[mou-net] No sightings, listserv question

Taking a sabbatical this summer, my email will be changing to alschirmac...@live.com effective July 1st (active today). Since I am not very technical (which end of this hammer do I use?), any advice on switching the address on the listserv would be appreciated. Thanks! Al Schirmacher

[mou-net] Sherburne NWR, Blue Hill Trail

Led a small group last night on Blue Hill Trail. Besides the regular nesters, had a Dickcissel across from the parking lot, and a singing Cerulean on the right loop of the trail just before the wooded area. Good birding to all! Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs Sherburne Counties

[mou-net] MOU Aitkin Trip Report

20+ birders gathered at Rice Lake Refuge for the annual Aitkin County trip. We covered Rice Lake, Soo Line Trail connection on 65, CR's 5 18; then, after a late lunch at Subway, CR's 3, 1 15. Birding was a bit slow, only 95 species overall. Warblers were solid (16-17 species) but generally

[mou-net] Ibises

Betsy Beneke just texted, asking me to post three Plegadis Ibises on I 94, mile marker 76, south of Fergus Falls. They flew over her car. Good birding to all! Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs Sherburne Counties Join or Leave mou-net:

[mou-net] MOU Aitkin Trip 6/11 Openings

Have had an unexpected number of cancellations for the MOU Aitkin trip this Saturday (beginning at Rice Lake Refuge parking lot at 7:15 AM). Have 3-4 additional openings on the trip, if anyone is interested. Please contact me by email. (There are no costs for MOU trips, although gas

[mou-net] Year Bird: Tufted Titmouse

Thanks to everyone who responded to my year bird inquiry. Received a number of excellent suggestions and locations for every bird except...Tufted Titmouse. May be able to bird points south of the cities tomorrow, anyone have a specific location for this bugger? (Hate to admit this, but it's

[mou-net] Sherburne NWR Auto Tour

On Sherburne NWR's Prairie Wildlife Auto Tour this morning (mostly heard): Dickcissel (has been a couple of years since had one up here), Orchard Oriole, Yellow-headed Blackbird (becoming scarce in refuge), Lark Sparrows, Willow Flycatcher (Alder is much more common here), Common Loons with a

[mou-net] Love Central Minnesota

Pardon the enthusiasm, but I love Minnesota birding (particularly central and north central). Since Saturday morning have seen heard 129 birds - while working three of the four days - spending 9 hours in three counties (Sherburne, Mille Lacs, Aitkin, little bit of Crow Wing) - generally

[mou-net] Aitkin Shorebirds +

In preparation for next week's MOU field trip, Nate I ran our Aitkin route yesterday. Highlights included: * 13 shorebird species (4th street southwest from Aitkin, flooded fields a a few miles down the highway (sorry, forgot number), also sod farms on Highway 1) - included Black-bellied

[mou-net] Lawrence's, Brewster's, Kunkel WMA

This morning at Kunkel WMA in southern Mille Lacs County: * Lawrence's Warbler (Golden-winged/Blue-winged backcross) * Possible Brewster's (GW/BW hybrid) The Lawrence's was present at the end of the first woods, about 15 minutes walk in. It was singing a slightly off Golden-winged song.

[mou-net] Year Bird Request

Want to knock down some year birds in June July that nest in south central or southern Minnesota. Leads on any of the following would be great: * Prothonotary Warbler (still at Snelling? Other consistent locations?) * Hooded Cerulean Warbler (since neither have come this year to Sherburne

[mou-net] Aitkin Field Trip 6/11

Our MOU Aitkin Field Trip is Saturday June 11th, beginning at 7:15 in the Rice Lake Refuge (off highway 65) parking lot. The trip is currently full, but if your name was on the waiting list, feel free to come (we've had enough cancellations). Hope to do a scouting trip this Saturday, but

[mou-net] Biwabik

Will be in Biwabik Friday Saturday performing a wedding. May have time for an hour or two of birding Saturday morning, any recommendations on good spots in the area? Thanks for any assistance. Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs Sherburne Counties Join or Leave mou-net:

[mou-net] Sherburne, Lac Qui Parle +

Philadelphia Vireo, two Olive-sided Flycatchers, Red-headed Woodpecker on Blue Hill Trail, Sherbunre NWR this morning. Still good mix of warblers; unique to see Yellow-rumped and Blackpolls in same tree. Enjoyed Big Stone Refuge and Lac Qui Parle County yesterday, although shorebirds were

