From smithville4@charter.net Sat Jan 1 01:16:46 2005 From: smithville4@charter.net (Mike Hendrickson) Date: Fri, 31 Dec 2004 19:16:46 -0600 Subject: [mou] Birding today Message-ID: <000801c4ef9f$907e4790$46a47044@FAMILYCOMPUTER> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0005_01C4EF6D.457F9780 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable I thought I share some birds I seen this week.=20 Today: ( Missouri Group) 1. Spruce Grouse (2) 3 miles south of Greenwood Lake along Lake Co. Rd 2 2. Red Crossbills along Highway 1 3. Hoary Redpoll (2) at the feeding station in Isabella. We gave the = bar/cafe owner about $20.00 for him to continue to buy seed. This = feeding station is very good! Also Pine Grosbeaks and some Pine Siskins. 12/30 ( YES I guided in rain/ice very tough Missouri group! ) 1. Sharp-tailed Grouse ( Sax Zim along McDavitt Rd.) 2. Hawk Owls and Great Gray Owls 3. Bohemian Waxwings ( Two Harbors 12th ave E and 8th St.) 12/29 ( Kentucky Group) 1. Gray Jays feeding out of our hands along the Spruce Rd. Lake Co. 2. Evening Grosbeak along Hwy 1 feeder before the Forest Service Office. = Lake Co. 3. Boreal Owl ( Two Harbors found by Jim Lind. I searched and search to = re find this owl without any success.) Lake Co. Michael Hendrickson Minnesota Birding Treks http://webpages.charter.net/mmhendrickson/ ------=_NextPart_000_0005_01C4EF6D.457F9780 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
I thought I share some birds = I seen this=20 week.
 
Today: ( Missouri = Group)
 
1. Spruce Grouse (2) 3 miles = south of=20 Greenwood Lake along Lake Co. Rd 2
 
2. Red Crossbills along = Highway=20 1
 
3. Hoary Redpoll (2) at the = feeding=20 station in Isabella. We gave the bar/cafe owner about $20.00 for him to = continue=20 to buy seed. This feeding station is very good! Also Pine Grosbeaks and = some=20 Pine Siskins.
 
  12/30 ( YES I guided = in rain/ice=20 very tough Missouri group! )
 
1. Sharp-tailed Grouse ( Sax = Zim along=20 McDavitt Rd.)
 
2. Hawk Owls and Great Gray=20 Owls
 
3. Bohemian Waxwings ( Two = Harbors 12th=20 ave E and 8th St.)
 
12/29 ( Kentucky = Group)
 
1. Gray Jays feeding out of = our hands=20 along the Spruce Rd. Lake Co.
 
2. Evening Grosbeak along Hwy = 1 feeder=20 before the Forest Service Office. Lake Co.
 
3. Boreal Owl ( Two Harbors = found by Jim=20 Lind. I searched and search to re find this owl without any success.) = Lake=20 Co.
 
Michael = Hendrickson
 
Minnesota Birding Treks
http://webpages.chart= er.net/mmhendrickson/
------=_NextPart_000_0005_01C4EF6D.457F9780-- From a_molson@unidial.com Sat Jan 1 15:31:19 2005 From: a_molson@unidial.com (Ann and Manley Olson) Date: Sat, 01 Jan 2005 09:31:19 -0600 Subject: [mou] No Varied Thrush yet today Message-ID: <41D6C247.5000906@unidial.com> The Varied Thrush has not yet been seen despite many seekers.I have a porch full of birders watching chickadees. The other yard where it has been seen has been checked but no bird there either.It was seen here throughout the day yesterday but was very unpredictable in the morning. I will post as soon as it appears Manley Olson From a_molson@unidial.com Sat Jan 1 15:49:37 2005 From: a_molson@unidial.com (Ann and Manley Olson) Date: Sat, 01 Jan 2005 09:49:37 -0600 Subject: [mou] Varied Thrush seen Message-ID: <41D6C691.9000402@unidial.com> The Varid Thrush has just been seen in the yard at Prior and Howell. From Roselawn take Prior south. Do not turn on Summer but follow Prior to the junction with Howell.The bird is in the yard on the northwest corner.The are several crab trees including a big one on the lot corner away from the street Manley Olson 1974W Summer Falcon Heights 651 644 2848 From muchmoredoc@hotmail.com Sat Jan 1 19:16:46 2005 From: muchmoredoc@hotmail.com (Jim Ryan) Date: Sat, 01 Jan 2005 13:16:46 -0600 Subject: [mou] Roseville Varied Thrush Update Message-ID: The thrush was seen at the NW corner of Prior & Howell at about 12:30p on the 1st. The bird is in the back yard, as their are several fruit trees and spruces nearby for cover. A good spot. It was very cooperative after a wait of 20 minutes or so, loafing in the second tree from the street. A robin was also in the same tree and provided a convenient contrast/comparison. Manley Olson and Mark Ochs reported Cedar Waxwings have also been seen in this spot. They also mentioned the home is owned by a birder friendly person. A great way to start the new year! Jim in S. Mpls "Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing themselves."- Leo Tolstoy PS: With all the news about irritated locals in Sax-Zim, I have one more idea to add to the good suggestions put forth for allaying concerns of non-birders. From now on while birding, I have decided to print out some signs to tape in my back windows saying: MOU Bird Watcher, just so curious onlookers have some idea what the heck that guy slowly cruising or stopped on the side of the road is doing. It may ease some people's concerns and raise awareness as to the prevalence of bird watchers out and about. From DKieser@CLYNCH.COM Sat Jan 1 20:51:15 2005 From: DKieser@CLYNCH.COM (Doug Kieser) Date: Sat, 1 Jan 2005 14:51:15 -0600 Subject: [mou] Carolina Wren, Varied Thrush -- Bloomington, Hennepin County Message-ID: <20261F5176B53E40AAF39FB4007DFCDD032CE89F@mail.clynch.com> A Carolina Wren was just up the hill from the Old Cedar Ave. Bridge parking area at 9:30 this morning. The bird was in some grape vines directly across Old Cedar Ave from the driveway and sign for the garden center. The Varied Thrush at the intersection of 110th Street and Sheridan Ave in Bloomington was observed at 10:30, feeding on cracked corn under the feeders at 2600 110th Street. It then flew up into a Cedar near the feeders, where it was more easily viewed. Doug Kieser Minneapolis From Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com Sat Jan 1 21:56:54 2005 From: Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com (Alt, Mark) Date: Sat, 1 Jan 2005 15:56:54 -0600 Subject: [mou] Pine County Birds Message-ID: <4F3C90DD5ABC32408C70AC50F47942BDDEB791@ds69mail.na.bestbuy.com> I returned to Pine County this morning with Richard Peet, we were after the elusive singing of two species, Pine Grosbeak and Northern Shrike. We found that since our CBC in the area on the 12/29, the Grosbeaks have exploded in population. We went to one feeder house on Townline road well east of Kerrick where we saw a flock of 30 Pine Grosbeaks and 7 Evening Grosbeaks. I have never been able to see the plumage variation in such detail or in such variety? By using my Sibley text, I attempted to discern which subspecies I was seeing. The males I saw mostly fit into the interior west race, with the gray mottling extending well up the breast. Two were a striking russet color, orange red; Sibley doesn't do it justice, as in most of the orange hues in the book. The color is more of an orange buffy, hard to describe. These birds are probably first year males. No singing, many call notes mixed with Evening Grosbeaks sharply trilled calls, redpolls chirruping and chortling, and a beautiful male Purple Finch. There were more than 100 birds actively feeding for most of the day. Shrikes were not to be found this day, but we will return, I read a paper yesterday postulating that the winter song of the Northern Shrike has a singular purpose - to lure in passing passerines to their destruction, a siren song so to speak. Both sexes sing in this way and there is conjecture that the loose phrases of its song are mimicry of alarm calls for birds they have been around. I have heard the song twice in my life, both birds were perched high in treetops, appearing to hunt. The softness of the warbling reminded me of a whisper song, definitely not the full volume you would expect from such a large passerine. I think this is fascinating, and cannot wait to record it. I wonder if they sing more often than we think, but we in cars do not hear it? If anyone finds a bird that is singing and regularly found, please post it so we can try and get it recorded before it returns to its Tundra homeland. And the next time you see a Northern Shrike perched high, surveying the territory, try and get in ear shot of it so you can witness this amazing behavior. The complexity of the birds we see every day never fails to impress,=20 Mark Alt=20 Brooklyn Center, MN=20 mark.alt@bestbuy.com=20 "Birds and their songs are important to me, they add to my enjoyment of life"=20 From smithville4@charter.net Sat Jan 1 23:17:22 2005 From: smithville4@charter.net (Mike Hendrickson) Date: Sat, 1 Jan 2005 17:17:22 -0600 Subject: [mou] Sax Zim birding Message-ID: <000801c4f058$0c4540f0$46a47044@FAMILYCOMPUTER> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0005_01C4F025.C16F2780 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable While my first day with the Missouri group was rain and ice we decided = to head back up there today. We saw the following birds. -20 Great Grey Owls along Co. Rd 52 from Hwy. 53 to the Stickney Road. -Rough Grouse on Co. rd 52 about a mile west of Hwy 53. -10 Northern Hawk Owls spread out various places in Sax Zim. Most = numerous along Co. Rd 7. -Boreal Chickadees along Co. Rd 52 2 miles west of the Stickney Rd. = Heard another along the Admiral Road. -Bohemian Waxwings along Co. Rd 229 a mile north of Co. Rd 133 feeding = on hackberries. -Snow Buntings along Co. Rd 7 from the Sax Rd to the Zim Rd. Saw = several flocks and one flock around a 100 birds. * Stopped at the Meadowlands COOP and the Missouri group bought hooded = sweatshirts, leather mittens and snacks. The people there are so = delighted with the boming business. They know me by now and are very = happy that I bring my business to them. I think so far my groups bought = several "Meadowlands" pull over hoods and leather mittens from them. = One of the workers told me they saw a small owl in their back yard. It = may of been a boreal owl. We did not stop at any feeders and when we = were out of the cars a few of the residents will pass us and look at us. = Most of the Missouri people waved and smiled at them and we usually got = a positive response from them. I told them about the relationship between the residents and birders = this year and a woman had a great idea. They think the MOU should bring = there booth stuff to one of their community events and answer questions. = Beats knocking on doors. I have no idea what sort of community stuff = they offer but its a neat idea. I got a suet feeder and suet fro ma Christmas game we play here at home = and plan on bringing it to Sax Zim and nail it on a tree along McDavitt = that has Boreal Chickadees. I will give location of the feeder then if = your up there you can refill it if it needs more of them square suet = cakes. There is a risk that some squirrel or Pine Martin may rip it = down and devour it all but hey it worth a try. Its county land too. Mike Hendrickson Michael Hendrickson Minnesota Birding Treks http://webpages.charter.net/mmhendrickson/ ------=_NextPart_000_0005_01C4F025.C16F2780 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
While my first day with the = Missouri=20 group was rain and ice we decided to head back up there today. We saw = the=20 following birds.
 
