Detroit Lakes RBA

Detroit Lakes RBA phone number: 1-800-433-1888

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-RBA
*Minnesota
*Detroit Lakes
*May 10, 2002
*MNDL0205.10

-Birds mentioned
-Transcript

Hotline: Minnesota, Detroit Lakes
Date: May 10, 2002
Sponsor: Lakes Area Birding Club, Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce
Reports: 1-800-542-3992 (weekdays during business hours)
Compiler: Betsy Beneke (BetsyBeneke@lakesnet.net)

This is the Northwest Minnesota Birding Report for Friday, May 10, 2002, sponsored by the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Lakes Area Birding Club. You may also hear this report by calling (218) 847-5743 or 1-800-433-1888.

A large influx of spring migrants was reported in Otter Tail County on 5/4 and 5/5 and in Becker County on 5/5 and 5/6. Birds reported in these two counties included SPOTTED SANDPIPER, RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD, SWAINSON'S THRUSH, BROWN THRASHER, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, NASHVILLE WARBLER, YELLOW WARBLER, CAPE MAY WARBLER, PALM WARBLER, BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER, AMERICAN REDSTART, WILSON'S WARBLER, EASTERN TOWHEE, ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK and BALTIMORE ORIOLE. Large numbers of WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW and HARRIS'S SPARROW were also observed in these two counties.

Three days of "winter" weather occurred during mid week. Temperatures in the 30's along with snow and strong wind, especially on 5/8 and 5/9 forced many birds to feeders not normally seen there. At Tamarac NWR in Becker County, yellow-rumped warblers were observed feeding on suet and oranges. Up to four pine warblers made constant visits to seed and peanut feeders - staff ground up the peanuts into a "meal" which seemed to be appreciated, as it was consumed as soon as it was put out! A sorry-looking northern parula was in constant presence, feeding on orange and mealworms. A break in the weather with temperatures rising into the 50's on 5/10 will be appreciated!

At Buffalo River State Park in Clay County on 5/4, some birds observed included GREEN HERON, PILEATED WOODPECKER, BLUE-HEADED VIREO, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, EASTERN BLUEBIRD, CLAY-COLORED SPARROW, LINCOLN'S SPARROW and HARRIS'S SPARROW.

At Old Mill State Park in Marshall County, a ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK arrived on 5/8. Other birds observed included YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, AMERICAN GOLDFINCH, EVENING GROSBEAK and DARK-EYED JUNCO.

Three SHORT-EARED OWLS were observed just west of the Agassiz NWR, along Pennington CR 12/Marshall CR 21 on 5/3.

On 5/4 at Thief Lake WMA, two WILLETS were near the viewing mound on the south side of the lake. A HORNED GREBE was seen on the lake. Other birds observed in the area were MERLIN and SHORT-EARED OWL.

In Roseu County on 5/5 a total of 39 COMMON LOONS were found at the Roseau River WMA, along with 8 WESTERN GREBES and HORNED GREBE.

On 5/5 in Kittson County, at the Twin Lakes WMA, a BALD EAGLE was spotted nesting in full view of the road. Other birds observed in the area included TUNDRA SWAN, MERLIN, SANDHILL CRANE, WESTERN MEADOWLARK and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW.

Thanks to the MANY people who shared sightings this week!

To report bird sightings, contact Betsy Beneke by e-mail, no later than Thursday each week, at: betsybeneke@lakesnet.net OR call the Chamber's toll free number: 1-800-542-3992. Detroit Lakes area birders please call 847-9202.

The next scheduled update of this report is Friday, May 17, 2002.




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