[mou-net] Wood Thrushes, Spring Migration

For Wood Thrush fans, there were probably eight or so singing, calling and appearing at Pioneer Park in Princeton over lunch hour today. Got to love this spring's migration - have seen or heard 155 species since Saturday - while working normal amount. One could get spoiled! Good birding to

[mou-net] 18 warblers

18 warblers on Sherburne's Blue Hill Trail this morning - lack of leaves led to stunning looks at Blackburnians, Cape Mays, Parulas etc. - new for year were Blackpoll and Bay-breasted. 22 warblers, so far, on the week in the refuge. No Canada, Connecticut, or Mourning (speaking personally)

[mou-net] Saturday's Sherburne Trip

Few notes for those attending Saturdays' MOU Sherburne Refuge Field Trip (registration closed): 1) Bring footwear that you're comfortable getting wet in, trails are a little damp in a few spots. 2) For those attending the optional afternoon session, please bring a lunch (this is new). We

[mou-net] 18 warblers

18 warblers on Blue Hill Trail, Sherburne NWR this morning: * Blue-winged * Golden-winged * Tennessee * Nashville * Northern Parula * Yellow * Chestnut-sided * Cape May * Yellow-rumped (still most numerous) * Black-throated Green * Pine * Palm * Black-and-White * American Redstart

[mou-net] Field Trips Reminder

Number of field trips this week: * Wild River State Park, Saturday the 14th, 8:00-12:00, contact Joe Sausen at jcsau...@earthlink.net * Friends of Crane Meadows, Saturday the 14th, 8:30-12:00 (although there are early morning and afternoon options as well), contact Milton

[mou-net] Fw: RE: Wild River State Park Birding May 14

Note field trip location change below: Thanks! Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN - Original Message - From: jcsau...@earthlink.net To: pasto...@princetonfreechurch.net Cc: Tom Anderson t...@aligningwithnature.com; steveandleekingsb...@frontiernet.net Sent: Monday, May 09, 2011 11:01 AM

[mou-net] Quick 10

Quick 10 warblers between storms on lunch time walk at Mahnomen Trail, Sherburne NWR - including Blackburnian and Golden-winged - first double digit day up here. Singing Wood Thrushes also highlighted the action. Hopefully we crescendo Saturday! Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs

[mou-net] Orchard Oriole

Interesting mix of Orchard Oriole, American Bittern and Common Raven on Blue Hill Trail this evening, Sherburne Wildlife Refuge. Only four warbler species, however (yellow-rumpeds may have passed 1000 in number) - this should change by the field trip on 5/14 Despite being out nearly daily,

[mou-net] Common Moorhen, Sherburne Refuge

Common Moorhen, Sherburne Refuge Auto Tour, pool just past three mile marker, left hand side. Sherburne Refuge is easily reachable from Highway 169. Take 169 to CR 9, head west (which will take you past the headquarters and two trails), then turn south on CR 5 to the Prairie Wildlife Auto

[mou-net] Sherburne Refuge

Two American Bitterns, single Lark Sparrow on Blue Hill Trail, Sherburne Refuge this morning. Lark Sparrow at Kunkel WMA, southern Mille Lacs County (just off 95) on Saturday - only my second in Mille Lacs County in 7.5 years (although they do nest just a few miles south of this WMA). Good

[mou-net] Probable Least Bittern, Sherburne Refuge

There was a probable Least Bittern calling consistently in Sherburne Refuge this morning, across the road from the Mahnomen trail head. Of course it's early, but not nearly as early as a Black-billed Cuckoo would be:) (the only other possibility I can think of) Good sparrow activity in the

[mou-net] Eurasian Collared Dove, Clear Lake, not found

The Eurasian Collared Dove in Clear Lake (Sherburne County) was not found over noon time yesterday; however, the number of people present, plus two trains rumbling through, tended to scare off everything but the grackles. If anyone sights again, please report (county bird). Thank, Bob, for

[mou-net] Updated MOU Field Trip Information

* Salt Lake Weekend, Saturday April 30th. Volunteers will lead tours at Salt Lake, Big Stone Refuge and throughout the lakes, wetlands and native prairies of Lac Qui Parle and southern Big Stone counties. Last year 141 species were recorded. Meet at 7 AM at the Marietta American Legion,

