-RBA *Minnesota *Detroit Lakes *April 16, 2015 *MNDL1504.16-Birds mentioned
Hotline: Minnesota, Detroit Lakes
Date: April 16, 2015
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, April 16, 2015 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.
Spring has finally arrived in the north, and the flood of migrants is increasing. The first wave of returning species includes most of the ducks, the resident hawks, KILLDEER, MOURNING DOVE, some gulls, NORTHERN FLICKER, YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, TREE SWALLOW, a large variety of sparrows, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD, WESTERN MEADOWLARK, COMMON GRACKLE, and PURPLE FINCH.
Gretchen Mehmel reported that a group doing a goshawk survey in the Beltrami Island State Forest on April 11 found a SNOWY OWL at Norris Camp of all places. A GREAT GRAY OWL was also seen on Dick's Parkway during the survey, and at least one NORTHERN GOSHAWK was reported.
In Roseau County, Beth Siverhus observed a flock of BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS at Warroad on April 10.
Hillary Stoltman found a male SNOWY OWL 10 miles east of Fourtown in Beltrami County on April 9.
In Marshall County, Cliff Steinhauer reported SANDHILL CRANE and 14 SHARP-TAILED GROUSE on April 9. Gary Tischer reported an EASTERN BLUEBIRD seen by Jerome Sorenson. Gary saw a FRANKLIN'S GULL at Agassiz NWR on April 13, reported a major migration of TUNDRA SWANS on April 14, and found two GREATER YELLOWLEGS near Strandquist on April 15.
Here in Pennington County, a pair of TRUMPETER SWANS came to our part of the Red Lake River on April 10. On April 12, there were DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS and HOODED MERGANSERS, and on April 14, twenty WOOD DUCKS were seen feeding on the lawn.
In southern Polk County, Bruce Flaig reported EASTERN PHOEBE, and COMMON LOON on April 11. I saw a large flock of TUNDRA SWANS along CR 252 , and a MERLIN near the campus of UMC Crookston today, April 16. Sandy Aubol in East Grand Forks reported NORTHERN FLICKER, GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, HERMIT THRUSH, and a variety of sparrow species along the river on April 13.
Steve Midthune in Becker County saw a GREATER YELLOWLEGS at Bisson Lake at Hamden Slough NWR on April 10.
From Hubbard County, Marshall Howe reported TUNDRA SWANS east of Lake George on April 10, OSPREY and a large flock of PINE SISKINS on April 11, NORTHERN FLICKER on April 12, YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER on April 13, a TREE SWALLOW on April 14, EASTERN PHOEBE, FOX SPARROW, and PURPLE FINCH on April 15, and VESPER SPARROW on April 16.
Otter Tail County sightings sent in by Alice Martin included HERRING GULL on April 10, GREEN-WINGED TEAL on April 12, BLUE-WINGED TEAL on April 13, PIED-BILLED GREBE and BELTED KINGFISHER on April 14, and LESSER SCAUP on April 16. Alma Ronningen observed BROWN CREEPER on April 11, OSPREY on April 12, BROWN THRASHER and YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER on April 16.
John Ellis found a EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE at the public landing in Osakis in Douglas County on April 9.
Thanks to all who sent in sightings 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, April 23, 2015.
Jeanie Joppru Pennington County, MN