[mou] Shorebirds and Ibis, Carver County
This is a multi-part message in MIME format. --=_NextPart_000_0020_01C4392E.273F5F80 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable This afternoon I birded the Crane Creek area in NW Carver County as well = as the Mayer sewage ponds to the east of the Crane Creek area. The best = bird, of course, was the breeding-plumaged adult White-faced Ibis at the = sewage ponds. I found the bird at the pond farthest west along CR 30 = around 2:30 p.m., and it was still there as I left around 3:15 p.m. = There were a good number of shorebirds here as well: -Greater Yellowlegs (2) -Lesser Yellowlegs (12) -Semipalmated Sandpiper (50+) -Least Sandpiper (only 1 for sure) -unidentified peeps (about 100 flying around the back pond not visible = from the road) -Baird's Sandpiper (2) -Short-billed Dowitcher (8) As I left, an adult Peregine Falcon made a few swings around the pond, = flushing up the shorebirds, but luckily the ibis didn't seem to care. In the Crane Creek area-- At the pond 3/4 of a mile north of CR 30 on the west side of Yancy: -Lesser Yellowlegs (2) -Spotted Sandpiper (1) -Semipalmated Sandpiper (~25) -Wilson's Phalarope (3 - 2 females and 1 male) At the ponds along CR 30 just west of Yale St.: -Semipalmated Plover (10) -Spotted Sandpiper (1) -Dunlin (15) -Semipalmated Sandpiper (200+) -Least Sandpiper (1 for sure, probably more) -White-rumped Sandpiper (5) For some odd reason, I did not find any Pectoral Sandpipers anywhere = this afternoon. Good birding! -Bob Dunlap, Carver County --=_NextPart_000_0020_01C4392E.273F5F80 Content-Type: text/html; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable !DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC -//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN HTMLHEAD META http-equiv=3DContent-Type content=3Dtext/html; = charset=3Diso-8859-1 META content=3DMSHTML 6.00.2800.1226 name=3DGENERATOR STYLE/STYLE /HEAD BODY bgColor=3D#ff DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2This afternoon I birded the Crane Creek = area in NW=20 Carver County as well as the Mayer sewage ponds to the east of the Crane = Creek=20 area.nbsp; The best bird, of course, was the breeding-plumaged adult=20 White-faced Ibis at the sewage ponds.nbsp; I found the bird at the pond = farthest west along CR 30 around 2:30 p.m., and it was still there as I = left=20 around 3:15 p.m.nbsp; There were a good number of shorebirds here as=20 well:/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2-Greater Yellowlegs (2)/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2-Lesser Yellowlegs (12)/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2-Semipalmated Sandpiper = (50+)/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2-Least Sandpiper (only 1 for = sure)/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2-unidentified peeps (about 100 flying = around the=20 back pond not visible from the road)/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2-Baird's Sandpiper (2)/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2-Short-billed Dowitcher = (8)/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2As I left, an adult Peregine Falcon = made a few=20 swings around the pond, flushing up the shorebirds, but luckily the ibis = didn't=20 seem to care./FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2In the Crane Creek area--/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2At the pond 3/4 of a milenbsp;north of = CR 30 on=20 the west side of Yancy:/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2-Lesser Yellowlegs (2)/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2-Spotted Sandpiper (1)/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2-Semipalmated Sandpiper = (~25)/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2-Wilson's Phalarope (3 - 2 females and = 1=20 male)/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2At the ponds along CR 30 just west of = Yale=20 St.:/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2-Semipalmated Plover (10)/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2-Spotted Sandpiper (1)/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2-Dunlin (15)/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2-Semipalmated Sandpiper = (200+)/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2-Least Sandpiper (1 for sure, probably=20 more)/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2-White-rumped Sandpiper = (5)/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2For some odd reason, I did not find any = Pectoral=20 Sandpipers anywhere this afternoon./FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2Good birding!/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2-Bob Dunlap, Carver County/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV/BODY/HTML --=_NextPart_000_0020_01C4392E.273F5F80--
[mou] White-faced Ibis still present, Carver County
This is a multi-part message in MIME format. --=_NextPart_000_008B_01C439A8.8156E0E0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable The White-faced Ibis that I found yesterday at the Mayer sewage ponds = was still present there as of 11:00 a.m. this morning. -Bob Dunlap, Carver County --=_NextPart_000_008B_01C439A8.8156E0E0 Content-Type: text/html; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable !DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC -//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN HTMLHEAD META http-equiv=3DContent-Type content=3Dtext/html; = charset=3Diso-8859-1 META content=3DMSHTML 6.00.2800.1226 name=3DGENERATOR STYLE/STYLE /HEAD BODY bgColor=3D#ff DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2The White-faced Ibis that I found = yesterday at the=20 Mayer sewage ponds was still present there as of 11:00 a.m. this=20 morning./FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2-Bob Dunlap, Carver=20 County/FONT/DIV/BODY/HTML --=_NextPart_000_008B_01C439A8.8156E0E0--
[mou] Summer Tanager in Scott County
This is a multi-part message in MIME format. --=_NextPart_000_008D_01C43A6D.109D5850 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable This morning my dad and I found a singing adult male Summer Tanager at = Murphy-Hanrehan Park in Scott County. To get there, park along the road = near marker 14 and hike east to marker 15. There will be a crossing of = trails here, and take the trail to your right (this trail heads toward = marker 16). Hike about 100 yards past marker 15 on this trail, and you = will come to a low spot with ponds and marsh on both sides of the trail = bordered by stands of aspen and birch. This is where we found the = Summer Tanager. The bird stayed pretty high up but offered great views. = This is where the male Summer Tanager nested with a female Scarlet last = year, and this is probably the same bird. -Bob Dunlap --=_NextPart_000_008D_01C43A6D.109D5850 Content-Type: text/html; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable !DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC -//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN HTMLHEAD META http-equiv=3DContent-Type content=3Dtext/html; = charset=3Diso-8859-1 META content=3DMSHTML 6.00.2800.1226 name=3DGENERATOR STYLE/STYLE /HEAD BODY bgColor=3D#ff DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2This morning my dad and I found a = singing adult=20 male Summer Tanager at Murphy-Hanrehan Park in Scott County.nbsp; To = get there,=20 park along the road near marker 14 and hike east to marker 15.nbsp; = There will=20 be a crossing of trails here, and take the trail to your right (this = trail heads=20 toward marker 16).nbsp; Hike about 100 yards past marker 15 on this = trail, and=20 you will come to a low spot with ponds and marsh on both sides of the = trail=20 bordered by stands of aspen and birch.nbsp; This is where we found the = Summer=20 Tanager.nbsp; The bird stayed pretty high up but offered great = views.nbsp;=20 This is where the male Summer Tanager nested with a female Scarlet last = year,=20 and this is probably the same bird./FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2-Bob Dunlap/FONT/DIV/BODY/HTML --=_NextPart_000_008D_01C43A6D.109D5850--
[mou] Piping Plover still present, Hennepin County
This is a multi-part message in MIME format. --=_NextPart_000_0009_01C43A7C.6E5A8BC0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable As of 12:15 p.m. today the Piping Plover was still present at the pond = by the gravel pits in Maple Grove. -Bob Dunlap, Carver County --=_NextPart_000_0009_01C43A7C.6E5A8BC0 Content-Type: text/html; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable !DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC -//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN HTMLHEAD META http-equiv=3DContent-Type content=3Dtext/html; = charset=3Diso-8859-1 META content=3DMSHTML 6.00.2800.1226 name=3DGENERATOR STYLE/STYLE /HEAD BODY bgColor=3D#ff DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2As of 12:15 p.m. today the Piping = Plover was still=20 present at the pond by the gravel pits in Maple Grove./FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2-Bob Dunlap, Carver=20 County/FONT/DIV/BODY/HTML --=_NextPart_000_0009_01C43A7C.6E5A8BC0--
[mou] Bell's Vireo, Dakota County
This is a multi-part message in MIME format. --=_NextPart_000_0043_01C43D8B.7D566920 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable This morning I found a singing Bell's Vireo at Cliff Fen Park in Dakota = County. This is the same area where they have been for the past few = years. From the parking lot, hike east around the soccer fields and = then turn north, crossing the railroad tracks. Follow the path north to = the second electric tower and listen. The bird was very easy to hear = but extremely difficult to see. -Bob Dunlap, Carver County --=_NextPart_000_0043_01C43D8B.7D566920 Content-Type: text/html; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable !DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC -//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN HTMLHEAD META http-equiv=3DContent-Type content=3Dtext/html; = charset=3Diso-8859-1 META content=3DMSHTML 6.00.2800.1226 name=3DGENERATOR STYLE/STYLE /HEAD BODY bgColor=3D#ff DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2This morning I found a singing Bell's = Vireo at=20 Cliff Fen Park in Dakota County.nbsp; This is the same area where they = have=20 been for the past few years.nbsp; From the parking lot, hike = eastnbsp;around=20 the soccer fields andnbsp;then turn north,nbsp;crossingnbsp;the = railroad=20 tracks.nbsp; Follow the path north to the second electric tower and=20 listen.nbsp; The bird was very easy to hear but extremely difficult to=20 see./FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2-Bob Dunlap, Carver=20 County/FONT/DIV/BODY/HTML --=_NextPart_000_0043_01C43D8B.7D566920--
[mou] Northern Mockingbird in Scott County
