[mou-net] yellow-billed cuckoo window kill

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Todd Starich  via moumn.org)

Two summers ago I found a dead black-billed cuckoo, apparent victim of hitting 
a 
window, on the north side of Moos Tower on the UMN East Bank. One day last 
summer I found another dead black-billed cuckoo, maybe within 15 ft of where I 
had found one the summer before. Today I came across a dead yellow-billed 
cuckoo about 30 yards away, by the adjacent PWB. This is not a prominent 
window-kill graveyard-- I bike through there every workday of the year, and it 
is 
rare to see dead birds other than peregrine leavings. So the proportion of 
cuckoo 
window kill compared to other birds seems exceptionally high. Something that 
cuckoos see that other birds in general don't??

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[mou-net] Loggerhead shrike, almost 2 of them. Dodge/Mower

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Peter  Mattson  via moumn.org)

This afternoon on Dodge Mower Road (the county line road) about a half mile
east of Mower CR7/Dodge CR13.  The bird was on the power lines on the Dodge
County side.  Had it crossed the road I could have reported it twice, once
for each county.  Sadly, it did not.

CR7 goes north from I 90 at the Dexter exit.  In Dodge County it's CR13, and
it goes south from Kasson.

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[mou-net] Gull-billed Tern

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Milton J. Blomberg  via moumn.org)

Just arrived and looks to be roosting for the night on the 
mud shoal near the Pelicans 8:00 pm

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[mou-net] Gull-billed Tern. Lac-qui Parle Co

[MOU admin]

(Posted by John Richardson  via moumn.org)

A photo of a presumed Gull-billed Tern can be seen on the MN Birding Facebook 
page. Seen 
by the poster Agogo Malawi at Salt Lake in Lac Qui Parle Co.

No further details as of yet.

John Richardson
Duluth, MN


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[mou-net] Northern Mockingbird--Dakota County

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Alex Lewanski  via moumn.org)

Yesterday (5/24), I found a northern mockingbird at Spring Lake Park- Archery 
Unit in Dakota County. The bird was first seen along the entrance road. It then 
subsequently flew to the archery area and adjacent picnic area. I was not able 
to 
relocate it after about 30 minutes but it may still be in the area.

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[mou-net] Black-bellied Whistlers update

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Milton J. Blomberg  via moumn.org)

Sighted both Whistlers 7 to 7:30pm easily in SE corner of 
Eggert Lake, then they took flight to the SW corner where 
there's a "pool" amid the Willow tree patch and greening 
cattail margin, one perched on a branch. Perhaps a roost 
site? mjb

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[mou-net] Black-bellied Whistlers update

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Milton J. Blomberg  via moumn.org)


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[mou-net] Red knot & white-faced ibis Wilkin County

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Ben W. Fritchman  via moumn.org)

Just found an adult breeding plumaged red knot and 
white-faced ibis at Brown WPA on CR 19 just south of CR 
21. This is a few miles south of Rothsay.

Ben Fritchman

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[mou-net] red-necked phalarope, ruddy turnstone, hudsonian godwit, etc... --Lake Byllesby, Dakota County 5/19/16

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Alex Lewanski  via moumn.org)

Today (5/19) from 11:35-2:15, I watched a large, species rich group of 
shorebirds from the west end access of Lake Byllesby Regional Park in Dakota 
County. Highlights indclude:

-1 red-necked phalarope
-1 ruddy turnstone
-1 hudsonian godwit
-1 stilt sandpiper
-4 Willet
-1 sanderling

There were hundreds of other shorebirds present including wilson's phalarope, 
dunlin, short-billed dowitcher, semipalmated plover, pectoral sandpiper, white-
rumped sandpiper, killdeer, lesser and greater yellowlegs, semipalmated 
sandpiper, and least sandpiper. 

A full list of birds seen can be found on my ebird checklist linked below. 
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S29778854

-Alex Lewanski

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[mou-net] Whimbrels sighting in Stearns

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Milton J. Blomberg  via moumn.org)

Just rec'd a message from Phil Chu that eight (8) Whimbrels just flew into the 
Albany 
Sewage WTP, large pond NW corner. He advises their tendency to jump around a 
lot when 
feeding and maybe will stay for awhile, maybe not. mjb

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[mou-net] Ovenbird in Chicken Coop

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Matt Boisen  via moumn.org)

Sighted my first ovenbird today...in our chicken coop. Couldn't figure out 
how it got in until I went in to release it and it slipped right through the 
wire.  The chickens were a bit bemused.  I went out later and heard an 
ovenbird singing, so I hope all is well

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[mou-net]

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Michael Oetken  via moumn.org)

Sorry about the late post, long big day in Redwood County yesterday.  
Among the 146 species were Cattle Egret at Willow Lake WMA near Wanda, 
2 Male Great-tailed Grackles on extreme south end of Gales Lake WMA 
south of Vesta, 5 American Avocets, 6 Willets, 2 American Pipits, a Wilson's 
Phalarope, and 3 Eared Grebes at Lamberton Water Treatment Ponds.  
Long day with two great birding partners, Brian Smith and John 
Schladweiler.  Started with 2 or 3 Eastern Screech Owls in Sanborn 
campground and ended in flooded field just east of Wanda with Marbled 
Godwit, Short-billed Dowitcher, and American Golden-Plover.  14 species of 
Sparrow (Henslow's in Lamberton WMA).  A Swainson's Hawk flying up 
river at Redwood Falls.  Only 15 Warblers.

Mike Oetken
New Ulm

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[mou-net] Prothonotary Warbler - New Ulm - Brown County

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Michael Oetken  via moumn.org)

In what has been a very slow start this spring in Brown County, today was 
very active.  19 Warbler species in Flandrau SP and Minnecon park with the 
highlight being a beautiful adult Prothonotary Warbler in the woods to the 
left of the new boat ramp at Minnecon Park.

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[mou-net] Potential Neotropic Cormorant, St. Louis Co

[MOU admin]

(Posted by John Richardson  via moumn.org)

After leaving McQuade Safe Harbor I notice 3 cormorants that have lifted of the 
lake and were trying to gain height. At the first glance the birds were at 
about a 30 
degree angle in front of us about 300 yards away. The 3 birds started to kettle 
and 
were drifting towards us and eventually were right above us. 

The first and most noticeable detail was the considerable small size of one of 
the 
individuals in comparison to the other obvious Double Crested Cormorant (DC), 
and the faster wing beat of the bird in question. 

I am familiar with this species in TX, and looked for fields marks to 
differenciate 
the two species. All is relative in the photos compared with actually seeing 
the bird 
in person. Therefore, what I can add to the photos is the birds where at the 
same 
height, or very close too. 

