After observing prairie-chickens on booming grounds for five years in
Kansas, I have seen a 'first' at a prairie-chicken lek in Minnesota - a
Peregrine Falcon attempting to catch a prairie-chicken!!! It chased it
about a quarter mile when the chicken ducked into cover. The peregrine
swooped, missed and kept on flying. A little while later the lucky chicken
flew back to the flock. I can just imagine the story he told...
Also, I thought I saw two MARBLED GODWITS flush as I was leaving the booming
ground. I know they were godwits (long bill, bulky body, slow steady
flight), but I am surprised that they were Marbled and not Hudsonian. I
noticed the warm, light brown color and mottling on the belly. I did not
notice a white rump or a dark belly. Are Marbleds unusual in MN???
Also heard my first UPLAND SANDPIPER of the year.
Also, I've been hearing a winnowing vocalization before the chickens start
booming. The vocalization is an eerie ascending winnow. Any ideas what that
might be? I'm thinking it might be a snipe...
Thanks for reading.
Good birding!!
Jackie Augustine
Marshall, MN
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