-20 Great Grey Owls along Co. = Rd 52 from=20 Hwy. 53 to the Stickney Road.
 
-Rough Grouse on Co. rd 52 = about a mile=20 west of Hwy 53.
 
-10 Northern Hawk Owls spread = out various places in Sax Zim. Most numerous along Co. Rd=20 7.
 
-Boreal Chickadees along Co. = Rd 52 2=20 miles west of the Stickney Rd. Heard another along the Admiral=20 Road.
 
-Bohemian Waxwings along Co. = Rd 229 a=20 mile north of Co. Rd 133 feeding=20 on hackberries.
 
-Snow Buntings along Co. Rd 7 = from the=20 Sax Rd to the Zim Rd.  Saw several flocks and one flock around a = 100=20 birds.
 
* Stopped at the Meadowlands = COOP and the=20 Missouri group bought hooded sweatshirts, leather mittens and snacks. = The people=20 there are so delighted with the boming business. They know me by now and = are=20 very happy that I bring my business to them. I think so far my groups = bought=20 several "Meadowlands" pull over hoods and leather mittens from = them.  One=20 of the workers told me they saw a small owl in their back yard. It may = of been a=20 boreal owl.  We did not stop at any feeders and when we were out of = the=20 cars a few of the residents will pass us and look at us. Most of the = Missouri=20 people waved and smiled at them and we usually got a positive response = from=20 them.
 
I told them about the = relationship=20 between the residents and birders this year and a woman had a great = idea. =20 They think the MOU should bring there booth stuff to one of their = community=20 events and answer questions. Beats knocking on doors.  I have no = idea what=20 sort of community stuff they offer but its a neat idea.
 
I got a suet feeder and suet = fro ma=20 Christmas game we play here at home and plan on bringing it to Sax Zim = and nail=20 it on a tree along McDavitt that has Boreal Chickadees.   I = will give=20 location of the feeder then if your up there you can refill it if it = needs more=20 of them square suet cakes.  There is a risk that some squirrel or = Pine=20 Martin may rip it down and devour it all but hey it worth a try.  = Its=20 county land too.
 
Mike Hendrickson
 
 
 