I looked for the tail to be the same length as the neck and beak and there does 
appear to be some support to this in the photos. Of course, one can not 
completely 
rule out the neck being at full extension, but there does appear to be some 
clear 
difference with the bird in question in comparison to the other two. 

I looked for the extent of yellow/orange throat as the neotropic has 
considerably 
less than the DC. in one of the photos you can see considerably less orange in 
the 
throat compared to the other 2 DC in the photo. If the bird was a juvenile it 
would 
still should show more orange on the throat if it was a DC, and a Juv DC 
would/should show a much more paler neck and chest. This is not a strict rule 
to 
observe as variation in color is possible, but would arguably be more likely to 
be 
bleached lighter in spring than being darker adding to the notion it is indeed 
a 
Neotropic.

As pretext, yesterday we had very strong S/SW winds and extremely warm temps 
into the 90's in places. I would be interested in what others have to say? If 
deemed to be a DC I will remove it from the records.

Thoughts anyone?

Photos in the report.

http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S29474263

John Richardson
Duluth, MN

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[mou-net] Rose-breasted Grosbeak

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Connie Grundhofer  via moumn.org)


A male Rose-breasted Grosbeak arrived this afternoon in our backyard.

Connie 
Lino Lakes, Anoka County


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[mou-net] Request for assistance - recordings of migrating Mourning Warbler songs

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Jay Pitocchelli  via moumn.org)

I am writing once again to post an opportunity to participate in a Citizens
Science Project that involves recording migrating Mourning Warbler songs.  I
am interested in whether different song populations of Mourning Warblers
(Western, Eastern, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland) migrate together or separately
to their respective areas of the species’ breeding range.   All you need is
a smartphone with a voice recording app and some luck.  The web page link
below describes the project and how to make recordings on your Smartphone in
more detail.   There is also a link to the map with last year’s results
based on recordings from many volunteers.

http://www.anselm.edu/homepage/jpitocch/ornithology/MOWAmapper/MOWASongmapper.html

Please send song recordings to the Mourning Warbler Sound Lab
(jpitocchATanselm.edu).  

I would really appreciate your help and contributions to this Citizens
Science Project.  

Dr. Jay Pitocchelli 
Biology Department 
Saint Anselm College
Manchester, NH 03102


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[mou-net] getting on listserve

[MOU admin]

(Posted by anonymous <> via moumn.org)

Hi. I thought I got signed up for the daily list of sightings and I'm not 
getting it.  
Can you help?

Thanks

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[mou-net] House Wren

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Connie Grundhofer  via moumn.org)


There has been a House Wren in our yard since Friday.
It is not singing constantly yet but checking out the houses.

Connie
Lino Lakes, Anoka County

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[mou-net] Membership Directory

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Janet Majerus   via moumn.org)

Is it possible to get the recent Membership Directory. I have a 2011 edition.

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[mou-net] Duluth Update - SUSC, LBBG

[MOU admin]

(Posted by John Richardson  via moumn.org)

Duluth is starting to warm up bird wise at least little. Park Point seems to be 
the 
best at the moment. This morning Bruce Munson found 2 SURF SCOTER on the 
bayside between the Sailing Club and Park Point entrance. There are at least 7 
species of gulls around the last couple of days. 2 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL 
being the highlight.

John Richardson
Duluth, MN

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[mou-net] New Arrivals in Winona County

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Todd Mitchell  via moumn.org)

Palm Warblers and Blue-gray gnat catchers at Farmers Community Park, Arches 
(Stockton), 
MN. Also present Northern waterthrush x3 and Belted kingfisher x3.  

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[mou-net] FOY Fillmore County

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Todd Mitchell  via moumn.org)


I just noticed my first of the year Rose Breasted Grosbeaks at my feeders here 
in Rushford 
this morning.  Then went back to the window and spotted an Indigo Bunting 
feeding below 
as well.  FOY House Wren spotted on Magelssen bluff park yesterday.  Todd

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[mou-net] Great-tailed Grackle, Swift Co

[MOU admin]

(Posted by John Richardson  via moumn.org)

Still present at original location.

http://ebird.org/ebird/submit/effort?locID=L4524882

John Richardson
Duluth, MN

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[mou-net] GLOSSY IBIS, Yellow Medicine Co

[MOU admin]

(Posted by John Richardson  via moumn.org)

Garrett Wee on the MN Birding Page reported a:-


1 Glossy Ibis along with 35 White-faced ibis, Miedd Lake, yellow medicine county

Photos were posted.

John Richardson
Duluth, MN

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[mou-net] 6 American Avocet, Crow Wing Co

[MOU admin]

(Posted by John Richardson  via moumn.org)

Elissa Gallien just called and reported 6 AMERICAN AVOCETS on the west side of 
the St. 
Mathias rice paddies on St. Mathias Rd, south of Brainerd, Crow Wing Co. great 
bird for 
Crow Wing. 

John Richardson,
Duluth, MN

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[mou-net] Stearns County

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Daniel Orr  via moumn.org)

There were two Red-necked Graves on North Lake at Albany earlier this morning. 
There were many Horned Grebes and one Greater White-fronted Goose as well 
as Cliff and Barn Swallows. At Getchell Lake there were three Hudsonian 
Godwits.

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[mou-net] Quick trip to Biloxi, Mississippi!

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Brigitte Kay Reuther  via moumn.org)

Greetings, all!

I (actually "we" - 4 of us) have a day to spend in Biloxi, Mississippi this
coming Friday.

Where should we visit for a few hours of not-too-complicated birding?

Thanks for your help!

- Brigitte

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[mou-net] Abandon hope all ye who enter here!

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Chet A. Meyers  via moumn.org)

The path out to the new Cedar Ave. boardwalk is like Texas
"gumbo" ... i.e. you risk losing your boots walking to the 
boardwalk. Keith Olstad and I saw only the expected ducks.
Not worth the walk. Does anyone know when the gravel path
will be installed?

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[mou-net] Lesser black-backed gull at Old Cedar

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Chet A. Meyers  via moumn.org)

While searching for the (probably long-since-gone) long-tailed duck,
I found a lesser black-backed gull midst the many ring-billed gulls.
It was directly out from the new observation platform at the old
Cedar Ave. boardwalk... It was not at a great distance.

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[mou-net] NSWO, Crow Wing Co.

[MOU admin]

(Posted by John Richardson  via moumn.org)

A Saw-whet is being seen currently at the home of Butch Ukera, 23205 Agate Lake 
Rd, Deerwood, MN. Visitors welcome he said. PLEASE call in advance. 218-851-
3318.