This is a multi-part message in MIME format. --=_NextPart_000_0006_01C4513F.3A859900 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable This morning around 7:00 I found a Northern Mockingbird perched on a = telephone wire on the east side of CR 27 about two-tenths of a mile = south of CR 42 in eastern Scott County. While I was watching the bird = flew out of sight. -Bob Dunlap, Carver County --=_NextPart_000_0006_01C4513F.3A859900 Content-Type: text/html; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable !DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC -//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN HTMLHEAD META http-equiv=3DContent-Type content=3Dtext/html; = charset=3Diso-8859-1 META content=3DMSHTML 6.00.2800.1226 name=3DGENERATOR STYLE/STYLE /HEAD BODY bgColor=3D#ff DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2This morning around 7:00 I found a = Northern=20 Mockingbird perched on a telephone wire on the east side of CR 27 about=20 two-tenths of a mile south of CR 42 in eastern Scott County.nbsp; While = I was=20 watching the bird flew out of sight./FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2-Bob Dunlap, Carver=20 County/FONT/DIV/BODY/HTML --=_NextPart_000_0006_01C4513F.3A859900--
[mou] State Fair booth
This is a multi-part message in MIME format. --=_NextPart_000_0005_01C46D81.D56DFB20 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable MOU members, If you are planning on volunteering at this year's MOU State Fair = booth but haven't contacted me yet, please do so. Here are the shifts = that are still available. Each shift listed is open for two people = unless stated otherwise. Thursday 8/26 (opening day) 1-5 pm 5-9 pm Friday 8/27 9 am to 1 pm (one person already scheduled) 1-5 pm 5-9 pm Saturday 8/28 9 am to 1 pm 1-5 pm 5-9 pm Sunday 8/29 1-5 pm 5-9 pm Monday 8/30 5-9 pm Tuesday 8/31 9 am to 1 pm 1-5 pm 5-9 pm Wednesday 9/1 9 am to 1 pm 1-5 pm 5-9 pm Thursday 9/2 9 am to 1 pm 1-5 pm 5-9 pm Friday 9/3 9 am to 1 pm 1-5 pm 5-9 pm Saturday 9/4 9 am to 1 pm 1-5 pm 5-9 pm Sunday 9/5 9 am to 1 pm 1-5 pm 5-9 pm Monday 9/6 (last day/Labor Day) 9am to 1 pm 1-5 pm 5-9 pm -Bob Dunlap MOU State Fair Booth Committee Chairman --=_NextPart_000_0005_01C46D81.D56DFB20 Content-Type: text/html; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable !DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC -//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN HTMLHEAD META http-equiv=3DContent-Type content=3Dtext/html; = charset=3Diso-8859-1 META content=3DMSHTML 6.00.2800.1226 name=3DGENERATOR STYLE/STYLE /HEAD BODY bgColor=3D#ff DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2MOU members,/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; If you are = planningnbsp;on=20 volunteering at this year's MOU State Fair boothnbsp;but haven't = contacted me=20 yet, please do so.nbsp; Here are the shifts that are still available. = Each=20 shift listed is open for two people unless stated = otherwise./FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2Thursday 8/26 (opening = day)/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D21-5 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D25-9 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2Friday 8/27/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D29 am to 1 pm (one person already=20 scheduled)/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D21-5 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D25-9 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2Saturday 8/28/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D29 am to 1 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D21-5 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D25-9 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2Sunday 8/29/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D21-5 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D25-9 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2Monday 8/30/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D25-9 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2Tuesday 8/31/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D29 am to 1 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D21-5 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D25-9 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2Wednesday 9/1/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D29 am to 1 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D21-5 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D25-9 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2Thursday 9/2/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D29 am to 1 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D21-5 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D25-9 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2Friday 9/3/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D29 am to 1 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D21-5 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D25-9 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2Saturday 9/4/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D29 am to 1 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D21-5 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D25-9 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2Sunday 9/5/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D29 am to 1 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D21-5 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D25-9 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2Monday 9/6 (last day/Labor = Day)/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D29am to 1 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D21-5 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D25-9 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2-Bob Dunlap/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2MOU State Fair Booth Committee=20 Chairman/FONT/DIV/BODY/HTML --=_NextPart_000_0005_01C46D81.D56DFB20--
[mou] Update on State Fair shifts
This is a multi-part message in MIME format. --=_NextPart_000_0005_01C47886.3A5C1300 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Volunteers are still needed to fill shifts for the MOU's state fair = booth. Here are the shifts still available. The shifts listed are open = for two people unless otherwise noted. Thursday 8/26 (opening day) 1-5 pm (one person already scheduled) 5-9 pm Friday 8/27 5-9 pm Saturday 8/28 9 am to 1 pm 1-5 pm (one person already scheduled) 5-9 pm Sunday 8/29 1-5 pm 5-9 pm Monday 8/30 5-9 pm Tuesday 8/31 9 am to 1 pm (one person already scheduled) 1-5 pm 5-9 pm Wednesday 9/1 5-9 pm Thursday 9/2 9 am to 1 pm (one person already scheduled) 1-5 pm (one person already scheduled) 5-9 pm Friday 9/3 5-9 pm Saturday 9/4 9 am to 1 pm=20 1-5 pm 5-9 pm Sunday 9/5 9 am to 1 pm 1-5 pm 5-9 pm Monday 9/6 (last day) 9 am to 1 pm (one person already scheduled) 1-5 pm 5-9 pm -Bob Dunlap MOU State Fair Booth Committee Chairman --=_NextPart_000_0005_01C47886.3A5C1300 Content-Type: text/html; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable !DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC -//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN HTMLHEAD META http-equiv=3DContent-Type content=3Dtext/html; = charset=3Diso-8859-1 META content=3DMSHTML 6.00.2800.1226 name=3DGENERATOR STYLE/STYLE /HEAD BODY bgColor=3D#ff DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2Volunteers are still needed to fill = shifts for the=20 MOU's state fair booth.nbsp; Here are the shifts still available.nbsp; = The=20 shifts listed are open for two people unless otherwise = noted./FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2Thursday 8/26 (opening = day)/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D21-5 pm (one person already = scheduled)/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D25-9 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2Friday 8/27/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D25-9 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2Saturday 8/28/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D29 am to 1 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D21-5 pm (one person already = scheduled)/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D25-9 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2Sunday 8/29/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D21-5 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D25-9 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2Monday 8/30/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D25-9 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2Tuesday 8/31/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D29 am to 1 pm (one person already=20 scheduled)/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D21-5 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D25-9 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2Wednesday 9/1/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D25-9 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2Thursday 9/2/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D29 am to 1 pm (one person already=20 scheduled)/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D21-5 pm (one person already = scheduled)/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D25-9 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2Friday 9/3/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D25-9 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2Saturday 9/4/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D29 am to 1 pm /FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D21-5 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D25-9 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2Sunday 9/5/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D29 am to 1 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D21-5 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D25-9 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2Monday 9/6 (last day)/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D29 am to 1 pm (one person already=20 scheduled)/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D21-5 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D25-9 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2-Bob Dunlap/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2MOU State Fair Booth Committee=20 Chairman/FONT/DIV DIVnbsp;/DIV/BODY/HTML --=_NextPart_000_0005_01C47886.3A5C1300--
[mou] Avocet still present, Hennepin County
This is a multi-part message in MIME format. --=_NextPart_000_0009_01C47E4C.84008F60 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable As of 7:30 this evening the American Avocet was still present at the = wetlands behind the Flagship Athletic Club in Eden Prairie. The bird = was feeding at the very northern edge of the wetlands, hanging around = with a group of Canada Geese. Nice find. -Bob Dunlap, Carver County --=_NextPart_000_0009_01C47E4C.84008F60 Content-Type: text/html; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable !DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC -//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN HTMLHEAD META http-equiv=3DContent-Type content=3Dtext/html; = charset=3Diso-8859-1 META content=3DMSHTML 6.00.2800.1226 name=3DGENERATOR STYLE/STYLE /HEAD BODY bgColor=3D#ff DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2As of 7:30 this evening the American = Avocet was=20 still present at the wetlands behind the Flagship Athletic Club in Eden=20 Prairie.nbsp; The bird was feedingnbsp;at the very northern edge of = the=20 wetlands, hanging around with a group of Canada Geese. Nice = find./FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2-Bob Dunlap, Carver=20 County/FONT/DIV/BODY/HTML --=_NextPart_000_0009_01C47E4C.84008F60--