 
Michael = Hendrickson
 
Minnesota Birding Treks
http://webpages.chart= er.net/mmhendrickson/
------=_NextPart_000_0005_01C4F025.C16F2780-- From dbmartin@skypoint.com Sun Jan 2 00:44:47 2005 From: dbmartin@skypoint.com (Dennis/Barbara Martin) Date: Sat, 1 Jan 2005 18:44:47 -0600 Subject: [mou] Varied Thrush -- Bloomington, Hennepin County References: <20261F5176B53E40AAF39FB4007DFCDD032CE89F@mail.clynch.com> Message-ID: <004601c4f064$438063e0$de2f56c7@oemcomputer> Saw the Varied Thrush about noon in the backyard of the house, seen from 110th, feeding on the ground right next to the telephone pole. The Great Black-backed Gull was seen way down the east pond on the edge of the ice. This area was reached by walking the trail from the east channel and following the north shore of the lake for some distance. Of interest to us in this area was what appeared to be a first winter Herring Gull with extremely bright orange-yellow legs. Anybody have any thoughts on this? Was it not a Herring Gull but something different? It definitely was not a Ring-billed Gull as there were other birds there for comparison. The Great Gray Owl in Chaska appears to have moved on or we simply missed it. Lastly saw a Brown Thrasher coming to a feeder in Deephaven, not far from our house. Anyone working on a January list give us a call for information. Dennis and Barbara Martin dbmartin@skypoint.com From Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com Sun Jan 2 01:20:11 2005 From: Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com (Alt, Mark) Date: Sat, 1 Jan 2005 19:20:11 -0600 Subject: [mou] Sax-Zim issues Message-ID: <4F3C90DD5ABC32408C70AC50F47942BDDEB796@ds69mail.na.bestbuy.com> If we take time to act in good faith with the well-being of the people we affect, we will still make mistakes we can learn from. We may have to pass on opportunities that are in such private areas of personal property, even for the birds of the lifetime. This is not an easy thing to do. Thanks for sharing your story with us. Mark Alt=20 Brooklyn Center, MN=20 mark.alt@bestbuy.com=20 "Birds and their songs are important to me, they add to my enjoyment of life"=20 From aajensen1@hotmail.com Sun Jan 2 01:27:51 2005 From: aajensen1@hotmail.com (Allison Jensen) Date: Sat, 01 Jan 2005 19:27:51 -0600 Subject: [mou] New Year's greetings and a friendly reminder Message-ID: Hello, Just a reminder that the deadline for the March-April issue of Minnesota Birding is January 25, 2005. Happy New Year! Allison Jensen 651-488-3030 From Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com Sun Jan 2 01:28:05 2005 From: Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com (Alt, Mark) Date: Sat, 1 Jan 2005 19:28:05 -0600 Subject: [mou] FW: Sax-Zim solutions Message-ID: <4F3C90DD5ABC32408C70AC50F47942BDDEB798@ds69mail.na.bestbuy.com> We are getting concerns and suggestions from out of state. Points well made from a fellow named Jim greenway. FYI. Mark Alt=20 MOU President mark.alt@bestbuy.com C/O J. F. Bell Museum of Natural History University of Minnesota 10 Church Street SE Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104 MOU.mn.org -----Original Message----- From: Jim Greenway [mailto:mtnpathfinder@msn.com]=20 Sent: Saturday, January 01, 2005 6:44 PM To: Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com Subject: Sax-Zim solutions Mark: I'm one of the probably many out of state birders that monitor the MN=20 lists for word about a GGO irruption. As a CBC compiler I'm very sensitive=20 to checking feeders, etc. and the potential for irking the feeder owner. I=20 thought I'd thow out a couple of ideas that I had for the S-Z situation. For one, never underestimate the power of capitalism and the concept of=20 "eco-tourism." If birding trip guides are compensated for showing birds to=20 people, then why can't feeder owners be compensated for creating magnets for=20 the birds? Down here in Ga., there are lots of private fishing holes at=20 which there is no permanent on-site caretaker. Anglers are free to come and=20 go. A sign at the gate, however, firmly asks them to deposit a nominal fee=20 in a secure wooden drop box conspicuously located near the entrance in=20 exchange for the privilege of fishing. Perhaps asking some of the=20 property/feeder owners if they'd like to at least recoup the cost of their=20 feed, feeders and time might encourage more of them to make the feeders=20 available for public viewing. A combination of the "birders welcome" sign and a small, padlocked drop box=20 with a sign that solicits a $1-2 fee or a donation might be the ticket.=20 Giving the feeder owners bags of feeder is a great idea, but how much room=20 will many of them have for storing all of this feed? And what if they can't=20 dispose of it before it spoils? There are always those "cheapskate" birders=20 that won't donate a $10-15 bag of feed because "someone else dropped off some" or "I gave at the last house." Think of the economics. On a really=20 good weekend, 30 to 40 birders might stop through. At $1 a pop, that's=20 $30-40 or enough to purchase 3-4 50 lb bags of black oil sunflower or 25-30=20 suet blocks per day. At only $40-50 a weekend for essentially two hours of=20 work - one hour filling and tending; another for buying the feed - it=20 becomes a real incentive. Keep in mind that a weekend could probably net an=20 owner enough to feed for several weeks in order to be a regular attractor of=20 local birds. This might even create competition among feeder owners as they=20 begin to devise larger and more sophisticated feeder arrangements in order=20 to become the most-visited (and compensated) yard because they've attracted=20 the "most interesting" birds. As an aside, I'm not much of a RBA "chaser." When I have visited feeders at=20 local homes in order to pick up the unusual bird, I have taken a plate of=20 cookies or a cake (pound, etc.) that will stay fresh and won't slide in a=20 moving vehicle. This has bought a lot of goodwill from feeder owners who have tolerated "free-loaders" visiting their homes. Finally, I realize that Sax-Zim could be very close to its carrying capacity=20 for visitors. Are there places *other than* Sax-Zim that out-of-staters can=20 visit and get a reasonable opportunity at seeing these owls? I'm all the way=20 down here in north Georgia but have been monitoring the situation in case=20 the owls got far enough south for me to visit. My interest is so serious that I actually try to listen to radio WELY's sunday birding show via my DSL=20 internet connection! I'd be strongly tempted to pass on Sax-Zim just to avoid the opportunity to be run down on an icy road by another Southerner=20 that can't drive in snow! I have the Eckert book but I realize that=20 "on-site" intelligence might be more useful. Happy New Year - Jim _________________________________________________________________ Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! Download today - it's FREE!=20 http://messenger.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200471ave/direct/01/ From Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com Sun Jan 2 05:05:46 2005 From: Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com (Alt, Mark) Date: Sat, 1 Jan 2005 23:05:46 -0600 Subject: [mou] State of Minnesota Owls - A New Year's Day perspective Message-ID: <4F3C90DD5ABC32408C70AC50F47942BDDEB7A0@ds69mail.na.bestbuy.com> I was asked by Dan Lockshaw, the editor and owner of owling.com, to write up an article for his website explaining some of what has been going on this year in MN. This article was my submission. I decided to share it with everyone, there are many viewpoints represented here. Special thanks to Tony Hertzel for proofing and editing the facts to ensure they are, indeed, factual. What a great year to be a birder! Happy New Year The winter of 2004-05 is the winter of the Owls in Minnesota. The first date for Great Gray Owl sightings called into the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union (MOU) Rare Bird Alert was 17 August. There were a total of three August records, one September record and several more in the first week of October. We cannot be sure these were not resident birds. First report of Northern Hawk Owl was 3 October. This is not assumed to be a resident bird. The first Boreal was banded on 17 October. Frank Nicoletti and Bill Lane were banding Boreal Owls along Lake Superior's north shore this fall and began getting them in large numbers, with more than 300 banded since October. The majority of netted birds were healthy, not underweight, and female. This leads to conjecture that this may be, at least in part, a natural dispersal of females and not due to the result of stress from dwindling food supplies. The male Boreal typically holds to his breeding territory until stress induces him to move. A thick hard layer of ice or a crash in the Red-backed Vole population - their primary food source - often results in a Boreal Owl invasion year. Banding has been intensive this year, so perhaps the influx of Boreals in good condition is not so exceptional. Boreal Owls were still very hard to find away from the banding nets as of New Year's Day. They are one of the most nocturnal of owls, and Steve Wilson, DNR wildlife specialist, notes that Boreals not yet found hunting in daylight suggests we do not yet have stressed birds.=20 In November, large numbers of northern owls began hunting along roads in central St. Louis County, especially in the Sax-Zim Bog area. Elements contributing to stress can be different among Great Gray Owls (GGOW), Northern Hawk Owls (NHOW), and Boreal Owls (BOOW). GGOW and NHOW use microtine voles as the majority of their diet - primarily Meadow Voles. When these rodent populations crash, this exerts stress on the owls. Dr. James Duncan, of Winnipeg, has monitored small mammal populations in the Roseau Bog area of northwestern Minnesota since 1986. The populations in the fall of 2004 were the lowest recorded since 1992. Not coincidentally, in the winter of 1991-92 what was then a record number 196 Great Gray Owls and a record 142 Northern Hawk Owls were reported in Minnesota. In that same winter, only three Boreal Owls were noted. A similar invasion appears to be happening this year. Meadow Voles breed throughout the winter while tunneling under the snow. They can breed at two months of age, and with an adequate food supply and proper habitat their numbers can explode. Red-backed Voles do not normally reproduce in the winter, and prosper under a forest canopy which prevents the snow from forming a hard crust. Boreals are reported to have an affinity for sheds and woodpiles, both great habitat for Red-backed Voles, Deer, and White-footed Mice.=20 There have been over 1300 reports of GGOW, 200 NHOW, and 300 BOOW. This compares to last year's more typical numbers of 35 GGOW, 6 NHOW, and 1 BOOW. This is indeed a banner year. Without the banding, we may never have known the magnitude of Boreal Owl movements this year. We are all waiting to see what comes of this. How far south will each species travel? Pine County and Aitkin County, about 70 miles south of Duluth, each have areas where GGOW and NHOW are often seen each winter.=20 The Minnesota Ornithologists' Union (MOU) is looking for data on these owls. It is important that as much data is collected as is possible.=20 A good record includes: 1. A correctly identified species 2. Date of observation 3. A specific location. Locations are usually the weakest part of a record. Observers might say "I saw this bird on highway 30 just past Mud Lake". Problems with this kind of information would be, which Mud Lake? There are more than 40 in the state. What kind of highway is "Highway 30"? The term "highway" could mean a state road, a county road, an interstate, or a U.S. highway, and most everyone uses the term freely to mean any one of those. If it is a county road, then they should use that term. Simply saying "highway" is ambiguous and requires someone to take the time to correctly interpret the information, so clarity and certainty may be compromised. And finally, "just past Mud Lake" could be greatly improved with exact mileage, GPS coordinates, or something more specific.=20 4. Observers' names and contact information There is a data base of all known NHOW, GGOW, and BOOW records from this season being collectively kept by the MOU. Records of sightings should be emailed to the MOU at mou@cbs.umn.edu. These great birds are now spread throughout the northern half of the state of MN. Sax-Zim was where the large numbers were first discovered, but they have dispersed and are being seen elsewhere as well. The numbers of birders driving and stopping on the roads, using scopes and cameras in front of local residents' homes, has created stress on the good people that live in this part of the state. If you get a chance to visit, please come, but hook up with a guide or a member of the MOU to find where to go. We need to lessen the burden of our birding soon on this small area.=20 Mark Alt President, Minnesota Ornithologists' Union markfalcon@comcast.net (Cell) 612-803-9085 Brooklyn Center, MN From fieldfare21@hotmail.com Sun Jan 2 07:10:03 2005 From: fieldfare21@hotmail.com (Benjamin Fritchman) Date: Sun, 02 Jan 2005 01:10:03 -0600 Subject: [mou] Long Prairie CBC Message-ID: New Year's Day brought many wary partyers to the annual Long Prairie CBC. A preliminary count, without the feeder watchers results in, has the species at 37 for the day. We usually average around 34, so it was a pretty good year. Highlights: Brown Creeper-1 Horned Larks-one small flock Hoary Redpolls-1, possibly 2 Bohemian Waxwings-flock in the Long Prairie cemetery Am. Robin- a few, we usually don't get one Cedar Waxwings-a few flocks Golden-crowned Kinglets-1 or 2 Mallards-3, usually a no-waterfowl CBC Sharp-shinned Hawk-1 And all the usual suspects, including hundreds of Siskins and Redpolls, a higher than average count of Red-breasted Nuthatches, several RT Hawks, Snow Buntings, and one Barred Owl. Unfortunately no northern owls or goshawks. Ben Fritchman Long Prairie, MN From a_molson@unidial.com, a_molson@unidial.com Sun Jan 2 15:04:01 2005 From: a_molson@unidial.com, a_molson@unidial.com (Ann and Manley Olson) Date: Sun, 02 Jan 2005 09:04:01 -0600 Subject: [mou] Varied Thrush Falcon Heights Message-ID: <41D80D61.6000201@unidial.com> I saw it briefly at 7:40 on the ground under the feeder,but have not seen it since.Yesterday the bird was at the yard on Prior and Howell from 9:45 until at least 1:00. I do not know if anyone saw it later.There was also a Robin and Cedar Waxwings there. I will not be here much of today.If you see the bird leave a phone or email.Here the bird can be seen from my yard.Going into the yard behind us is usually not necessary and tends to drive the bird out of sight under the spruce trees.If it not out in the open,look for it under the wooden fence in the yard adjacent to us on the south.The people in the red house know about the bird as do most of the other people in nearby houses. At the yard on Prior the bird is most often seen in the crabapple trees,both near the street and farter back on the lot. Theman who lives there is aware of the bird and birders but I have not talked with people in adjacent houses. Manley Olson 1974 W Summer Falcon Heights 651 644 2848 From nature@gunflint.com Sun Jan 2 20:35:35 2005 From: nature@gunflint.com (Naturalist) Date: Sun, 2 Jan 2005 14:35:35 -0600 Subject: [mou] New Birds on the Upper Gunflint Trail Message-ID: Over the past few days, a number of interesting bird species have arrived, in significant numbers, at the feeders on the Gunflint Lodge property. There are mixed flocks of common and hoary redpolls eating both thistle and sunflower seeds outside the naturalist office. A smaller number of pine siskins are eating thistle seeds outside of the activity center/outfitters building. The other birds that are common in the area this winter are the pine grosbeak, common raven, red-breasted nuthatch, black-capped chickadee, American goldfinch, blue jay, gray jay, hairy woodpecker, and downy woodpecker. John Silliman Gunflint Lodge Naturalist From deanne.endrizzi@juno.com Sun Jan 2 22:34:13 2005 From: deanne.endrizzi@juno.com (deanne.endrizzi@juno.com) Date: Sun, 2 Jan 2005 16:34:13 -0600 Subject: [mou] GGOW - Mille Lacs Co. 1/2/5 Message-ID: <20050102.163535.-340579.0.deanne.endrizzi@juno.com> This owl was probably the same owl seen last week on the entrance road to Kathio State Park. It was seen from 169 just north of where the Rum River meets Mille Lacs Lake on the west side of the road. The traffic was quite heavy, so it kept me from going back to get a photo. Deanne Endrizzi Burnsville, Dakota Cty. From Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com Sun Jan 2 22:45:57 2005 From: Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com (Alt, Mark) Date: Sun, 2 Jan 2005 16:45:57 -0600 Subject: [mou] FW: Winter owl survey Message-ID: <4F3C90DD5ABC32408C70AC50F47942BDDEB7AA@ds69mail.na.bestbuy.com> The Owls may be heading south - we get to have fun all over again discovering where these beautiful creatures are. Let's build relations with the community wherever they end up. Good Birding! Mark Alt=20 Brooklyn Center, MN=20 mark.alt@bestbuy.com=20 "Birds and their songs are important to me, they add to my enjoyment of life"=20 -----Original Message----- From: sdgrossh@imap.d.umn.edu [mailto:sdgrossh@imap.d.umn.edu] On Behalf Of Sarah Grosshuesch Sent: Sunday, January 02, 2005 3:33 PM To: Alt, Mark Subject: RE: Winter owl survey Mark: Good luck surveying in Pine Co.! It might be very interesting to see=20 how many owls start showing up in the southern counties. Ben Yokel=20 mentioned that the number of ggow present in Sax/Zim has dropped off=20 significantly, probably due to the ice crust on the snow. I look=20 forward to seeing your Jan. results. Take care, Dave Grosshuesch From lysti002@tc.umn.edu Mon Jan 3 02:06:40 2005 From: lysti002@tc.umn.edu (Lystig, Becky & Mark) Date: Sun, 02 Jan 2005 20:06:40 -0600 Subject: [mou] Great Gray Owls Message-ID: <41D8A8B0.7050607@tc.umn.edu> While cross-country skiing this morning, we saw 2 Great Gray Owls in the skiers parking lot at Cascade Lodge, which is a few miles north of Lutsen an Hwy 61, Cook Co. While skiing one of the trails, many Ravens and a Bald Eagle were seen on a deer carcass. We saw another Great Gray Owl on the Expressway between Two Harbors and Duluth, between mile post 7 and 8, St. Louis Co. Becky and Mark Lystig From ajjoppru@wiktel.com Mon Jan 3 02:41:42 2005 From: ajjoppru@wiktel.com (Jeanie Joppru) Date: Sun, 2 Jan 2005 20:41:42 -0600 Subject: [mou] FW: More Birds Seen on Way Home Message-ID: <000301c4f13d$c605bb60$3992ddcc@main> Here is a report from one of the Illinois birders who came to northern Minnesota to help with the Beltrami Island CBC on Wednesday. Jeanie Joppru Pennington County > -----Original Message----- > From: JackArm@aol.com [mailto:JackArm@aol.com] > Sent: Sunday, January 02, 2005 8:16 PM > To: ajjoppru@wiktel.com > Subject: More Birds Seen on Way Home > > > Jeanie: > After reading your report, I should also report to you > some of the birds > we saw as we were driving south on Thursday, Dec. 30. In > Kelliher we found a > flock of about 120 Bohemian Waxwings. Just east of > Floodwood, we saw a > Northern Hawk Owl and another on Rt. 73 just south of the > intersection with Highway > 2. Thanks for your report. > > Jack Armstrong, Rockford > From Swimingjim@aol.com Mon Jan 3 02:59:44 2005 From: Swimingjim@aol.com (Swimingjim@aol.com) Date: Sun, 2 Jan 2005 21:59:44 EST Subject: [mou] Great Gray Owl near Shakopee Message-ID: <1d7.33706607.2f0a0f20@aol.com> --part1_1d7.33706607.2f0a0f20_boundary Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I found a Great Gray Owl in the Minnesota Valley Refuge north of Blue Lake on Sunday. From the MVR parking lot on Hwy 101, immediately east of the Blue Lake Sewage Treatment plant, walk the trail straight north to the Minnesota River. Then follow the trail upstream for about 800 feet to a small clearing. The owl was in a snag, 10 feet from the path. J. Burt --part1_1d7.33706607.2f0a0f20_boundary Content-Type: text/html; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable I found a Great Gray Owl in the Minneso= ta Valley Refuge north of Blue Lake on Sunday. From the MVR parking lot on H= wy 101, immediately east of the Blue Lake Sewage Treatment plant, walk the t= rail straight north  to the Minnesota River. Then follow the trail ups= tream for about  800 feet to a small clearing. The owl was in a snag,=20= 10 feet from the path.