John Richardson
Duluth, MN

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[mou-net] Large flock of BOWA, Duluth

[MOU admin]

(Posted by John Richardson  via moumn.org)

An estimated 2000+ strong flock of Bohemian Waxwing around Portman Park in 
the Lakeside neighborhood of Duluth this afternoon was observed and 
photographed. The flock simply picked up more numbers as it headed east through 
town briefly stopping to gorge on berries and them move on. I took one photo 
that 
Clinton Nienhaus painstakingly counted each individual (wow!). I could not fit 
all 
the birds in the 50mm frame, but in the frame was 1232 individual Bohemian 
Waxwings. One of the larger flocks in recent years to the best of my knowledge? 
Two Harbors, MN may be the next stop?

John Richardson
Duluth, MN


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[mou-net] Woodcock at Black Dog Fen - Dakota Cty

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Chet A. Meyers  via moumn.org)

Last night (3/12) Miriam and I heard four or five woodcock
'peenting' and sky dancing at the Black Dog Fen. However, 
they were moving around a lot as if they had not yet established 
territory.  We had to walk beyond the two towers to where it 
intersects with a new 'road'.  The path is wide but pretty muddy 
even in our recent dry weather.  There should be more birds 
arriving soon.
Chet Meyers

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[mou-net] Waterfowl- Houston County

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Steven C. Houdek  via moumn.org)

I can't let the day end without saying that I've just 
witnessed one of the most miraculous displays of 
migrating ducks and geese in my life, spanning the 
breadth of the river valley and as far north and south on 
the horizon, high flocks and low in a never ending wave 
from early afternoon until dusk.  I can't begin to estimate 
numbers but consider that a good percentage of 
Mississippi Flyway birds passed overhead today.

These are the sights we live for...


Steve H.
Onalaska, WI

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[mou-net] Duluth Migration Update

[MOU admin]

(Posted by John Richardson  via moumn.org)

This week looks to set records with weather and bird sightings. Yesterday from 
Enger Tower in Duluth with the Hawk Watchers we observed close to 200 BALD 
EAGLE, 3 GOLDEN EAGLE, a very early adult RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, 
GYRFALCON 5 other species of raptors. 

Today it was the gulls turn. Strong 20-30mph Eastern winds did not prevent 
strings of gulls working up Park Point all day and heading face-first into the 
wind 
and heading up the North Shore. Most appeared to be HERRING GULL, but at 
Canal Park there was 6 species of gulls. In and around Duluth I found 4 GREAT 
BLACK-BACKED GULL (2 adults, 1 3rd cyc, and a 1st cyc), 4 GLAUCOUS GULL, 3 
ICELAND GULL 'type" and 5 THAYER'S GULL. Ducks are moving in too. A good 
number of MALLARD, BLACK DUCK, and 1 PINTAIL, and GOLDENEYE around 
Interstate Island and Port Terminal. 

Of note, a BREWER'S BLACKBIRD was reported by a very reliable source at their 
feeders this morning! Let the crazy spring continue. 

John Richardson
Duluth, MN

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[mou-net] Ring Necked Duck

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Bruce Lees  via moumn.org)

Will you change my Ring-Necked DuckXGreater Scaulp to Ring-Necked Duck.

Thank You 
Bruce Lees

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[mou-net] Duluth area update

[MOU admin]

(Posted by John Richardson  via moumn.org)

Duluth update:-

Water around Canal Park is opening up and things are moving in slowly. CANADA 
GEESE are 
showing up, as are a few more COMMON GOLDENEYE and COMMON MERGANSERS. Gulls 
are a little spread out, but still a few around Canal Park, mostly HERRING 
GULL, but a 
couple of adult THAYER'S GULL and an adult ICELAND GULL (KUMLIEN'S).

Finches are on the move with REDPOLLS, PINE SISKIN and WAXWINGS moving around. 
Might be a good idea if you are up here to keep an eye to the sky too. Could be 
good eagle 
movement this weekend. Also, more ice will likely disappear and waterbirds 
could be more 
prevalent.

John Richardson
Duluth, MN

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[mou-net] Duluth area

[MOU admin]

(Posted by John Richardson  via moumn.org)


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Re: [mou-net] Mottled Duck, Anoka Co. (hybrid vs. Pure)

[MOU admin]

(Posted by John Richardson  via moumn.org)

This post is in regard to the potential 1st State record MOTTLED DUCK. I 
contacted 
Tony Leukering, from Largo, FL who knows a bit about Mottled Duck.

His response is below, and I MUST stress his experience is with FL MODU, not TX 
MODO. However, I felt it would not harm the discussing or aid those charged 
with 
determining whether the bird in Anoka Co. is indeed a none hybrid individual.
This is not meant to provoke argument beyond good discussion and reasonable 
scientific debate.

"Hi John:
Sorry for the delay in responding, but I wanted to be clear in my head about it 
before replying.

First off, I have to write that I have little focused experience with western 
Mottled 
Ducks (MODU), and I'm not particularly clear in my own mind how they differ 
from 
Florida MODUs, and I would think that a MODU in MN would be more likely to come 
from TX than from FL, but who really knows?

This bird looks quite a bit like a MODU, and I am not surprised that it was 
identified as such, particularly the buff color on the face. One of the first 
points 
that I should make, though, is that knowing the age and sex would be very 
beneficial at determining the bird's parentage. Points that I feel are relevant:

1) If it is a male, then it looks too pale to be a Mottled Duck; if a female, 
then 
overall color might be fine for that species.

2) If a male and of "pure" parentage, it might be more likely to be a Mexican 
Duck 
than a Mottled, again due to overall coloration.

3) The gape spot seems a bit on the weak side for a male Mottled Duck, but may 
well be fine for a female and for, perhaps, male Mexican Duck (MEDU).

4) The dark streaking in the cheek and the gray basal coloration there are 
points at 
odds with an ID as a pure male eastern MODU, but might be fine for a western 
MODU of either sex.

5) I've had problems figuring out what this bird's tail looks like. There's 
certainly 
no obvious white, but I cannot seem to locate the whole tail. The bird is 
certainly 
replacing some body feathers (those blackish feathers among the uppertail covs 
and on the rump), but nothing in that genus should be replacing rectrices at 
this 
time of year.

6) Those aforementioned blackish feathers, particularly those on the rump, look 
far 
too solidly colored to be those of a pure MODU; see 
https://www.flickr.com/photos/16207164@N02/5446301976/ and 
https://www.flickr.com/pho…/carolinabutterflies/13436098045/. Those feathers 
on 
male Mallards (MALL) are solid black, which may suggest that there is some MALL 
parentage involved here. Interestingly, the new uppertail coverts are perfect 
for 
MODU.