[mou] Volunteers still needed for State Fair booth
This is a multi-part message in MIME format. --=_NextPart_000_0011_01C48319.FBF7D240 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Volunteers are still needed to fill the remaining shifts at the MOU = State Fair booth. Here are the shifts that are in need of volunteers = (no volunteers currently scheduled for these shifts): Saturday 8/28 5-9 pm Tuesday 8/31 1-5 pm Wednesday 9/1 5-9 pm Friday 9/3 5-9 pm Monday 9/6 1-5 pm 5-9 pm If anyone is willing to take any of these shifts, please let me know no = later than Wednesday. Either call me at 952-361-9628 or email me at = rmdb...@mn.rr.com.=20 -Bob Dunlap --=_NextPart_000_0011_01C48319.FBF7D240 Content-Type: text/html; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable !DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC -//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN HTMLHEAD META http-equiv=3DContent-Type content=3Dtext/html; = charset=3Diso-8859-1 META content=3DMSHTML 6.00.2800.1226 name=3DGENERATOR STYLE/STYLE /HEAD BODY bgColor=3D#ff DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2Volunteers are still needed to fill the = remaining=20 shifts at the MOUnbsp;State Fair booth.nbsp; Here are the shifts that = are in=20 need of volunteers (no volunteers currently scheduled for these=20 shifts):/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2Saturday 8/28/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D25-9 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2Tuesday 8/31/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D21-5 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2Wednesday 9/1/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D25-9 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2Friday 9/3/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D25-9 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2Monday 9/6/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D21-5 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D25-9 pm/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2If anyone is willing to take any of = these shifts,=20 please let me know no later than Wednesday.nbsp; Either call me at = 952-361-9628=20 or email me at A = href=3Dmailto:rmdb...@mn.rr.com;rmdb...@mn.rr.com/A.=20 /FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2-Bob Dunlap/FONT/DIV/BODY/HTML --=_NextPart_000_0011_01C48319.FBF7D240--
[mou] Shorebirds in Yellow Medicine County
This is a multi-part message in MIME format. --=_NextPart_000_003F_01C487CD.71CC0CE0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Today I birded Yellow Medicine County along with Rick Hoyme, John = Hockema, Josh Watson, and Carol Schumacher. We focused on shorebirds. = The best spot was Lanners Lake, two miles north and two miles east of = the town of St. Leo. Here there were hundreds of shorebirds. Other = birders have been reporting that this area has been great for = shorebirds, and today was no exception. Today we found 13 species = there, including: -Semipalmated Plover -both Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs -Sanderling -Baird's Sandpiper -Stilt Sandpiper -BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER (a few in the dry areas away from the water) -Wilson's Phalarope -Red-necked Phalarope Another shorebird spot was at Spellman Lake, which is a little over a = mile north of CR 2 on CR 8. This is east of Hwy. 59. Here there were = more ducks than shorebirds, but it appears that this area will get = better in weeks to come. Finally, we found one Buff-breasted Sandpiper mixed in with a flock of = Killdeer in a grassy field on the east side of Hwy. 274 about 3 miles = south of Granite Falls. -Bob Dunlap, Carver County --=_NextPart_000_003F_01C487CD.71CC0CE0 Content-Type: text/html; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable !DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC -//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN HTMLHEAD META http-equiv=3DContent-Type content=3Dtext/html; = charset=3Diso-8859-1 META content=3DMSHTML 6.00.2800.1226 name=3DGENERATOR STYLE/STYLE /HEAD BODY bgColor=3D#ff DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2Today I birded Yellow Medicine County = along with=20 Rick Hoyme, John Hockema, Josh Watson, and Carol Schumacher.nbsp; We = focused on=20 shorebirds.nbsp; The best spot was Lanners Lake, two miles north and = two miles=20 east of the town of St. Leo.nbsp; Here there werenbsp;hundreds=20 ofnbsp;shorebirds. Other birders have been reporting that this area has = been=20 great for shorebirds, and today was no exception.nbsp; Today we found = 13=20 species there, including:/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2-Semipalmated Plover/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2-both Greater and Lesser = Yellowlegs/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2-Sanderling/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2-Baird's Sandpiper/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2-Stilt Sandpiper/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2-BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER (a few in the = dry areas=20 away from the water)/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2-Wilson's Phalarope/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2-Red-necked Phalarope/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2Another shorebird spot was at Spellman = Lake, which=20 is a little over a mile north of CR 2 on CR 8.nbsp; This is east of = Hwy.=20 59.nbsp; Here there were more ducks than shorebirds, but it appears = that this=20 area will get better in weeks to come./FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2Finally, we found one Buff-breasted = Sandpiper mixed=20 in with a flock of Killdeer in a grassy field on the east side of Hwy. = 274 about=20 3 miles south of Granite Falls./FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2-Bob Dunlap, Carver County/FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2/FONTnbsp;/DIV/BODY/HTML --=_NextPart_000_003F_01C487CD.71CC0CE0--
[mou] Yellow-crowned Night-Heron not refound
This is a multi-part message in MIME format. --=_NextPart_000_001B_01C48D0A.7472DA90 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Myself and others looked for the Yellow-crowned Night-Heron in West = Saint Paul this morning without success. We checked a few other = lakes/ponds in the area (including Pig's-eye Lake), but failed to = relocate the bird. -Bob Dunlap, Carver County --=_NextPart_000_001B_01C48D0A.7472DA90 Content-Type: text/html; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable !DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC -//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN HTMLHEAD META http-equiv=3DContent-Type content=3Dtext/html; = charset=3Diso-8859-1 META content=3DMSHTML 6.00.2800.1226 name=3DGENERATOR STYLE/STYLE /HEAD BODY bgColor=3D#ff DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2Myself and others looked for the = Yellow-crowned=20 Night-Heron in West Saint Paul this morning without success.nbsp; We = checked a=20 few other lakes/ponds in the area (including Pig's-eye Lake), but failed = to=20 relocate the bird./FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2-Bob Dunlap, Carver County/FONT/DIV DIVnbsp;/DIV/BODY/HTML --=_NextPart_000_001B_01C48D0A.7472DA90--
[mou] Peregrine Falcon, Carver County
This is a multi-part message in MIME format. --=_NextPart_000_000E_01C48DFA.A18BA340 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Around 6:30 this evening I noticed what I first thought was a juvenile = crow flying short distances from treetop to treetop in a neighbor's = yard. It was raining at the time, and viewing from my bedroom window = made it difficult to identify the bird without optics. After watching = it for a couple of seconds I realized that it was one of the larger = falcons. When it stopped and perched on a treetop, I quickly set up my = scope. I was delighted to see a juvenile Peregrine Falcon perched there = in the rain. The bird was cooperative for several minutes, allowing my = parents to have a look through my scope. I'm guessing that this was one = of the birds raised from a Peregrine pair in the Minnesota River valley = not far from my house, although I've never seen one around my yard until = now.=20 -Bob Dunlap, Chaska --=_NextPart_000_000E_01C48DFA.A18BA340 Content-Type: text/html; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable !DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC -//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN HTMLHEAD META http-equiv=3DContent-Type content=3Dtext/html; = charset=3Diso-8859-1 META content=3DMSHTML 6.00.2800.1226 name=3DGENERATOR STYLE/STYLE /HEAD BODY bgColor=3D#ff DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2Around 6:30 this evening I noticed what = I=20 firstnbsp;thought was a juvenile crow flying short distances from = treetop to=20 treetop in a neighbor's yard.nbsp; It was raining at the time, and = viewing from=20 my bedroom window made it difficult to identify the bird without = optics.nbsp;=20 After watching it for a couple of seconds I realized that it was one of = the=20 larger falcons.nbsp; When it stopped and perched on a treetop, I = quickly set up=20 my scope.nbsp; I was delighted to see a juvenile Peregrine Falcon = perched there=20 in the rain.nbsp; The bird was cooperative for several minutes, = allowing my=20 parents to have a look through my scope.nbsp; I'm guessing that this = was one of=20 the birds raised from a Peregrine pairnbsp;in the Minnesota River = valley not=20 far from my house, although I've never seen one around my yard until = now.=20 /FONT/DIV DIVFONT face=3DArial size=3D2-Bob Dunlap, = Chaska/FONT/DIV/BODY/HTML --=_NextPart_000_000E_01C48DFA.A18BA340--
[mou-net] White-faced Ibis, Blue Earth County
There is a breeding plumaged White-faced Ibis on Perch Lake in southern Blue Earth County. The bird is visible from the south end of the lake along Lakewood Rd. There is also a flock of about 300 small shorebirds at this location. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry 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] Henslow's Sparrow, Polk County
Late this morning I found a singing Henslow's Sparrow at the northwest corner of the intersection of CR 44 and 350th St. southeast of Crookston in Polk County. This bird is at (or possibly beyond) the extreme northwest limit of the species' range. Bob Dunlap, Nicollet 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
[mou-net] Sabine's Gull in Stevens County
