Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from Minnesota Ornithologists' Union > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Saturday, February 4 at 02:19 AM EST The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Townsends Solitaire,©Dan Lane

4 Feb Stearns County Snowy Owl present Friday 2-3-2012 [] 3 Feb MVNWR on 2-2-12 [Allan Andrews ] 3 Feb [mou-rba] MOU RBA 3 February 2012 [Anthony Hertzel ] 3 Feb moumn.org Front Page [David Cahlander ] 3 Feb black-billed magpie, Becker Co. [Steve Midthune ] 3 Feb Varied Thrush - Hastings, MN [Pam Albin ] 2 Feb [mou-rba] Duluth RBA 2/2/12 [Jim Lind ] 2 Feb FW: Gray-crowned Rosy Finches [Jeanie Joppru ] 2 Feb Re: Great Horned Owls - Likely nest site - Hennepin County - Minnetonka - w/photos [Judd Zandstra ] 2 Feb [mou-rba] Northwest Minnesota Birding Report- Thursday, February 2, 2012 [Jeanie Joppru ] 2 Feb Dodge Co. Snowy Owl Still Present [Ken or Rebecca Vail ] 2 Feb Owls and Creepers and Zombies (oh my) [Stefanie Moss ] 2 Feb Re: Great gray owl ... FINALLY! ["Sunderland, Annie" ] 2 Feb Great gray owl ... FINALLY! ["Liz Stanley" ] 2 Feb Re: Great gray owl ... FINALLY! [] 2 Feb Great gray owl ... FINALLY! [Liz Stanley ] 2 Feb bird activity Stearns, Benton, Sherburne [Betsy Beneke ] 2 Feb bird activity Stearns, Benton, Sherburne [Betsy Beneke ] 2 Feb St. Paul Audubon's February March newsletter "The Cardinal" [Holly Peirson ] 2 Feb WRC message [Gail Wieberdink ] 2 Feb FW: Pigeon and Parasites? Big News! [Gail Wieberdink ] 1 Feb Re: Misidentification [Jim Ryan ] 1 Feb Re: Sunday in Aitkin County, Snowy Refound [Curt Rawn ] 1 Feb Belated Reports (and some current) [Holly Peirson ] 1 Feb Red-winged blackbird - Lake Harriet [Sam Ives ] 1 Feb Great Horned Owls - Likely nest site - Hennepin County - Minnetonka - w/photos [Robert Burmaster ] 1 Feb Admiral Road feeders UPDATE (spared for now) [sparky stensaas ] 1 Feb Admiral Road feeders threatened? [sparky stensaas ] 1 Feb Field Trips [Al Schirmacher ] 1 Feb Varied Thrush [Butch Ukura ] 31 Jan Re: In search of owls ["Fr. Paul Kammen" ] 1 Feb Am Three-toed Boh Wax Lake Cook [sparky stensaas ] 31 Jan In search of owls ["Fr. Paul Kammen" ] 31 Jan new email address john and donna ["john c. nelson" ] 31 Jan Carver County Yellow-rumped Warbler [John Cyrus ] 31 Jan goldfinch recoveries ["dan&erika" ] 31 Jan Snowy Owl - MVNWR [Bruce Baer ] 31 Jan Tuesday, Feb. 7th, program meeting for Audubon Chapter of Minneapolis [Susan Tertell ] 31 Jan goldfinch recoveries [dan&erika ] 31 Jan Re: Misidentification [linda whyte ] 31 Jan Misidentification [Al Schirmacher ] 31 Jan Re: Cardinal in Hennepin Cty [Kirk Mona ] 31 Jan Sax-Zim etc [sparky stensaas ] 31 Jan Cardinal in Hennepin Cty [Judy Chucker ] 30 Jan Stearns CO snowy owl present Jan 30 [Betsy Beneke ] 30 Jan Snowy Owl Dakota County west of Hastings [] 30 Jan Snowy Owl data [Anthony Hertzel ] 30 Jan Re: February [douglas chapman ] 30 Jan FW: [mou-net] Meeker Cty. Solitaire refound ["Ron Erpelding" ] 30 Jan FW: [mou-net] Meeker Cty. Solitaire refound [Ron Erpelding ] 30 Jan February [Al Schirmacher ] 29 Jan Hastings Varied Thrush - January 29, 2012 No Townsend's Solitaire at Carpenter Nature Center today. [Terence Brashear ] 29 Jan Sunday in Aitkin County [Warren ] 29 Jan Snowy Owl - Stearns [Herb Dingmann ] 29 Jan Snowy Owl, Stearns Co. ["Chu, Philip" ] 29 Jan Hibbing area birding suggestions? [] 29 Jan Common Crane twitch anyone? [Chris West ] 29 Jan Bird pictures from the month of January (Sax-Zim, Duluth Harbor and more) [Erik Bruhnke ] 29 Jan Meeker Cty. Solitaire (and Redpolls) [Hoeger-Lerdal ] 29 Jan Bird pictures from the month of January (Sax-Zim, Duluth Harbor and more) [Erik Bruhnke ] 28 Jan Grouse picture on recently seen [Jason Caddy ] 28 Jan Carolina Wren- Wild River SP [Joe Conley ] 27 Jan Golden Eagle Survey [jeff fischer ] 27 Jan C. Wren, Chisago Co; Varied Thrush, Dakota Co. [Jason Caddy ] 27 Jan Brown Creeper by Calhoun Village [Kathleen Connelly ] 27 Jan [mou-rba] MOU RBA 27 January 2012 [Anthony Hertzel ] 26 Jan Duluth Snowy Owls ["Fr. Paul Kammen" ] 26 Jan [mou-rba] Duluth RBA 1/26/12 [Jim Lind ] 26 Jan [mou-rba] Northwest Minnesota Birding Report- Thursday, January 26, 2012 [Jeanie Joppru ] 26 Jan MNDNR 2013 Stand Exam (probable timber harvest) list - comment period through Feb 29 [Shawn Conrad ] 26 Jan Harrier-LeSueur County [Dave Bartkey ] 26 Jan Winterfest at Sherburne NWR [Betsy Beneke ] 26 Jan Winterfest at Sherburne NWR [Betsy Beneke ] 26 Jan C. Wren: belated thanks [linda whyte ] 26 Jan C. Wren: belated thanks [linda whyte ] 26 Jan unsuscribe [Dan F ] Subject: Stearns County Snowy Owl present Friday 2-3-2012 From: markjunghans AT AOL.COM Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 02:09:18 -0500 The previously reported Stearns County Snowy Owl ( SW of Sauk Centre ) was re-found at 5:52 PM Friday 2-3-2012 on a light pole next to the driveway at 46233 390th St., about 1 mile east of CR26. ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: MVNWR on 2-2-12 From: Allan Andrews <panda46 AT VISI.COM> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 16:03:18 -0600 What a foggy Groundhogs Day. In our afternoon at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, we wandered east of the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge and saw a flock of about 20 robins, five cardinals singing their spring songs, some purple finches, and a lone (perhaps lonely) bluejay. Coming back on the south path from the SH 77 bridge, we photographed 3 cedar waxwings mixed in with the robins. From the observation deck looking across the MN River, we saw two adult bald eagles, one atop a tree closer to the old Cedar Ave Bridge and another on a nest just upstream from the power plant. A red-tailed hawk looked for dinner atop one of the arches of the Old Cedar Ave Bridge. Four dozen mallards chattered among themselves in the pond/wetland between the observation deck and the parking lot. When we returned to the parking lot, we saw two pileated woodpeckers and heard them calling in flight. p.s. Another birder had spotted a white thing in a tree from that observation deck. In our photo of it, it is not a snowy owl or a plastic bag, but a globe to a street light. ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: [mou-rba] MOU RBA 3 February 2012 From: Anthony Hertzel <rba AT MOUMN.ORG> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 14:18:51 -0700 -RBA *Minnesota *Minnesota Statewide *February 3, 2012 *MNST1202.03 -Birds mentioned Northern Hawk Owl American Three-toed Woodpecker Townsend's Solitaire Varied Thrush -Transcript Hotline: Minnesota Statewide Date: February 3, 2012 Sponsor: Minnesota Ornithologists' Union (MOU) http://moumn.org Reports: (763) 780-8890 Compiler: Anthony Hertzel (rba AT moumn.org) This is the Minnesota Birding Report for February 2nd, 2012. The NORTHERN HAWK OWL near Gooseberry Falls State Park in Lake County was still there on the 30th. It's been found most recently along state highway 61 at the Gooseberry River. An AMERICAN THREE-TOED WOODPECKER is being seen northeast of Isabella in St. Louis County along the Sawbill Landing Road, three-quarters of a mile north of forest road 172. On January 25th, Jay Hamernick reported a TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE in Cook County along the Croftville Road. It was feeding along the road near house number 1461. A TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE was found on the 2nd by Dave Grosshuesch at the Grand Marais Forest Service office along state highway 61 on the west side of town. The VARIED THRUSH -- first seen January 17th in Hasting Dakota County at 17774 Blackbird Trail -- was still present today. And on the 1st, a VARIED THRUSH was reported by Warren Nelson and Butch Ukura in Morrison County. Please call Joe and Grace Dembouski for directions at 320-277-3832. The next scheduled update of this tape is February 9th, 2012. ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: moumn.org Front Page From: David Cahlander <david AT CAHLANDER.COM> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 11:58:16 -0600 The moumn.org front page has been changed to display the most recent "Recently Seen" page. Please reply back to me (not the net) if you have comments or suggestions. Thanks. --- David Cahlander david AT cahlander.com Burnsville, MN 952-894-5910 ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: black-billed magpie, Becker Co. From: Steve Midthune <smidthune AT LORETEL.NET> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 09:15:09 -0600 A lone magpie was spotted this morning 3 miles north of Lake Park on CR9. ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: Varied Thrush - Hastings, MN From: Pam Albin <palbin AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2012 07:59:53 +0000 Richard, the homeowner at 17774 Blackbird Trail, reports that the Varied Thrush is spending less time at the front yard feeder than in the past. It was seen Thursday (2/2) morning but has been gone for up to 2 hours. He just wanted to let people know that it may be a long wait if anyone stops by to see it. Pam 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 Subject: [mou-rba] Duluth RBA 2/2/12 From: Jim Lind <rba AT MOUMN.ORG> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 22:21:37 -0700 -RBA *Minnesota *Duluth/North Shore *February 2, 2012 *MNDU1202.02 -Birds mentioned Thayer's Gull Iceland Gull Glaucous Gull Great Black-backed Gull Snowy Owl Northern Hawk Owl Great Gray Owl American Three-toed Woodpecker Black-backed Woodpecker Townsend's Solitaire Hermit Thrush Bohemian Waxwing Hoary Redpoll Evening Grosbeak -Transcript Hotline: Minnesota, Duluth/North Shore Date: February 2, 2012 Sponsor: Minnesota Ornithologists' Union (MOU) Reports: (218) 834-2858 Compiler: Jim Lind (jslind AT frontiernet.net) This is the Duluth Birding Report for February 2nd, 2012 sponsored by the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union. A TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE was found on the 2nd by Dave Grosshuesch at the Grand Marais Forest Service office along MN Highway 61 on the west side of town. I also have a second-hand report of a HERMIT THRUSH coming to a feeder in Grand Marais, but I don’t have a specific address. At least 500 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS were seen at the municipal campground on the 31st. The NORTHERN HAWK OWL at Gooseberry Falls State Park was relocated on the 30th along MN Highway 61 at the Gooseberry River. An AMERICAN THREE-TOED WOODPECKER continues to be seen northeast of Isabella along the Sawbill Landing Road, 0.8 mile north of FR 172. Mike Hendrickson saw two BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKERS on the 29th a mile north of here in a burned area near the Trapper's Lake access. The SNOWY OWL north of Aitkin at CR 1 and CR 22 was relocated on the 29th and again on the 1st. Warren Nelson saw a GREAT GRAY OWL on the 29th on the Pietz's Road, 0.2 mile north of Aitkin CR 18. Two GREAT GRAY OWLS were seen by Sparky Stensaas on the 31st in the Sax-Zim Bog along the McDavitt Road (CR 233), 2.5 to 3 miles north of the Sax Road (CR 28). EVENING GROSBEAKS and a HOARY REDPOLL are being seen at the Blue Spruce Road feeders, one mile north of CR 133. ICELAND GULLS, GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULLS, GLAUCOUS GULLS, and THAYER'S GULLS continue to be seen at Canal Park. Several observers saw an impressive total of 18 GLAUCOUS GULLS at Canal Park on the 30th. The next scheduled update of this report will be on Thursday, February 9th. The telephone number of the Duluth Rare Bird Alert is 218-834-2858. Information about bird sightings may be left following the recorded message. The Duluth Birding Report is sponsored and funded by the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union (MOU) as a service to its members. For more information on the MOU, either write us c/o the Bell Museum, e-mail us at mou AT moumn.org, or visit the MOU web site at moumn.org. ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: FW: Gray-crowned Rosy Finches From: Jeanie Joppru <ajjoppru AT MNCABLE.NET> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 22:12:11 -0600 Thought this might be of interest. Jeanie Jeanie Joppru Pennington County, MN _____ From: Michael Butler [mailto:thomas.ormond AT gmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 8:24 PM To: ajjoppru AT mncable.net Subject: Gray-crowned Rosy Finches Hi Jeanie, An unprecedented four Gray-crowned Rosy-finches have appeared in NW Ontario this winter. I would not be surprised if one or two materialized in MN in the coming weeks. http://northshorenature.blogspot.com/2012/01/gray-crowned-rosy-finch-roundup -jan-15.html Cheers, Michael ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: Re: Great Horned Owls - Likely nest site - Hennepin County - Minnetonka - w/photos From: Judd Zandstra <juddz AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 21:26:33 -0600 I and another birder located this owl about noon today but sitting about 40 feet up in an oak tree directly across street from the spot mentioned below. It tolerated our presence but was spooked by a delivery truck and flew off into a swamp and wooded area directly to the east. Photo at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/juddz/6809086039/. Judd Zandstra -----Original Message----- From: Robert Burmaster Sent: Wednesday, February 01, 2012 2:56 PM To: MOU-NET AT LISTS.UMN.EDU Subject: [mou-net] Great Horned Owls - Likely nest site - Hennepin County - Minnetonka - w/photos Hi - On a tip from a co-worker, I located a Great Horned Owl sitting in the bowl at the top of a hollowed out dead tree. A pair of GHO's have nested at this exact spot on and off over the past several years. The dead tree is located just 30 feet from the road in woodsy area at the NW corner of Elmwood and Hillside in Minnetonka. I've tagged the exact location on the map in my eBird report submitted today. Since this is a likely nesting spot and is very close to the road, I advise approach with care.Photos here:http://www.flickr.com//photos/rburmaster/sets/72157629133121205/show/ Best regards,Bob BurmasterMinneapolis, 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 ----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.1913 / Virus Database: 2109/4779 - Release Date: 02/01/12 ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: [mou-rba] Northwest Minnesota Birding Report- Thursday, February 2, 2012 From: Jeanie Joppru <rba AT MOUMN.ORG> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 19:34:05 -0700 -RBA *Minnesota *Detroit Lakes *February 2, 2012 *MNDL1202.02 -Birds mentioned Canada Goose Trumpeter Swan Sharp-tailed Grouse Bald Eagle Sharp-shinned Hawk Rough-legged Hawk Great Horned Owl Snowy Owl Barred Owl Northern Shrike Black-billed Magpie Eastern Towhee White-throated Sparrow Harris's Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco Northern Cardinal Common Redpoll -Transcript Hotline: Minnesota, Detroit Lakes Date: February 2, 2012 Sponsor: Lakes Area Birding Club, Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce Reports: 1-800-542-3992 (weekdays during business hours) Compiler: Jeanie Joppru (ajjoppru AT q.com) This is the Northwest Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday, February 2, 2012 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 truly feels like spring the last few days as we have had mild temperatures and dense fog. It has discouraged folks from going birding, at least the last couple of days as one can barely see the next light pole sometimes. Tomorrow it promised to cool off a little and the sun to come out. Larry Wilebski in Kittson County observed a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK which caught a bird that flew into their windows in Lancaster. A NORTHERN CARDINAL still comes to the feeder at his cabin northwest of Lancaster. Lynda Knutsen at Agassiz NWR in Marshall County reported on February 2 that among the usual feeder birds was a BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE, and COMMON REDPOLLS. A ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK and a BALD EAGLE have recently been sighted on the refuge, and two groups of SHARP-TAILED GROUSE were seen north and west of the refuge. In Polk County, Sandy Aubol observed a GREAT HORNED OWL, and a NORTHERN CARDINAL at her home in East Grand Forks. She reported that as of February 1, the EASTERN TOWHEE, two HARRIS'S SPARROWS, and a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW are still coming to her feeders, along with about 25-30 COMMON REDPOLLS. From Otter Tail County, Jody Doll reported that the SNOWY OWL is still being seen near Ottertail about 2.8 miles north of Ottertail on CR 78. Roland Jordahl in Pelican Rapids reported SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, NORTHERN CARDINAL, DARK-EYED JUNCO, and COMMON REDPOLLS. At Maplewood State Park he saw BALD EAGLE, NORTHERN SHRIKE, and BARRED OWL. Prairie Lake is hosting TRUMPETER SWANS and CANADA GEESE. Thanks to Jody Doll, Larry Wilebski, Lynda Knutsen, Sandy Aubol, and Roland Jordahl for their reports. Please report bird sightings to Jeanie Joppru by email, no later than Thursday each week, at ajjoppru AT mncable.net 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 9, 2012. Jeanie Joppru Pennington County, 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 Subject: Dodge Co. Snowy Owl Still Present From: Ken or Rebecca Vail <krvail AT MYCLEARWAVE.NET> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 18:29:41 -0600 The "700th St." Snowy Owl is still present. The fog lifted this morning for my drive to work and about 8:15 I found the owl west of 110th Ave. sitting 200 yards north of the road in the open field. My last sighting of the owl was last Saturday at 5 PM south of this same stretch of 700th St. sitting on a white field marker post. Ken Vail Blooming Prairie ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: Owls and Creepers and Zombies (oh my) From: Stefanie Moss <stefanieandkurt AT USFAMILY.NET> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 17:36:56 -0600 My friend Dave called me at 9:00 pm on Tuesday and demanded we look for the winter carnival medallion. Said he knew where it was. Didn¹t find it although I believe we walked past it a few times. While waiting for the final clue in Tony Schmidt park, we heard a Barred Owl calling though. Highlight of the night. A previous post made mention of Creepers. These seem to be very numerous as of late. I find them reliably at the MN Valley NWR just east of the headquarters if anyone is interested. Finally, I¹ve been immersed in TPT¹s Capture Minnesota and can¹t help but notice that birds are very popular. This being the case, it seems odd that the MOU is isn¹t more popular and financially sound. In my coffee-fueled delirium while searching for the medallion it occurred to me that we need an advertising campaign. I suppose a Super Bowl spot is out but what about an MTC bus? I envision a procession of Zombies, carrying limbs and looking un-kept as Zombies do. But the last Zombie is tilting his head as if listening to something. He clutches a pair of binoculars. The tag line says Birding...a hobby to last a lifetime......or maybe a little longer. Then the MOU web site is listed. Everyone gets the MN volunteer; why not the LOON? ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: Re: Great gray owl ... FINALLY! From: "Sunderland, Annie" <Annie.Sunderland AT CO.DAKOTA.MN.US> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 21:32:14 +0000 No wonder we didn't find an owl-no lucky owl shirt!! Must get one of those... -----Original Message----- From: mnbird-bounces AT lists.mnbird.net [mailto:mnbird-bounces AT lists.mnbird.net] On Behalf Of Liz Stanley Sent: Thursday, February 02, 2012 3:26 PM To: MOU-NET; mnbird Subject: [mnbird] Great gray owl ... FINALLY! Finally got a photo of a great gray owl, this was taken along McDavitt Rd late yesterday afternoon in Sax Zim Bog. Wearing my lucky owl shirt definitely helped. http://www.pbase.com/gymell/image/141249133 My next goal is to get a snowy owl. I've been chasing them but have yet to find one! -- Liz Stanley Bloomington, MN liz AT lizstanley.com Backyard weather and feedercam: http://www.overlookcircle.org/ Photo gallery: http://www.pbase.com/gymell/liz_favorites Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lizmstanley _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Great gray owl ... FINALLY! From: "Liz Stanley" <liz AT lizstanley.com> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 15:25:50 -0600 Finally got a photo of a great gray owl, this was taken along McDavitt Rd late yesterday afternoon in Sax Zim Bog. Wearing my lucky owl shirt definitely helped. http://www.pbase.com/gymell/image/141249133 My next goal is to get a snowy owl. I've been chasing them but have yet to find one! -- Liz Stanley Bloomington, MN liz AT lizstanley.com Backyard weather and feedercam: http://www.overlookcircle.org/ Photo gallery: http://www.pbase.com/gymell/liz_favorites Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lizmstanley _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Re: Great gray owl ... FINALLY! From: jmmet AT COMCAST.NET Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 22:05:00 +0000 that's a honey of a shot Liz-congrats. jim ----- Original Message ----- From: "Liz Stanley" To: MOU-NET AT LISTS.UMN.EDU Sent: Thursday, February 2, 2012 3:25:50 PM Subject: [mou-net] Great gray owl ... FINALLY! Finally got a photo of a great gray owl, this was taken along McDavitt Rd late yesterday afternoon in Sax Zim Bog. Wearing my lucky owl shirt definitely helped. http://www.pbase.com/gymell/image/141249133 My next goal is to get a snowy owl. I've been chasing them but have yet to find one! -- Liz Stanley Bloomington, MN liz AT lizstanley.com Backyard weather and feedercam: http://www.overlookcircle.org/ Photo gallery: http://www.pbase.com/gymell/liz_favorites Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lizmstanley ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: Great gray owl ... FINALLY! From: Liz Stanley <liz AT LIZSTANLEY.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 15:25:50 -0600 Finally got a photo of a great gray owl, this was taken along McDavitt Rd late yesterday afternoon in Sax Zim Bog. Wearing my lucky owl shirt definitely helped. http://www.pbase.com/gymell/image/141249133 My next goal is to get a snowy owl. I've been chasing them but have yet to find one! -- Liz Stanley Bloomington, MN liz AT lizstanley.com Backyard weather and feedercam: http://www.overlookcircle.org/ Photo gallery: http://www.pbase.com/gymell/liz_favorites Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lizmstanley ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: bird activity Stearns, Benton, Sherburne From: Betsy Beneke <birderbetsy AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 11:30:51 -0800 (PST) Last night on my way home from work, I noticed nearly 100 trumpeter swans flying over Sauk Rapids, Sartell area, some birds landing in the river and some continuing north.  Cool sight in the fog - some of them were calling.    I haven't seen trumpeters along that part of the river since November.    Along county roads on the way to work today (late morning) in both Benton and Sherburne counties, I saw 3 flocks of robins - one flock was about 50 birds, moving across fields and one flock in a yard with a crab apple tree.  A few miles down the road, there were 6 red-bellied woodpeckers at the road side, 2 on the shoulder, two sitting on a power line, and one hanging from a power pole.   At Sherburne NWR, red-tailed hawks are sitting in the same trees they did last summer and fall.   Is this early, early spring movement?  Or just a response to warm temps, lack of snow?   Betsy Beneke St. Cloud, Benton County_______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: bird activity Stearns, Benton, Sherburne From: Betsy Beneke <birderbetsy AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 11:30:51 -0800 Last night on my way home from work, I noticed nearly 100 trumpeter swans flying over Sauk Rapids, Sartell area, some birds landing in the river and some continuing north.  Cool sight in the fog - some of them were calling.    I haven't seen trumpeters along that part of the river since November.    Along county roads on the way to work today (late morning) in both Benton and Sherburne counties, I saw 3 flocks of robins - one flock was about 50 birds, moving across fields and one flock in a yard with a crab apple tree.  A few miles down the road, there were 6 red-bellied woodpeckers at the road side, 2 on the shoulder, two sitting on a power line, and one hanging from a power pole.   