7) The white trailing edge to the secondaries is quite odd, with the individual 
secondary tips having white outer webs, but dark inner webs. In MODU (and 
MEDU), I believe that birds showing white tips have that white on both webs; 
again, see https://www.flickr.com/photos/16207164@N02/5446301976/.

All in all, I think that this is not a pure MODU, but has genes from something 
else 
involved, probably MALL. I asked Bill Pranty for his thoughts and he replied 
that he 
thought that it looked odd for a Florida MODU, but he has even less experience 
with western MODU than do I.

I hope that this helps.

Tony

Tony Leukering
Largo, FL
http://cowyebird.blogspot.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tony_leukering/
http://aba.org/photoquiz/


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[mou-net] White-winged Crossbills at Sherburne NWR

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Daniel Orr  via moumn.org)

Eleven White-winged Crossbills were present today at about 2:30 along the east 
side of the 
conifer plantation on Blue Hills Trail. Also found 1 each Ruffed Grouse, Bald 
Eagle, Red-
tailed Hawk, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned 
Kinglet, as well as 5 American Crows, 9 Black-capped Chickadees, 2 White 
Breasted 
Nuthatches and 4 Common Redpolls.  Thank you to all who have previously 
reported the 
White-winged Crossbills. They were right where they generally have been 
reported.

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[mou-net] Coon rapids dam

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Chet A. Meyers  via moumn.org)

After viewing the potential mottled duck at the Rum River
Dam I drove to the Coon Rapids Dam, seeking, in vain, the
long-tailed duck.  But did have a fly-over of the brightest,
and whitest, Krider's hawk I have ever seen. No belly band
and under tail almost put white. Beautiful.
Chet Meyers

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[mou-net] Snyder's Great Horned Owl, Duluth MN

[MOU admin]

(Posted by John Richardson  via moumn.org)

The owl photo posted on the website is a sub-species of Great Horned Owl. I 
thought some might be interested in this info I found below. 


"Snyder's" Great Horned Owl (B. v. scalariventris)


L.L. Snyder (1961) of the Royal Ontario Museum described the population of pale 
Great Horned Owls breeding in most of northern Ontario (except extreme western 
parts) as distinct from B. v. subarcticus, and named it B. v. scalariventris, 
which 
means scaly below. See Figure 1. Taverner (1942) was aware of this form, 
stating 
that it was “too dark for subarcticus, too white for any other race ... with 
little or 
no red of virginianus.” He regarded it as an intergrade population of 
subarcticus x 
heterocnemis. However, the large and uniform series of scalariventris in the 
Royal 
Ontario Museum from across 800 km of northern Ontario strongly supports its 
recognition as a separate subspecies (Snyder 1961). Consequently, James (1991) 
accepted scalariventris as a subspecies.
Snyder's Great Horned Owl breeds in northern Ontario from near the Manitoba 
border eastward to the Quebec border (and probably beyond), south to 
approximately Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie and North Bay, where it intergrades 
with nominate virginianus (Snyder 1961, James 1991). In winter it wanders to 
southern Ontario. Most reports of pale (gray) Great Horned Owls in southern 
Ontario are referable to scalariventris.
Classic individuals of scalariventris (Figure 3) are distinguished from 
nominate 
virginianus by their distinctive gray coloration and general absence of rufous 
in the 
plumage. The facial discs are usually a pale gray, sometimes with a tinge of 
rufous. 
>From the more whitish subarcticus, Snyder's is told by its darker coloration 
>and 
“broader, more regular and darker bars ventrally.” In broad terms, 
scalariventris is 
“more coldly grey with bolder bars below” (Snyder 1961).


John Richardson
Duluth, MN

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[mou-net] Varied Thrush in Pillager Cass County

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Dale A. Yerger  via moumn.org)

Varied Thrush still in Pillager , Call Wayne if interested in seeing it
218-839-6463!

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[mou-net] GYR , Duluth, MN Tues

[MOU admin]

(Posted by John Richardson  via moumn.org)

I found the GYR again this afternoon about 2:45pm over the elevators at Port 
Terminal again. After a brief tussle with a RED-TAILED HAWK it was briefly lost 
from view. It was last seen by another local flying over the bay towards Canal 
Park/DECC area. Duluth, MN

John Richardson
Duluth, MN

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[mou-net] Varied Thrush in Pillager Cass County

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Dale A. Yerger  via moumn.org)

Wayne M reports that the varied thrush is still coming to his feeders in
Pillager( Cass County)  Give him a call if interested 218-839-6463

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[mou-net] GYR Falcon Sunday AM

[MOU admin]

(Posted by John Richardson  via moumn.org)

Second hand report that a GYR FALCON is at the DECC, near Canal Park. Duluth. 
Perched on 
the harbor side of the Arena.

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[mou-net] Gyr Falcon, Duluth

[MOU admin]

(Posted by John Richardson  via moumn.org)

GYR FALCON Duluth, MN. Found this afternoon 3:30pm-ish on the old General Mills 
building Port Terminal. The building has a large 'A' letter on the side now. It 
was 
seen by myself and a couple others and confirmed as an immature. Bird flew over 
the building out of sight and was not seen again as of 4:40pm. Bird appears to 
be 
banded.

John Richardson
Duluth, MN

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[mou-net] "Birds of Flight" THIS Friday, 5:30PM CST on TBN

[MOU admin]

(Posted by anonymous <> via moumn.org)

"Birds of Flight" THIS Friday, 5:30PM CST on TBN

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[mou-net] Hummingbird DVD

[MOU admin]

(Posted by anonymous <> via moumn.org)

http://creationinthe21stcentury.com/creation-in-the-21st-century-episode-the-
fascinating-world-of-hummingbirds-with-guest-benjamin-owen-of-border-watch-
films/#more-3581

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[mou-net] Duluth Area Updat

[MOU admin]

(Posted by John Richardson  via moumn.org)

 

Starting at Canal Park in Duluth, quite a few observers this afternoon were 
rewarded with a 
great gull show. Adults of 5 species were observed (GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL, 
GLAUCOUS, ICELAND, THAYER'S, and HERRING). Various cycles of all these species 
were 
also present. The BL KITTIWAKE has not been seen for a couple of days. 

The appearance of a GYR FALCON on Port Terminal on Friday was not repeated over 
the 
weekend. But, BALD EAGLES, a RED-TAILED HAWK, ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK (hard to come 
by this winter) and PEREGRINES were seen here. GYR FALCON around the Peavey 
Elevator 
was seen this weekend.

The GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW is still putting on a brief early morning show in 
the 
Lakeside neighborhood of Duluth.

LONG-TAILED DUCKS in breeding plumage were seen in Agate Bay, Two Harbors 
today. 
BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS in town, and north of Two Harbors on Hwy 1 and 2 SPRUCE 
GROUSE and BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKERS seen. 