J. Burt --part1_1d7.33706607.2f0a0f20_boundary-- From MMARTELL@audubon.org Mon Jan 3 03:00:03 2005 From: MMARTELL@audubon.org (MARTELL, Mark) Date: Sun, 2 Jan 2005 22:00:03 -0500 Subject: [mou] Out of state birders Message-ID: SSBhbSB0cnlpbmcgdG8gZ2V0IGEgdGFsbHkgb2YgdGhlIHN0YXRlcyBmcm9tIHdoaWNoIGZvbGtz IGhhdmUgY29tZSB0byBzZWUgbm9ydGhlcm4gb3dscy4gIElmIHlvdSBoYXZlIGxlZCBhIHRyaXAs IGhhZCB2aXNpdG9ycywgb3IganVzdCByYW4gaW50byBhbnlvbmUgd291bGQgeW91IHBsZWFzZSBs ZXQgbWUga25vdyB3aGVyZSB0aGV5IHdlcmUgZnJvbSAoYW5kIGhvdyBtYW55IGlmIHBvc3NpYmxl KS4gIEkgd2lsbCBiZSBrZWVwaW5nIHRyYWNrIG9mIHRoaXMgdGhyb3VnIHRoZSB3aW50ZXIgc28g cGxlYXNlIGtlZXAgdGhpcyBpbiBtaW5kIGFzIHRoZSBzZWFzb24gcHJvZ3Jlc3Nlcy4NCiANClBs ZWFzZSByZXBseSBkaXJlY3RseSB0byBteSBlbWFpbCByYXRoZXIgdGhhbiB0aGUgd2hvbGUgbGlz dCBzZXJ2ZS4NCiANClRoYW5rcy4NCiANCk1hcmsgTWFydGVsbA0KQXVkdWJvbiBNaW5uZXNvdGEN CjY1MS03MzktOTMzMg0KbW1hcnRlbGxAYXVkdWJvbi5vcmcNCg== From tomwill@umn.edu Mon Jan 3 04:30:54 2005 From: tomwill@umn.edu (Tom Will) Date: Sun, 2 Jan 2005 22:30:54 -0600 Subject: [mou] Barrow's Goldeneye at Prescott WI/MN border Message-ID: From the bluffs at Freedom Park in Prescott, WI, I looked down on a male Barrow's Goldeneye in a large flock of Commons at 4:00 pm, Sunday, Jan 2. The Barrow's was in a large flock of Commons rafting on the WI side of the Mississippi River. This male was likely the same bird reported by Jim Mattsson from Prescott on Dec. 27. Just as Jim said would happen with the Long-tailed Duck he saw from Freedom Park that same day, eagles eventually riled up the raft of ducks, and the Barrow's (and about 200 Common Goldeneyes) flew in a wide arc over the Minnesota side. Two Glaucous Gulls were also present. Tom Will Ramsey County From watsup@boreal.org Mon Jan 3 16:58:26 2005 From: watsup@boreal.org (Steve and Sherry Watson) Date: Mon, 3 Jan 2005 08:58:26 -0800 Subject: [mou] hoary redpoll Message-ID: <000001c4f1b5$7221aa40$860f46d8@m7z0w8> Hello All, The last three day's I have a very classic hoary redpoll visiting my feeder up here near Devil's Track Lake out of Grand Marais. He's so bright he stands out of a group of 50 on the platform feeder about forty feet from the house. It's funny; the hoary redpoll was the first bird I laid eyes on, on New Years Day. I also wanted to mention that yesterday my dad watched a great gray owl glide through the yard. Good birding, Josh Watson Grand Marais -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.296 / Virus Database: 265.6.7 - Release Date: 12/30/04 From a_molson@unidial.com, a_molson@unidial.com Mon Jan 3 15:29:25 2005 From: a_molson@unidial.com, a_molson@unidial.com (Ann and Manley Olson) Date: Mon, 03 Jan 2005 09:29:25 -0600 Subject: [mou] Varied Thrush seen today Message-ID: <41D964D5.8050907@unidial.com> It was seen at 9:10 here Manley Olson 1974 W Summer St Falcon Heights 651 644 2848 From PastorAl@PrincetonFreeChurch.net Mon Jan 3 15:41:31 2005 From: PastorAl@PrincetonFreeChurch.net (Pastor Al) Date: Mon, 3 Jan 2005 09:41:31 -0600 Subject: [mou] Holiday Mystery Message-ID: <001101c4f1aa$b332c600$0c01a8c0@PastorAl> Quiz question: Over the holiday I birded two MN locations - birds included Great Gray Owl, Northern Hawk Owls, Barred Owl, Northern Harrier, Common Ravens, Golden-crowned Kinglets, Robins, Townsends Solitaire, Snow Bunting and numerous Common Redpolls. Noting the list above and my geographic location, what two locations did I bird? (Hint, neither location contains a "Z" word.) Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties From watsup@boreal.org Mon Jan 3 22:09:45 2005 From: watsup@boreal.org (Steve and Sherry Watson) Date: Mon, 3 Jan 2005 14:09:45 -0800 Subject: [mou] varied thrush Message-ID: <000001c4f1e0$efd99940$8c0f46d8@m7z0w8> Hello everyone, I received a call this afternoon from our neighbor who lives just down the road from our house. He said that the last couple day's he's had a large orange bird with a dark breast band and dark head with an orange eye brow coming to his yard. I new right away that what he saw was a varied thrush and I'll keep you posted on weather it sticks around. It is being seen along Devils Track Lake about 12 miles northwest of Grand Marais. If anyone would like more specific details and directions feel free to email me. Good birding, Josh Watson Grand Marais -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.296 / Virus Database: 265.6.7 - Release Date: 12/30/04 From Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com Mon Jan 3 22:06:38 2005 From: Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com (Alt, Mark) Date: Mon, 3 Jan 2005 16:06:38 -0600 Subject: [mou] FW: a good experience in Minnesota Message-ID: <4F3C90DD5ABC32408C70AC50F47942BDDEB7E1@ds69mail.na.bestbuy.com> Some good experiences and good advice from a birder in Missouri, and she is from the Show Me state! Mark Alt=20 MOU President mark.alt@bestbuy.com C/O J. F. Bell Museum of Natural History University of Minnesota 10 Church Street SE Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104 MOU.mn.org -----Original Message----- From: Jean Leonatti [mailto:jleonatti@cmaaa.net]=20 Sent: Monday, January 03, 2005 4:02 PM To: mark.alt@bestbuy.com Cc: smithville4@charter.net Subject: a good experience in Minnesota Mr. Alt - I am one of the Missouri birders who used Mike Hendrickson's guide services Dec. 30 - Jan. 1 to bird the Duluth area, and points north. I have followed some of the discussion regarding the local reaction to birders in the Sax-Zim Bog area and am offering my "two cents worth". First, I really want to commend Mike Hendrickson. We had a GREAT TIME with him. He carefully and calmly explained the situation in Sax-Zim Bog - not over-blowing it or minimizing it; that there were many locals who enjoyed birds and birders, but there were a few who did feel their privacy was being invaded. I think a good guide can go a long way to set the right tone and perspective. He made sure we did not stop at private feeders in the bog, and let us know that ahead of time so there were no false expectations. He said not to worry, we would have chances at feeders elsewhere, so no one in our group got anxious about passing up feeders. We made good use of the public areas, and we didn't miss any birds that we wanted to see. Just one time, we had a local pull up along side our stopped van and shake a finger at us and tell us we shouldn't be stopped on the shoulder. Our driver just smiled and waved and thanked the gentleman, and the gentleman drove on - it is kind of hard to have an argument with someone who is pleasant and who won't argue back! Mike immediately radioed us to find out if everything was OK, and we had no other problems. For our part, we made sure that members of our group knew they were expected to buy something at every place we stopped to use the bathrooms. Even if it was just a candy bar or a cup of coffee, they were to spend money. If we were stopped at a gas station, we made sure to fill up the tanks - even if we were only topping them off. It is so discourteous to track snow/mud across someone's business establishment, use their bathroom, and then leave without compensating them in some way. If enough birders make a point to compensate these businesses, that goes a long way toward creating good feelings toward visitors. Then these business-people who see the local economic impact of birders can become your "advocate" with the locals. Locals talking to locals usually produces better results. But, it all starts with we birders being ABSOLUTELY SURE that we leave a good impression where ever we go. It is an easy enough thing to do - besides that, the birding gods may reward you with a lifer! They certainly did shine down on us. Thanks for sharing your great north woods with us. Jean Leonatti Columbia, Missouri From psvingen@d.umn.edu Tue Jan 4 00:23:03 2005 From: psvingen@d.umn.edu (psvingen@d.umn.edu) Date: Mon, 3 Jan 2005 18:23:03 -0600 Subject: [mou] Great Gray Owls on the move Message-ID: <1104798183.97323591b8e72@wm2.d.umn.edu> Jim Lind just called (6:00 PM, Monday) to report a significant movement of Great Grays down the North Shore beginning late this afternoon. No fewer than 12 were in Two Harbors at 3:30 PM and all have already moved farther down the shore. One that was banded near Schroeder last week was recently picked up dead near Two Harbors. The high numbers (two to three dozen or more) found along the state highway 61 expressway during the past few weeks have apparently moved elsewhere too. As Jim and I spoke on the phone, he was standing at the Two Harbors lighthouse and watched three birds fly overhead and cross Agate Bay! He also found one perched in his neighbor's spruce tree this afternoon. Presumably this movement is related to abundance and accessability of prey following the ice storm over the weekend, and the 10 inches of new snow along the North Shore. However, it shows how little we know about this fascinating species. Results of this coming weekend's owl surveys may be especially interesting in light of this significant movement tonight and observations posted previously that fewer great grays were seen in the Sax-Zim area over the past several days. That's all for now--I am grabbing a flashlight and going outside! Peder -- Peder H. Svingen 0 psvingen@d.umn.edu - Duluth, MN From sharonks@mn.rr.com Tue Jan 4 00:31:51 2005 From: sharonks@mn.rr.com (Sharon Stiteler) Date: Mon, 03 Jan 2005 18:31:51 -0600 Subject: [mou] Great Grays at Inn on Gitche Gumee Message-ID: I just got a call from the owners of the Inn on Gitche Gumee on North Shore Scenic Drive, they had four great gray owls within a half mile of the Inn, one hanging out in the front yard all day. They said that today was the first time they had noticed any owls and had no idea about the owl invasion going on. Sounds like the birds are shift more towards town. If anyone is looking for a place to stay in the next week and needs a hotel, this could be it. I always stay there when I plan an overnight in Duluth, I highly recommend them owls or not. http://innongitchegumee.com/ -- Sharon Stiteler Minneapolis, MN www.birdchick.com From dbmartin@skypoint.com Tue Jan 4 01:06:47 2005 From: dbmartin@skypoint.com (Dennis/Barbara Martin) Date: Mon, 3 Jan 2005 19:06:47 -0600 Subject: [mou] Great Gray Owl near Shakopee-NOT References: <1d7.33706607.2f0a0f20@aol.com> Message-ID: <001b01c4f1f9$ab2fbe00$152f56c7@oemcomputer> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0018_01C4F1C7.5FBCA140 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Spent several hours today walking many miles on the various trails in = this area with no luck finding the GGO. There are many many trails = (including some pretty good deer trails) but also many more acres of = habitat that cannot be seen from the trails so the bird could easily = still be present. Assuming that this is the bird that was in Chaska (not reported since = Thursday), it was able to travel about 10.5 miles on Friday and = Saturday, without being seen. It is moving east and if it keeps up this = pace it is in all likelihood in Dakota County now, somewhere along the = river. Dennis Martin dbmartin@skypoint.com ----- Original Message -----=20 From: Swimingjim@aol.com=20 To: mou-net@cbs.umn.edu=20 Sent: Sunday, January 02, 2005 8:59 PM Subject: [mou] Great Gray Owl near Shakopee I found a Great Gray Owl in the Minnesota Valley Refuge north of Blue = Lake on Sunday. From the MVR parking lot on Hwy 101, immediately east of = the Blue Lake Sewage Treatment plant, walk the trail straight north to = the Minnesota River. Then follow the trail upstream for about 800 feet = to a small clearing. The owl was in a snag, 10 feet from the path.=20 J. Burt=20 ------=_NextPart_000_0018_01C4F1C7.5FBCA140 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Spent several hours today walking many miles on the = various=20 trails in this area with no luck finding the GGO.  There are many = many=20 trails (including some pretty good deer trails) but also many more acres = of=20 habitat that cannot be seen from the trails so the bird could easily = still be=20 present.
 