John Hockema just called to report that Ben Fritchman, Chris Hockema, and himself found a juvenile Sabine's Gull on the south side of Gorder Lake southwest of Morris in Stevens County. They originally found the bird at 5:45p.m. and observed it flying west-northwest out of site at 5:50p.m. Bob Dunlap 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] Harlequin Duck update, Scott County
At 2pm Sunday myself and several others observed the Harlequin Duck fly from the area of open water on Blue Lake into the sewage pond to its south. The bird could not be relocated once it landed in the pond. The consensus was that the bird probably spends its time feeding (on fish?) in the open area on Blue Lake during most of the day and spends the night in the warmer water of the sewage pond. If you do go looking for the bird, you might need to check both bodies of water (note that the sewage pond can only be glimpsed from its north side through the fence). Additionally, at some point this bird might even decide to spend some time at the Mill Pond and vicinity at Veterans Memorial Park in Shakopee about two miles to the west along Hwy. 101. The path leading north from the gate (the so-called hunters' parking lot...see Craig Mandel's post) at the Wilkie Unit is very walkable as the snow has been trampled down. If you park at the main parking lot just to the east and decide to take the longer walk, I'd bring some snowshoes as the snow is very deep and not nicely trampled. Bob Dunlap 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] Golden Eagle observer
My apologies for not including my name with my recent post about the Golden Eagle in Kanabec County via my cell phone. It was I who observed the bird with Bob Williams. Bob Dunlap 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] Brant, Grant County
Around 5:20pm today a Brant was found by Shawn Conrad, Dedrick Benz, and myself about a quarter mile west of CR 7 on the north side of 120th st. We, along with John and Chris Hockema, Ben Fritchman, and Dave Bartkey, are currently watching the bird in this location. This is a flooded field filled with hundreds of Greater White-fronted Geese. Bob Dunlap Sent via DROID on Verizon Wireless 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] Brant has flown
At 5:50 the Brant flew north with a large group of Greater White-fronted Geese and thus has presumably left from the area. Bob Dunlap Sent via DROID on Verizon Wireless 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] West-central Minnesota waterfowl
A group of birders consisting of John and Chris Hockema, Dedrick Benz, Dave Bartkey, Ben Fritchman, Shawn Conrad, Alex Watson, and myself held its third annual Wang Chung Waterfowl Weekend this weekend in west-central Minnesota, with a focus on the four counties of the windowpane (Douglas, Grant, Stevens, and Pope). Other counties birded included Traverse, Swift, Wilkin, Clay, Becker, and Otter Tail. In addition to the already posted Brant and Cinnamon Teal found yesterday, the group had several highlights from Friday afternoon through today (Sunday). Perhaps most notable were waterfowl and goose numbers: on Friday (4/8), large flocks (with one numbering near 5,000 birds) of Snow, Greater White-fronted, and Ross's Geese as well as Tundra Swans were observed along the Hwy. 75 corridor from northern Traverse County to southern Wilkin County. The majority of fields adjacent to the highway in this area are currently flooded and probably will remain so for at least a few days yet, attracting very large numbers of waterfowl and most of the state's regular species (excluding Mute Swan and sea ducks). Good numbers of geese were seen in western Grant County and northwestern Stevens County yesterday (4/9) as well; the best location was south and west of the town of Herman in Grant County (where we found the Brant). Just about any flooded field in the windowpane counties held several species of duck yesterday, while most ponds and lakes remained mostly frozen and therefore unattractive to large numbers of waterfowl. Here are some other highlights from our weekend: - 6 species of geese on Saturday (Canada, Cackling, Greater White-fronted, Snow, Ross's, and Brant) - single flyover Red Crossbill and Bohemian Waxwing at the group campground at Lake Carlos State Park north of Alexandria in Douglas County (Saturday morning) - early American Golden-Plover in a flooded field in southwestern Otter Tail County (Friday afternoon) - early pair of Swainson's Hawks along CR 20 in northwestern Stevens County (Saturday afternoon) - flock of around 25 Bohemian Waxwings feeding on crabapples in the town of Deer Creek in eastern Otter Tail County (Sunday afternoon) - breeding-plumaged Snow Buntings and Lapland Longspurs in several locations throughout the weekend Bob Dunlap, Nicollet 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
[mou-net] Smith's Longspur in St. Peter, Nicollet County
This afternoon I went to walk through Gustavus Adolphus College's Coneflower Prairie, a 70-acre grassland making up the western side of the college's Linnaeus Arboretum. Around 2:45 I flushed a bird at very close range from the southern side of the hill in the center of the prairie. The bird was clearly an adult male Smith's Longspur, with vibrant yellow underparts, darker upperparts and wings with bright white median coverts, a bold black-and-white facial pattern, and obvious white outer rectrices. The bird called in flight as well; a rattle somewhat slower and perhaps sweeter than that of Lapland Longspurs, without any dew calls given (such calls are characteristic of Laplands). The bird flew one tight circle around the prairie hill and then opted to fly west a few hundred yards, seemingly landing in the farm field across the gravel road to the west of the prairie. This is the second year in a row that I have found Smith's Longspur in Nicollet County, and nearly on the same date (last year's four birds at the Nicollet WMA were found on April 9 but remained until April 11). The location/habitat of today's bird is strikingly similar to that of last year's birds: very short-length prairie grass (about ankle high right now) and near/at the base of the highest point in the immediate area. Other birds sharing the Coneflower Prairie this afternoon included several Vesper Sparrows, a pair of Horned Larks, and a silent meadowlark. Bob Dunlap, Nicollet 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
[mou-net] Common Moorhen in Rice County
Dave Bartkey just called to report a Common Moorhen at River Bend Nature Center in Faribault. He said the bird was skulking in and out of the cattails in the lower pond by the parking lot. Bob Dunlap 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] White-faced Ibis, Nicollet County
Currently looking at an adult White-faced Ibis in breeding plumage at the WMA 1 mile north of Nicollet on east side of Hwy. 111. First wetland east of the parking lot. Bob Dunlap Sent via DROID on Verizon Wireless 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] 9 Ibises and American Avocet, Nicollet County
This afternoon Chad Heins and I observed 9 ibises in flight over the WMA 1 mile north of the town of Nicollet on the east side of Hwy. 111. Viewed from below it was nearly impossible to discern any color details on the birds, but in all likelihood these were White-faced Ibises. The birds never landed while we watched, and eventually flew west out of side (in the direction of nearby Swan Lake). We also flushed an American Avocet from the shallow wetland furthest north; walk the trail east of the gravel parking lot and follow it as it curves north around the first wetland to the second one on your left. In the grasses north and west of these ponds were many sparrows, including a migrant Le Conte's. Bob Dunlap, Nicollet 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
[mou-net] Clark's Grebe, Nicollet County
Kim Eckert's MBW group is currently looking at a Clark's Grebe on Oak Leaf Lake just west of St. Peter on the south side of Hwy. 99. The bird is associating with a few Western Grebes. There is also a late Greater White-fronted Goose on the south end of the lake. Bob Dunlap Sent via DROID on Verizon Wireless 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] Ibis in Fillmore County
John Hockema just called to report a plegadis ibis at the farm pond 3.5 miles south and 1 mile east of Preston (the same pond were a White-winged Scoter was being seen a few weeks ago). He first found the bird around 8:15 this morning. Bob Dunlap 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] GLOSSY IBIS, Fillmore County
John Hockema just called to report that the previously unidentified ibis in Fillmore County has now been identified as a Glossy Ibis. The location again is the farm pond 3.5 miles south and 1 mile east of Preston. Bob Dunlap 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] Warblers and other migrants at Seven-Mile Creek County Park, Nicollet County
This evening I went to see what the morning's storm and strong southeasterly winds had brought to Seven-Mile Creek County Park south of St. Peter. From 6-8pm I found the following warblers in several nice waves: Tennessee Warbler Nashville Warbler Northern Parula Chestnut-sided Warbler Magnolia Warbler (the second-most numerous warbler) Yellow-rumped Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler Blackburnian Warbler Blackpoll Warbler Black-and-white Warbler American Redstart (the most numerous warbler) Ovenbird Northern Waterthrush Common Yellowthroat Wilson's Warbler Other new arrivals/migrants included: Great Crested Flycatcher Yellow-throated, Blue-headed, and Philadelphia Vireos Swainson's Thrushes Bob Dunlap, Nicollet County http://bobthebirdman.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
[mou-net] Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks in Watonwan County
Chad Heins just called to report that he flushed two Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks from a wetland in Madelia near the grain elevators off of Hwy. 15. He said the birds headed north after flushing; Chad is still in the area and will update me again if he finds refinds them. Bob Dunlap 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] Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks refound, Watonwan County
Chad Heins just called to report that Andrew Krenz is currently looking at the two Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks at the wetland at the Intersection of Hwy. 60 and Hwy. 15 in Madelia. Bob Dunlap 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] Acadian Flycatchers, Rice County
This morning a friend and I went hiking at Caron County Park in Rice County (on the west side of Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park) and found three Acadian Flycatchers along the main wooded trail north to the falls area. Two of the birds were singing the full pit-SEET! song and a third was only giving calls sounding much like a squeaky toy. We also found a Willow Flycatcher at the Dennison sewage ponds south of CR 31 just west of town. Bob Dunlap 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] Blue Grosbeaks and other notables in southwest MN
