-RBA *Minnesota *Detroit Lakes *May 7, 2009 *MNDL0905.07-Birds mentioned
Hotline: Minnesota, Detroit Lakes
Date: May 7, 2009
Sponsor: Lakes Area Birding Club, Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce
Reports: 1-800-542-3992 (weekdays during business hours)
Compiler: Jeanie Joppru ([log in to unmask])
This is the Northwest Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday, May 7, 2009 sponsored by the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce. You may also hear this report by calling (218)847-5743 or 1-800-433-1888.
This week the migrants flooded in even as the hawk migration draws to a close. Shorebird migration is well underway, nearly all the resident sparrows are here, and the bug eaters are starting to arrive. Now if the weather would warm up a little more, there would be bugs too. Right now it is great for the humans, but the early birds may be finding it hard going as it is too cool most of the time for many bugs to be about. Recent weather was much warmer, but we are regressing as I write, and next week promises to be cooler.
In Otter Tail County, Teresa Jaskiewicz at the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center reported that nearly all the summer residents are back. Eight species of shorebirds were mentioned in her report, and other species included CATTLE EGRET, SORA, VIRGINIA RAIL, FORSTER'S TERN, YELLOW WARBLER, BREWER'S BLACKBIRD, and YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD. Brad and Dee Ehlers reported ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK on May 5, and HARRIS'S SPARROW on May 6. Alma Ronningen observed a RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH and LINCOLN'S SPARROW on May 1, a BROWN THRASHER on May 4, and HOUSE WREN and EASTERN TOWHEE on May 6. BALTIMORE ORIOLE arrived on May 7.
In Becker County, Beau Shroyer reported a SANDERLING on Little Detroit Lake on May 2, and CASPIAN TERN on May 5. On May 1 , he observed 200 HORNED GREBES, 400 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS, AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS, BONAPARTE'S GULL, and FORSTER'S TERNS at Detroit Lakes. Betty and Dave Hochhalter reported YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, WHITE-THROATED SPARROW and INDIGO BUNTING on April 30, and on May 6, a BALTIMORE ORIOLE. Mary Davis saw a RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD at her feeder on May 3. Rod Anton reported WOOD DUCK, RED-BREASTED MERGANSER, and TREE SWALLOW among others.
Mel and Elaine Bennefeld saw a CANADA GOOSE with 6 young at Buffalo River State Park in Clay County on May 5.
Bruce Flaig in Polk County saw ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK on May 5, and RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD and CLAY-COLORED SPARROW on May 7. Nate Emery found a YELLOW RAIL and YELLOW WARBLER at Glacial Ridge on May 6. Near Crookston, Rick Waldrop found WILLET, BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS, both yellowlegs, SANDERLING, LEAST SANDPIPERS, LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER, WILSON'S PHALAROPES, and LARK SPARROW. Mike Christopherson reported a YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER in Crookston on May 7.
Here in Pennington County, on May 7, there were LINCOLN'S SPARROW, HARRIS'S SPARROW, and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER in the yard, and a COOPER'S HAWK is making regular visits to the feeders.
Beth Siverhus was at Agassiz NWR in Marshall County on May 4 where she saw BROAD-WINGED HAWK and GREAT HORNED OWL. Most of the resident waterfowl are back, and warblers are starting to arrive.
Katie Haws reported GREATER SCAUP, BUFFLEHEAD, RED-BREASTED MERGANSER, and COMMON MERGANSER at Blackduck Lake in Beltrami County on May 1.
Larry Wilebski in Kittson County saw a BROWN CREEPER on May 5, and a possible ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER on May 6. Also on the 6th, he observed AMERICAN BITTERN,both yellowlegs, SOLITARY SANDPIPER, and WILSON'S PHALAROPES.
Beth Siverhus in Roseau County reported two pairs of RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS, LESSER SCAUP, about 25 BONAPARTE'S GULLS, and CLIFF SWALLOWS on April 30. On May 4, she added WESTERN GREBE, RED-NECKED GREBE, MARBLED GODWIT, CEDAR WAXWING, and many others.
Susan Olin saw a BROAD-WINGED HAWK between Faunce and Norris Camp in Lake of the Woods County on May 1. A GREAT GRAY OWL was seen along the Faunce Road. Gretchen Mehmel reported AMERICAN BITTERN, NORTHERN HARRIER, and SORA on May 6.
Thanks to all the folks who sent in reports this week.
Please report bird sightings to Jeanie Joppru by email, no later than Thursday each week, at [log in to unmask] OR call the Detroit Lakes Chamber's toll free number: 1-800-542-3992. Detroit Lakes area birders please call 847-9202. Please include the county where the sighting took place. The next scheduled update of this report is Thursday, May 14, 2009.
Jeanie Joppru Pennington County, MN