[mou-net] Significant Migration Activity, Sherburne Mille Lacs

Significant migration activity in the Sherburne southern Mille Lacs County areas - 16 year birds today and Saturday - Greater Lesser Yellowlegs, 17 ducks (not all new), pelicans, Bonaparte's Gull, both kinglets, Yellow-rumped flocks, Vesper Sparrow, Brewer's Blackbird (have only had one

[mou-net] Peculiar Waterfowl Observations

Stop regularly at a temporary ag pond this time of year, since interesting waterfowl have been known to show up. However, the last few days, I've begun to wonder what is in the water. 1) While scoping through geese, hoping for something beyond the omnipresent Canadas, one Canada did a

[mou-net] Rusty Blackbird, American Woodcock

Rusty Blackbird, American Woodcock seen at Kunkel WMA this morning, Mille Lacs County. Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs Sherburne Counties 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] Byllesby

Thinking of traveling down to Lake Byllesby tomorrow, but hate to drive ~2 hours without reason. How are the birds there today? Thanks. Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs Sherburne Counties Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:

[mou-net] Fox Song Sparrows

Spring has a chance: Fox Song Sparrows on Mahnomen Trail, Sherburne NWR, this morning. However, the 15 degree temps, crunching snow and fly over Redpoll remind me which season is still in charge. Good birding to all! Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs Sherburne Counties Join

[mou-net] Spring Migration

Have not dug deeply into this, but note that this year's species list is 38% behind last year's, presuming the next couple of days add a normal amount of year birds. I'm presuming that migrant waves, at least here in central MN, are 8-10 days behind the last few years; but don't have

[mou-net] Juxtaposition

Interesting juxtaposition at Sherburne NWR, Mahnomen Trail this morning - Bohemian Waxing calling, followed by Sandhill Cranes - not sure I've ever had both in the same day before, no less a minute or two apart. Trail was very noisy this morning, Trumpeters, Canadas, Cranes calling

[mou-net] New MOU Trip

Birding St. Cloud Proper Environs, Saturday, May 1, 2011. Meet at the Clearwater Travel Plaza 6:00-6:45 am for breakfast, coffee, or pastry (I94/Hwy 24). Involving short hikes with some brush and floodplain of the Mississippi riparian slope. Several area public lands and developing parks

[mou-net] New Field Trip

As promised, details on the Carlos Avery Field Trip: * Saturday, June 4th, 7:00-10:30 AM. Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area offers a variety of habitats, including woods, second-growth, ponds and marches. We will meet at a site in Forest Lake and caravan to the WMA. Trip limited to 15

[mou-net] MOU Trips - Updated List, New Trips

* Salt Lake Weekend, Saturday April 30th. Volunteers will lead tours at Salt Lake, Big Stone Refuge and throughout the lakes, wetlands and native prairies of Lac Qui Parle and southern Big Stone counties. Last year 141 species were recorded. Meet at 7 AM at the Marietta American Legion,

[mou-net] New MOU Field Trip - Sax-Zim Bog

* Sax-Zim Bog Field Trip, Saturday March 26th, 11:00 AM until dark. Meet at Canal Park in Duluth, carpool together to the bog. Trip features Great Gray Owls, Northern Hawk Owls, winter finches, Boreal Chickadees, Gray Jays and the like. Trip limited to 25 participants. Contact Erik Bruhnke

[mou-net] Sax-Zim

Yesterday my son Nate his birding friend, Adam (both attending Trinity in Illinois) birded Sax-Zim Bog. Hopefully Nate can share further details later, but (last I heard) they had three Black-backed Woodpeckers, three Northern Hawk Owls and eight (!) Great Gray Owls (latter predominately

[mou-net] Field Trips Leaders

We are still actively looking to set up MOU field trips for 2011. We currently have eight scheduled, but honestly need 12-18 to do justice to this great state's birds! If you have an area that you know relatively well - are willing to share your information - have a reasonably friendly

[mou-net] MOU Field Trips

Update on current MOU field trips: * Salt Lake Weekend, Saturday April 30th. Volunteers will lead tours at Salt Lake, Big Stone Refuge and throughout the lakes, wetlands and native prairies of Lac Qui Parle and southern Big Stone counties. Last year 141 species were recorded. Meet at 7 AM

[mou-net] Barrow's Goldeneye

Barrow's Goldeneye was not refound early this morning in Monticello; however, cold time constraints limited viewing to 25 minutes. Plenty of active goldeneyes in the area, wish I'd had more time and 40 more degrees! Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs Sherburne Counties For those

