birding reports locally, feel free to write > > back with the list of sources you're receiving. I realize that ebird is > > "THE" source for a lot of birders, yet I'm curious about the average > number > > of bird-related sources people are subscribing/contributing to. I > consider > > myself a serious (whatever that means) birder, and probably haven't heard > > of them all. :) > > > > Kyle Te Poel > > Stillwater Township, MN > > > > On Fri, May 8, 2020 at 3:54 PM Julie Zempel > > > wrote: > > > >> Andy Nyhus got it this morning sometime around or before 8:30 am. I > havent > >> heard of any other reports, but I don't know if any others have tried > for > >> it. > >> > >> Julie Zempel > >> > >>> On Fri, May 8, 2020, 3:14 PM MOU wrote: > >>> > >>> (Posted by Chet A. Meyers via moumn.org) > >>> > >>> No Mockingbird today? > >>> Chet Meyers > >>> > >>> > >>> 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, t
Re: [mou-net] Dakota Co 140th St Marsh
Thank you, to all of you providing some answers. I was mistaken regarding ownership of the property and responsibility for the project. I see that there were/are intentions of mitigating the damage the project will cause. While such efforts may help, some damage will no doubt be irreparable. (It makes a person think even harder about what and how much we're putting in our trash.) Perhaps some future generations of bird species will happen on the "restored" area and have the resilience to populate it. Belated Happy Earth Day Linda Whyte On Sat, Apr 25, 2020, 9:03 AM Brian Tennessen wrote: > Hi, > > I got this message from Alyssa DeRubeis on this thread, that she sent only > to me last night, which I will paste here, (I trust this is fine to share) > that seems less dire.. > > If there are going to be hearings it would be good to find out more > there... > > Hi Brian, > > It's a great question, and one that Amy Simso Dean had wondered too. This > is from her post in the Minnesota Birding Facebook group: " According to > DNR who looked into this for me, a permit was pulled to put in a pipeline. > Once it is in, they will restore the wetland. Included taking down some > trees, trenching etc. this work will go on for a couple months." > > On Sat, Apr 25, 2020 at 8:47 AM Kathryn Rudd wrote: > > > Thank you Linda. So tragic. :( > > > > Sent from my iPhone > > > > On Apr 25, 2020, at 8:42 AM, LINDA SCHWEGMAN wrote: > > > > I googled SKB Environmental, who owns the landfill that sits just north > > of the 140th St. Marsh. This is what I suspect is going on. > > > > > > > https://patch.com/minnesota/applevalley-rosemount/rosemount-landfill-expansion-would-remove-ecologicall090d8a954f > > > > > > On Apr 25, 2020, at 8:37 AM, Kathryn Rudd > katda...@hotmail.com>> wrote: > > > > Have you contacted City Hall? Or you might even try the Mayor’s > > office/staff? Someone at City Hall should be available to help. > > Kathryn Rudd - Eagan > > > > Sent from my iPhone > > > > On Apr 24, 2020, at 11:50 PM, Brian Tennessen > <mailto:brian.tennes...@gmail.com>> wrote: > > > > Sorry, I do not know but was wondering the same thing.. > > > > On Fri, Apr 24, 2020 at 5:52 PM Susan anderson < > > 027be96b2ba4-dmarc-requ...@lists.umn.edu > 027be96b2ba4-dmarc-requ...@lists.umn.edu>> wrote: > > > > Does any one know what is going on at 140th St Marsh?? - Trees being > > bulldozed - dirt being pushed into the marsh? > > Anyone know what or why??? - Thanks Susan Anderson > > > > 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. > > > > > > > > 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. > > > > > > 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. > > > > > > > > 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. > > > > > 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. > 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] Shorebird bonus, Dakota/Goodbye C
Rick Gibson's post of the Cinnamon Teal hybrid and Avocets, inspired Rob and me to make an afternoon trek to Lake Byllesby. We found 5 Avocets, and with them, a Marbled Godwit, both First of Year for us, as were the Bonaparte's Gulls. There was still a good mix of waterfowl as seen on earlier trips, but tired eyes wouldn't stand searching for the Cinnamon Teal. On the route back we checked 180th St marsh, where Rob spotted us a FOY Yellow-headed Blackbird. The route then took us through 140 St marsh, where I'd seen the Hudsonian Godwit in the morning. In explaining to Rob where it had been, he pointed out a mistake in the viewing directions that I had given to another birder that morning, who was trying for a camera-pan view of the bird, following my directions. I'd failed to see the far end of the irrigation structure, and so miscounted the support struts used as a location reference. Giving directions from alternative starting points might have helped; apologies to that birder, if she reads this. Linda Whyte 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] Location of 140th St marsh, Dakota C, Rosemount
2 apologies, one for forgetting to add location to the Godwit post, and another for forgetting to post to mnbird earlier. I hope the bird is still in the SE corner of the wetlands on the south side of 140th. Fastest way: exit hwy 52 at c 42 by the Rosemount water tower, then take the first road to the north. It curves around and BECOMES 140th St., which is right behind the sanitary landfill. Linda Whyte 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] Hudsonian Godwit, 140thst marsh
There has been a Hudsonian Godwit foraging in the Southeastern most wet area for the past 20 minutes or so. It has made a few relocation flights, flashing it's white rump, but seems to be sticking to the back area, out of the wind. Thanks to the woman whose name I don't know, who first suspected its possible presence, or I never would have worked to find it, in my futile search for phalaropes! Linda Whyte (who is supposed to be on an exercise walk) 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] Wednesday birding, Rusty Blackbirds and more, Dakota/Goodhue C.