Assuming that this is the bird that was in Chaska = (not=20 reported since Thursday), it was able to travel about 10.5 miles on = Friday=20 and Saturday, without being seen.  It is moving east and if it = keeps up=20 this pace it is in all likelihood in Dakota County now, somewhere along = the=20 river.
 
Dennis Martin
dbmartin@skypoint.com
----- Original Message -----
From:=20 Swimingjim@aol.com
Sent: Sunday, January 02, 2005 = 8:59=20 PM
Subject: [mou] Great Gray Owl = near=20 Shakopee

I found a Great Gray Owl in the = Minnesota Valley=20 Refuge north of Blue Lake on Sunday. From the MVR parking lot on Hwy = 101,=20 immediately east of the Blue Lake Sewage Treatment plant, walk the = trail=20 straight north  to the Minnesota River. Then follow the trail = upstream=20 for about  800 feet to a small clearing. The owl was in a snag, = 10 feet=20 from the path.

J. Burt ------=_NextPart_000_0018_01C4F1C7.5FBCA140-- From khaus@chartermi.net Tue Jan 4 04:00:19 2005 From: khaus@chartermi.net (Keith Hauswirth) Date: Mon, 3 Jan 2005 22:00:19 -0600 Subject: [mou] Fw: Message-ID: <003601c4f211$e8584000$96b9c518@D2QDG961> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0033_01C4F1DF.9D6A58D0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable ----- Original Message -----=20 From: Keith Hauswirth=20 To: www.mou-net@cbs.umn.edu=20 Sent: Sunday, December 26, 2004 9:18 PM Subject: Fw:=20 ----- Original Message -----=20 From: Keith Hauswirth=20 To: www.mou.net@cbs.umn.edu=20 Sent: Sunday, December 26, 2004 7:41 PM This winter has been quite unusual for me. I left the Goldfinch feeders = up and have had a great number of Goldfinches wintering over and coming = every day. So many that I recently increased the feeders to 8. Of = course, this brought in more birds. The last couple of days has seen an = influx of Pine Siskens and Redpolls. I am sure I had well over 100 = birds around today and yesterday. =20 I am concerned that with so many birds, they are coming dependent on the = feeders. That is fine, but with so many birds competing for food, I am = afraid all will not be able to sustain. Is what I am doing detrimental = to the birds health and welfare? ------=_NextPart_000_0033_01C4F1DF.9D6A58D0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
 
----- Original Message -----=20
From: Keith = Hauswirth=20
Sent: Sunday, December 26, 2004 9:18 PM
Subject: Fw:

 
----- Original Message -----=20
From: Keith = Hauswirth=20
Sent: Sunday, December 26, 2004 7:41 PM

This winter has been quite unusual for = me.  I=20 left the Goldfinch feeders up and have had a great number of Goldfinches = wintering over and coming every day.  So many that I recently = increased the=20 feeders to 8.  Of course, this brought in more birds.  The = last couple=20 of days has seen an influx of Pine Siskens and Redpolls.  I am sure = I had=20 well over 100 birds around today and yesterday. 
 
I am concerned that with so many birds, = they are=20 coming dependent on the feeders.  That is fine, but with so many = birds=20 competing for food, I am afraid all will not be able to sustain.  = Is what I=20 am doing detrimental to the birds health and = welfare?
------=_NextPart_000_0033_01C4F1DF.9D6A58D0-- From two-jays@att.net Tue Jan 4 04:10:34 2005 From: two-jays@att.net (Jim Williams) Date: Mon, 3 Jan 2005 22:10:34 -0600 Subject: [mou] Fwd: Raptor trapper/bander needed Message-ID: <94B111F4-5E06-11D9-BCDE-000D93B466F0@att.net> Interesting opportunity. Jim Williams Wayzata Begin forwarded message: From: "Jeff P. Smith" Date: January 3, 2005 7:03:04 PM CST To: ORNITH-L@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Subject: Raptor trapper/bander needed Reply-To: "ORNITH-L: the scientific discussion of Ornithology" EXPERIENCED raptor TRAPPER/Bander needed to trap and band migrant raptors in the Sandia Mountains, NM from 5 March through 5 May 2004. Prior experience operating a raptor migration trapping station and the ability to independently operate such a station is required. Person will work as a volunteer, receiving a non-taxable, daily cost-of-living stipend of $34 per day (~$1,050/month), a $150 travel stipend to assist with the cost of getting to and from the project site, housing (apartment in Albuquerque, 5-10 miles from the project site), and reimbursement for work-related travel during the season (personal vehicle required for daily commuting, all on good roads). Person must be in good physical shape; operation requires a moderately strenuous, daily hike of ~1 mile each way to and from the project site. Send cover letter, detailed resume, and three current references with phone numbers or e-mail addresses to Science Department, HawkWatch International, 1800 S. West Temple, Suite 226, Salt Lake City, UT 84115, or email Dr. Jeff Smith at jsmith@hawkwatch.org. Position is open until filled. From bill lane Tue Jan 4 04:14:25 2005 From: bill lane (bill lane) Date: Mon, 3 Jan 2005 22:14:25 -0600 (GMT-06:00) Subject: [mou] Request for assistance Message-ID: <15773228.1104812065506.JavaMail.root@wamui06.slb.atl.earthlink.net> Greetings, I am looking for a few people to help me hang nest boxes over the week-ends (primarily Saturdays), through February. With snow depths approaching 3', the tasks aren't for the squeemish. There is some lifting (me when i fall off the ladder), some climbing (there's some nasty windfall), and to get around, snowshoe skills are a must. Accordingly, volunteers should be in good physical condition and able to tolerate cold, snow, and a cantankerous owl-guy. If you are interested, please e-mail me. Thanks in advance. Bill Lane owlman@mindspring.com www.mindspring.com/~owlman From rtheise@earthlink.net Tue Jan 4 02:52:48 2005 From: rtheise@earthlink.net (Robert Heise) Date: Mon, 3 Jan 2005 20:52:48 -0600 Subject: [mou] Varied Thrush in Bloomington Message-ID: <000601c4f208$79d5c750$0201a8c0@D89BKP41> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0003_01C4F1D6.2EA076E0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable On January 2 at 2:00 PM the varied thrush was perched in the cedar tree = left of the home on the corner of W. 110 St. and Sheridan in = Bloomington. The bird looks content and is simply working the feeders. Bob Heise Chanhassen, MN ------=_NextPart_000_0003_01C4F1D6.2EA076E0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
On January 2 at 2:00 PM the varied = thrush was=20 perched in the cedar tree left of the home on the corner of W. 110 St. = and=20 Sheridan in Bloomington.  The bird looks content and is simply = working the=20 feeders.
 