[mou-net] Barrow's Goldeneye

Just received a call: male Barrow's Goldeneye is being seen in Montissippi Park in Monticello (where the swans congregate). The reporter stated that it's being seen to the right of the overlook, and that it took nearly an hour to locate. (Hope to see it tomorrow!) Al Schirmacher Princeton,

[mou-net] Birding Friend's Question

A conservationist and birding friend is working with others on a series of workshops, and asked me to forward the following question: Which of these is more effective at getting across the message of migratory bird habitat used by birds en route: 1) migration stopover 2) migration station

[mou-net] Red Crossbill +

Red Crossbill, Common Redpolls, Bohemian Waxwing at Ann Lakes/Sand Dunes this morning. Also enjoyed Rough-legged Hawk Northern Shrike. The Sand Dunes area is located just south of Sherburne Refuge, take CR 5 south almost to the second CR 4 (west) exit, but turn left/east rather than right.

[mou-net] Pee-o-wee!

Downtown Princeton, Pee-o-wee! Yeah, right. And my field calls make me a Barred Owl. Stupid starling. Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs Sherburne Counties 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] Sherburne

Interesting mix at Ann Lake/Sand Dunes Sherburne Refuge yesterday morning: Bohemian Waxings Common Raven Belted Kingfisher Snow Buntings Horned Larks (first returning migrants, or holdovers?). Also had a flock of Purple Finches at a Santiago feeder. Tough to tell whether we're northern or

[mou-net] Unusual Locations

99 posts on this topic in three days (four listservs), we must be scratching where people are itching! (Fact is, we all see unusual birds while not birding, which is one of the beauties of this hobby/avocation/passion.) Perhaps we should consider a compilation, or article at some point...?

[mou-net] Salt Lake Field Trip - Contact Ken Larson with questions or further details

Salt Lake Birding Weekend 2011 April 30, Saturday, 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. Ken Larson, home 952-595-9265, cell 612-210-8486 prairiemarshf...@comcast.net Do you want to experience spring migration in Western Minnesota? Join us at the 36th annual Salt Lake Birding Weekend, on April 30, 2010.

[mou-net] Unusual locations

Saw an interesting question on Facebook this morning: what is your favorite parking lot bird? Got me thinking about unusual locations: * Parking lot: Gray-crowned Rosy Finches in Cloquet, MN parking lot * Yard: tie between Cattle Egret and Prairie Falcon, north of Princeton, MN * Work:

[mou-net] Bohemians

16 Bohemian Waxwings at Ann Lake/Sand Dunes (Sherburne County) this morning, deciduous trees 100 yards or so west of the parking lot. May have been a Long-eared Owl in the conifers north of the parking lot as well (5 minute walk), but fly away look was short obscured. Long-eareds have been

[mou-net] Raven Distribution Question

Many of us are aware of the southern pockets of Common Ravens along the south/western edge of Sherburne Refuge (including Ann Lake), and Carlos Avery. Today I heard a Common Raven calling on the south side of Princeton, 12+ miles from their typical areas. I also seem to remember an MOU post

[mou-net] Aitkin, Duluth

Great Gray Owl, 10 Sharp-tailed Grouse on unplowed Aitkin County 18 Saturday morning. Could not stop to check trail (or I'd still be there!). Great Black-backed, Glaucous, Thayer's (2) Gulls at Canal Park in Duluth. Park Point quiet. Good birding to all! Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille

[mou-net] Monticello

Stopped in Monticello this morning to check out the trumpeter spot, bit quieter than past years: ~400 Trumpeter Swans, few goldeneye, single pintail; no sign of the past years' Mute Swan; not much diversity in waterfowl. Good birding to all! Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs

[mou-net] Field Trips

We are beginning to line up MOU field trips for 2011. I hope to have 12-18 trips this year - many different leaders - plan on leading four myself. Here are the four I will be leading (much more information will be forthcoming): * Sherburne Wildlife Refuge, Saturday, May 14th, 7:15 AM.

[mou-net] Dramatic mid-winter declines

One would expect a gradual decline in number of species seen throughout the winter months (December through February in this context). However, my seven year experience here in central MN suggests not a gradual decline, but a precipitous dropoff, primarily in late December and early January.