Bob Williams and I spent some time birding in the southwest corner of the state yesterday and today. Perhaps what was most interesting to us was the number of Blue Grosbeaks that we found (this has to be one of the best years for this species in MN). All of the birds were males either heard singing or seen perched in the following locations: Jackson County - one singing yesterday along CR 23, 2 miles south of Jackson (second county record) Nobles County - at least one, maybe two birds yesterday on the power lines along CR 6 a half mile west of CR 4 Rock County - two singing at Blue Mounds State Park this morning south and east of the lake/picnic area on the north side of the park, another singing at the intersection of 90th Ave. and 171st St. Pipestone County - one on the power lines this morning along CR 2 a half mile east of Ihlen, another singing north of the Edgerton sewage ponds Also of interest in Rock County were two Henslow's Sparrows on the north side of Blue Mounds State Park. Both were heard singing this morning; one can be heard from the park road near the bison viewing platform, and the other can be heard about 100 yards south of the lake/picnic area parking lot along the prairie trail that parallels the bison fence. This species has shown up in an impressive number of southwest counties this year. Yesterday there was also an early Red-necked Phalarope in the western-most pond (which is apparently being drawn down) of the Hills sewage ponds in Rock County. Bob Dunlap 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] Common Gallinules and Least Bitterns, Nicollet County
This evening Don Scheese and I went canoeing on Swan Lake and enjoyed a gorgeous outing on the water. Putting the canoe in the water on the northeast side of the lake at the public boat access, we almost immediately heard the vocalizations of a Common Gallinule (formerly Common Moorhen) on the east side of the channel. Out on the lake, we observed no less than ten Least Bitterns, 6 of which we saw and 4 more that we heard; most of the ones we saw were observed in islands of sparse cattails in the middle of the water (separated from the contiguous denser marshland on the periphery of the lake). Upon our return to the boat launch, a Common Gallinule was actually visible for a short period of time on the east side of the channel as we approached. Within a minute, the vocalizations of a Common Gallinule were heard again but farther to the south of us, leading me to believe there at least two birds present. It might be possible to see or hear these birds from the public boat launch without getting into the water. There was also a Yellow-billed Cuckoo calling from somewhere on one of the large wooded islands in the northeast part of the lake south of the boat launch, and many Western, Red-necked, and Eared Grebes scattered across the open water. Bob Dunlap, Nicollet 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
[mou-net] Purple Sandpiper still present 12:30pm Sunday
As of right now the Purple Sandpiper is actively foraging all over 230th Ave. between the two bodies of water in Swift County. A bit odd seeing it right in the middle of the road I must say. Bob Dunlap 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] Common Redpolls, Ramsey County
There is currently a small flock of Common Redpolls in my backyard a few blocks west of the U of M campus in St. Paul. Harbingers, perhaps? -- Bob Dunlap St. Paul, 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] Scissor-tailed Flycatcher present Saturday morning Duluth
The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is currently perched on the barbed wire fence in the same location as yesterday afternoon in Duluth. Bob Dunlap 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] Snowy Owl still present North St. Paul
The Snowy Owl is currently sitting on top of one if the school buses in the bus lot just north of CR B on the west side of McKnight Rd. The bird appears to be a female or juvenile. Approach with care. Bob Dunlap 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] White-winged Crossbills, Ramsey County
Around 10:15 this morning I was somewhat surprised to find a small flock (~ 10 birds) of White-winged Crossbills feeding at the top of a white spruce at College Park on the south side of Doswell Ave. a few blocks west of the University of MN-St. Paul campus. The birds were vocalizing frequently until the flock stopped feeding and flew off to the north. There are a lot of white spruces in the area so it's possible the birds could be relocated in some nearby neighborhood. I haven't noticed any other reports of crossbills south of Sherburne County, so perhaps these are the first and a sign of finches to come. -- Bob Dunlap St. Paul, 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] Carolina Wren still present, Chicago County
The Carolina Wren made about a minute-long appearance at the visitor center feeders at Wild River State Park around 1:15 this afternoon. Bob Dunlap 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] Glaucous-winged Gull rebound at Canal Park noon 12/23
Mike Hendrickson just refound the bird sitting on the water out from the breakwall at Canal Park with Herring Gulls. Bob Dunlap 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] Western Tanager not present, Hennepin County
Several of us looked for the previously reported Western Tanager in Maple Grove late this afternoon without success, and it sounds like no one was able to find it this morning either. According to others, the homeowner last saw the bird on Thursday. Bob Dunlap -- Robert Dunlap Graduate Research Assistant Natural Resources Science and Management University of Minnesota Hodson Hall 1980 Folwell Avenue St. Paul, MN 55108 Email: dunla...@umn.edu 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] White-winged Crossbill, Ramsey County
Around 4:45 this afternoon I observed a lone White-winged Crossbill feeding atop a white spruce in the Upper Buford Circle area of the University of MN campus in St. Paul. The spruces on campus have a good crop of cones this winter so perhaps it'll stick around or even encourage more to stop by. There has also been a Brown Creeper in this area since January. -- Robert Dunlap Graduate Research Assistant Natural Resources Science and Management University of Minnesota Hodson Hall 1980 Folwell Avenue St. Paul, MN 55108 Email: dunla...@umn.edu 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] American Woodcock, Ramsey County
Just after sundown this evening I was very surprised to hear an American Woodcock perform its aerial courtship display near my house a few blocks west of the U of M St. Paul campus. There's not much woodcock habitat in the vicinity so this early migrant will undoubtedly move on, but this is over two weeks earlier than my previous personal FOY woodcock in MN. Bob Dunlap -- Robert Dunlap Graduate Research Assistant Natural Resources Science and Management University of Minnesota Hodson Hall 1980 Folwell Avenue St. Paul, MN 55108 Email: dunla...@umn.edu 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] Greater Yellowlegs, Dakota County
This morning Matt Dufort and I found a Greater Yellowlegs along the north shore of the Cannon River as it feeds into Lake Byllesby on its western end (just north of the border with Goodhue County). In querying the MOU seasonal reports database it appears that there are two other reports of Greater Yellowlegs already this month: one on March 6 and one yesterday on March 8. All of these birds are occurring well before the recent median early date of March 27, and prior to this year there is only one record from the first half of March (3-1-2008). Also on the lake (mostly in Dakota County) were hundreds of Greater White-fronted Geese, about 30 Snow Geese, a smattering of Cackling Geese among the many Canadas, and probably close to 100 Northern Pintails among other waterfowl. -- Robert Dunlap Graduate Research Assistant Natural Resources Science and Management University of Minnesota Hodson Hall 1980 Folwell Avenue St. Paul, MN 55108 Email: dunla...@umn.edu 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] Black-necked Stilt not refound
The Black-necked Stilt at Lily Lake in Blue Earth County has not been relocated later this morning despite several observers' efforts over the past couple hours. -- Robert Dunlap Graduate Research Assistant Natural Resources Science and Management University of Minnesota Hodson Hall 1980 Folwell Avenue St. Paul, MN 55108 Email: dunla...@umn.edu 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] White Bear Lake shorebird spot, Ramsey County
In addition to the Pig's Eye Lake shorebird spots posted recently by Erik Collins, Ramsey County has another spot that is currently attracting shorebirds: the west side of White Bear Lake. Park along Banning Ave., Stewart Ave., or Morehead Ave. north of Lake Ave. and walk south across the road to the paved walking trail from which you can view the lake shore. Around noon today I found only Killdeer and Lesser Yellowlegs, but I'd imagine other species will appear here yet this spring. A Bonaparte's Gull and Forster's Tern were also sitting on the rocks farther out among the Ring-billed Gulls. Bob Dunlap, Ramsey County -- Robert Dunlap Graduate Research Assistant Natural Resources Science and Management University of Minnesota Hodson Hall 1980 Folwell Avenue St. Paul, MN 55108 Email: dunla...@umn.edu 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] Northern Mockingbird, Watonwan County
Andrew Krenz just called to report a Northern Mockingbird at the DNR station south of Hwy. 60 west of Madelia. He said the bird was on the southwest corner of a burned area. -- Robert Dunlap Graduate Research Assistant Natural Resources Science and Management University of Minnesota Hodson Hall 1980 Folwell Avenue St. Paul, MN 55108 Email: dunla...@umn.edu 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] Golden-winged Warbler, Ramsey County
Around 11:30 this morning I was surprised to hear a singing Golden-winged Warbler at the west end of Battle Creek Park on the southeast side of St. Paul. Just to be sure it wasn't a hybrid, I waited for the bird to show itself and was subsequently treated to some nice views of a breeding adult male. Other than that, the only warblers I found in the park were Palm and Yellow-rumped. Bob Dunlap 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] Nelson's Sparrow, Ramsey County
I'm listening to a singing Nelson's Sparrow right now at Crosby Farm Park in St. Paul. The bird is singing from the cattails on the east side of the boardwalk, opposite the wooden dock and blind, on the west side of the park. Bob Dunlap 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] Laughing Gull in Watonwan County
Chad Heins just called to report that he and Andrew Krenz are looking at a Laughing Gull on Sulem Lake southwest of Butterfield in southwest Watonwan County. He said the bird may be injured as one of its wings looks a bit odd. Bob Dunlap -- Robert Dunlap Graduate Research Assistant Natural Resources Science and Management University of Minnesota Hodson Hall 1980 Folwell Avenue St. Paul, MN 55108 Email: dunla...@umn.edu 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] Laughing Gull NOT