Bob Heise
Chanhassen, = MN
------=_NextPart_000_0003_01C4F1D6.2EA076E0-- From a_molson@unidial.com Tue Jan 4 18:19:02 2005 From: a_molson@unidial.com (Ann and Manley Olson) Date: Tue, 04 Jan 2005 12:19:02 -0600 Subject: [mou] Varied Thrush in Falcon Heights seen today Message-ID: <41DADE16.9060909@unidial.com> I saw it at 11:55 in the yard at Howell and Prior.It was mostly in the evergreens but did also feed in an apple tree.There is also a Robin there so check your ID.I have not seen it in our yard today. Manley Olson 1974 W Summer Falcon Heights 651 644 2848 From PastorAl@PrincetonFreeChurch.net Tue Jan 4 20:12:16 2005 From: PastorAl@PrincetonFreeChurch.net (Pastor Al) Date: Tue, 4 Jan 2005 14:12:16 -0600 Subject: [mou] Bohemian Waxwings observation & question Message-ID: <016201c4f299$b094db00$0c01a8c0@PastorAl> Mixed flock (50-60) of Bohemians & Cedars along the Ann Lake Campground Road (Sherburne CR 4 in the opposite direction) at noon today. Interesting to compare the two from underneath - differences in size & plumage quite notable. The Bohemians were also much more vocal (on this occasion). Nice county bird. Is this near the southern edge of their MN range? Sibley map indicates this. Could not relocate the Townsend's Solitaire(s) - but much of the road (beyond the mile mark) is closed. The Sherburne NWR Auto Tour is also now closed (ostensibly for eagle nesting). Wife called, flock of 200+ Common Redpolls in yard this morning - 20+ have been in the "overgrown" acres for about a month. Good birding! Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties From MMARTELL@audubon.org Tue Jan 4 20:06:30 2005 From: MMARTELL@audubon.org (MARTELL, Mark) Date: Tue, 4 Jan 2005 15:06:30 -0500 Subject: [mou] Owls near Audubon, MN Message-ID: I have been contacted by some folks who live on Big Cormorant Lake near = Audubon, MN. They were wondering if any northern owls have been sighted = nearby. They would like to see one, but cannot do much traveling. Can = anyone help? thanks Mark Martell Director of Bird Conservation Audubon Minnesota 2357 Ventura Drive #106 St. Paul, MN 55125 651-739-9332 651-731-1330 (FAX) From chickadee@lauraerickson.com Tue Jan 4 21:26:34 2005 From: chickadee@lauraerickson.com (Laura Erickson) Date: Tue, 04 Jan 2005 15:26:34 -0600 Subject: [mou] Backyard Great Gray Owl Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20050104145724.03415480@smtp.lauraerickson.com> Yesterday and today I've had one or two Great Gray Owls hanging around my backyard. This or these birds are quite different from the unhealthy-appearing individual that was here on Christmas Eve, which was browner. This one (or maybe two different ones) has had an amazing effect--my feeders are suddenly devoid of squirrels--and people who came here to see the hummingbird just about all noticed how very many squirrels feed in my yard. Yesterday when the Great Gray sat in an aspen tree, a squirrel on the trunk apparently felt trapped--it seemed reluctant to go on the ground, where the owl might drop in on him, but couldn't go up because that would put him in reach of the talons. So he stayed on the trunk, chattering, for at least 15 minutes. He got away when some crows started divebombing the owl and it flew off. I did see it drop down at least once trying to get a squirrel who got away, but don't know if it's had success at that. Great Gray Owl feet are small compared to Great Horned Owls, but their claws are huge and they could dispatch an unwary squirrel. This is not typical habitat for a Great Gray, and my neighborhood birds, having no experience with dealing with such a thing, have all been acting unusual--staying away from the feeders altogether when it's about, mobbing it, and being more skittish in general. I saw my first cardinal, Blue Jay, and Pine Grosbeaks yesterday when they were mobbing it. And the funniest thing is seeing a dozen chickadees swarming about its head, looking all the tinier in comparison. Laura Erickson Duluth, MN Producer, "For the Birds" radio program There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of birds. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature--the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter. --Rachel Carson From bill lane Tue Jan 4 22:44:37 2005 From: bill lane (bill lane) Date: Tue, 4 Jan 2005 16:44:37 -0600 (GMT-06:00) Subject: [mou] Request for assistance, clarified Message-ID: <21680047.1104878678738.JavaMail.root@wamui05.slb.atl.earthlink.net> In response to several queries about the boxes, most will be hung in Cook County and some will be hung in eastern Lake County. Thanks. Bill ########## original message: Greetings, I am looking for a few people to help me hang nest boxes over the week-ends (primarily Saturdays), through February. With snow depths approaching 3', the tasks aren't for the squeemish. There is some lifting (me when i fall off the ladder), some climbing (there's some nasty windfall), and to get around, snowshoe skills are a must. Accordingly, volunteers should be in good physical condition and able to tolerate cold, snow, and a cantankerous owl-guy. If you are interested, please e-mail me. Thanks in advance. Bill Lane owlman@mindspring.com www.mindspring.com/~owlman From b.pomeroy@mchsi.com Tue Jan 4 22:53:13 2005 From: b.pomeroy@mchsi.com (b.pomeroy) Date: Tue, 4 Jan 2005 16:53:13 -0600 Subject: [mou] GGOWs on the North Shore Message-ID: <006301c4f2b0$2c22f1b0$6742d60c@wildthing> Hi all, My wife and I drove up Scenic Hiway 61 out of Duluth this morning and saw no less than 12 GGOWs, all on the west side of the road. We counted these 12 between the Lester and Knife Rivers. Bruce "I care to live, only to entice people to look at Nature's loveliness." -- John Muir From two-jays@att.net Tue Jan 4 23:02:45 2005 From: two-jays@att.net (Jim Williams) Date: Tue, 4 Jan 2005 17:02:45 -0600 Subject: [mou] Proposed list of non-protected bird species (2 of 2) long Message-ID: forward by Jim Williams, Wayzata, Minnesota Part two: What Are the Bird Species Not Protected by the MBTA? We have tried to make the following list as comprehensive as possible by including all non-native, human-assisted species that belong to any of the families referred to in the treaties and whose occurrence(s) in the United States and its territories have been documented in the scientific literature. It is not, however, an exhaustive list of all the non-native species that could potentially appear in the United States or its territories as a result of human assistance. New species of non-native birds are being reported annually in the United States, and it is impossible to predict which species might appear in the near future. The 113 species on this draft list are arranged by family according to the American Ornithologists' Union (1998, as amended by Banks et al. 2003). Within families, species are arranged alphabetically by scientific name. Common and scientific names follow Monroe and Sibley (1993). For each species, we indicate--for informational purposes only--its status as an introduced species in the United States or its territories (indicated by numbers corresponding to the eight status categories described above): Family ANATIDAE Aix galericulata, Mandarin Duck (3, 4) Alopochen aegyptiacus, Egyptian Goose (4) Anas hottentota, Hottentot Teal (5) Anas luzonica, Philippine Duck (5) Anser anser, Graylag Goose (4) Anser anser anser, Domestic Goose (4) Anser cygnoides, Swan Goose (4) Anser indicus, Bar-headed Goose (4) Branta ruficollis, Red-breasted Goose (4) Callonetta leucophrys, Ringed Teal (4) Chenonetta jubata, Maned Duck (6) Coscoroba coscoroba, Coscoroba Swan (5) Cygnus atratus, Black Swan (4) Cygnus melanocoryphus, Black-necked Swan (5) Cygnus olor, Mute Swan (1, 3, 4) Dendrocygna viduata, White-faced Whistling-Duck (5) Neochen jubata, Orinoco Goose (5) Netta peposaca, Rosy-billed Pochard (5) Netta rufina, Red-crested Pochard (4) Tadorna ferruginea, Ruddy Shelduck (4) Tadorna tadorna, Common Shelduck (4) Family PELECANIDAE Pelecanus onocroatalis, Great White Pelican (5) Family PHALACROCORACIDAE Phalacrocorax gaimardi, Red-legged Cormorant (8) Family CICONIIDAE Ciconia abdimii, Abdim's Stork (5) Ciconia ciconia, White Stork (5) Ciconia episcopus, Woolly-necked Stork (5) Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus, Black-necked Stork (5) Family CATHARTIDAE Sarcoramphus papa, King Vulture (5) Family PHOENICOPTERIDAE Phoenicopterus chilensis, Chilean Flamingo (4) Phoenicopterus minor, Lesser Flamingo (5) Family ACCIPITRIDAE Buteo polyosoma, Red-backed Hawk (5) Buteogallus urubitinga, Great Black-Hawk (5) Gyps sp., Griffon-type Old World vulture (5) Family FALCONIDAE Falco biarmicus, Lanner Falcon (7) Falco cherrug, Saker Falcon (7) Falco pelegrinoides, Barbary Falcon (7) Family RALLIDAE Aramides cajanea, Gray-necked Wood-Rail (5) Family GRUIIDAE Balearica pavonina, Black Crowned-Crane (5) Balearica regulorum, Gray Crowned-Crane (5) Grus antigone, Sarus Crane (5) Family CHARADRIIDAE Vanellus chilensis, Southern Lapwing (5) Family LARIDAE Larus novaehollandiae, Silver Gull (5) Family COLUMBIDAE Caloenas nicobarica, Nicobar Pigeon (6) Chalcophaps indica, Emerald Dove (6) Columba livia, Rock Pigeon (1, 4) Columba palumbus, Common Wood-Pigeon (6) Gallicolumba luzonica, Luzon Bleeding-heart (6) Geopelia cuneata, Diamond Dove (5) Geopelia humeralis, Bar-shouldered Dove (6) Geopelia striata, Zebra Dove (1) Geophaps lophotes, Crested Pigeon (6) Geophaps plumifera, Spinifex Pigeon (6) Geophaps smithii, Partridge Pigeon (6) Leucosarcia melanoleuca, Wonga Pigeon (6) Phaps chalcoptera, Common Bronzewing (6) Starnoenas cyanocephala, Blue-headed Quail-Dove (6) Streptopelia bitorquata, Island Collared-Dove (1, 6) Streptopelia chinensis, Spotted Dove (1, 3) Streptopelia decaocto, Eurasian Collared-Dove (1, 3) Streptopelia risoria, Ringed Turtle-Dove (1, 2, 4) Family STRIGIDAE Pulsatrix perspicillata, Spectacled Owl (5) Family TROCHILIDAE Anthracothorax nigricollis, Black-throated Mango (8) Family CORVIDAE Callocitta colliei, Black-throated Magpie-Jay (5) Corvus corone, Carrion Crow (5) Corvus splendens, House Crow (5) Cyanocorax caeruleus, Azure Jay (5) Cyanocorax sanblasianus, San Blas Jay (8) Garrulus glandarius, Eurasian Jay (5) Urocissa erythrorhyncha, Blue Magpie (6) Family ALAUDIDAE Alauda japonica, Japanese Skylark (6) Lullula arborea, Wood Lark (8) Melanocorypha calandra, Calandra Lark (5) Melanocorypha mongolica, Mongolian Lark (8) Family PARIDAE Parus caeruleus, Blue Tit (5) Parus major, Great Tit (5, 8) Parus varius, Varied Tit (2) Family CINCLIDAE Cinclus cinclus, White-throated Dipper (8) Family SYLVIIDAE Cettia diphone, Japanese Bush-Warbler (1) Sylvia atricapilla, Blackcap (8) Family TURDIDAE Copsychus malbaricus, White-rumped Shama (1) Copsychus saularis, Oriental Magpie-Robin (6) Erithacus rubecula, European Robin (8) Luscinia akahige, Japanese Robin (8) Luscinia komadori, Ryukyu Robin (8) Luscinia megarhynchos, European Nightingale (8) Turdus philomelos, Song Thrush (8) Family PRUNELLIDAE Prunella modularis, Dunnock (8) Family THRAUPIDAE Piranga rubriceps, Red-hooded Tanager (8) Thraupis episcopus, Blue-gray Tanager (2) Family EMBERIZIDAE Emberiza citrinella, Yellowhammer (8) Gubernatrix cristata, Yellow Cardinal (6) Loxigilla violacea, Greater Antillean Bullfinch (5) Melopyrrha nigra, Cuban Bullfinch (5) Paroaria capitata, Yellow-billed Cardinal (1) Paroaria coronata, Red-crested Cardinal (1) Paroaria dominicana, Red-cowled Cardinal (6) Paroaria gularis, Red-capped Cardinal (6) Sicalis flaveola, Saffron Finch (1, 5) Tiaris canora, Cuban Grassquit (5) Family CARDINALIDAE Passerina leclacherii, Orange-breasted Bunting (5) Family ICTERIDAE Gymnostinops montezuma, Montezuma Oropendola (5) Icterus icterus, Troupial. (1, 5) Icterus pectoralis, Spot-breasted Oriole (1) Leistes militaris, Red-breasted Blackbird (6) Family FRINGILLIDAE Carduelis cannabina, Eurasian Linnet (5, 8) Carduelis carduelis, European Goldfinch (2, 4) Carduelis chloris, European Greenfinch (5, 8) Carduelis cucullata, Red Siskin (1) Carduelis magellanica, Hooded Siskin (8) Loxia pysopsittacus, Parrot Crossbill (8) Serinus canaria, Common Canary (1, 4) Serinus leucopygius, White-rumped Seedeater (6) Serinus mozambicus, Yellow-fronted Canary (1) The MBTA also does not apply to many other bird species, including (1) nonnative species that have not been introduced into the U.S. or its territories, and (2) species (native or nonnative) that belong to the families not referred to in any of the four treaties underlying the MBTA. The second category includes the Cracidae (chachalacas), Phasianidae (grouse, ptarmigan, and turkeys), Odontophoridae (New World quail), Burhinidae (thick-knees), Glareolidae (pratincoles), Pteroclididae (sandgrouse), Psittacidae (parrots), Todidae (todies), Dicruridae (drongos), Meliphagidae (honeyeaters), Monarchidae (monarchs), Pycnonotidae (bulbuls), Sylviinae (Old World warblers, except as listed in Russian treaty), Muscicapidae (Old World flycatchers, except as listed in Russian treaty), Timaliidae (wrentits), Zosteropidae (white-eyes), Sturnidae (starlings, except as listed in Japanese treaty), Coerebidae (bananaquits), Drepanidinae (Hawaiian honeycreepers), Passeridae (Old World sparrows, including house or English sparrow), Ploceidae (weavers), and Estrildidae (estrildid finches), as well as numerous other families not represented in the United States or its territories. Author John L. Trapp, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Migratory Bird Management, Mail Stop 4501 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203. ========== portions of the original message have been removed from this forward. JJW From a_molson@unidial.com, a_molson@unidial.com Wed Jan 5 01:40:04 2005 From: a_molson@unidial.com, a_molson@unidial.com (Ann and Manley Olson) Date: Tue, 04 Jan 2005 19:40:04 -0600 Subject: [mou] vARIED tHRUSH fALCON hEIGHTS Message-ID: <41DB4574.4060406@unidial.com> I will be away all day on Wednesday so will not be giving an update.Today I saw the bird for about 10 minutes at the Howell site.I did not see it at all in our yard or the neighbors.It also was not seen in the morning at Howell as I talked with several peolple who looked for it.Its eratic appearances since Thursday lead me to believe that it has at least one other feding place. There are so many crabapple trees in the area that it would not have a problem with food.The places where it has been seen also have Spruce trees where the bird goes when alarmed.If you go looking for it you might try places that have both food and cover. If you do find it on Wednesday put out a message.There continue to be people calling me or stopping by for whom this would be a life bird and would appreciate any news. Manley Olson 1974 W Summer Falcon Heights 651 644 2848 From SnoEowl@aol.com Wed Jan 5 01:49:29 2005 From: SnoEowl@aol.com (SnoEowl@aol.com) Date: Tue, 4 Jan 2005 20:49:29 EST Subject: [mou] Christmas Bird Counts Message-ID: -------------------------------1104889769 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I love Christmas Bird Counts! This was the year of the Pileated Woodpecker in our neck of the woods. I've seen 6 of them at various counts during the CBC season. The oddest bird found on the Albert Lea Count, for which I am the compiler, was a pelican. It was found in a dry road ditch. It was injured, but had a punch that would have made Ali proud. I haven't heard from the rehabber as to how it is doing. Christmas Bird Counts! What a joy to hang out with such fine folks and feathers. May happiness be your shadow, Al Batt Freeborn County -------------------------------1104889769 Content-Type: text/html; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
 =20
I love Christmas Bird Counts!
 