[mou-net] Sandhill Cranes

Nate heard late Sandhill Cranes this morning at our home in southern Mille Lacs County. Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs Sherburne Counties 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] Few quick 2010 reflections

2010 was my slowest birding year in Minnesota since first full year here (2004). Shorebirds were the primary culprit, only netted 18 of the regular 32 (had 29 the year before, Nate had 30). Two factors, our two counties (Mille Lacs Sherburne) were very slow during migrations, and visit to

[mou-net] December 25th

Blessed Christmas to all! (And may a new yard bird land on your feeders tomorrow morning.) Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs Sherburne Counties 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] Evening Grosbeaks - Isanti Co.

Many thanks to those who found these birds, and to Steve for reporting them. Three Evening Grosbeaks were briefly reseen near the corner of 249th and Pinto at 1:00 today (in the residential neighborhood on the circle). Both sets of directions are helpful. If you take 273rd, keep right and be

[mou-net] Northern Delight At Ann Lake, Sherburne County

After unsuccessful owling, stopped at Ann Lake/Sand Dunes, just south of Sherburne Refuge this morning. Northern explosion. Eight minutes walk north of the parking lot, while watching a roost of 200+ crows, a Red Crossbill sang from conifers, then flew over head. Returning to the parking

[mou-net] Aitkin Friday

Pardon the late post, but enjoyed: * Boreal Chickadees * Gray Jays * Common Redpolls * Snow Buntings * Numerous Rough-legged Hawks while driving around Aitkin County Friday morning and early afternoon. Far away the best location was the snowmobile trail on CR 18. No evidence of

[mou-net] 90 Bohemian Waxwings

Two flocks of Bohemian Waxwings near/around Sherburne Refuge this morning: * 50 at Ann Lake, couple hundred yards south of the parking lot * 40 near the intersection of 152nd and 288th. Did not hear or see a Cedar in either flock. The Townsend's Solitaire may have been present this morning at

[mou-net] Sherburne Refuge Drive

Sherburne Refuge Drive this morning netted Snow Buntings, Purple Finches and a Northern Shrike. Trumpeter Swans Bald Eagles still scattered throughout (although only open water appears to be the river). No sign of Townsend's Solitaire at Ann Lake (true of last three occasions, although all

[mou-net] Mille Lacs Bohemians

Saturday in northern Mille Lacs County: * ~30 Bohemian Waxwings, west side of Mille Lacs Lake, 7 tenths of a mile south of the highway 35/169 intersection, just south of the reservation * Small flocks of Common Redpolls and, surprisingly, GC Kinglets on Touch the Earth Trail, Kathio State

[mou-net] Winter birding

One arrives at favorite lake, frozen early (shutting down scoters, gulls, unusual ducks and other potential rarities). One drives for two hours (carbon footprint?), hikes for one, only 15 species. One regrets living in central MN during the seven months of winter. Then a flock of Bohemian

[mou-net] Townsend's Solitaire +

This morning: * Townsend's Solitaire still present calling, Ann Lake * Rough-legged Hawk, Snow Buntings, Otters, Sherburne NWR Prairie Wildlife Auto Tour. Good birding to all! Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs Sherburne Counties Join or Leave mou-net:

[mou-net] Winter Question Summary

Asked this question on Tuesday: For most of us, bird numbers have greatly dwindled, plumages have diminished, songs are occasional or fragmented. How do you find satisfaction in your birding hobby (or passion, or obsession) during the December to February timeframe? Here's a summary of the

[mou-net] Townsend's Solitaire

Townsend's Solitaire back in its usual place: Ann Lake, just south of Sherburne Refuge, one mile east of Sherburne CR 5, road opposite CR 4 western turnoff. It was calling just off the parking lot on the right hand side, then flew into the bare trees about 150 yards west of the right hand

[mou-net] Oklahoma inquiry

Heading to Ft. Still, Oklahoma for daughter's Basic Training graduation later this week. My participation in the trip was unexpected (but welcome), so I've had little opportunity to research the area from a birding perspective - and I couldn't find an Oklahoma listserv on birdingonthe.net

[mou-net] Sherburne Auto Tour; Thanks

Common Raven, Lapland Longspur and numerous Northern Pintails on Sherburne Refuge's Prairie Wildlife Auto Tour this morning. Many thanks to those who shared directions and updates for the Common Ground Dove, enjoyed the bird late Tuesday afternoon. Good birding to all! Al Schirmacher

[mou-net] Common Ground Dove

Planning to head to Bloomington after work - so if the ground dove has been seen after this morning - please post or backchannel. Thanks! Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html