After further discussion from Chad and others, it sounds like the Laughing Gull in Watonwan County reported earlier this evening is actually an injured Franklin's Gull. Bob Dunlap -- Robert Dunlap Graduate Research Assistant Natural Resources Science and Management University of Minnesota Hodson Hall 1980 Folwell Avenue St. Paul, MN 55108 Email: dunla...@umn.edu 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] Northern Mockingbird, Murray County
Around 9:30 this morning I found a Northern Mockingbird on the west side of 290th Ave. a little north of CR 47 in the southeast corner of Murray County, just west of Talcot WMA. The bird was frequenting a hedgerow in front of a house just off the road. Bob Dunlap 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] Northern Mockingbird correction
The Northern Mockingbird in Murray County I reported earlier is along 290th Ave. just south of CR 3, not north of CR 47. Bob Dunlap 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] BB Plover and Ruddy Turnstone, Ramsey County
I'm currently looking at both a Black-bellied Plover and a Ruddy Turnstone on the beach of the northwest side of White Bear Lake out from Lake Ave. and 10th St. Bob Dunlap 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] Henslow's Sparrow, Ramsey County
I'm listening to a Henslow's Sparrow at Tamarack Nature Center in White Bear Lake. The bird is singing west of the wetland with dead trees in the southwestern end of the large prairie in the western side of the park. Bob Dunlap 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] Minnesota Lake shorebirds, Faribault County
John Hockema just called to report that he and Andy Nyhus are looking at about 2,000 shorebirds on the mudflats of Minnesota Lake in northern Faribault County. He mentioned at least nine species present (but probably more) highlighted by four American Avocets. They were viewing the lake from the park in town on the northeast side of the lake. Bob Dunlap -- Robert Dunlap Graduate Research Assistant Natural Resources Science and Management University of Minnesota Hodson Hall 1980 Folwell Avenue St. Paul, MN 55108 Email: dunla...@umn.edu 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] Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Cass County
Bob Williams and I just found a Buff-breasted Sandpiper at the Walker sewage ponds. The bird is foraging on the rocks along with six other shorebird species in the southeast corner of the northwest pond. Bob Dunlap 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] Prairie Falcon, Hubbard County
Bob Williams and I had a brief but definitive look at an apparent adult Prairie Falcon in Todd Twp. west of Park Rapids around 9:20 this morning. The bird was flying low over a pasture on the east side of 109th. Ave. about a quarter mile north of 190th St. We lost the bird as it flew over the tree line to the northeast and were unable to relocate it. Bob Dunlap 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] Red Crossbills, Cottonwood County
Around 11:30 this morning I was quite surprised to observe a small flock of Red Crossbills at the Talcot WMA headquarters in extreme southwest Cottonwood County. The birds were flying low and calling overhead and consisted of several adult birds, but I was unable to determine if any juveniles were present during my brief look. There is a nice stand of conifers at the headquarters that includes pine and spruce, so my guess is that the birds were feeding on the cones of these trees. Bob Dunlap 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] Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Carlton County
There is currently a Buff-breasted Sandpiper sitting on the grassy berm about 50 yards east of the main gate at the Moose Lake sewage ponds. Bob Dunlap 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] Nelson's Sparrows, Ramsey County
There are at least two and probably a couple more Nelson's Sparrows foraging in the reeds at the public beach on the northwest side of White Bear Lake. The birds are staying pretty well concealed in the vegetation close to the water but occasionally pop out on the shoreline for brief views. From the parking lot walk east onto the beach and start looking once you're in the reeds. Bob Dunlap 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] Lapland Longspur, Ramsey County
This morning I was surprised to hear and then see a single Lapland Longspur fly over at the public beach on the northwest side of White Bear Lake. Usually I don't find longspurs in the southern half of the state until October, but with what seems to be an early fall for a lot of migrants I guess I shouldn't be too surprised. The Nelson's Sparrows appear to have finally departed the beach, but there was a nonbreeding-plumaged American Golden-Plover with several Killdeer on the shore further northeast from the beach. Also, at nearby Tamarack Nature Center I found an early Harris's Sparrow between the prairie and the western side of Tamarack Lake. Bob Dunlap -- Robert Dunlap Graduate Research Assistant Natural Resources Science and Management University of Minnesota Hodson Hall 1980 Folwell Avenue St. Paul, MN 55108 Email: dunla...@umn.edu 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] Cackling Goose, Ramsey County
I just found a Cackling Goose at the golf course on the west side of Lexington Ave. north of Como Ave. The bird is foraging next to what appears to be a Lesser Canada Goose among a couple hundred Giant Canadas, so three sizes of geese are present here. Bob Dunlap 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] Clark's Nutcracker refound
Erik Collins just called to report that he relocated the Clark's Nutcracker in the spot described yesterday in Ramsey County. Bob Dunlap 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] Nutcracker still present in Shoreview
The Clark's Nutcracker is currently on the north side of CR I just west of Hodgson Rd. in Shoreview. It has spent time on the bike path itself, as well as in the trees on both the north and south sides of CR I. Bob Dunlap 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] Red Crossbills, Ramsey County
About 15 minutes ago while looking at the nutcracker, I heard then saw a small group of Red Crossbills flying south overhead. Bob Dunlap 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] Bohemian Waxwings, Ramsey County
I just found a small group of Bohemian Waxwings in a crabapple tree at the intersection of Sherwood Rd. and Oakwood Dr. in Shoreview. Bob Dunlap 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] Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Nicollet County
Late this afternoon as I came back to my St. Peter apartment from running a few errands I heard a harsh, raspy call that sounded like a sapsucker coming from one of the adjacent yards. My suspicion was confirmed as a juvenile Yellow-bellied Sapsucker flew up to a nearby apple tree and began feeding on the fruit. I have posted a photo of it on the MOU showcase page. I've heard of several reports of sapsuckers already this month...a few in the cities and two in nearby Sibley County (plus more I think I'm forgetting). This seems like more potentially overwintering sapsuckers than usual. But I suppose if they've already survived the recent frigid temperatures then they'll be all right for the rest of winter if they can find food. Bob Dunlap, Nicollet 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
[mou-net] Overwintering Robins in southern MN
It appears that there is a massive overwintering effort by American Robins in southern MN this winter. I have been seeing several flocks daily in the Mankato/St. Peter area (total probably around several hundred birds), and they seem to be just as common in the Twin Cities judging from the CBC results I've seen thus far. There are usually several locations in southern MN each winter that attract overwintering robins, but so far this winter the robins are literally everywhere. My question is this: is this something new, or have there been similar overwintering efforts in the past? If you have any relevant information about this, please share! Thanks. Bob Dunlap, Nicollet 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
[mou-net] Common Grackle fishing and other blackbirds, Le Sueur County
Around noon today I went to check out the numbers of overwintering blackbirds at Hermie's Bar, Bait Tackle just east of St. Peter and the MN River on the south side of Hwy. 99 in Le Sueur County. I counted the following: 59 Red-winged Blackbirds 67 Common Grackles 2 Brown-headed Cowbirds These are the largest numbers of both Red-winged Blackbirds and Common Grackles that I have ever seen at this location in winter. While photographing one of the grackles, I witnessed it fishing at a small spot of open spring-fed water to the east of the small parking lot. During the time I photographed it, the bird caught and ate three small fish (probably minnows). I have posted a photo of this on my blog: bobthebirdman.blogspot.com. Pretty cool. Bob Dunlap, Nicollet 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
[mou-net] Barrow's Goldeneye still in Duluth
Today Chad Gustafson, Ross Dorendorf, and I relocated the Duluth Barrow's Goldeneye in a large flock (~100) of Common Goldeneye at Canal Park in Duluth. The ducks (including 4 Red-breasted Mergansers) were in the open water between the breakwalls that guard the channel under the lift bridge. We also looked for the Golden-crowned Sparrow twice today without success. Bob Dunlap, Nicollet County bobthebirdman.blogspot.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
[mou-net] Northern Hawk Owl, Nicollet County
Chad Heins just called to report a Northern Hawk Owl in North Mankato, Nicollet County. He was called about the bird's presence this morning, and around noon or so he went to verify its presence. To get to the area, from Hwy. 169 go west on Hwy. 14 in North Mankato. Take the first exit - Lor Ray Dr. Take the first left onto Commerce Dr. and follow until a slight right at Peggy Ln. Peggy Ln. T's at Candi Ln.; here start looking between Candi Ln and Mary Ln, which is east of Peggy Ln. Chad said the bird was very conspicuous. Bob Dunlap, Nicollet 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
[mou-net] Northern Hawk Owl clarification
As of 2:30 PM the owl was sitting in a deciduous tree (about 3/4 of the way up) in a front yard along Mary Ln. just north of Peggy Ln. Also, to add to my directions posted earlier, after exiting off Hwy. 14 on Lor Ray Dr., you must go south on Lor Ray before coming to Commerce Dr. A photo will be posted this evening on the MOU website's Recently Seen page. Bob Dunlap, Nicollet 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
[mou-net] Golden Eagle, Scott and Le Sueur counties