At Sherburne NWR, red-tailed hawks are sitting in the same trees they did last summer and fall.   Is this early, early spring movement?  Or just a response to warm temps, lack of snow?   Betsy Beneke St. Cloud, Benton 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 Subject: St. Paul Audubon's February March newsletter "The Cardinal" From: Holly Peirson <hpbirdscouter AT MSN.COM> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 12:25:59 -0600 St. Paul Audubon Society's February March "Cardinal" is available in PDF format, by going to www.stpaulaudubon.org You are welcome to attend member meetings and field trips -- all activities are open to everyone. Holly Peirson Columbus, SE Anoka Co. (Editor) ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: WRC message From: Gail Wieberdink <wieber64 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 10:09:05 -0600 Sorry it doesn't come through well on the list. Follow the link to open in a web browser and it works fine: http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/2012/01/31/a-wildlife-vet-a-p igeon-a-groundbreaking-discovery/ ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: FW: Pigeon and Parasites? Big News! From: Gail Wieberdink <wieber64 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2012 10:06:31 -0600 Follow the link to the main article. Great work being done at WRC! Gail From: Tami at Wildlife Rehab Center [mailto:tvogel AT wrcmn.org] Sent: Thursday, February 02, 2012 9:25 AM To: wieber64 AT comcast.net Subject: Pigeon and Parasites? Big News! Having problems viewing our graphical email? Click here to open it in your browser. Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota eNews First Case Outside of Germany Our day-to-day mission is to provide emergency care for orphaned and injured wildlife. Part of that care is attempting to diagnose what is wrong with an animal. After years of watching pigeons with consistent neurologic symptoms, Vet Leslie sent a pigeon that needed to be euthanized to the UMN's Diagnostic Lab for a necropsy. Arno Wuenschmann, a veterinary diagnostician at the DLab, found something interesting: a parasite called Sarcocystis Calchasi that lives in the bird's muscles. This the first time the parasite has been identified outside of Germany where it is increasing rapidly. Since then, several more pigeons have been diagnosed with this parasite (the muscle cysts created by the parasite are shown at left, photo by Wuenschmann). The big news was picked up by Scientific American and Leslie's guest blog on this amazing discovery can be found here. You can watch a video of a pigeon infected with Sarcocystis Calchasi on our YouTube channel. Remember: Our annual Open House is this Sunday, Noon-4pm! Facebook Like Button Tweet Button Donate Now! Forward this to a friend Thank you for sharing our passion for wildlife. We appreciate all contributions toward our patients' care and encourage you to visit our Web site for more information. You've received this email because you've expressed an interest in receiving electronic mail from the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota, 2530 Dale St., Roseville, MN 55113 . If you wish to unsubscribe, click here . Questions? Contact us via email or call 651-486-9410 x114. Copyright © 2009 Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota. All rights reserved. Newsletter Software by Show The World ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: Re: Misidentification From: Jim Ryan <muchmoredoc AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 21:28:02 -0600 Some of my thoughts on this rather deep topic brought up by Pastor Al: If you're not sure from the get-go about what you've seen, you're LESS likely to make a mistaken ID, I would think. Your mind is still open and gathering evidence, asking questions, ruling this in, that out. A beginner is more likely to admit they have made an error, because they know that they don't know much, and be OK with that. So in the end, if they get it right, perhaps with a little help (better yet, when they learn something more about accurate ID), is that still a missed ID? Mistaken IDs are most likely to occur if your confidence or eagerness (The lure of the list) exceeds your ability, in my opinion. In these cases, how would you know when you have mis-identified something? To deter that from occurring you will probably have to fight off that human tendency to want to put everything in its proper "box" as soon as possible, so you feel that *you know that you know* what it is and be done with it. Because as soon as you're "sure", you stop the ID process, thinking you have it all finished. Moments later new evidence may present itself to change your mind, but by then you may miss it, because the "case is closed". Leaving a bird unidentified is mighty hard to do sometimes. As for the lure of the list, if you're more concerned about checking off your checks, you stop the ID process as quickly as possible and move on. But was your perception (and thus your ID) accurate or wishful thinking? ("making it so" and not even realizing it) Here's where the real problems develop; How clear and accurate are your perceptions, of color, shape, and movement quality? How about many of the 'relative' characteristics we often rely on to clinch an ID: larger, bulkier, lankier, thicker, thinner, smaller, slower, etc.,etc. etc.? Experience is the best ally here. I try not to be too sure too soon in some situations where I know I'm weak. Shorebirds and sparrows, for example. (A birders got to know his limitations) Therefore, double-checking your perceptions and assumptions, along with a lot of knowledge and experience, is required. 2nd opinions - unassuming please - are a big help too. I am frequently double-checking my own perceptions of things - internally "making the call" on the ID of birds, cars, and all sorts of stuff and then following up to see if I was actually right. Over time, under varying conditions, it hones your ability to make better and better observations faster and account for varying factors of the moment, like lighting, angle of view, partial views, etc. In an avocation largely dependent on observation skills and honesty (to self and others), a desire to discover your own blind spots and weaknesses and improve your knowledge base and perceptive skills makes for a better birder. -- Sincerely, Jim Ryan Saint Paul's Westside ---- One of the first conditions of happiness is that the link between Man and Nature shall not be broken. -* Leo Tolstoy* A well governed appetite is the greater part of liberty. - *Lucius Annaeus Seneca* ---- On Tue, Jan 31, 2012 at 7:26 AM, Al Schirmacher wrote: > Wonder what the field misidentification rate might be for the average > birder? > > And where might the highest rates be? Gulls? Empids? Hybrids? Heard > warblers? > > Certain humility needed in this area:) > > Al Schirmacher > Princeton, MN > > Sent from my iPhone > ---- > Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net > Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html > ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: Re: Sunday in Aitkin County, Snowy Refound From: Curt Rawn <CNR22 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 17:59:39 -0600 The Snowy Owl is still where Warren reported it. Great Gray not refound. Curt ----- Original Message ----- From: "Warren" To: Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2012 7:39 PM Subject: [mou-net] Sunday in Aitkin County > This afternoon, I birded around the county. The SNOWY OWL that has been > north of Aitkin is still there. I found it about a mile east of the > intersection of C.R.1 and C.R.22 north of Aitkin, sitting on a pile of > hay bales. I found a GREAT GRAY OWL on Pietz'a road 2/10ths of a mile > north of C.R.18. On the snowmobile road south of Pietz's road, I found a > small flock of WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS, 3 GRAY JAYS, 1 BOREAL CHICKADEE > and lots of RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES. Also seen: 2 flocks of SNOW > BUNTINGS on C.R.1, a ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, and 5 NORTHERN SHRIKES. Warren > Nelson > > ---- > Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net > Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: Belated Reports (and some current) From: Holly Peirson <hpbirdscouter AT MSN.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 17:32:40 -0600 Hello MN birders! On Jan. 16, my son and I spotted a Peregrine Falcon on a light post above Hwy 36 in Roseville, between Lexington and Hamline. We both looked up, then at each other to confirm. Yep, we both saw it!! And then just down the road closer to Rosedale (probably to their dismay) were the Red-tailed Hawk pair that spends most of their year along that stretch of 36. On Jan. 26, I saw a perfect light phase juvenile Rough-legged Hawk flying over Main Street/Hwy 14/Hwy 242 in Blaine, between Sunset and Lexington. I say juvenile bcs the dark under-wing patches were surrounded with white, there was no darker leading edge like there would be in an adult bird. What a lovely bird that was! Last week I spotted a Brown Creeper in the yard. It's been here frequently since then (probably been here all the time, I just was blind before last week....) This is probably the first time one has stayed all winter.... I'll have to check my notes. There are 2 adult Bald Eagles that are spending the winter very near the Osprey platform on Lake Drive west of I-35 about 3/4 mile or so. They commonly perch at the very top of a large tree very near the canoe access parking lot. We see them at least 2-3 times a week. Nice! Owls are calling nightly!! Both Great Horned and Barred, different directions from the house. Today there were two Trumpeter Swans on the river below the outflow dam from Peltier Lake, in Centerville, visible from the bridge and parking lot off Cty 14. Holly Peirson Columbus, SE Anoka Co. ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: Red-winged blackbird - Lake Harriet From: Sam Ives <samuelives AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 14:43:29 -0800 My wife and I spotted a single red-winged blackbird just on the lake side of Roberts Bird Sanctuary today around 3pm. Definitely a surprise for February. ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: Great Horned Owls - Likely nest site - Hennepin County - Minnetonka - w/photos From: Robert Burmaster <rburmaster AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 14:56:50 -0600 Hi - On a tip from a co-worker, I located a Great Horned Owl sitting in the bowl at the top of a hollowed out dead tree. A pair of GHO's have nested at this exact spot on and off over the past several years. The dead tree is located just 30 feet from the road in woodsy area at the NW corner of Elmwood and Hillside in Minnetonka. I've tagged the exact location on the map in my eBird report submitted today. Since this is a likely nesting spot and is very close to the road, I advise approach with care.Photos here:http://www.flickr.com//photos/rburmaster/sets/72157629133121205/show/ Best regards,Bob BurmasterMinneapolis, 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 Subject: Admiral Road feeders UPDATE (spared for now) From: sparky stensaas <sparkystensaas AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 19:30:03 +0000 Hi all, I just chatted with a manager with Public Works 6th District Virginia. He talked with the interim supervisor and THE TREES WITH THE FEEDERS WILL BE SPARED! He said I should contact the District Manager who is away until Monday...and I will do that. He was the manager for the area during the 04-05 invasion and appreciates the birds and birders. And was also in on the planning meetings that took place after that. Awareness and appreciation of the birders, photographers, tourists who come to the Sax-Zim Bog is growing! Sparky Stensaas 2515 Garthus Road Wrenshall, MN 55797 218.341.3350 cell sparkystensaas AT hotmail.com www.SaxZim.org   ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: Admiral Road feeders threatened? From: sparky stensaas <sparkystensaas AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 17:55:46 +0000 Hi all, I just got a call from Tim Torson, an Ohio birder, saying that the roadside clearing crew up on Admiral Road was fast approaching the famous feeders. From the looks of what's been done further south on Admiral, the trees where the feeders hang will probably be cut down. This is the St. Louis County Public Works 6th District so I have left messages with both the Cotton and Virginia offices (no answer at any posted phone numbers) emphasizing the importance of these feeders to birders, photographers, Friends of Sax-Zim Bog and the Toivola-Meadowlands Development Board's Sax-Zim Bog Winter Bird Festival. THIS IS NOT THE MEADOWLANDS OFFICE'S AREA...I already talked with them and they told me to call the Cotton and Virginia office. This would be very unfortunate as the site is quite scenic and famous across the country as the best place to find and photograph Boreal Chickadees...And the Sax-Zim Bog Winter Bird Festival is fast approaching. If someone gets this email who happens to be up in the bog now, please head over there and see if the feeders can be saved. Sparky Stensaas 2515 Garthus Road Wrenshall, MN 55797 218.341.3350 cell  sparkystensaas AT hotmail.com www.SaxZim.org   ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: Field Trips From: Al Schirmacher <alschirmacher AT LIVE.