[mou-net] MOU Mille Lacs Trip, lesson learned

25 birders gathered on Saturday, October 16th, 7:30 AM in the Dairy Queen parking lot near Onamia to enjoy loons along the Mille Lacs Lake. Unfortunately, the loons forgot to show up (should have called ahead). We viewed ~15 Common Loons between Onamia Garrison (and one suspicious character

[mou-net] Saturday 10/16 MOU Mille Lacs Trip

Just a reminder to those who have signed up for Saturday's MOU Trip along Mille Lacs Lake: We will meet at 7:30 AM at the Dairy Queen on 169 in Onamia. I anticipate birding the west side of Mille Lacs Lake, perhaps covering 1-2 other locations nearby depending upon time. Study your loons!

[mou-net] Cackling Geese

Five Cackling Geese at Princeton Sewage (CR2) Ponds last evening (among a couple of hundred Canadas). Good birding to all. Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs Sherburne Counties Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:

[mou-net] Big Sit Questions

Have seen a number of posts about Big Sits on multiple listservs. Have a couple of (sincere, not sarcastic) questions: * Why October 10th? Why not during the teeth of migration in May or September? * Not having ever done one, what is the attraction? I came into birding 18 years ago

[mou-net] Red-throated Loon +

Just back on the computer. Enjoyed a Red-throated Loon off Park Point on Friday (back of the beachhouse), otherwise relatively quiet on a rainy morning (nice to hear an American Golden Plover fly over, and Harris' Sparrows are always a treat). Birded Rice Lake Refuge Friday afternoon, added

[mou-net] Sparrows

13 species of sparrows this week in Sherburne Refuge southern Mille Lacs County; have not seen a Harris' yet. Surprised to still see a late Lark Sparrow. Only five species of warblers (the jewels of the kingdom have departed). Wishing I was on Minnesota/Wisconsin Point, Al Schirmacher

[mou-net] Mille Lacs

Spent the morning in northern Mille Lacs County (lake, Vineland Road, Kathio) yesterday. Nothing outstanding, but first of fall Horned Grebe - White-crowned Sparrow - Junco. Seven warblers, seven sparrows in the changing of the guard; sad that Yellow-rumpeds and Palms predominated. Good

[mou-net] Sherburne Warblers

Still had 12 warbler species Saturday morning in Sherburne NWR. Best area was Mahnomen Trail (even though I only walked the first third before checking out to watch the Badgers game). The mix was surprising - Northern Waterthrushes and Golden-winged (think of these two as early departures) -

[mou-net] Four Common Moorhens

Four Common Moorhens present at Sherburne Refuge, Prairie Wildlife Auto Tour, Big Bluestem Pool (back side of tour), in waterway that runs under road, 30 feet to the left of the railing. 97 species, 19 warblers seen this week in Mille Lacs Sherburne Counties (although warbler numbers down

[mou-net] Whimbrel Request

Time to rid myself of a 17 year nemesis bird: If anyone runs into a Whimbrel in Minnesota during this fall's migration, please advise. Nate has his in the state, but of course I couldn't make that Duluth trip last year (And they are currently being reported 10 minutes from his northern

[mou-net] MOU Warbler Quest 9/4

My apologies for the late report, just back in office this morning. 18 birders gathered at Kathio State Park on Saturday for the Warbler Quest. 17 warbler species were found: Golden-winged Tennessee Nashville Yellow Chestnut-sided Magnolia Yellow-rumped Black-throated Green Blackburnian Pine

[mou-net] On the lighter side....

Received this yesterday: A bird watcher is a person who listens to birds with a pair of binoculars. Guilty as charged. Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs Sherburne Counties Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:

[mou-net] MOU Warbler Trip Saturday September 4th

Just a reminder to each one who signed up for the MOU Warbler trip, we meet at Kathio State Park, north of Onamia just off 169, at 7:30 AM this Saturday morning. Indications are that Father Hennepin has been the area migrant trap, so we may drive there after meeting. Trip is scheduled for

[mou-net] Fall warbler migration inquiry

Is there any evidence that fall warbler migration is better near bodies of water than elsewhere? Over the years, have noted that a number of my spring migrant traps are less effective in the fall, while secondary locations, near lakes rivers, can be excellent. Father Hennepin State Park

