This is the Northwest Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday, December 8, 2016 sponsored by the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce. You may also hear this report by calling (218)847-5743 or 1-800-433-1888. We are entering the ice box as we speak in northwestern Minnesota with a good blanket of snow. Roads are getting back to normal gradually, and folks are getting shoveled out. Here in our yard, bird activity has been sparse, except for the nuthatches , woodpeckers, and chickadees. Gretchen Mehmel reported a VARIED THRUSH in Roseau County at the home of Bob and Gerry Wennerstrand west of Warroad along MN 11 on December 7. Hopefully it will survive the storm and cold. Also in Roseau County, Beth Siverhus observed a large flock of BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS at her home in Warroad, and she reported that more than 100 CANADA GEESE were still in the Warroad area a few days ago. A NORTHERN HARRIER was spotted in Kittson County on December 3 by Sandy Aubol. >From Polk County, Sandy Aubol reported on December 5 that the East Grand Forks WTP still had some open water. At that time there were a lot of waterfowl still there including TUNDRA SWANS, CANADA GEESE, MALLARDS, NORTHERN SHOVELER, RING-NECKED DUCKS, LESSER SCAUP, BUFFLEHEAD, and two RING-BILLED GULLS. Doubtless that situation will change quickly, if not already, with the coming of the very cold weather. TUNDRA SWANS were reported on December 4 in Clay County by Denise Ray. Shar Legenhausen in Rochert, western Becker County had a GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET in their yard on December 7. Donna Dustin reported TUNDRA SWANS in the Detroit Lakes area on December 7. In Hubbard County, Rebecca Engdahl had LINCOLN'S SPARROWS at Kabekona Lake on December 6. Marshall Howe reported RUFFED GROUSE , BARRED OWL, RED CROSSBILLS, AMERICAN GOLDFINCH, and PURPLE FINCH in his yard near Dorset on December 6. At that time some waterfowl were still in the county including GREEN-WINGED TEAL, NORTHERN SHOVELERS, HOODED MERGANSERS, and scaup at Little Shingobee Lake. Wayne Perala reported CANVASBACK on December 6, and GADWALL on December 8 on the river in Otter Tail County near Fergus Falls. If anyone is looking for waterfowl in the winter in the northwest, the place to look is the power plant in Fergus Falls where there is a small area of open water all winter. TUNDRA SWANS were also reported on December 3 in Douglas County. Thanks to all who reported sightings this week. If you find something unusual on a Christmas bird count, please remember to report your sighting. Please report bird sightings to Jeanie Joppru by email, no later than Thursday each week, at [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> OR call the Detroit Lakes Chamber's toll free number: 1-800-542-3992. Detroit Lakes area birders please call 847-9202. Please include the county where the sighting took place. The next scheduled update of this report is Thursday, December 15, 2016. Jeanie Joppru Pennington County, MN
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