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 11:32:01 -0600 Jim Ryan is the new Field Trip Chair for MOU. I will still be leading trips, four are below, two of which are MOU and require registration, two of which are Sherburne refuge trips and don't. > > * International Migratory Bird Day Tour (Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge), Saturday, May 12th, 8:00-11:00 AM, meet at Sherburne Refuge's headquarters. No registration required. Field trip leader, Al Schirmacher. > > * MOU Sherburne Refuge Tour, Tuesday, May 15th. 7:30 AM, meet at Sherburne Refuge's Mahnomen trail. Trip limited to 20 registrants. Field trip leader, Al Schirmacher. We will cover three trails (two hiking, one auto tour), emphasizing spring migrants/warblers (we often break 20 species), as well as resident nesters like Lark Sparrow. Register with Al directly at pastoral AT princetonfreechurch.net > > * MOU Highway 169 Big Day Tour, Thursday, May 17th. Bit of an unusual tour. Meet at 3:30 AM in Rice Lake Refuge parking lot along Highway 65. Trip limited to 10 birders willing to do a Big Day together in 3-4 vehicles. Trip leader, Al Schirmacher. We will cover Aitkin, Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties, from Aitkin County 18 south to Sherburne Refuge, generally along the 169 corridor. Anticipate seeing and hearing 130 + - species. Anticipated completion time, 8:00 PM. Although we will not sprint from location to location, and are not trying to break any records, this is for those with the passion & stamina & relational skills to do a Big Day together. Minnesota park stickers will probably be necessary. We start early to hear Yellow Rails, LeConte's and maybe Sharp-tailed Sparrows. Register with Al directly at pastoral AT princetonfreechurch.net > > * Summer Bird Tour (Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge), Saturday, June 2nd, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM. Meet at Sherburne Refuge's Blue Hill Trail. No registration required. Includes both walking and driving. Enjoy Sherburne Refuge's resident, singing species. Trip leader, Al Schirmacher. Thanks to Jim for his work, and for the opportunity to enjoy birds together. Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: Varied Thrush From: Butch Ukura <oatmeal AT EMBARQMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 10:37:53 -0600 Crow Wing and Morrison Counties, Bird seen today by Warren Nelson and Butch Ukura at approx 8:00AM. From the Junction of Crow Wing Cty Rds 18&23 go south 16.2 miles on Cty Rd 23. There is a log sided house on left side of road where the Varied Thrush has been visiting feeders for approx two weeks. This location is in Morrison County. Joe and Grace Dembouski welcome birders but please call ahead 320-277-3832. ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: Re: In search of owls From: "Fr. Paul Kammen" <fr.paul AT DELANOCATHOLIC.COM> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:41:42 -0600 Many thanks to the kind e-mails in response to this post. As you can tell I'm a new birder, and I think in my original I meant barred owls, not the less common long-eared, though those would be great to find as well to photograph. Barred owls are more common but I imagine not posted on as often, so it's just nice to know where they might be found and hopefully I can find some over the next few months. And maybe I'll get real lucky and find a Great Gray in Sax-Zim or Aitkin later this month. Thanks to all. Fr. Paul ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: Am Three-toed Boh Wax Lake Cook From: sparky stensaas <sparkystensaas AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2012 04:34:57 +0000 Tuesday 1 Am Three-toed Woodpecker Originally discovered by Erik Bruhnke Go east from Isabella on FR172/Wanless Rd to Sawbill Landing Rd, then go 0.8 mi N to open rolling area of large pines that was recently burned. We walked in several hundred yards through knee-deep snow before hearing woodpecker tapping. It was in a spruce. A BBWO has also been seen here. 1 Bohemian Waxwing with 3 Cedar Waxwings in Grand Marais campground...'Down from 500 yesterday and thousands last week. Sparky Stensaas ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: In search of owls From: "Fr. Paul Kammen" <fr.paul AT DELANOCATHOLIC.COM> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:45:02 -0600 As a newer birder, I'm very happy about the snowy owl outbreak and plan on trying to find one next Monday in Aitkin again, but I've unfortunately never gotten a good photo of more common owls such as a great horned owl. I haven't seen too much on this list as I imagine they are widespread, but if anyone has seen one or a long eared owl I'd appreciate any tips or an e-mail as to a location. I'm not sure if they are too common to post on or just not around and that's why I haven't seen anything on the list, but I'd be thrilled to find one. Thanks so much! Paul ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: new email address john and donna From: "john c. nelson" <nelsonjc AT HICKORYTECH.NET> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:03:13 -0600 This is our new email address dsgabaska AT gmail.com John and Donna ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: Carver County Yellow-rumped Warbler From: John Cyrus <cyrus150 AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:53:22 +0000 As I was walking along the western shore of Rapids Lake, I heard the familiar chip of a Yellow-rumped Warbler coming from a Cedar. I spished once, and 5 Yellow-rumped Warbler appeared from several neighboring Cedar. They flew around me, chipping ocassionally, and then moved in and out of Cedar, Cottonwood, and Oak until I lost sight of them. There were no other birds near the warbler at the time. Other highlights from the western shore of Rapids Lake were 4 Purple Finch, a curious Swamp Sparrow as interested in me as I was in him from atop a dead reed(also had a possible Song Sparrow chip and dive below some reeds near this area), and a Merlin that dove after a Chickadee. A quick drive through the country turned up 3 American Kestrel. 2 of these are likely recent arrivals. ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: goldfinch recoveries From: "dan&erika" <danerika AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:20:56 -0600 Hi All-- Are the goldfinches that winter in Minnesota the same individuals that breed here? Today in my blog I report on a few goldfinch banding recoveries. http://dantallmansbirdblog.blogspot.com dan -- Dan or Erika Tallman Northfield, Minnesota http://sites.google.com/site/tallmanorum http://dantallmansbirdblog.blogspot.com http://picasaweb.google.com/danerika danerika AT gmail.com ".... the best shod travel with wet feet" "Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes ...."--Thoreau_______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Snowy Owl - MVNWR From: Bruce Baer <bbbaer957 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:13:31 -0600 At 8:15 this morning I observed a Snowy Owl flying out on the lake from the observation deck at the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge. It went though the woods and might possibly be at Black Dog. Bruce Baer Bloomington, 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 Subject: Tuesday, Feb. 7th, program meeting for Audubon Chapter of Minneapolis From: Susan Tertell <stertell AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:48:16 -0600 *Children and Birding, A Natural Fit, presentation by Adele Porter* * * The meeting is from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Beth El Synagogue, 5224 W. 26th St., St. Louis Park. For directions, go to the Beth El website, http://www.bethelsynagogue.org/about/directions/. * * Adele Porter is a science educator and author with a career that combines her curiosity and passion for science and dedication to children. * *In her program, natural history author she draws from the common threads and life lessons of current and past champions of conservation to form a blueprint for involving children and grandchildren in birding and natural resource stewardship. She also has a new challenge for birders - if you’re a ‘lister’, bring your list along! The Wild About series of children and young adult books, including *Wild About Minnesota Birds*, was inspired by the students of all ages that Adele has worked with during 20 years as an educator. When not presenting author programs, teaching, or working on a book, Adele writes educational materials for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Forest Service, and various publications. Adele’s latest book, *Birds is Our Backyard*, a Minnesota Book Award 2012 Nominee, is published by Minnesota Historical Society Press. Adele’s books will be on hand for purchase following the program. For more information about Adele, her books, and author programs visit www.*adeleporter.com *and www.birdsforkids.com. The program is free and everyone is welcome. Susan Tertell ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: goldfinch recoveries From: dan&erika <danerika AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:20:56 -0600 Hi All-- Are the goldfinches that winter in Minnesota the same individuals that breed here? Today in my blog I report on a few goldfinch banding recoveries. http://dantallmansbirdblog.blogspot.com dan -- Dan or Erika Tallman Northfield, Minnesota http://sites.google.com/site/tallmanorum http://dantallmansbirdblog.blogspot.com http://picasaweb.google.com/danerika danerika AT gmail.com ".... the best shod travel with wet feet" "Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes ...."--Thoreau ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: Re: Misidentification From: linda whyte <birds AT MOOSEWOODS.US> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:59:58 -0600 Maybe all birds serve to teach us the humility needed in all of life ;-) Linda On Tue, Jan 31, 2012 at 7:26 AM, Al Schirmacher wrote: > Wonder what the field misidentification rate might be for the average > birder? > > And where might the highest rates be? Gulls? Empids? Hybrids? Heard > warblers? > > Certain humility needed in this area:) > > Al Schirmacher > Princeton, MN > > Sent from my iPhone > ---- > Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net > Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html > ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: Misidentification From: Al Schirmacher <alschirmacher AT LIVE.COM> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:26:28 -0600 Wonder what the field misidentification rate might be for the average birder? And where might the highest rates be? Gulls? Empids? Hybrids? Heard warblers? Certain humility needed in this area:) Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Sent from my iPhone ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: Re: Cardinal in Hennepin Cty From: Kirk Mona <kirkmona AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:50:53 -0600 I heard my first back on January 5th in St. Paul. Great Sound! ~Kirk -- www.TwinCitiesNaturalist.com On Mon, Jan 30, 2012 at 6:46 PM, Judy Chucker wrote: > What's so special about a cardinal in Hennepin County? It was singing. > > > Is this a season first, or have others heard this delightful sound yet > this year? > > ---- > Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net > Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html > ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: Sax-Zim etc From: sparky stensaas <sparkystensaas AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:57:23 +0000 Monday 3 Great Gray Owls at dusk on McDavitt ...2 between N and S logging roads about 2.5 to 3 mi N of Sax Rd...and one about a half mile hike west on N logging road in last clearing. Male Hoary at Blue Spruce feeder N Hawk Owl still hunting near old stone CCC building just N of Gooseberry Falls entrance on Hwy61 Paul Sundberg reports 500 Bohemian Waxwings still in Grand Marais campground Sparky Stensaas ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: Cardinal in Hennepin Cty From: Judy Chucker <jchucker1 AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:46:53 +0000 What's so special about a cardinal in Hennepin County? It was singing. Is this a season first, or have others heard this delightful sound yet this year? ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: Stearns CO snowy owl present Jan 30 From: Betsy Beneke <birderbetsy AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:23:58 -0800 The snowy owl SW of Sauk Centre in Stearns county was present this afternoon between 4 and 5 pm.  It was on the north side of 390th, sitting on a large dark colored boulder in a rock pile nearly directly across from the WPA parking area.  This was about one mile east of CR 26.   Betsy Beneke St. Cloud, Benton Co. ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: Snowy Owl Dakota County west of Hastings From: Jbaines317 AT AOL.COM Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:42:12 -0500 I just got a call from my husband that there was a snowy owl on a pole at Goodwin and Hwy 55. It flew and he was not able to relocate it yet. If he sees it again I will re-post. Jen ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: Snowy Owl data From: Anthony Hertzel <axhertzel AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:52:52 -0600 Minnesota birders, As most of you know by now, there is a major Snowy Owl irruption underway across much of North America, and the MOU is trying to get a handle on its magnitude in Minnesota. If you have seen a Snowy Owl this winter -- or last fall -- we are requesting that you send an e-mail with that information to snowy-owl AT moumn.org Please include as many details as you have, but especially the date, location, and a guess at the the age of the bird (juveniles are much more heavily marked than adults). Even if you already have submitted your observation elsewhere, such as MOU-Net, e-Bird, or the MOU seasonal reports, we are requesting that you please consider reporting it to snowy-owl AT moumn.org. The compiled data will be mapped, checked for duplicates, and distilled into an article to appear in a future issue of The Loon. Your participation in the process will certainly help make the final total as accurate as is possible. We will repost this request periodically during the next couple of months. Thanks to everyone for helping us out. Anthony Hertzel ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: Re: February From: douglas chapman <rhameprairie AT SIO.MIDCO.NET> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:29:16 -0600 That's easy!! Go visit Bob Cecil in Mexico and see birds galore! douglas chapman rhameprairie AT sio.midco.net On Jan 30, 2012, at 8:37 AM, Al Schirmacher wrote: > Believe I've learned to enjoy birding 11 of 12 months here in my adopted home of Minnesota. > > But February.... > > Sax-Zim & Aitkin County are my usual solutions to this rather slow month. Would be interested in how others approach it. > > Thanks! > > Al Schirmacher > Princeton, MN > > Sent from my iPhone > ---- > Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net > Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html > ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: FW: [mou-net] Meeker Cty. Solitaire refound From: "Ron Erpelding" <rerpelding AT charter.net> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:14:28 -0600 Thanks to Pete Hoeger's posting I was able to relocate the Meeker County Townsend's Solitaire this morning (Monday, January 30, 2012) at the Litchfield Nature Center in the same location described in the email below. I heard the bird calling and saw the bird from 8:05 - 8:10 a.m. The bird was perched at the top of a deciduous tree when I left the area. Ron Erpelding -----Original Message----- From: Minnesota Birds [mailto:MOU-NET AT LISTS.UMN.EDU] On Behalf Of Hoeger-Lerdal Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2012 12:38 PM To: MOU-NET AT LISTS.UMN.EDU Subject: [mou-net] Meeker Cty. Solitaire (and Redpolls) T. Solitaire seen both Saturday and today (Jan. 28-29) at the Litchfield Nature Center about 3 miles south of Litchfield. Park in the small pulloff area, take the first trail to the right (going east) thru the woods for about 150 yards until you exit the trees and enter onto an open area with scattered sumac and cedars. Continue on trail going northeast toward the tall pine tree area, about 170-180 yds. The Solitaire was seen both days between 10-11 am, feeding and roosting in the cedars and pines at the south end entrance to the pine area. About 10:50 this morning ( as well as Saturday morning!) it flew up and away from the cedars and over the tops of the pines to the east. Patience needed--the Solitaire (true to its name?) was very secretive and quiet and not easy to spot in the shadows. This morning it was feeding with a Cardinal pair. Addendum: Later this morning (Sunday 1/29), Susie Maki looked but did not refind the Solitaire. She did see some Comm. Redpolls and 3 Am. Robins, among other expected birds in the area. The Litchfield Nature Ctr. is 1.8 miles south of the Lake Ripley parking lot (South Ripley Rd., just off MN Hwy. 22 on the south end of Litch) on what turns into 615th Ave. going straight south, then go west on 230th St. for 1.4 miles to the Nature Ctr. pulloff area alongside the road. It was gorgeous out there this morning. Pete Hoeger, Hutchinson ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: FW: [mou-net] Meeker Cty. Solitaire refound From: Ron Erpelding <rerpelding AT CHARTER.NET> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:14:28 -0600 Thanks to Pete Hoeger's posting I was able to relocate the Meeker County Townsend's Solitaire this morning (Monday, January 30, 2012) at the Litchfield Nature Center in the same location described in the email below. I heard the bird calling and saw the bird from 8:05 - 8:10 a.m. The bird was perched at the top of a deciduous tree when I left the area. Ron Erpelding -----Original Message----- From: Minnesota Birds [mailto:MOU-NET AT LISTS.UMN.EDU] On Behalf Of Hoeger-Lerdal Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2012 12:38 PM To: MOU-NET AT LISTS.UMN.EDU Subject: [mou-net] Meeker Cty. Solitaire (and Redpolls) T. Solitaire seen both Saturday and today (Jan. 28-29) at the Litchfield Nature Center about 3 miles south of Litchfield. Park in the small pulloff area, take the first trail to the right (going east) thru the woods for about 150 yards until you exit the trees and enter onto an open area with scattered sumac and cedars. Continue on trail going northeast toward the tall pine tree area, about 170-180 yds. The Solitaire was seen both days between 10-11 am, feeding and roosting in the cedars and pines at the south end entrance to the pine area. About 10:50 this morning ( as well as Saturday morning!) it flew up and away from the cedars and over the tops of the pines to the east. Patience needed--the Solitaire (true to its name?) was very secretive and quiet and not easy to spot in the shadows. This morning it was feeding with a Cardinal pair. Addendum: Later this morning (Sunday 1/29), Susie Maki looked but did not refind the Solitaire. She did see some Comm. Redpolls and 3 Am. Robins, among other expected birds in the area. The Litchfield Nature Ctr. is 1.8 miles south of the Lake Ripley parking lot (South Ripley Rd., just off MN Hwy. 22 on the south end of Litch) on what turns into 615th Ave. going straight south, then go west on 230th St. for 1.4 miles to the Nature Ctr. pulloff area alongside the road. It was gorgeous out there this morning. Pete Hoeger, Hutchinson ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: February From: Al Schirmacher <alschirmacher AT LIVE.COM> Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:37:30 -0600 Believe I've learned to enjoy birding 11 of 12 months here in my adopted home of Minnesota. But February.... Sax-Zim & Aitkin County are my usual solutions to this rather slow month. Would be interested in how others approach it. Thanks! Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Sent from my iPhone ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: Hastings Varied Thrush - January 29, 2012 No Townsend's Solitaire at Carpenter Nature Center today. From: Terence Brashear <birdnird AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:38:05 -0800 Jon Swanson and I went down looking for the Varied Thrush near Hastings, MN and we were able to quickly find it.  It was present from when we arrived at 8:30AM till we left two hours later.  The home owner is so gracious, came out to talk with us and told us where to look for the bird.  Might be nice to bring along some bird seed if you visit since he was talking about how much seed he goes through each week.  By the way, someone left their Sibley Bird Guide there when they visited.  If you are missing it he hung onto it for you. http://www.naturepixels.com/IMG_0011.jpg http://www.naturepixels.com/IMG_0122.jpg http://www.naturepixels.com/IMG_0159.jpg http://www.naturepixels.com/IMG_0185.jpg http://www.naturepixels.com/IMG_0218.jpg We went looking for the Townsend's Solitaire at Carpenter Nature Center.  We were told by the person at the visitor's center it had not been seen recently.  I think I know why.  Most of the mature cedars along the trail where it was being seen had been cut down and were piled up.  Other trees had been cut too and were being shredded by a wood chipper while were there. I am sure there is a good reason for the thinning out of the trees, but we were disappointed after hiking down there. Regards, Terry   Terry Brashear Hennepin County, MN http://www.naturepixels.com birdnird AT yahoo.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 Subject: Sunday in Aitkin County From: Warren <wenelson AT MLECMN.NET> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:39:18 -0600 This afternoon, I birded around the county. The SNOWY OWL that has been north of Aitkin is still there. I found it about a mile east of the intersection of C.R.1 and C.R.22 north of Aitkin, sitting on a pile of hay bales. I found a GREAT GRAY OWL on Pietz'a road 2/10ths of a mile north of C.R.18. On the snowmobile road south of Pietz's road, I found a small flock of WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS, 3 GRAY JAYS, 1 BOREAL CHICKADEE and lots of RED-BREASTED NUTHATCHES. Also seen: 2 flocks of SNOW BUNTINGS on C.R.1, a ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, and 5 NORTHERN SHRIKES. Warren Nelson ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: Snowy Owl - Stearns From: Herb Dingmann <herbdingmann AT CHARTER.NET> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:02:58 -0600 At 3:30 this afternoon I re-found the Snowy Owl at the same location that Phil Chu found it at earlier in the afternoon. I drove by again around 5:30 and it had moved 1/2 mile east and was perched atop a power pole at a farm driveway. Herb Dingmann St. Cloud ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: Snowy Owl, Stearns Co. From: "Chu, Philip" <PChu AT CSBSJU.EDU> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 23:24:17 +0000 This afternoon from about 1:00 to at least 3:30 PM there was a Snowy Owl in Stearns Co. - specifically, along 390th St., 0.7 miles E of CR 26. This location is in Ashley Twp., the northwesternmost township in the county. Phil Chu Department of Biology St. John's University Collegeville, MN 56321 ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: Hibbing area birding suggestions? From: Jbaines317 AT AOL.COM Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 17:02:19 -0500 I'll be in Hibbing next weekend and may have time to do a little birding/owling. Does anyone have any recommendations? Thanks- Jen Vieth ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: Common Crane twitch anyone? From: Chris West <chris.w.birder AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:47:34 -0600 Hi everyone, I live in Southwestern WI and am thinking of chasing the Common Crane near Grand Island, NE this week. My route would take me south through Dubuque, IA to I-80 and I-80 west to Grand Island. If you live near/along or are able to join me when I leave on Tues night, and would like to go, please let me know. I can fit 3, maybe 4 others in my car. -- Happy Birding! --Chris W, Madison, WI http://swallowtailedkite.blogspot.com http://www.flickr.com/photos/swallowtailphoto Chris.W.Birder AT gmail.