[mou-net] 19 Warblers

19 warblers in Father Hennepin State Park yesterday morning (northern Mille Lacs County, west side of Isle): Golden-winged Tennessee Nashville Chestnur-sided Magnolia (first of fall) Yellow-rumped Black-throated Green (first of fall) Blackburnian Pine Palm Bay-breasted (surprisingly, first two

[mou-net] Warblers; Vireo ID question

13 warblers moving through southern Mille Lacs, northern Sherburne County areas last three mornings (nine today on Blue Hill Trail): Blue-winged Tennessee Nashville Yellow Chestnut-sided Pine Black-and-white American Redstart Northern Waterthrush Mourning Common Yellowthroat Wilson's Canada ID

[mou-net] Warblers in area

Bit quiet in southern Mille Lacs northern Sherburne counties last two days - 11 warblers, including Canada, Wilson's and Northern Waterthrush (others could have been nesters) - surprised by an early White-throated Sparrow on Mahnomen Trail, Sherburne NWR this morning. Al Schirmacher

[mou-net] Sherburne NWR

Sherburne NWR, Blue Hill Trail: Cerulean Warbler and Olive-sided Flycatcher both singing (occasionally) this morning. Red-headed Woodpecker at the CR 9 42 intersection in the refuge. No particular signs of incoming passerine/warbler migration this morning. Good birding to all! Al

[mou-net] Migrant Warblers

Few small warbler waves moving through Milaca Hiking Trails this morning (town of Milaca, just off 23 near Rum River, next to treatment plant). Nine species, including obvious migrants: Wilson's (4) Magnolia. May have also been a Baypoll in the mix, but looks were fragmented and uncertain.

[mou-net] Least Bittern, Common Moorhen, Sherburne NWR

Least Bittern (good looks), Common Moorhen (heard only) on Sherburne Refuge's Prairie Wildlife Auto Tour, Big Bluestem Pond, this morning. Good birding to all! Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs Sherburne Counties Join or Leave mou-net:

[mou-net] Sherburne NWR Blue Hill Trail, Warbler Field Trip

Olive-sided Flycatcher (less vocal); Mourning, Blue-winged, Golden-winged Warblers on Blue Hill Trail, Sherburne NWR this morning. Two Red-headed Woodpeckers, one immature, along CR 9 42 on the way to trail from 169. Bugs are less, but still present (didn't have to wear netting this morning).

[mou-net] Rarer Bird Tool Idea

Think it would be interesting to put together a list of places times that more unusual birds (rarer regular and perhaps casual) might be found. For example: * Townsend's Solitaire, Ann Lake/Sand Dunes, Sherburne County, late November through March * Western Kingbird, Sherburne CR 8, 1/2

[mou-net] New Fall Field Trip

We are adding a new MOU Field Trip this fall: Warbler Quest Saturday, September 4th, 7:30 AM Covering Kathio and Hennepin State Parks and the west side of Mille Lacs Lake This trip will chase fall warblers in northern Mille Lacs County. Some years this has been highly successful (one year,

[mou-net] Dowitcher ID

There has been a discussion on ID Frontiers about Long-billed and Short-billed Dowitcher identification, certainly a Minnesota issue this time of year as well. The discussion was prompted by two photos, but Kevin Karlson's comments below can be pertinent without them (posted with permission).

[mou-net] Cerulean, Kathio

Saturday, Cerulean Warbler, Kathio State Park, singing along the main road about 1/2 mile north of the trail road intersection. County bird. Good birding to all! Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs Sherburne Counties Join or Leave mou-net:

[mou-net] Sherburne NWR, Blue Hill Trail

On Blue Hill Trail this morning (7:15 AM): * Olive-sided Flycatcher singing (can hear from parking lot, near first left turn on left trail) * Cerulean Mourning Warbler singing (Mourning popped out, gave good looks, both at the intersection of the left trail and the trail leading up Blue Hill

[mou-net] Shorebirds

Seven shorebird species in Sherburne (Refuge Auto Tour and Princeton Sewage Ponds) yesterday, five of which were certainly not resident, migration is beginning. Short-billed Dowitcher was most interesting of the lot. Surprised to hear a Winter Wren singing in the Ann Lake Campground (Sand

[mou-net] Mille Lacs Sherburne

Birded Kathio State Park, short portion of the western Mille Lacs lakefront, and Kunkel WMA yesterday; today stopped at Blue Hill Trail in Sherburne NWR briefly. A Yellow-bellied Flycatcher was the highlight yesterday, front edge of Touch the Earth trail in Kathio (near the Interpretive

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