[mou] MOU RBA 24 July 2003

[Anthony X. Hertzel]

This is the Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday July 24th.

	Longtime MOU member Helen Tucker of Millville, Wabasha County 
found a Bewick's Wren on July 20th near her home. Though the wren has 
not been seen since Sunday, birders are welcome to visit, but please 
be respectful of the residential situation. From U.S. Highway 52 and 
state highway 60, go east on 60 and after crossing U.S. Highway 63 
look for mile marker 199. Turn south on County Road 2 into Millville 
and drive to the far end of Main Street. Turn left just past the two 
brick houses, then turn north to the 100 block of Bench Street. 

	John Ellis found an immature LITTLE BLUE HERON in the 
northwest corner of Douglas County near the Grant County line on July 
20th. To find the bird exit I-94 at Evansville and take County Road 
82 northwest to County Road 19. Go south on County Road 19 to its 
intersection with Whisper Lane. Turn left on Whisper Lane and go 1/2 
mile until you see a large sign for Bah Lake WPA. The bird is in the 
northwest corner of this intersection, and on the 23rd two Little 
Blue Herons were seen here.
	Approximately 1/2 mile south of Whisper Lane on County Road 
19 on the east side of the road there was an adult SNOWY EGRET on the 
21st. And about two miles north of Whisper Lane were four CATTLE 
EGRETS.
	In Grant County as many as 27 Cattle Egrets were found on the 
23rd. From Douglas County Road 19 turn west on Douglas County Road 55 
(also Grant County Road 54) for a mile then turn north on Ashby 
Estates Road East, for about a mile.

	The July 19th shorebird survey at Agassiz NWR in Marshall 
County produced 17 species, including SANDERLING, and RUDDY TURNSTONE.

	At Salt Lake in Lac Qui Parle County, ten species of 
shorebird were counted on July 18th, including: SHORT-BILLED 
DOWITCHER, SOLITARY SANDPIPER, and WILSON'S PHALAROPE.

	In Meeker County, several shorebirds were found one mile west 
of west of Cedar Mills at 610th Street. Among the species found on 
the 19th were LESSER YELLOWLEGS, GREATER YELLOWLEGS, LEAST SANDPIPER, 
SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER, STILT SANDPIPER, BAIRD'S SANDPIPER, PECTORAL 
SANDPIPER, and SOLITARY SANDPIPER.

	A pair of probable LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS was just north of 
the Larson's Prairie Marsh Farm in Lac Qui Parle County on July 19th. 
Directions are: On U.S. Highway 212 go seven miles west of U.S. 
Highway 75 then turn south at mile marker 5. Drive about one mile and 
look to the west side of the road for a small pond in a cattle 
pasture. Many other species of shorebirds at this location.

This state-wide birding report is brought to you and financially 
supported by the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union (MOU). The MOU is 
Minnesota's oldest and largest bird club.

The report is composed from observations generously submitted by MOU 
members and other birders throughout the state. You can support this 
weekly update by submitting your bird reports to Anthony Hertzel at 
axhertzel@sihope.com or by calling the hotline directly at 
763-780-8890 and leaving a detailed message.

MOU members receive this report directly on MOU-net, the club's free 
e-mail listservice, which is available to anyone interested. For 
information contact David Cahlander at <david@cahlander.com>.

MOU members receive the organization's quarterly journal "The Loon" 
and the bimonthly magazine, "Minnesota Birding". For membership 
information, send an e-mail message to our membership secretary at 
moumembers@yahoo.com.

In cooperation with the Minnesota Office of Tourism, highlights of 
this hotline can be now heard at a toll free number which is 
available to callers outside the Twin Cities area. The number is 
1-800-657-3700.

The MOU is pleased to offer this service. Thank you, and good birding.

The next scheduled update of this tape is Thursday, July 30th.

-- 
Anthony Hertzel -- axhertzel@sihope.com