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 Subject: Bird pictures from the month of January (Sax-Zim, Duluth Harbor and more) From: Erik Bruhnke <birdfedr AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:11:28 -0600 I've been making regular visits to Sax-Zim Bog over the past months; having a fun time guiding people around, and observing a full spectrum of beautiful boreal birds. Below are some of the highlight photos from this past month while visiting Sax-Zim Bog. http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141188304 (Black-capped Chickadee) http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141188307 (Black-capped Chickadee) http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141188312 (Boreal Chickadee) http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141188314 (Boreal Chickadee) http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141188316 (Common Redpoll with a flurry of chickadee activity) http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141188342 (A non-bird... Ermine!) http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141188537 (male Hoary Redpoll next to a male Common Redpoll) http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141188530 (Gray Jay) http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141188330 (Rough-legged Hawk) http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141188321 (Very distant Great Gray Owl) http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141188528 (Gray Jay, crash landing) Earlier this month, I participated in the Brrrrdathon - known as the world's coldest birdathon. The Brrrrdathon is a fundraiser hosted by Friends of Sax-Zim Bog; a non-profit looking to purchase land within the bog for conservation, as well as establish a visitor center to welcome birdwatchers and photographers alike. To find out more about Friends of Sax-Zim Bog, go to http://www.saxzim.org/. Chris West came up from southern Wisconsin to participate in the Brrrrdathon with me. The initial gallery is below, with highlighting photos, following: http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/brrrrdathon_2012 http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141188167 (Common Redpoll started out clinging on a branch...) http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141188161 (And the little Black-capped Chickadee chased it off) http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141188180 (Northern Hawk Owl, with that mean, beautiful stare) http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141188178 (Just after an owl pellet) http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141188196 (Three-toed Woodpecker) http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141188158 (Black-backed Woodpecker) http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141188191 (Snowy Owl) About two weeks ago, I met up with Birdchick (Sharon Stiteler) and a bunch of birding friends from the Twin Cities, as well as just a little west of the bog. We had a fantastic day of birding in Sax-Zim Bog, and it was so nice to see all of the good friends that I rarely get to see. Photos below. Started the day off with hundreds of redpolls, and ended with a Great Gray Owl. It was such an awesome day! Also, below are a few bird pictures of interest. http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/a_day_with_birdchick__friends http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141189995 (orange-capped Common Redpoll) http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141189997 (redpolls "dancing around") http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141189985 (Common Redpoll flock taking off!) http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141189986 (Gorgeous Evening Grosbeaks) This past Thursday I showed-around a birding group that came all the way from Missouri! We started at Sax-Zim Bog with great looks at a female Black-backed Woodpecker, and later that afternoon we were treated to a gorgeous Snowy Owl down along the vast expanse of buildings and machinery in the Duluth Harbor (Kudos goes to my friend Frank Nicoletti for letting me know about this gorgeous bird). Our day ended by finding two Great Horned Owls along the thick wooded trails of Hartley Nature Center. Photos of that day below: http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/missouri_birders_in_the_northwoods Snowy Owl. Keep your eyes out for these gorgeous fluffballs if you're in the Twin Ports (Duluth/Superior area). http://www.pbase.com/image/141190902 Gulls, Ducks n' more - at Canal Park http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/canal_park_2012_gulls_and_more I hope you enjoy the photos! Good birding, Erik Bruhnke Duluth, MN -- *NATURALLY AVIAN* - Guided Birdwatching Trips and Bird photography www.pbase.com/birdfedr www.naturallyavian.blogspot.com birdfedr AT gmail.com_______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Meeker Cty. Solitaire (and Redpolls) From: Hoeger-Lerdal <phdl AT MCHSI.COM> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:38:29 -0600 T. Solitaire seen both Saturday and today (Jan. 28-29) at the Litchfield Nature Center about 3 miles south of Litchfield. Park in the small pulloff area, take the first trail to the right (going east) thru the woods for about 150 yards until you exit the trees and enter onto an open area with scattered sumac and cedars. Continue on trail going northeast toward the tall pine tree area, about 170-180 yds. The Solitaire was seen both days between 10-11 am, feeding and roosting in the cedars and pines at the south end entrance to the pine area. About 10:50 this morning ( as well as Saturday morning!) it flew up and away from the cedars and over the tops of the pines to the east. Patience needed--the Solitaire (true to its name?) was very secretive and quiet and not easy to spot in the shadows. This morning it was feeding with a Cardinal pair. Addendum: Later this morning (Sunday 1/29), Susie Maki looked but did not refind the Solitaire. She did see some Comm. Redpolls and 3 Am. Robins, among other expected birds in the area. The Litchfield Nature Ctr. is 1.8 miles south of the Lake Ripley parking lot (South Ripley Rd., just off MN Hwy. 22 on the south end of Litch) on what turns into 615th Ave. going straight south, then go west on 230th St. for 1.4 miles to the Nature Ctr. pulloff area alongside the road. It was gorgeous out there this morning. Pete Hoeger, Hutchinson ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: Bird pictures from the month of January (Sax-Zim, Duluth Harbor and more) From: Erik Bruhnke <birdfedr AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:11:28 -0600 I've been making regular visits to Sax-Zim Bog over the past months; having a fun time guiding people around, and observing a full spectrum of beautiful boreal birds. Below are some of the highlight photos from this past month while visiting Sax-Zim Bog. http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141188304 (Black-capped Chickadee) http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141188307 (Black-capped Chickadee) http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141188312 (Boreal Chickadee) http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141188314 (Boreal Chickadee) http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141188316 (Common Redpoll with a flurry of chickadee activity) http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141188342 (A non-bird... Ermine!) http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141188537 (male Hoary Redpoll next to a male Common Redpoll) http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141188530 (Gray Jay) http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141188330 (Rough-legged Hawk) http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141188321 (Very distant Great Gray Owl) http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141188528 (Gray Jay, crash landing) Earlier this month, I participated in the Brrrrdathon - known as the world's coldest birdathon. The Brrrrdathon is a fundraiser hosted by Friends of Sax-Zim Bog; a non-profit looking to purchase land within the bog for conservation, as well as establish a visitor center to welcome birdwatchers and photographers alike. To find out more about Friends of Sax-Zim Bog, go to http://www.saxzim.org/. Chris West came up from southern Wisconsin to participate in the Brrrrdathon with me. The initial gallery is below, with highlighting photos, following: http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/brrrrdathon_2012 http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141188167 (Common Redpoll started out clinging on a branch...) http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141188161 (And the little Black-capped Chickadee chased it off) http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141188180 (Northern Hawk Owl, with that mean, beautiful stare) http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141188178 (Just after an owl pellet) http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141188196 (Three-toed Woodpecker) http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141188158 (Black-backed Woodpecker) http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141188191 (Snowy Owl) About two weeks ago, I met up with Birdchick (Sharon Stiteler) and a bunch of birding friends from the Twin Cities, as well as just a little west of the bog. We had a fantastic day of birding in Sax-Zim Bog, and it was so nice to see all of the good friends that I rarely get to see. Photos below. Started the day off with hundreds of redpolls, and ended with a Great Gray Owl. It was such an awesome day! Also, below are a few bird pictures of interest. http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/a_day_with_birdchick__friends http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141189995 (orange-capped Common Redpoll) http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141189997 (redpolls "dancing around") http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141189985 (Common Redpoll flock taking off!) http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/image/141189986 (Gorgeous Evening Grosbeaks) This past Thursday I showed-around a birding group that came all the way from Missouri! We started at Sax-Zim Bog with great looks at a female Black-backed Woodpecker, and later that afternoon we were treated to a gorgeous Snowy Owl down along the vast expanse of buildings and machinery in the Duluth Harbor (Kudos goes to my friend Frank Nicoletti for letting me know about this gorgeous bird). Our day ended by finding two Great Horned Owls along the thick wooded trails of Hartley Nature Center. Photos of that day below: http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/missouri_birders_in_the_northwoods Snowy Owl. Keep your eyes out for these gorgeous fluffballs if you're in the Twin Ports (Duluth/Superior area). http://www.pbase.com/image/141190902 Gulls, Ducks n' more - at Canal Park http://www.pbase.com/birdfedr/canal_park_2012_gulls_and_more I hope you enjoy the photos! Good birding, Erik Bruhnke Duluth, MN -- *NATURALLY AVIAN* - Guided Birdwatching Trips and Bird photography www.pbase.com/birdfedr www.naturallyavian.blogspot.com birdfedr AT gmail.