This was the year of the Pileated Woodpecker in our neck of the= =20 woods.  I've seen 6 of them at various counts during the CBC=20 season. 
 
The oddest bird found on the Albert Lea Count, for which I am t= he=20 compiler, was a pelican.  It was found in a dry road ditch.  = It=20 was injured, but had a punch that would have made Ali proud.  I haven't= =20 heard from the rehabber as to how it is doing.
 
Christmas Bird Counts!  What a joy to hang out with such f= ine=20 folks and feathers.   

May=20 happiness be your shadow,

Al Batt
Freeborn County
 -------------------------------1104889769-- From connyb@mycidco.com Wed Jan 5 09:25:22 2005 From: connyb@mycidco.com (Conny Brunell) Date: Wed, 05 Jan 2005 09:25:22 Subject: [mou] Great Gray Owl still in Chaska, Carver Co. Message-ID: This morning Leslie Marcus and I watched the Great Gray Owl in Chaska, Carver County hunting along the east side of the marsh from 7:45-8:15. It stayed on the east side, and did not cross Bavaria Road but would fly along the walking path, and marsh low then drop down. The blood on the bill indicated that it is still successful in finding food at this location. This marsh is at the Jct of Bavaria Road and Engler Blvd ( Carver CR 10) which is just west of State Hwy 41 in Chaska. Conny Brunell Richfield, Hennepin Cty. connyb@mycidco.com From Michelle_McDowell@fws.gov Wed Jan 5 15:45:28 2005 From: Michelle_McDowell@fws.gov (Michelle_McDowell@fws.gov) Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005 08:45:28 -0700 Subject: [mou] Rice Lake NWR Christmas Bird Count results, Aitkin Co. Message-ID: This is a multipart message in MIME format. --=_related 0056876286256F80_= Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary="=_alternative 0056876486256F80_=" --=_alternative 0056876486256F80_= Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Below are the results of the Christmas Bird Count from January 2, 2005. All birds observed within 7.5 miles of the refuge headquarters were counted. Four observers found 27 species, a total 734 birds. New species observed on this year's count were Northern Hawk-owl and Pine Siskin. It was a great day! Michelle McDowell Wildlife Biologist Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge McGregor, MN 218-768-2402 --=_alternative 0056876486256F80_= Content-Type: text/html; charset="US-ASCII"
Below are the results of the Christmas Bird Count from January 2, 2005.  All birds observed within 7.5 miles of the refuge headquarters were counted.    Four observers found 27 species, a total 734 birds.   New species observed on this year's count were Northern Hawk-owl and Pine Siskin.  It was a great day!



Michelle McDowell
Wildlife Biologist
Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge
McGregor, MN
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sXSu7H2eyHQUuRJe4e05ooaSq40c6RTq2yIGw1vG3AEurD3+3Efu0d1u6d6+35id5uQ+cCyeu03m oFWC49UO7qcc7Jskpca+705651/s4nAZ5vkbr7cr5tAU7YsMtESsh6Ur7qRr2B3jI/md26GYy4gN qtaNZY4iz5oM5e3KoM57mGdVnm1W7Vje1fbB7yr/q4/xADdJRN4jWgP6EDssORAO8DoIWRY375AM OQBG+fIA4JQRaRAG4DvM0xoDsJZCmZHkjTJG2VkC4TrMQxADyREF4JNH0TsoORAM6ZYDUfQBcPW7 0vW7U/UZJfW4g/MAgAAu+Tk3UZIg8ZVL8QAGQJBPmTprCfQmufUPeZLBY4CdBZFxLxCCX1qCL5S+ kwB//xOxw/cDUTsO6QA3eZQFAfdZuWGn0vQGg5UCgPUDsZYPkBAO4JKdhRSBbxSFv5RGMfpBAfrE wZG2rBxFLwBT7zoo2Tu0Lzve4zvZdRAN0PUJgPUc4Tp63/ZiLxA0GfY+uRTGf5VdHyEskfS2M/UD vrArnx0BAQA7 --=_related 0056876286256F80_=-- From smithville4@charter.net Wed Jan 5 18:38:09 2005 From: smithville4@charter.net (Mike Hendrickson) Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005 12:38:09 -0600 Subject: [mou] Boreal Owl Message-ID: <000a01c4f355$b5dd85a0$46a47044@FAMILYCOMPUTER> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0007_01C4F323.69C0E270 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable I just found a Boreal Owl minutes ago in my neighborhood. To find the = owl, get on I-35 heading south, get off Hwy23/Grand Avenue exit just = past the paper mill, Head west od Grand Avenue/Hwy 23 and you'll drive = by the Duluth Zoo on your right, keep heading west and take a left on = Clyde Avenue and drive to 89th Avenue and take a left here. Go 1 1/2 = blocks, there is charcoal.white house that sits back off 89th Ave. on = your left and if you continue just a few yrds further there a ravine on = the left side of the road and the owl is in the open roosting in a alder = bush about 5 feet off the ground. Mike Hendrickson Michael Hendrickson Minnesota Birding Treks http://webpages.charter.net/mmhendrickson/ ------=_NextPart_000_0007_01C4F323.69C0E270 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
I just found a Boreal Owl = minutes ago in=20 my neighborhood.  To find the owl, get on I-35 heading south, get = off=20 Hwy23/Grand Avenue exit just past the paper mill, Head west od Grand = Avenue/Hwy=20 23 and you'll drive by the Duluth Zoo on your right, keep heading west = and take=20 a left on Clyde Avenue and drive to  89th Avenue and take a left = here. Go 1=20 1/2 blocks, there is charcoal.white house that sits back off 89th Ave. = on your=20 left and if you continue just a few yrds further there a ravine on = the left=20 side of the road and the owl is in the open roosting in a alder bush = about 5=20 feet off the ground.
 