Outside of redpolls, finches and like have been somewhat hard to come by as far 
as I know.

John Richardson,
Duluth, MN


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[mou-net] Gyr Falcon Duluth

[MOU admin]

(Posted by John Richardson  via moumn.org)

Anyone birding Duluth this weekend, keep a sharp eye out around Port Terminal 
and 
especially the old General Mills elevator (now has a big 'A' on the side). 

This afternoon I was fairly comfortably that I was watching a GYR FALCON 
(likely from 
Superior) soaring and flying towards the WLSSD plant. Later in the afternoon 
Lars Benson 
reported seeing GYR also in the same spot. Finally

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[mou-net] brown creeper

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Allan Andrews  via moumn.org)

This morning at first light, we had a brown creeper in our St. Anthony, MN 
backyard.

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[mou-net] BL KITTIWAKE, Duluth

[MOU admin]

(Posted by John Richardson  via moumn.org)

BL KITTIWAKE was just reported off of Canal Park Duluth. MN

John Richardson,

Duluth, MN

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[mou-net] Kittiwake

[MOU admin]

(Posted by John Richardson  via moumn.org)

BL KITTIWAKE was just reported off of Canal Park Duluth. MN

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[mou-net] Ivory Gull, Duluth

[MOU admin]

(Posted by John Richardson  via moumn.org)

Present this morning (Wed).

John Richardson 
Duluth, MN

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[mou-net] Ivory Gull, Duluth

[MOU admin]

(Posted by John Richardson  via moumn.org)

Still present at the end of the day, sat on the wall of the channel with a full 
belly od 
fish...

John Richardson 
Duluth, MN

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[mou-net] Varied Thrush a no show in Washington County 1/16

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Linda Sparling  via moumn.org)

I know there have been recent e-bird reports of the Varied Thrushes in
Oakland Cemetery, Washington County, but I haven't seen any to this list
serve.  I tried for the bird again Saturday January 16 from 12:30-3:45. 
With coverage by other birders (that I know of) from about 12:00-4:30 I can
say neither bird showed up during those times.  If the birds are still
around, could it please be posted to the list serve, along with time of day.
 Much thanks,

Linda Sparling
Hennepin County

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[mou-net] Kittiwakes

[MOU admin]

(Posted by John Richardson  via moumn.org)

About 12:30pm I saw the one bird, but it was reported later that there was two 
together 
again at Canal Park.

John Richardson
Duluth, MN

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[mou-net] Kittiwakes, Duluth

[MOU admin]

(Posted by John Richardson  via moumn.org)

At least one of the Kitties was seen by 20-ish people around 4PM. The said bird 
was visible 
from canal park with the naked eye at times, but kept out of good photo 
distance, although 
there was some great pictures taken. It was seen patrolling back and forth over 
the lake. 
We were looking from the channel towards Duluth. It could be seen from past 
land to the 
east, and west towards Fitgers.

John Richardson
Duluth, MN

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[mou-net] Duluth Update

[MOU admin]

(Posted by John Richardson  via moumn.org)

I thought I might give an update on Duluth, MN birding the last couple of days 
as it has 
been in the news recently. I met a couple who had driven 6hrs to see the Ivory 
Gull in vain 
today, so hopefully people will know what's here before they come. 

Canal Park today had no gulls, only a handful of Goldeneyes. Since the IVORY 
GULL left it 
seems so did everything else. There is a lot of floating ice which some gulls 
may be resting 
on? All the MALLARDS and BLACK DUCKS were absent. If you are looking for gulls, 
WI Point 
landfill might yield far better results.

The GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW is likely still around but is tricky to pin down 
(first or last 
light being best time). 

Superior still has at least one GYR FLACON at the Peavey Building, which is a 
NO 
TRESPASSING ZONE. (It can be seen great from the road).

FINCHES are mixed. PINE GROSBEAKS and REDPOLLS and BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS can be 
seen in the area, but can be hard to pin down. PINE SISKINS  and PURPLE FINCHES 
are 
largely absent IMO.



John Richardson,
Duluth, MN

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[mou-net] No Ivory Gull Monday AM

[MOU admin]

(Posted by John Richardson  via moumn.org)

No Ivory Gull this morning.

John Richardson,
Duluth, MN

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[mou-net] Mower County Meadowlark

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Peter  Mattson  via moumn.org)

Bill Buckley saw a meadowlark this morning near the Cedar City Cemetery, off
MN 105 south of Austin.   West of 105, around a gravel pit at the corner of
160th St. (Cedar City Cemetery road) and 520th Ave.   Unknown if it was
eastern or western.

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[mou-net] Golden-crowned Sparrow in Duluth

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Renner S. Anderson  via moumn.org)

Does anybody know if the Golden-crowned Sparrow is still being seen in Duluth?

Renner Anderson

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[mou-net] Ivory Gull, Peregrine Falcon, Gyrfalcon

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Jonathan Beck  via moumn.org)

The Ivory gull was putting on quite a show for us this morning and all the
other birders. There was even a news crew from the Duluth ABC affiliate out
there, they said it should broadcast tonight. I'll post the link if I find
it. Not sure how our interview will turn out :)

We also spotted a Peregrine falcon perched on the tall grain elevators
kiddie-corner from the UPS facility on Port Terminal road, and the Gyrfalcon
in Superior near Connors Point. 

Met a lot of birders today, lots of fun. Worth the trip up.

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[mou-net]

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Don Whitehead  via moumn.org)


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[mou-net] Ivory Gull Saga

[MOU admin]

(Posted by John Richardson  via moumn.org)

http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/outdoors/3918638-one-rare-ivory-gull-dies-
another-still-flying-duluth

John Richardson
Duluth, MN

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[mou-net] Long-tailed duck - Schaar's Bluff, Dakota County, MN 1/5/15

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Alex Lewanski  via moumn.org)

Yesterday (1/5/15) at 1:30 p.m., I found a female/1st winter-type long-tailed 
duck 
associating with a flock of common goldeneye at Spring Lake Park Reserve - 
Schaar’s Bluff in 
Dakota County. The flock was located in a patch of open water on the 
Mississippi River directly 
out from the Schaar’s Bluff Gathering Center. 
 
Note: Drew Smith was unsuccessful in finding the bird today (1/6/15). There are 
multiple 
patches of open water on this stretch of the river where flocks of common 
goldeneye and 
common merganser are located and from my and Drew’s observations, the birds 
seem to be 
quite mobile so it is very possible that the long-tailed duck is still in the 
area. 