Around noon today I observed a 1st year Golden Eagle flying along the MN River bluffs near Ney Nature Center in the northwest tip of Le Sueur County. As the bird headed north it crossed Hwy. 19 into Scott County, then interacted with an approaching Bald Eagle. I have posted a couple photos of the duo on my blog (address below). The bird headed north out of sight around 12:10. This is the first Golden Eagle I have found in the MN River Valley during winter (they are very rare migrants spring and fall in the area). Bob Dunlap, Nicollet County bobthebirdman.blogspot.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
[mou-net] Mankato Hoary Redpoll photo
Both Chad Heins and I last observed the bird around 4:00 this afternoon at the feeders behind the chapel at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato. I have uploaded a photo of the bird to the Recently Seen page on the MOU website. Bob Dunlap, Nicollet County bobthebirdman.blogspot.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
[mou-net] White-winged Crossbills, Nicollet County
After not seeing them in Nicollet County since mid-November, this morning a small flock of White-winged Crossbills flew over the Interpretive Center on the south side of campus at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter. So far it seems like the majority of southern MN crossbills have been heading southeast, but perhaps now that food supplies are getting used up they will take a turn southwest. Bob Dunlap, Nicollet County bobthebirdman.blogspot.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
[mou-net] White-winged Crossbills, Sibley County
Their southern MN invasion continues: this morning I had a flock of about 25 White-winged Crossbills in the town of Henderson. The birds were feeding in two White Spruce (next to two Norway Spruce which the birds didn't touch) between Fifth St. and Fourth St. about a block south of Main St. (Hwy. 19). Bob Dunlap, Nicollet County bobthebirdman.blogspot.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
[mou-net] White-winged Crossbill, Rock County
This weekend Chad Gustafson, Dave Bartkey, Dedrick Benz, and I birded the southwest corner of Minnesota in hopes of finding some winter species. Perhaps most notable was a single female White-winged Crossbill feeding on a White Spruce in Luverne, Rock County. In searching for this species in Nobles, Rock, Pipestone, and Murray counties, we only found this single bird, which makes me think it was an outlier and not a part of a western movement of White-winged Crossbills. Most of the spruces we came across appeared to have produced less cones than spruces in other parts of the state. We also did not see any evidence that crossbills had already been through the area (no significant cone piles under trees). Other notable sightings: -Common Redpolls in nearly every county we visited, including a flock of around 100 in Jackson County -Pine Siskins in most of the counties -Large flocks of Lapland Longspurs along county roads northwest of Luverne in Rock County (but no Snow Buntings among them) -Rough-legged Hawks in Rock and Murray counties -Bald Eagle along Des Moines River south of Luverne in Rock County -Pileated Woodpecker in Murray County -Eurasian Collared-Dove in Luverne in Rock County, then another bird in the town of Jasper along the Rock/Pipestone county line -Mourning Dove in Pipestone County -Single American Robin in Luverne in Rock County -2 Rusty Blackbirds in Nobles County -Northern Shrike in Cottonwood County; absent in counties further southwest Bob Dunlap, Nicollet 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
[mou-net] Blue Earth, Brown, and Nicollet County Field Trip 5/30-31
There is still plenty of room for participants on the May 30-31 MOU field trip in Blue Earth, Brown, and Nicollet counties. I know that this is prime time to be up along the North Shore in Duluth and Grand Marais, or at Agassiz NWR in the northwest, but why not go for a change of scenery this year? The bend in the Minnesota River is seriously underbirded, but those of us who live here know that this area is as rich in avian diversity as anywhere else in the state. In fact, at the end of May, any one of these counties easily deserves a birding weekend unto itself. But since we only have the one weekend to bird Blue Earth, Brown, and Nicollet counties, you know that Chad Heins, Brian Smith, and I are going to show you the hotspots to maximize your birding experience. Here's a quick list of what is to be expected on this trip: 4 Grebe species (on the same lake!) Least Bittern Black-crowned Night-Heron 20+ species of shorebird! Eurasian Collared-Dove Black-billed and Yellow-billed Cuckoos Eastern Screech-Owl Whip-poor-will Cerulean and Kentucky Warblers Louisiana Waterthrush Lark Sparrow Blue Grosbeak And I'd say we have a better-than-average chance of finding any of these species: Swainson's Hawk Common Moorhen Acadian Flycatcher Western Kingbird Loggerhead Shrike Henslow's Sparrow Not to mention that this area has seen its share of casual and accidental species, many within the past few years. What will it be this year? Come bird with us and find out! If you would like to register for this two-day field trip please email me at rdun...@gac.edu. Specific details of the trip will be sent at a later time. Bob Dunlap 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] Email: Tom Scanlon
Tom Scanlon, if you're out there, can you please send me an email? It seems I have lost your email address. Bob Dunlap 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] Common Loon, Rock County
Today Chad Gustafson and I went birding SW in search of early geese and waterfowl. The highlight may have been finding an early Common Loon at the gravel pit quarry ponds a couple miles north of Luverne just east of Hwy. 75 (just south of Blue Mounds State Park). There was also a total of 19 Ross's Geese at this location, as well as flocks of Greater White-fronted and Snow Geese flying overhead. Other highlights from today: -10 Great-tailed Grackles (3 males, 7 females) along Hwy. 86 in Jackson County just north of CR 4 -single Ross's Goose at this same location -Mixed flock of Greater White-fronted, Snow, Ross's, and Cackling Geese totaling around 8,000 birds along Hwy. 86 a couple miles north of Lakefield in Jackson County -Bald Eagles in Jackson, Rock, and Murray County (including 12 on one small lake in Murray) Most of the lakes were still frozen, but the majority of sewage ponds and small bodies of water were ice-free. Bob Dunlap, Nicollet 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
[mou-net] Hoary Redpoll, Nicollet County
After not seeing any redpolls for a couple weeks now at the Interpretive Center's feeders here at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, I was surprised just a few minutes ago to see a single Hoary Redpoll at the thistle feeders hanging from a shepherd's hook pole behind the Interpretive Center. The bird appears to be a female; characteristics that caught my eye immediately were pale overall plumage, no visible undertail streaking, white rump (as I saw it fly up to a nearby tree), and a small, stubby bill. I was able to take a few photographs before the bird took off. Not sure if it will hang around, but I'll keep watching. The only other birds that have been coming to these thistle feeders are Pine Siskins. Bob Dunlap, Nicollet County -- Bob Dunlap Naturalist, Linnaeus Arboretum Manager, Nobel Hall Greenhouse Gustavus Adolphus College 800 West College Ave. Saint Peter, MN 56082 507-933-7199 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] Large concentration of Tundra Swans, Renville County
This afternoon John Hockema, Dave Bartkey, and I came across 157 Tundra Swans on Round lake in southeastern Renville County. After not seeing any flocks in southern MN since late March, it was a bit odd coming across a lake seemingly full of these birds. But perhaps even more interesting was that many of the birds appeared to be paired off with some pairs sitting on reed mounds reminiscent of nests. It would be very interesting to see how long these birds stay at this location. Another interesting observation this afternoon occurred on the south side of Mud Lake, which is a few miles south of Round Lake. We observed a Winter Wren creeping up the side of a tree trunk, doing an excellent imitation of a Brown Creeper. We then saw the bird fly up into the crown of a tree, 25-30 feet up. This is the highest above the ground any of us has ever seen a Winter Wren. Bob Dunlap, Nicollet 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
[mou-net] Long-billed Dowitchers, Nicollet County
The WMA one mile north of the town of Nicollet on the east side of Hwy. 111 in Nicollet County is beginning to produce shorebirds. This spot was spectacular last year, and it looks like it will be just as good this year. This evening I found: -2 Long-billed Dowitchers in breeding plumage -3 Wilson's Snipe -3 Lesser Yellowlegs -several Killdeer Bob Dunlap, Nicollet 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
[mou-net] Dickcissel and more shorebirds, Nicollet County
This afternoon I found an exceptionally early Dickcissel at the conservation club access on the southeast side of Swan Lake. The bird was foraging with some sparrows when I pulled into the parking lot and noticed it. I usually don't see Dickcissels in Minnesota until the last week of May, so it was a bit surprising to see this bird. I was able to take some pretty good photos of it before it flew off, one of which I have uploaded to the Recently Seen page. The shorebird spot of which I posted yesterday was more exciting today, with the following species present: Semipalmated Plover Killdeer Greater Yellowlegs Lesser Yellowlegs Dunlin Semipalmated Sandpiper Pectoral Sandpiper Long-billed Dowitcher Wilson's Snipe I also checked out the Nicollet sewage ponds (south of Hwy. 14 on the east side of CR 23), and found three American Golden-Plovers walking the grassy berm on the northernmost pond. There were also more Lesser Yellowlegs and Pectoral Sandpipers here. Bob Dunlap, Nicollet 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
[mou-net] Short-eared Owl and Loggerhead Shrike, Nicollet County
This afternoon at the WMA one mile north of the town of Nicollet on the east side of Hwy. 111 a Short-eared Owl spooked up from the prairie as I walked along the dirt trail toward the wetlands. The bird fluttered around for a minute and then landed on top of a rise, allowing me to obtain some of the best looks I've ever had at this species (through a scope). On the way back to St. Peter along Hwy. 99, I found a Loggerhead Shrike perched on the telephone wire on the south side of the road. The location is just west of the electric substation at mile marker #7. I was able to take a few photos of this bird and will post one later today on my blog. Bob Dunlap, Nicollet County bobthebirdman.blogspot.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
[mou-net] Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Nicollet County
A male Rose-breasted Grosbeak just showed up here at the Interpretive Center feeders at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter. Bob Dunlap, Nicollet County -- Bob Dunlap Naturalist, Linnaeus Arboretum Manager, Nobel Hall Greenhouse Gustavus Adolphus College 800 West College Ave. Saint Peter, MN 56082 507-933-7199 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] Louisiana Waterthrush and shorebird update, Nicollet County