An afternoon of car birding in hopes of shorebirds yielded none of those, but plenty more. Jirik Sod Farm was devoid of the targets, but led to a much-coveted (by me, anyway) and often denied sighting of Rusty Blackbirds. Luckily, Rob suggested checking the short, dead-end stretch of Blaine, north of 66, across from the sod farm, at least as far as the bridge over the Vermilion River. Just over the bridge is a WMA, where we noticed some flooded backwater. There was little of note on the river, but we could hear blackbird voices that were definitely not Red-wings'. As we pulled into the little parking area, a flock rose from the shallows of the flooded edges, beyond our sights. Returning after several minutes, they gave us ample time to observe their wet foraging, and then hear their chorus songs when they rose to the trees---until a Sharp-shinned Hawk sent them packing. After that we headed to Randolph and L. Byllesby. The Industrial Park presented nothing new, though we did enjoy N. Flickers and a Kestrel. The boat ramp on the south side of Byllesby, however, was quite productive of waterfowl FOYs. Searching unsuccessfully for Loon, we managed against the wind, to scope numerous Ruddy Ducks, some American Wigeon, some Horned Grebes, and around 6 American Pelicans, among other species seen on an earlier visit. On the drive home we enjoyed a N. Harrier at the 180th St. Marsh, and then some FOY Tree Swallows that have our sympathies during this wintry-weather regression. If anything sets us a survivalist example we need, it has to be birds! Linda Whyte 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] big changes at 140th St. Marsh, Dakota County
After an exercise walk at the Spring Lake Park Reserve archery range, I made a quick detour to 140th St. To my huge surprise, most of the cedar trees, behind and adjacent to the water on the north side of the road, have been hydro-axed and bull-dozed. This is the area where in recent years, we had Blue Grosbeaks and Bell's Vireos, among other specialties. It would seem the work is related not to the landfill, but to the sand and gravel operation further back. Some change would be inevitable, it of course, due to the increasing depth of water there, but it will definitely limit surrounding breeding habitat even more dramatically. If anyone knows of the plans for this site, I would appreciate hearing about it. (The local Kestrel was perched on a utility wire down the road, to the west of the Rosemount Water Treatment facility. Little bird activity was detected on the south side of the road today, but my distraction was likely responsible for that.) Linda Whyte 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] Peregrine Falcon Ramsey C
This afternoon, a Peregrine was in the nest box on the corner of the Xcel power plant roof, on Randolph Ave in St Paul. Linda Whyte 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] Shrike, Dakota C.
Across the road from the entrance to the Empire Township Substation, there was a Shrike, perching low on various utility wires. We didn't get close enough to confirm Northern vs Loggerhead, though it was more likely the former. Horned Larks were present in many fields, singing and displaying territorial behavior. Likewise, Kildeer have returned to many areas. In the fields north of Lake Byllesby, the snowmelt has attracted flocks of waterfowl, including Swans and Greater White-fronted Geese and some duck species like N Shoveler. It wouldn't be surprising to find shorebirds other than Kildeer among them soon. Linda Whyte 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] Carolina Wren, Hennepin C. (re-sent)
The York Park (Edina) Carolina Wren was still present this morning, in trees along along the creek. Entering from 56th St., we heard its song north of the open area, and followed it to a downstream bend in the water. Initially, it was singing vigorously from near the top of a huge spruce across the creek, but it was well hidden in the thick foliage. After several minutes it flew across the water in our direction, into a deciduous tree. The dry foliage on that tree provided perfect camouflage for the bird's coloring and markings. Had it not resumed singing, we might never have seen it. As it was, its gold-toned chest, facing the sun, finally gave away its perch, near the top and center of the tree. Being between cataract surgeries, and somewhat "one-eyed", I'm especially grateful for its helpful behaviorand for all who reported the bird. Linda Whyte (with apology for the incomplete post) 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] Carolina Wren, Hennepin C.
The York Park (Edina) Carolina Wren was still present this morning, in trees along along the creek. Entering from 56th St., we heard its song north of the open area, and followed it to a downstream bend in the water. Initially, it was singing vigorously from near the top of a huge spruce across the creek, but it was well hidden in the thick foliage. After several minutes it flew across the water in our direction, into a deciduous tree. The dry foliage on that tree provided perfect camouflage for the bird's coloring and markings. Had it not resumed singing, we might never have seen it. As it was, its gold-toned chest, facing the sun, finally gave away its perch, near the top and center of the tree. Being between cataract surgeries, and somewhat "one-eyed", I'm especially grateful for its helpful behaviorand for all who reported the bird. Linda Whyte Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