A complete list of birds seen and low quality but identifiable pictures of the 
long-tailed duck 
can be viewed on my Ebird post linked below.

http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S26739004


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[mou-net] American Bittern (Steele Co.)

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Matt Stratmoen  via moumn.org)

There is an American Bittern near the intersection of NE 84th Ave. & NE 50th
St. in Steele County in a drainage ditch on the west side of 84th. (For
reference, this is 3.5 miles north of Rice Lake State Park.) 

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[mou-net] Ivory Gull update

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Milton J. Blomberg  via moumn.org)

Fyi, Ivory Gull present at Canal Park this morning during 
this 8am hour.

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Re: [mou-net] Ivory Gull, which is still present as of 4:45pm

[MOU admin]

(Posted by John Richardson  via moumn.org)

It was seen at 4:45pm today flying over Canal Park. 

P.S. Jason Caddy, I think there has been plenty of information out there about 
the 
Ivory Gull, but as you rightly indicated, not much on here? Many/most are using 
other platforms to communicate it seems? With the age of Smartphones sending 
emails is becoming secondary I find with many

Best, 

John Richardson
Duluth, MN

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[mou-net] Short-eared owls

[MOU admin]

(Posted by anonymous <> via moumn.org)

Rick. Thanks so much for the location info. I will be out tomorrow.  I will 
post if I spot them.

Thanks. Bob Larocca

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[mou-net] Short eared owls

[MOU admin]

(Posted by anonymous <> via moumn.org)

Anyone still seeing the short eared owls at afton. If so any directions to 
location would be 
appreciated. Thank you

Bob Larocca


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[mou-net] Short-eared owls

[MOU admin]

(Posted by anonymous <> via moumn.org)

I see from the posts that Ron Taube and Jill Beam have spotted the birds on 
North Prarie 
Loop at Afton SP.  if you have and more specific directions and time of day. It 
would be 
greatly appreciated.  Thank you for your posts and pics. 

Bob Larocca

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Re: [mou-net] Platforms

[MOU admin]

(Posted by John Richardson  via moumn.org)

Numerous local and national Facebook pages, and eBird I would say are the two 
most used, 
but other are using blogging pages and other birding digest pages. 

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[mou-net] Last duck as city lakes freeze

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Chet A. Meyers  via moumn.org)

No really big news. There were only a couple of small leads in the
ice, and the few gulls present on Calhoun left about 4:10 p.m.
A few common mergansers remained on Calhoun and the last 
duck on Lake Harriet before it froze, was a lesser scaup female,
surrounded by a bunch of coots. Also one very patient, and lonely,
bald eagle.

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[mou-net] Bemidji and Itasca St. Park CBC highlights

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Douglas P. Johnson  via moumn.org)

Highlights of Bemidji and Itasca St. Park CBC's 

The Bemidji CBC was on Saturday December 19 and had 38 species tentatively 
reported with at least
tentatively reported with at least an additional five count week species.  
Unfortunately Lake Bemidji went fr
Unfortunately Lake Bemidji went from almost no ice to nearly completely frozen 
over with sub-zero temperat
frozen over with sub-zero temperatures Friday night and early Saturday.  This 
meant the departure of the ma
This meant the departure of the many diving ducks that had been on the lake for 
the last several weeks up
lake for the last several weeks up until Friday. 

Highlights included the following:

2 Ring-necked Ducks at  Mississippi inlet to L. Bemidji
19 Bald Eagles
1 Rough-legged Hawk
1 late American Kestrel on Sunnyside Rd. by Kolkin's pond
3 Wild Turkeys just west of Highway 71 on the southern edge of the circle in 
Hubbard County 
in Hubbard County 
3 widely separated Black-billed Magpies
1 Varied Thrush which has been present for two weeks on Peninsula Dr. on Stump 
Lake
38 Bohemian 
Stump Lake
38 Bohemian Waxwings
35 Lapland Longspurs at the farm fields at the intersection of Sunnyside Rd. 
and Mill St. 
2 A
Rd. and Mill St. 
2 American Tree Sparrow away from feeders by Lake Plantagenet in Hubbard Cty. 
1 Whit
Hubbard Cty. 
1 White-throated Sparrow 
37 Red Crossbills in three disparate flocks near the St. Park and Wolf Lake Dr. 
(with several a
Dr. (with several also found killed by heedless speeding drivers as the 
crossbills picked u
crossbills picked up road grit)
20 Pine Grosbeaks
a couple Hoary Redpolls with 70 Common Redpolls

The warmer but cloudier count at Itasca St. Park was held on Sunday Dec. 20 
with 28 spec
20 with 28 species counted

Highlights included. 

10 Bald Eagles
1 Rough-legged Hawk
17 Wild Turkeys
5 Black-billed Magpies (mostly at deer kills with ravens) near Lake Hattie town 
hal
town hall 
6 Gray Jays (the most seen in several years) off Wilderness Dr. in the Park
10 Red Crossbills at Merry Lake near the end of Wilderness Dr. in the Park
1 White-winged Crossbill by Jacob Brower visitor center
19 Pine Grosbeaks
80 Common Redpolls

Doug Johnson
Bemidji 

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[mou-net] Varied Thrush a no show in Washington County

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Linda Sparling  via moumn.org)

After spending three hours from 12:45-3:45 in the Oakland Cemetery,
Washington County, I was disappointed not to see the Varied Thrush.  It
seems to be around, given Scott Meyers report from the 19th.  One crab apple
tree seems to be more than sufficiently load down with crab apples to keep
attracting the bird.  I would appreciate hearing from anyone that has
information about best times to see this bird.

Keep looking!
Linda Sparling
Hennepin County

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Re: [mou-net] "It's time for the DNR to ban toxic lead shot"-- opinion piece by Dr Scott Lanyon

[MOU admin]

(Posted by gordon andersson  via moumn.org)

Birders of MN

 

Dr Lanyon is the former Director of the Bell Museum, and current head of Dept 
of EEB 
and prof at UM.  He is also the president of the American Ornithologists Union. 
 Deborah 
Reynolds, Chair of Bd of Audubon MN is also an author.  This was in the 
StarTribune on 
Dec 11.

 

--

 

It's time for the DNR to ban toxic lead shot

 

Birds face a wide range of threats, but lead poisoning doesn't have to be one 
of them. 
Let's join our Dakota neighbors in common-sense safeguards. 

 

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has a tough choice to make 
(and 
this time it is not about PolyMet). Now that the public comment period has 
ended, the 
agency will have to choose whether to continue to allow the use of toxic lead 
shot in most 
wildlife management areas (WMAs), or join our neighbors in North Dakota and 
South 
Dakota by setting up common-sense safeguards that benefit wildlife and people 
alike.

