Bemidji resident Betty Smith called me this morning to report a possible Western Tanager feeding on oranges in her yard. Betty first saw the bird at 6:30 am. It returned at least 5 times before I arrived at noon. After seeing the bird myself I contacted Pat Rice. She and several other birders were able to view the Tanager at the same location a little later. We are all in agreement with Betty's initial ID. It is a beautiful bird, I think maybe a first year male as it had a fare amount of olive green on the nape before the red-orange set in. Betty has graciously given us permission to view the bird in her yard. She lives in an apartment complex and asks that we stay in our vehicles to reduce the impact on both the bird and her neighbors. (she will warn neighbors about the folks with binoculars) Fortunately there is an excellent view of the feeders from the street. It is not at all necessary to leave the car to get good looks at this skittish bird. To get to Betty's: >From downtown Bemidji take Paul Bunyan Drive (Hwy197/71) south about 2 miles. Take a right on Roosevelt Rd (Blue Water Bait Shop on the corner) and go 2 blocks. Take a left on Clausen and park in front of the second apartment building on the right. (the one with all the feeders and the walkway leading to the street). The bird has been visiting an orange wedged in the branches of a small naked tree to the left of the walkway.
If you have questions you may call me or contact Betty Smith directly at 218-751-4895. We moved. We changed our name. Come visit us in Bemidji, Minnesota. (only 92 miles from Canada!) Northern Flights 208 3rd Street NW Bemidji MN 56601 Phone: 218-444-3022 We have a new web page... http://www.northern-flights.com