This afternoon I found a Louisiana Waterthrush at Seven-Mile Creek County Park in Nicollet County. The bird was foraging along the creek at the end of the park road just past the parking lot and near the first bridge. I first heard a sharp smack call note; thinking it was a Northern, I was very surprised to find a Louisiana. I followed the bird as it worked the edge of the water and eventually flew upstream and out of sight. The shorebird spot one mile north of the town of Nicollet on the east side of Hwy. 111 has a bit more water than the last week due to this week's rains (~1.5 inches) and thus currently less mudflats are exposed. Without rain in the next few days this will improve. Today there were a few shorebirds present however, including Lesser Yellowlegs, Semipalmated Plover, and a pair of Wilson's Phalarope. Bob Dunlap, Nicollet 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
[mou-net] Least Bittern, Nicollet County
This afternoon a Least Bittern was calling from the marsh behind the shorebird area at the WMA one mile north of the town of Nicollet on the east side of Hwy. 111. This is the earliest I have ever observed one in MN; I usually don't see them until the latter half of May. The water levels are remaining a bit high for shorebirds at this location, although there are some spots with lower water and mudflats holding a few shorebirds. Today there were Lesser Yellowlegs, Pectoral Sandpipers, and Dunlins here. For some reason, I haven't found any Willets or Avocets either here or at the Nicollet sewage ponds even though they seem to be present in just about every other southern county right now. Bob Dunlap, Nicollet 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
[mou-net] 4 Surf Scoters, Olmsted County
John Hockema called to report that he found 4 Surf Scoters at the East Landfill Reservoir in Olmsted County around 7:45 this morning. Two of the birds were males in breeding plumage while the other two were either females or juvenile/1st year males. Bob Dunlap 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] Willets and Hudsonian Godwit, Blue Earth County
This afternoon Dedrick Benz and I found six Willets and one Hudsonian Godwit at the Mapleton sewage ponds in southern Blue Earth County. Also of note here were Bobolinks along the barbed wire fence enclosing the ponds. Bob Dunlap, Nicollet 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
[mou-net] Hudsonian Godwits and other shorebirds, Nicollet County
This evening I checked out the WMA one mile north of the town of Nicollet on the east side of Hwy. 111 for shorebirds. From a distance the water level looked too high to be conducive to attracting shorebirds, but on closer inspection I found several areas exhibiting either mudflats or very shallow water. The best spot was at the pond farthest north; from the gravel parking lot, hike the trail east to where it T's at the lake, then go left (north) to the second large pond. If you go right at the T (south) there are also some nice areas for shorebirds. Present were: -3 Hudsonian Godwits -10 Stilt Sandpipers (all in alternate plumage) -16 Short-billed Dowitchers -8 White-rumped Sandpipers -12 Dunlins -10 Wilson's Phalaropes -several Lesser Yellowlegs -several Least Sandpipers At the Nicollet sewage ponds south of the town on the east side of CR 23, the only shorebirds of interest were 4 Baird's Sandpipers. There was also a lone Eared Grebe in the northernmost pond. Bob Dunlap, Nicollet 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
[mou-net] Today in Rock County
I spent most of this ridiculously windy (sustained 30 mph) afternoon birding Rock County and found several interesting birds. Sand pit ponds north of Luverne: -9 Ruddy Turnstones -several Sanderlings -1 Common, 1 Caspian, and many Black Terns Blue Mounds State Park: -Swainson's Hawk -Yellow-throated Vireo -Gray-cheeked and Swainson's Thrushes -large flock of mostly Yellow and Yellow-rumped Warblers, but also contained single Bay-breasted and Blackpoll -Upland Sandpiper Downtown Luverne: -Peregrine Falcon Hills sewage ponds: -125 Wilson's Phalaropes (!) I also heard a towhee call near the campground at Blue Mounds SP; out here right now there's just as good a chance (if not better) of it being a Spotted rather than an Eastern. I'll investigate tomorrow morning...hopefully the wind dies down so that I can actually hear things. Bob Dunlap, spending the night in Rock 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
[mou-net] White-eyed Vireo, Houston County
Herb Dingmann asked me to forward this to the listserve. Yesterday, May 18, he found a White-eyed Vireo at Beaver Creek Valley State Park: I found a White-eyed Vireo at the far end of the Beaver Creek Trail this morning. Follow the trail out to the open meadow, where the trail splits. Follow the trail to the right to the far end of the meadow and cross the old bridge you'll find there. I'm guessing the bird was 150 yards beyond the bridge. If you come to an opening in an old fence, you've gone too far. I apologize for the late notice, but I had no signal on my cellphone most of the day. Herb Dingmann Bob Dunlap 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] Hooded Warbler at Louisville Swamp, Scott County
Barry Jones just called to report a male Hooded Warbler at Louisville Swamp in Scott County. Go south of the main parking lot to the top of the bluff overlooking the valley, then take the trail to the left. This trail heads down the hill toward some old farm ruins; just before the ruins on the left (north) side of the trail there is a spot of thick woods from which the bird was boldly singing. This is apparently the same area as last year where one was present. Bob Dunlap -- Bob Dunlap Naturalist, Linnaeus Arboretum Manager, Nobel Hall Greenhouse Gustavus Adolphus College 800 West College Ave. Saint Peter, MN 56082 507-933-7199 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] Blue Grosbeak, Nicollet County
This afternoon while conducting a Nicollet County Big Day, Chad Heins, Dedrick Benz, and I found an adult male Blue Grosbeak at the gravel pits along 506th St. south of Courtland. 506th St. parallels the MN River, and the gravel pits are just east of where the road bends east after about half a mile. The pits are on the north side of the road. The bird was singing loudly and quite visibly from the trees near the road. I believe this is a first county record. Also of note today in Nicollet County: -158 species between 2 a.m. and 9 p.m. -Swainson's Hawk at public boat access on south side of Swan Lake -Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrows at two locations: 1) bird seen along the grassy trail between the lake and the ponds at the WMA one mile north of the town of Nicollet on the east side of Hwy. 111, and 2) one bird singing mid-afternoon at the public boat access on the south side of Swan Lake -3 Connecticut Warblers at Seven-Mile Creek County Park -Cerulean Warbler at Seven-Mile Creek County Park -Alder (vocalizing) and Yellow-bellied Flycatchers at Seven-Mile Creek County Park -Common Loon flying over St. Peter Bob Dunlap, Nicollet 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
[mou-net] Northern Mockingbird, Nicollet County
Around 11:00 this morning while leading a tour in the Linnaeus Arboretum I found a Northern Mockingbird just south of the cabin. The Linnaeus Arboretum is located on the south side of Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter. From the Interpretive Center, hike west out to the prairie and you will see an old log cabin to your north. Walk toward this cabin; the bird was flying back and forth in the scattered trees just south of the cabin. Interestingly, this is the exact same area where I found a Northern Mockingbird five years ago. Bob Dunlap, Nicollet County -- Bob Dunlap Naturalist, Linnaeus Arboretum Manager, Nobel Hall Greenhouse Gustavus Adolphus College 800 West College Ave. Saint Peter, MN 56082 507-933-7199 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] Willet and Cattle Egrets, Nicollet County
Late this morning Bob Ekblad, Diane Anderson, and I watched a Willet fly into the shorebird spot one mile north of the town of Nicollet on the east side of Hwy. 111. The bird cooperatively foraged in front of us, allowing me to take a few photos. I've been waiting for this species to show up in Nicollet County since mid-April; I'd pretty much given up hope that one would appear here this year. Early this afternoon Bob and Diane found a pair of Cattle Egrets on the south side of Swan Lake at the public water access. This is the first access point going west on Hwy. 14 after the turn for the Nicollet Conservation Club. The egrets were foraging in the prairie just as you turn onto the dirt road and were visible from the highway when I arrived. Bob Dunlap, Nicollet 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
[mou-net] Blue Earth, Brown, Nicollet MOU trip report
Participants on the Blue Earth, Brown, and Nicollet MOU trip this past weekend found a composite total of 151 species. Here are the highlights: Saturday in Nicollet County -Western Grebes on Swan Lake -Black-crowned Night-Heron at Nicollet WMA -Dunlins and White-rumped Sandpipers at Nicollet WMA -Caspian Tern at Swan Lake -Yellow-billed and Black-billed Cuckoos at Seven-Mile Creek County Park - excellent looks at Yellow-billed pair near the second bridge going west from the parking lot on trail 1 -Olive-sided, Yellow-bellied, and Alder Flycatchers (latter two singing) at Seven-Mile Creek -Western Kingbird along CR 62 / 506th St. -Veery and Wood Thrush at Seven-Mile Creek -Connecticut Warbler at Seven-Mile Creek - EXCELLENT looks by all -Mourning and Canada Warblers at Seven-Mile Creek -Lark Sparrows at the gravel pits along 506th St. -Dickcissel singing along CR 62 / 506th St. Saturday in Blue Earth County -Western Grebes on Perch Lake -Peregrine Falcon flying over east side of Cobb River WPA -American Golden-Plover, Hudsonian Godwits, White-rumped Sandpipers, and Dunlins at Cobb River WPA -Franklin's Gull and Common Tern at Cobb River WPA Sunday in Blue Earth County -Kentucky, Mourning, and Blue-winged Warbler at Williams Nature Center Sunday in Brown County -Gray Partridge northwest of Sleepy Eye -Eared Grebes at Sleepy Eye sewage ponds -Sharp-shinned Hawk along CR 10 -Ruddy Turnstones, Sanderlings, White-rumped Sandpipers, Dunlins, Wilson's and Red-necked Phalaropes at Sleepy Eye sewage ponds -Common Terns at Sleepy Eye sewage ponds -Eurasian Collared-Doves in both Comfrey and New Ulm -Wood Thrush along CR 10 -Cerulean, Mourning, and Canada Warblers along CR 10 -Scarlet Tanager along CR 10 -Henslow's Sparrow northeast of Comfrey Some of the group also relocated two Prothonotary Warblers near the Traverse Des Sioux Treaty Center in St. Peter late Sunday afternoon. Bob Dunlap, Nicollet County -- Bob Dunlap Naturalist, Linnaeus Arboretum Manager, Nobel Hall Greenhouse Gustavus Adolphus College 800 West College Ave. Saint Peter, MN 56082 507-933-7199 Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