 

This change is necessary and overdue, because it has been proven that lead shot 
poisons 
birds and wildlife. It takes only one or two ingested lead pellets to kill a 
bird, and if you 
have ever seen a bird dying unnecessarily of lead poisoning, it is 
heartbreaking.

Waterfowl such as mallards swallow small rocks, or grit, to help with their 
digestion, but 
they easily confuse spent shot for grit. Also, bald eagles, golden eagles, 
other birds of 
prey and scavengers can accidentally ingest lead shot when consuming injured or 
dead 
game.

 

Since 1991, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has required waterfowl hunters 
to use 
nontoxic shot. Also, lead shot is not allowed on federal Waterfowl Production 
Areas 
(WPAs), which are often adjacent to WMAs. The nontoxic-shot requirement has 
saved 
millions of birds and should be extended to Minnesota’s WMAs, because birds 
don’t 
recognize boundary lines. Lead shot poisons and kills birds no matter where 
they pick it 
up.

Our birds face a wide range of threats, but lead poisoning does not need to be 
one of 
them. It is a relatively easy fix in comparison to other issues. We can protect 
iconic 
Minnesota birds such as the common loon and the trumpeter swan, as well as more 
than 
100 other bird species, from ingesting toxic lead shot simply by establishing 
nontoxic shot 
zones.

 

The myth that this rule change will drive hunters to other states is completely 
unsubstantiated. In 2006, a Nontoxic Shot Advisory Committee was formed in 
Minnesota 
and included representatives from Pheasants Forever, the Ruffed Grouse Society, 
Gander 
Mountain, the Minnesota Conservation Federation and Audubon Minnesota. The 
committee 
learned that South Dakota, a popular destination for pheasant hunting, has had 
nontoxic-
shot requirements on nearly all public lands for more than 25 years and this 
requirement 
has not reduced that state’s hunting revenue. As a matter of fact, the Dakotas 
continue to 
be a national destination for hunters.

 

We need to safeguard our public lands and bring forward measures that protect 
our birds 
from lead poisoning. We have removed lead from our consumer goods and our 
communities, and it only makes sense to remove it from our WMAs. Suitable 
alternatives 
to toxic lead shot already are being used by many hunters.

Minnesota has always been considered a leader when it comes to conservation. 
Let’s not 
get left behind any longer on lead shot.

 

Deborah Reynolds is board chair of Audubon Minnesota. Scott Lanyon is a board 
member 
of Audubon Minnesota; a professor and head of the University of Minnesota’s 
Department 
of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, and president of the American 
Ornithologists’ Union.

--

 

Meanwhile, 18 Chambers of Commerce have written a letter to Gov Dayton, DNR 
Comm 
Landwehr, and seven members of the MN House and Senate asking that lead shot 
not be 
banned on public lands.  They state that MN hunters might go to neighboring 
states to 
hunt instead due to increased cost. 

 

GAndersson

St Paul

 

"Never a day passes but that I do myself the honor to commune with some of 
nature's 
varied forms." --- George Washington Carver

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[mou-net] Male Harlequin, Duluth, MN

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(Posted by John Richardson  via moumn.org)

HARLEQUIN (male) at the junction of 8th St and Minnesota Ave. If you go over 
the 
lift bridge, take a right at 9th St and go north one block. On you left you 
will see a 
bunch of Mallards which it is hanging with. Duluth, MN

John Richardson
Duluth, MN


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[mou-net] Red Phalarope

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(Posted by Wayne Feder  via moumn.org)

Kim Eckhert has viewed a photo of the phalarope I posted about earlier today 
and tells me it is a red phalarope and not a red-necked phalarope as I 
initially 
thought.

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[mou-net] red--necked phalarope

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(Posted by Wayne Feder  via moumn.org)

I found a late red-necked phalarope at the Wells sewage pond this morning. It 
was swimming in the open water near the berm on the eastern-most of the two 
ponds located on the north side of the highway. 

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[mou-net] Glaucous gull on Lake Harriet, Hen. Cty.

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(Posted by Chet A. Meyers  via moumn.org)

Chet Meyers and Doug Kieser found an adult glaucous
gull on Lake Harriet at 4:50 p.m. 

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[mou-net] Black Scoter and 4 Long-tailed Ducks still on Winnie

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(Posted by Douglas P. Johnson  via moumn.org)

These birds still were directly behind Denny's Resort on Lake Winnibigosh near 
shore diving 
with a flock of Buffleheads on Tuesday afternoon at Bena in Cass County.

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[mou-net] Long Tailed Duck and Black Scoter on Winnie

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(Posted by Dale A. Yerger  via moumn.org)

present this afternoon in front of Dennys resort Cass County on Lake Winnie

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[mou-net] Eveleth Phenology Class: November 17th Session

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(Posted by anonymous <> via moumn.org)

Just a reminder of our next "Fun with Phenology" class at the Eveleth Library.
Connie Sabetti

2nd Session:  “Easy to Find Medicinal Plants”
Guest Speaker: Mitzi Morris
Herbalist/Author
Tuesday, November 17th
3:30 – 5:00
Eveleth Public Library
There is no outdoor portion to this program. 
We will be indoors making teas, salves, ointments etc. 
(An adult must accompany attendees under the age of 13)

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[mou-net] Vermillion Flycatchers, Becker Co

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(Posted by John Richardson  via moumn.org)

Birds continued to be seen today. 

Yesterday the home owners and birding guests were featured on the evening news 
from an ABC affiliate out of Fargo.

Here it the video.

http://www.wday.com/news/minnesota/3878204-people-flock-home-near-detroit-
lakes-see-rare-vermilion-flycatchers

John Richardson
Duluth, MN

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[mou-net] Day 5 and the bohemian waxwings are still present

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(Posted by Dale A. Yerger  via moumn.org)

The Birds are still feeding on Crab apples at the front entrance of Deep
Portage Learning Center 

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[mou-net] Lesser Black-backed Gull---Lake Calhoun

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(Posted by Andrew D. Smith  via moumn.org)

Just had a phone call from Dave Pavlik, and he reports an adult Lesser 
Black-backed Gull, as 
well as 2 Thayer's Gulls from the south end of Lake Calhoun. He'll be there 
until dark should 
anyone wish some assistance finding the birds. 

Drew Smith
Eagan, Dakota County

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[mou-net] Bohemian Waxwings at Deep Portage

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(Posted by Dale A. Yerger  via moumn.org)

27 Bohos at Deep Portage Learning Center this am eating crab apples

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[mou-net] Surf Scoter--- Dakota County

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(Posted by Andrew D. Smith  via moumn.org)

My apologies for the lateness of this post. My schedule and technical issues 
prevented a more timely message. This afternoon I discovered a 
female/immature type Surf Scoter on Orchard Lake in Lakeville. Although this is 
a small lake, any searchers will require a scope. While this species is more 
frequently observed on the TC lakes, it is very unusual in Dakota County, with 
this being only the 4th report.


