-RBA
*Minnesota
*Detroit Lakes
*February 3, 2011
*MNDL1102.03

-Birds mentioned -Transcript

Hotline: Minnesota, Detroit Lakes
Date: February 3, 2011
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,February 3, 2011 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.

It has been a cold week in the northwest, and the snow is deep. As I compile this report, however, temperatures are moderating, and we are hoping that we won't get any of the "possible" freezing rain that is forecast. The depth of the snow must be making it more difficult for raptors such as owls to find rodents, and nesting season is fast approaching for them, as several reports of owls have been turned in this week. All of them, however , are owls that nest locally in the spring.

I have a credible report of a VARIED THRUSH that has apparently been in Thief River Falls, Pennington County, since the New Year's and maybe before that. There was a report right after the first of the year, but I was not able to confirm, and on Sunday, we searched for it again, as Carol Naverud reported that it was visiting her feeder regularly. Shelley Steva and I saw a bird briefly last week that could have been the bird, but neither of us has been able to track it down. I believe that the report is valid and will continue to look for it.

Bruce Flaig in southern Polk County reported that he observed a BARRED OWL on February 3, 2011.

Anne Schumann reported a NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL in northern Becker County a resort 30 miles east of Waubun on January 27.

In Becker County, Dave and Betty Hochhalter reported a BARRED OWL at their place in Detroit Lakes on January 27. Kelly Blackledge at Tamarac NWR observed a RUSTY BLACKBIRD at the refuge feeders on January 28. Other species seen there include RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER, RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, BROWN CREEPER, PINE SISKIN, and COMMON REDPOLLS.

Jim and Rita Loftness in Otter Tail County observed a NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL along Clitherall Lake last week. Alma Ronningen in Dent reported 25 -30 SNOW BUNTINGS on February 2, and several COMMON REDPOLLS and two AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES on February 3.

Thanks to Alma Ronningen, Anne Schumann, Bruce Flaig, Carol Naverud, Dave and Betty Hochhalter, Jim and Rita Loftness, Karen Suldahl, and Kelly Blackledge for their reports.

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, February 10, 2011.

Jeanie Joppru Pennington County, MN