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 Subject: Grouse picture on recently seen From: Jason Caddy <j.caddy AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:08:07 -0600 The grouse picture on recently seen of the MOU website is fantastic! I do believe that this is actually a Sharp-tailed Grouse and not a Ruffed Grouse based on shorter crest, facial pattern, tail shape, and white spotted wing coverts. This species I'm sure is more difficult to get a photo of so it does not diminish the photograph at all, great work! Not sure who to email about this information but more of an fyi. I could be wrong on the ID. Good Birding, Jason Caddy Minneapolis ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: Carolina Wren- Wild River SP From: Joe Conley <cjoe0579 AT AOL.COM> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012 15:30:36 -0600 Saw Carolina Wren several times this morning between 9 and 11 AM. Never stayed stayed long enough, but good looking bird. Went for walk along river and found 4 Bluebirds just north of campsite "N". Joe Conley ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: Golden Eagle Survey From: jeff fischer <tiercel63 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:19:02 -0800 I posted a couple of pictures that I took during last weeks golden eagle survey on my blog today. The group that I was with counted 5 golden eagles, 4 of which flew directly over our head which gave me some great opportunities for photographs. In total 125 golden eagles where counted in this years survey which is the highest number to date. If you would like to check out the pics you can follow the link below.   http://ecobirder.blogspot.com/2012/01/golden-eagle-survey.html   Jeff Fischer http://ecobirder.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 Subject: C. Wren, Chisago Co; Varied Thrush, Dakota Co. From: Jason Caddy <j.caddy AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:11:06 -0600 I went out with Paul Ogren yesterday and we first went to Wild River State Park and I spotted the Carolina Wren immediately at the visitors center on the down hill slope next to the feeders. It then disappeared for a bit and came back and exhibited some fun behavior by skulking in a dense patch of dried leaves high up in a tree and then exploring inside of some crevices and holes in the tree trunks nearby. After hanging out far about 20 minutes it disappeared again and did not return before we left. I love the shortened version C. Wren because my daughters first name is Caitlin and middle name Wren (after the bird of course:)) and sometimes people call her C Wren. We did not find the Northern Shrike reported earlier but there was a Trumpeter Swan in with many Canada Geese on the river. We then went down to the Varied Thrush on 17774 blackbird trail and the homeowner Richard was outside to greet us. There were many A. Tree Sparrows and D.E. Juncos around and the thrush did make a brief but very exciting appearance. We then tried very quickly for the Townsend's Solitaire at the Carpenter Nature Center and found to woods to be about as silent as the outdoors can sound but I had seen this bird previously. Overall a very warm and successful January day. Good Birding, Jason Caddy, Minneapolis ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: Brown Creeper by Calhoun Village From: Kathleen Connelly <portiaconnelly AT EARTHLINK.NET> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:09:40 -0600 Brown Creeper in the Chinese Elm outside my home office window, located where the North Cedar Trail splits from Midtown Greenway Trail, and behind Calhoun Village. Kathy Connelly Hennepin ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: [mou-rba] MOU RBA 27 January 2012 From: Anthony Hertzel <rba AT MOUMN.ORG> Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:04:41 -0700 -RBA *Minnesota *Minnesota Statewide *January 27, 2012 *MNST1201.27 -Birds mentioned Long-tailed Duck Barrow's Goldeneye Spruce Grouse Carolina Wren Townsend's Solitaire Varied Thrush -Transcript Hotline: Minnesota Statewide Date: January 27, 2012 Sponsor: Minnesota Ornithologists' Union (MOU) http://moumn.org Reports: (763) 780-8890 Compiler: Anthony Hertzel (rba AT moumn.org) This is the Minnesota Birding Report for January 26th, 2012. A BARROW'S GOLDENEYE was seen on the Otter Tail River in Fergus Falls, Otter Tail River on January 24th. It was reported from the walking path near downtown. Another was still at Canal Park in Duluth on the 22nd where it has been seen sporadically since November 19th. On January 22nd, Dave Bartkey reported that a LONG-TAILED DUCK was still at Point Douglas Park in Washington County near the railroad bridge. Tanya Beyer found a SPRUCE GROUSE on the 21st along Lake County Road 2 about a mile south of Louie's Road. A CAROLINA WREN was still at the feeders at the Visitor Center at Wild River State Park in Chisago County on January 26th. A VARIED THRUSH -- first seen January 17th in Hasting Dakota County at 17774 Blackbird Trail -- was still present on the 25th. And the TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE which has been at Carpenter Nature Center in Washington County since November 27th was seen again on the same day. The next scheduled update of this tape is February 2nd, 2012. ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: Duluth Snowy Owls From: "Fr. Paul Kammen" <fr.paul AT DELANOCATHOLIC.COM> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:24:13 -0600 Per the updated tape, snowy owls were reported along Garfield Avenue near Port Terminal. For anyone that has seen them recently, are there any spots in particular that I should look for in that area? I was planning on exiting on Garfield from 35. Thanks, Fr. Paul ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: [mou-rba] Duluth RBA 1/26/12 From: Jim Lind <rba AT MOUMN.ORG> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:12:12 -0700 -RBA *Minnesota *Duluth/North Shore *January 26, 2012 *MNDU1201.26 -Birds mentioned Barrow's Goldeneye Spruce Grouse Iceland Gull Glaucous Gull Great Black-backed Gull Snowy Owl Northern Hawk Owl Hermit Thrush Bohemian Waxwing Yellow-rumped Warbler -Transcript Hotline: Minnesota, Duluth/North Shore Date: January 26, 2012 Sponsor: Minnesota Ornithologists' Union (MOU) Reports: (218) 834-2858 Compiler: Jim Lind (jslind AT frontiernet.net) This is the Duluth Birding Report for January 26th, 2012 sponsored by the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union. The male BARROW'S GOLDENEYE was relocated on the 22nd at Canal Park in Duluth. ICELAND GULLS, GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULLS, GLAUCOUS GULLS, and THAYER’S GULLS continue to be seen at Canal Park, but the Glaucous-winged Gull has not been reported in several days. Two SNOWY OWLS are still being seen in the Port Terminal, especially along Garfield Avenue. The NORTHERN HAWK OWL at Gooseberry Falls State Park was relocated on the 22nd along MN Highway 61 at the Gooseberry River. Tanya Beyer saw a SPRUCE GROUSE on the 21st along Lake County Road 2, just north of the Greenwood Lake boat launch. Ron Smith reported large flocks of BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS in Grand Marais on the 21st. An extremely late YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER was seen and photographed on the 26th in Duluth Township along the West Knife River Road (CR 231), 0.3 mile west of the App Road (CR 271). I also have a second-hand report of a HERMIT THRUSH seen in recent days at Leif Erikson Park on London Road in Duluth. The next scheduled update of this report will be on Thursday, February 2nd. The telephone number of the Duluth Rare Bird Alert is 218-834-2858. Information about bird sightings may be left following the recorded message. The Duluth Birding Report is sponsored and funded by the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union (MOU) as a service to its members. For more information on the MOU, either write us c/o the Bell Museum, e-mail us at mou AT moumn.org, or visit the MOU web site at moumn.org. ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: [mou-rba] Northwest Minnesota Birding Report- Thursday, January 26, 2012 From: Jeanie Joppru <rba AT MOUMN.ORG> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:35:42 -0700 -RBA *Minnesota *Detroit Lakes *January 26, 2012 *MNDL1201.26 -Birds mentioned Canada Goose Trumpeter Swan Red-breasted Merganser Ruffed Grouse Sharp-tailed Grouse Greater Prairie-Chicken Northern Harrier Rough-legged Hawk Snowy Owl Short-eared Owl Northern Shrike Black-billed Magpie Common Raven Snow Bunting Eastern Towhee White-throated Sparrow Harris's Sparrow Northern Cardinal -Transcript Hotline: Minnesota, Detroit Lakes Date: January 26, 2012 Sponsor: Lakes Area Birding Club, Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce Reports: 1-800-542-3992 (weekdays during business hours) Compiler: Jeanie Joppru (ajjoppru AT q.com) This is the Northwest Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday, January 26, 2012 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. We are in the midst of another mild week in this really odd winter. Days are getting longer and the warm temperatures are giving people and birds spring fever. Brad and Dee Ehlers found a RED-BREASTED MERGANSER at the outlet of Ottertail Lake on Otter Tail County on January 25. They report that TRUMPETER SWANS are easy to see and photograph in the Ottertail River at the east end of downtown Fergus Falls. In Polk County, Kelly Larson found two SNOWY OWLS ON January 21. One was along 160th AVe SW a half mile S of CR 45, the other north of US 2 on 260th St SE west of 170th Ave SE. She also saw ten ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS, RUFFED GROUSE, SHARP-TAILED GROUSE, 86 GREATER PRAIRIE-CHICKENS, two BLACK-BILLED MAGPIES, two NORTHERN SHRIKES and 90 SNOW BUNTINGS in the area. Sandy Aubol in East Grand Forks reported that the over-wintering EASTERN TOWHEE, WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, and two HARRIS'S SPARROWS are still coming to her feeders. A NORTHERN CARDINAL is also coming regularly. Heidi Hughes saw a SHORT-EARED OWL and NORTHERN HARRIER on 190th St NW and CR 68, and twelve ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS along MN 1 between Radium and Thief River Falls. On January 24 , Sandy Aubol saw a flock of 200 CANADA GEESE in East Grand Forks near the Crystal Sugar lagoons. Shelley Steva saw COMMON RAVENS in Oklee in Red Lake County on January 25. In Pennington County on January 20, Shelley saw a ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK along CR 3 two miles east of the Casino. Two COMMON RAVENS were seen in the city of Thief River Falls. Thanks to Brad and Dee Ehlers, Heidi Hughes, Kelly Larson, Sandy Aubol , and Shelley Steva for their reports. Please report bird sightings to Jeanie Joppru by email, no later than Thursday each week, at ajjoppru AT mncable.net 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 2, 2012 Jeanie Joppru Pennington County, 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 Subject: MNDNR 2013 Stand Exam (probable timber harvest) list - comment period through Feb 29 From: Shawn Conrad <itascabirder AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:14:28 -0600 I just want to share this with birders who may be interested / concerned. Please see the DNR news release at the bottom of this email. The DNR has announced their stand examination list for public comment. (The comment period is essentially the month of February.) Of the 49,100 acres on the list, it is estimated that 35-40,000 acres will be found suitable for harvest. You can view maps of the selected stands and the State Forest Resource Management Plans at the link provided in the article. Unfortunately, the maps require you to zoom in significantly to see the stands, but you can get information about each stand with the "i" button. If you are so inclined, you can view all of the stands that will be examined for potential harvest in a given ecological subsection on the SFRMP link. Each stand has been assigned a preliminary treatment, that list can be viewed at: http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/harvesting/fy13HarvestPlansSummary.pdf You can submit comments on the overall plan or on specific stands. Most concerning to me--and I would suspect to others interested in bird