Drew Smith
Eagan, Dakota County

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[mou-net] Snowy Owl in Chisago County

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(Posted by Melissa Hein  via moumn.org)

This morning around 7:45 am there was a heavily barred Snowy Owl perched on a 
sign on 
the southbound on ramp to I-35 at County Rd 17 in Chisago county  This is the 
exit between 
Stacy and North Branch.  

Melissa Hein
North Branch

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[mou-net] GCSP, Duluth, MN

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(Posted by John Richardson  via moumn.org)

GOLDEN CROWNED SPARROW returned as an adult (arguably) after visiting the 
feeder of Jeff Newman last year in Duluth, MN this morning. It is quite shy and 
I 
have been 3 times before I saw it, and I was there within minutes of it been 
reported as been there, so be aware! It is coming to the ground feeding on 
millet 
with Juncos. It can be seen from the road/corner of Regent St/44th Ave East at 
the 
NE corner. Jeff is very nice so be respectful of course. There are others 
feeding 
birds in the neighborhood so it is mobile. It has only briefly been seen last 
Sunday, 
Wed evening and this morning. PLEASE STAY AT THE CORNER OF THE FRONT 
PORCH PLEASE IF VISITING.

John Richardson 

Duluth, MN

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[mou-net] Photo Submissions

[MOU admin]

(Posted by John Richardson  via moumn.org)

Could someone point me in the right direction (email) to address how difficult 
and 
complicated it appears to be in submitting photo? :)

Sincerely,

John Richardson
Duluth, MN 

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[mou-net] CATTLE EGRET, Two Harbors, Lake Co

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(Posted by John Richardson  via moumn.org)

2 CATTLE EGRETS initially found by Jim Lind this afternoon on the Westside of 
the 
Cemetary in Two Harbors, MN. Lake Co. By 5:30pm they had apparently flown 
South to the best of my knowledge.

John Richardson, 
Duluth, MN

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[mou-net] Hudsonian Godwit, American Golden-Plovers: Lake Byllesby, Dakota County, MN

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Alex Lewanski  via moumn.org)

Today (10/22/15) from 2:45-5:30pm at the Lake Byllesby public access in Goodhue 
County, two other birders (Sorry I forgot your names!) and I observed multiple 
flocks 
of shorebirds with the highlights being 1 Hudsonian Godwit and 48 American 
Golden-
Plovers. Note that the birds were on the Dakota County side of the lake. There 
is 
extensive mudflats due to a draw down and it is possible to walk several 
hundred feet 
out into the lake. A complete list of birds is given below.

Hundreds of shorebirds arriving in several flocks.
-113 Killdeer 
-48 American Golden-Plover
-Tan/gray underwing coverts seen. Obvious white supercilium, thinner build, 
tan/gray coloration and more petite bill in close comparison to BBPL.
-1 Black Bellied Plover
 -Paler coloration, larger and bulkier than AMGP. Diagnostic black 
underwing 
coverts also seen when it flew. 
-1 Hudsonian Godwit
 - In nonbreeding plumage. Large shorebird (larger than nearby KILL and 
AMGP) 
with long upturned bill with a pale, pinkish base and obvious white 
supercilium. I was 
able to see the diagnostic black tail with white base and long pointed dark 
wings with 
white stripe when it flew and preened.
-69 Dunlin
-4 Sanderling (in their light gray nonbreeding plumage)
-10 Pectoral Sandpiper
-2 Semipalmated Sandpiper

Raptors seen:
-1 Peregrine Falcon: Made a pass at the shorebirds. 
-1 Merlin
-1 Sharp-shinned Hawk
-1 Red Tailed Hawk 

Other birds seen:
-7 Canada Geese
-1 Great Blue Heron
-1 Double Crested Cormorant
-6 American Crow
-30 Lapland Longspur: Flying out on the mudflats and briefly landed amongst the 
shorebirds
-1 American Robin

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[mou-net] Thayer's Gull, Hennepin County

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Andrew D. Smith  via moumn.org)

Just had a text from Dave Pavlik, reporting an adult Thayer's Gull at Lake 
Calhoun.

Drew Smith
Eagan, Dakota County

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[mou-net] Old Cedar Ave.

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Chet A. Meyers  via moumn.org)

I asked with a construction worker today and he said they
would not finish work on the bridge until next spring. They
are having trouble finding bedrock as a base support.
On the open water, along side the road, rusty blackbirds
continue in numbers, still 6 greater yellowlegs, and today
6 Wilson's snipe... and more were arriving as I watched 
around 10:30 a.m.  

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[mou-net] Eveleth Phenology Class: October Session

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(Posted by anonymous <> via moumn.org)

Our new season of "Fun With Phenology" begins next week!  We hope you can 
once again join us for this naturalist series at the Eveleth Public Library.

1st Session:  “Geocaching: A High Tech Scavenger Hunt””
Guest Speaker: James Pointer
MN DNR Interpretive Supervisor
Tuesday, October 20th
3:30 – 5:00
Eveleth Public Library
Remember: Dress for the weather!
(An adult must accompany attendees under the age of 13)

James will be bringing GPS' for your use and will also explain how to use your 
smart phone for this activity!
 
For more information call: 744-7499 or visit the city’s website for the 
schedule 
of guest naturalists and topics for the coming year.  www.evelethmn.com   
(Special Events Tab)

We hope to see you there!
Connie Sabetti and Kristy Hill
 
Sponsored by the University of MN Master Naturalist Volunteer Program and the 
Eveleth Public Library.

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[mou-net] Eared Grebe, Brighton Beach, St. Louis County

[MOU admin]

(Posted by John Richardson  via moumn.org)

Eared Grebe, Initially found by Herb Dingmann this afternoon. It was still 
present 
as of 3:30pm close to shore off of the brick shelter about halfway down.

John Richardson
Duluth, MN 

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[mou-net] Lake Byllesby shorebirds

[MOU admin]

(Posted by Chet A. Meyers  via moumn.org)

Morning visit to Lake Byllesby resulted in six shorebird species,
and, with the exception of killdeer, few other birds: pectoral 
sandpiper (3) greater yellowlegs (1) stilt sandpiper (1) semi-palm 
sandpiper (1) Wilson's snipe (1).   No dowitchers. Most visible
from cemetery outlook.

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[mou-net] Le onte's Sparrows

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(Posted by Wayne Feder  via moumn.org)

There was a flock of more than thirty Leconts's Sp

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