conservation--are the plans concerning lowland conifers which are *extremely slow-growing*, ecologically fragile, and essential to species such as Boreal Chickadee, Spruce Grouse, Three-toed Woodpecker, Gray Jay, Connecticut Warbler, Cape May Warbler, and others. You do not have to be opposed to timber harvest in general (and I'm not) to see that converting extremely important habitat to pulpwood (as long as junk mail is abundant, there cannot be a shortage of pulpwood available to industry) is a tradeoff where the ecological costs outweigh the industrial benefits. At least in my birding experience, the birds I listed above are very partial to very old, very dense lowland conifer stands, so many of the stands harvested in 2013 may not be habitat to those species again in the lifetimes of many of us. The harvest plans for *2013 alone* call to clearcut nearly 4,000 acres of old black spruce stands and to clearcut nearly 2,000 acres of old tamarack on state lands. I've been looking at the map a little bit and it appears that some sizable stands of black spruce (165, 48, 17, 9, & 13 acres) are being considered for clearcut between CR 7 and Hwy 53 in the Sax-Zim area and those stands appear to be part of larger patches. In the Pine Island State Forest, there are black spruce and tamarack stands in the 149-209 year old range, some of which are between 100-200+ acres being considered for harvest. This is all in line with the State Forest Resource Management Plans for the Agassiz Lowlands which calls for accelerated harvest of old lowland conifer stands and a severe overall reduction in the age profile of lowland conifer stands (especially black spruce) in the subsection. If you have ever birded the lowland conifer stands of Pine Island State Forest, I don't have to tell you just how amazing the bird life is there because of those large, continuous old stands and if you have visited multiple times, I don't have to tell you that more and more relatively birdless clearcuts are showing up where Boreal Chickadees and Connecticut Warblers had been almost common. The only way that we can ensure that birds and the concerns of birders are taken into consideration in these harvest plans is to take advantage of these opportunities to comment on forest management plans and stand exam lists. This happens to be a state announcement, but the same is true at the county and federal level. Birders who care about these issues should consider making some thoughtful comments and so should the organizations that count on the support of birders. When so few people comment on these plans, and many of them represent industry, just a handful of voices speaking for protection gets noticed. Keep in mind that a primary driver behind this concern at all is our appetite for cheap paper. Reducing paper use, recycling, and buying recycled paper products is one key way to help reduce the demand for cutting these important habitats at all. Annual forest stand examination list available for review *(Released January 23, 2012)* The annual stand examination list (ASEL) for state-administered forest land, prepared by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), is available for public review. The ASEL is for fiscal year 2013, which begins July 1, 2012, and ends June 30, 2013. Comments will be accepted during a 30-day public comment period that ends on Feb. 29. The public has two options for reviewing harvest plans, according to Dave Epperly, DNR director of Forestry. Proposed stand examination locations, preliminary management prescriptions and forest inventory information can be viewed on the DNR website. Comments regarding a proposed stand examination site can be submitted to the DNR using this website. People without Internet access or those who prefer to review and discuss the annual stand examination list information directly with a forester, may contact or visit a local DNR area forestry office. Individuals should contact the local area forestry office prior to a visit to ensure the appropriate forestry staff will be available. For information, contact Jon Nelson, DNR Forestry, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN, 55155-4044; 651-259-5278; jon.nelson AT state.mn.us. The DNR administers 5 million acres of forest lands that have been certified as being well- managed under two separate third-party auditing systems. Annual stand examination lists are derived from multi-year forest management plans developed for these DNR lands by interdisciplinary DNR planning teams with public input, and based on long-term forest resource management goals. DNR staff will complete field evaluations on the 49,100 acres identified on the fiscal year 2013 ASEL and determine appropriate treatments, including timber harvest. It is estimated that approximately 35,000-40,000 of these acres will be suitable for timber sales. The timber will be appraised and offered for sale in the upcoming fiscal year. -- Shawn Conrad www.itascacnfbirding.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 Subject: Harrier-LeSueur County From: Dave Bartkey <greathorneddave AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:16:19 -0600 Hi everyone, I spotted a male Northern Harrier hunting low over a field late this afternoon. It was along LeSueur CR 133 just west of the Rice County line. This was a first in January for me and a pleasant surprise. I tried to scrounge up a Snowy Owl for LeSueur/Waseca/Steele counties in the short time I had but came up empty. Maybe this weekend.... Good birding! Dave Bartkey Faribault,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 Subject: Winterfest at Sherburne NWR From: Betsy Beneke <birderbetsy AT yahoo.com> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:14:09 -0800 (PST) Saturday, February 4, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. join us for Sherburne NWR's annual Winterfest celebration.  Live owls and a kestrel from the Audubon Society of the Northwoods, Sandstone, will be our featured "guests" for the day; learn all about owls!  There will also be interpretive horse-drawn sleigh rides and snowshoeing - if we have enough snow by then.  Otherwise, the horses will pull a wagon, and any educational adventures will be accomplished on foot!  We'll have booths and information on how resident wildlife species survive Minnesota winters, nature crafts for kids, a bonfire, food, information on the Junior Duck Stamp Art Program, and more!   No reservations necessary - just stop by and enjoy the FREE family-oriented activities.  Hot dogs and brats will be sold by our Friends of Sherburne group from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Free cake served at 12:30 p.m. to celebrate the upcoming National Wildlife Refuge System's birthday.  The Friends also host a silent auction to help raise funds to support our education and interpretive programs.  Learn about our Friends of Sherburne nonprofit organization and how they're trying to help us raise money for a BADLY NEEDED visitor center!   No events will be held at our headquarters/office, but you're welcome to stop by to see what birds might be having a snack at the feeders there.  The auto tour route is closed now until mid April, but you can hike, ski or snowshoe most all of the refuge.   Our web site has an event poster with more detailed information.   http://www.fws.gov/midwest/sherburne   Betsy Beneke Visitor Services Manager Sherburne NWR 763.389.3323 x13_______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Winterfest at Sherburne NWR From: Betsy Beneke <birderbetsy AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:14:09 -0800 Saturday, February 4, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. join us for Sherburne NWR's annual Winterfest celebration.  Live owls and a kestrel from the Audubon Society of the Northwoods, Sandstone, will be our featured "guests" for the day; learn all about owls!  There will also be interpretive horse-drawn sleigh rides and snowshoeing - if we have enough snow by then.  Otherwise, the horses will pull a wagon, and any educational adventures will be accomplished on foot!  We'll have booths and information on how resident wildlife species survive Minnesota winters, nature crafts for kids, a bonfire, food, information on the Junior Duck Stamp Art Program, and more!   No reservations necessary - just stop by and enjoy the FREE family-oriented activities.  Hot dogs and brats will be sold by our Friends of Sherburne group from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Free cake served at 12:30 p.m. to celebrate the upcoming National Wildlife Refuge System's birthday.  The Friends also host a silent auction to help raise funds to support our education and interpretive programs.  Learn about our Friends of Sherburne nonprofit organization and how they're trying to help us raise money for a BADLY NEEDED visitor center!   No events will be held at our headquarters/office, but you're welcome to stop by to see what birds might be having a snack at the feeders there.  The auto tour route is closed now until mid April, but you can hike, ski or snowshoe most all of the refuge.   Our web site has an event poster with more detailed information.   http://www.fws.gov/midwest/sherburne   Betsy Beneke Visitor Services Manager Sherburne NWR 763.389.3323 x13 ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: C. Wren: belated thanks From: linda whyte <birds AT moosewoods.us> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:23:18 -0600 Thank you, to those who posted about the Carolina Wren at Wild River State Park Visitor Center. The park is a great place for those of us needing outdoor winter exercise and for winter birding, but the Carolina Wren was an exceptional treat. It may take a bit of patience, depending on when you happen to arrive in its feeding schedule, but it spent some time on the covered green tray feeder when it came in. It appears to do a safety check first, from the shelter of the fallen oak trees behind the feeder area. The oak leaves make good camouflage for its colors; it was spotted first in there, by its motion. The various feeders are well-stocked, so there's a nice selection of other winter birds coming in. There are 3 different vantage points from which to view the feeders. In the front, and off to the side, is a cleared car-width path. Behind the building is an outdoor deck that offers a view from another side. Inside the building is a room with the closest view, from tall windows; though locked yesterday, it also gave a similar view through internal windows. I think even someone with limited mobility might be able to enjoy this bird easily. There was also a N. Shrike on the snowshoe path coming up from the river. Linda Whyte_______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: C. Wren: belated thanks From: linda whyte <birds AT MOOSEWOODS.US> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:23:18 -0600 Thank you, to those who posted about the Carolina Wren at Wild River State Park Visitor Center. The park is a great place for those of us needing outdoor winter exercise and for winter birding, but the Carolina Wren was an exceptional treat. It may take a bit of patience, depending on when you happen to arrive in its feeding schedule, but it spent some time on the covered green tray feeder when it came in. It appears to do a safety check first, from the shelter of the fallen oak trees behind the feeder area. The oak leaves make good camouflage for its colors; it was spotted first in there, by its motion. The various feeders are well-stocked, so there's a nice selection of other winter birds coming in. There are 3 different vantage points from which to view the feeders. In the front, and off to the side, is a cleared car-width path. Behind the building is an outdoor deck that offers a view from another side. Inside the building is a room with the closest view, from tall windows; though locked yesterday, it also gave a similar view through internal windows. I think even someone with limited mobility might be able to enjoy this bird easily. There was also a N. Shrike on the snowshoe path coming up from the river. Linda Whyte ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html Subject: unsuscribe From: Dan F <danf_55 AT Q.COM> Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:48:12 -0800 ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html