Mike Hendrickson
Michael = Hendrickson
 
------=_NextPart_000_0007_01C4F323.69C0E270-- From smithville4@charter.net Wed Jan 5 19:28:46 2005 From: smithville4@charter.net (Mike Hendrickson) Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005 13:28:46 -0600 Subject: [mou] Boreal Owl-correction Message-ID: <000801c4f35c$c7a86820$46a47044@FAMILYCOMPUTER> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0005_01C4F32A.7BD35540 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable cross out 89th Avenue W and insert 88th Avenue W instead to the = directions. I was to excited and typed in wrong number. Sorry Michael Hendrickson Minnesota Birding Treks http://webpages.charter.net/mmhendrickson/ ------=_NextPart_000_0005_01C4F32A.7BD35540 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
cross out 89th Avenue W and = insert 88th=20 Avenue W instead to the directions. I was to excited and typed in wrong=20 number.
 
Sorry
Michael = Hendrickson
 
------=_NextPart_000_0005_01C4F32A.7BD35540-- From stephensonjeff@charter.net Wed Jan 5 19:51:57 2005 From: stephensonjeff@charter.net (Jeff Stephenson) Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005 13:51:57 -0600 Subject: [mou] Big Day Reports Message-ID: <006b01c4f360$05349a80$6801a8c0@laptop2> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0068_01C4F32D.B8DC74F0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable I am helping Anthony Hertzel do the big day records for the Listing = Report this year. Therefore, if you haven't already sent him your big = day report send it to me. I prefer email. Deadline is 1/9 so hurry. Jeff Stephenson Rochester, MN, Olmsted County WEB PAGE: www.geocities.com/jjeffstephenson email: stephensonjeff@charter.net ------=_NextPart_000_0068_01C4F32D.B8DC74F0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
I am helping Anthony Hertzel do the big = day records=20 for the Listing Report this year. Therefore, if you haven't already sent = him=20 your big day report send it to me. I prefer email. Deadline is 1/9 so=20 hurry.
 
Jeff Stephenson
Rochester, MN, = Olmsted=20 County
WEB PAGE: www.geocities.com/jjeff= stephenson
email:=20 stephensonjeff@charter.net=
------=_NextPart_000_0068_01C4F32D.B8DC74F0-- From Markjunghans@aol.com Wed Jan 5 21:02:12 2005 From: Markjunghans@aol.com (Markjunghans@aol.com) Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005 16:02:12 EST Subject: [mou] Varied Thrush Anoka County Message-ID: Early this afternoon I found a bright male Varied Thrush in my backyard maple tree. I watched it move about the tree for about five minutes. It then flew south out of my yard into the next lot. I walked outside and could not find the bird again. There are many fruit bearing trees in the area, so the bird still may be in the area. I will post if refound. Mark Junghans 15351 Marmoset St. NW Ramsey MN 55303 From birdnird@yahoo.com Wed Jan 5 21:18:15 2005 From: birdnird@yahoo.com (Terence Brashear) Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005 13:18:15 -0800 (PST) Subject: [mou] Great Gray Owl still in Chaska, Carver Co. In-Reply-To: Message-ID: <20050105211815.73774.qmail@web50308.mail.yahoo.com> The Bird was still present at 1:45PM. I got a couple of photographs of it: http://www.naturepixels.com/images/carver_ggo.jpg Regards, Terry --- Conny Brunell wrote: > > This morning Leslie Marcus and I watched the Great > Gray Owl in Chaska, Carver County hunting along the > east side of the marsh from 7:45-8:15. It stayed on > the east side, and did not cross Bavaria Road but > would fly along the walking path, and marsh low then > drop down. The blood on the bill indicated that it > is still successful in finding food at this > location. > > This marsh is at the Jct of Bavaria Road and Engler > Blvd ( Carver CR 10) which is just west of State Hwy > 41 in Chaska. > > Conny Brunell > Richfield, Hennepin Cty. > connyb@mycidco.com > _______________________________________________ > mou-net mailing list > mou-net@cbs.umn.edu > http://cbs.umn.edu/mailman/listinfo/mou-net > __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Meet the all-new My Yahoo! - Try it today! http://my.yahoo.com From psvingen@d.umn.edu Thu Jan 6 00:36:06 2005 From: psvingen@d.umn.edu (psvingen@d.umn.edu) Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005 18:36:06 -0600 Subject: [mou] urban Great Gray Owls Message-ID: <1104971766.c14175bfa50c7@wm2.d.umn.edu> I have second-hand reports of nearly a dozen Great Grays within a few miles of my house over the past couple of days, including one at Jefferson Street and 26th Avenue East earlier today, so it's not entirely surprising that I was able to add this species to my yard list today--it's entirely awesome! As I pulled in to my driveway, I saw one fly overhead and land in my neighbors's white spruce shortly after 5:00 PM. I watched it through binoculars for about 10 seconds before it flew again in the direction of downtown Duluth. -- Peder H. Svingen - psvingen@d.umn.edu - Duluth, MN From Chris Benson" This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_01EB_01C4F3CE.E512BEC0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable The Varied Thrush reported in Bloomington was still present yesterday, 1/5/2005. I observed it along 110th Street feeding on the ground next to a telephone pole just as the Martin's had a few days ago. I also saw a Merlin harassing crows near the intersection of 102nd St and Penn. My mother told me of a large owl in her backyard yesterday morning but I didn't find anything... she lives a block west of Olson Middle School. The neighborhood looks ripe for a Great Gray... Chris Benson Rochester, MN ------=_NextPart_000_01EB_01C4F3CE.E512BEC0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
The Varied Thrush reported in = Bloomington=20 was
still present yesterday, = 1/5/2005.  I observed=20 it
along 110th Street feeding on the = ground next=20 to
a telephone pole just as the Martin's = had a few=20 days ago.
I also saw a Merlin harassing crows = near=20 the
intersection of 102nd St and = Penn.
My mother told me of a large owl in her = backyard
yesterday morning but I didn't find=20 anything...
she lives a block west of Olson Middle=20 School.
The neighborhood looks ripe for a Great = Gray...
 
Chris Benson
Rochester, MN
 
------=_NextPart_000_01EB_01C4F3CE.E512BEC0-- From two-jays@att.net Tue Jan 4 23:02:30 2005 From: two-jays@att.net (Jim Williams) Date: Tue, 4 Jan 2005 17:02:30 -0600 Subject: [mou] Proposed list of non-protected bird species (1 of 2) long Message-ID: Forward by Jim Williams, Wayzata, Minnesota Begin forwarded message: From: Ellen Paul Date: January 4, 2005 3:57:19 PM CST To: ORNITH-L@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Subject: Proposed list of bird species to be EXCLUDED from MBTA protection Published in the Federal Register today (4 January 2005), pursuant to legislative mandate: the USFWS proposed list of bird species to be EXCLUDED under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The legislative mandate is that provision of the FY2005 Omnibus Appropriations Act that incorporates what was HR4114, a bill introduced by Wayne Gilchrest (R-MD) to amend the Migratory Bird Treaty Act so as to exclude non-native species. That legislation directed the USFWS to publish "Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this section....a list of all nonnative, human-introduced bird species to which the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703 et seq.) does not apply." Said legislation in turn being a response to the decision of a federal appellate court that under the terms of the Migratory Bird Treaty with Canada and in the absence of regulation by the USFWS to the contrary, Mute Swans could not be excluded from MBTA protection. The Congress responded by amending the MBTA to provide that: (1) IN GENERAL- This Act applies only to migratory bird species that are native to the United States or its territories. (2) NATIVE TO THE UNITED STATES DEFINED (A) IN GENERAL- Subject to subparagraph (B), in this subsection the term `native to the United States or its territories' means occurring in the United States or its territories as the result of natural biological or ecological processes. (B) TREATMENT OF INTRODUCED SPECIES- For purposes of paragraph (1), a migratory bird species that occurs in the United States or its territories solely as a result of intentional or unintentional human-assisted introduction shall not be considered native to the United States or its territories unless-- (i) it was native to the United States or its territories and extant in 1918; (ii) it was extirpated after 1918 throughout its range in the United States and its territories; and (iii) after such extirpation, it was reintroduced in the United States or its territories as a part of a program carried out by a Federal agency.'. [Federal Register: January 4, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 2)] [Notices] [Page 372-377] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Draft List of Bird Species to Which the Migratory Bird Treaty Act Does Not Apply SUMMARY: We are publishing a draft list of the nonnative bird species that have been introduced by humans into the United States or its territories and to which the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) does not apply. This action is required by the Migratory Bird Treaty Reform Act (MBTRA) of 2004. The MBTRA amends the MBTA by stating that it applies only to migratory bird species that are native to the United States or its territories, and that a native migratory bird is one that is present as a result of natural biological or ecological processes. This notice identifies those species that are not protected by the MBTA, even though they belong to biological families referred to in treaties that the MBTA implements, as their presence in the United States and its territories is solely the result of intentional or unintentional human-assisted introductions. The purpose of this notice is to provide the public with an opportunity to review and comment on a draft list of ``all nonnative, human-introduced bird species to which the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703 et seq.) does not apply that belong to biological families of migratory birds covered under any of the migratory bird conventions with Great Britain (for Canada), Mexico, Russia, or Japan.'' The MBTRA of 2004 requires us to publish this list for public comment. This notice is strictly informational. What Criteria Did We Use To Identify Bird Species Not Protected by the MBTA? In accordance with the language of the MBTRA, each of the species enumerated below meet the following four criteria: (1) It belongs to a family of birds covered by the MBTA by virtue of that family's inclusion in any of the migratory bird conventions with Canada, Mexico, Russia, or Japan. The Canadian and Mexican treaties list the families of birds that are protected. In the Russian treaty, the specific species covered are listed in an Appendix in which the species are arranged by family. Article VIII of the Russian treaty grants us the authority to use our discretion to protect additional species that belong to the same family as a species listed in the Appendix. The treaty with Japan lists covered species in an Annex without reference to families, and contains no provision that would allow treaty parties to unilaterally add additional species. (2) There is credible documented evidence that it has occurred at least once in an unconfined state in the United States or its territories. (3) All of its known occurrences in the United States can be confidently attributed solely to intentional or unintentional human- assisted introductions to the wild. An intentional introduction is one that was purposeful-for example, the person(s) or institution(s) involved intended for it to happen. An unintentional introduction is one that was unforeseen or unintended-for example, the establishment of self-sustaining populations following repeated escapes from captive facilities. Self-sustaining populations are able to maintain their viability from one generation to the next through natural reproduction without the introduction of additional individuals. In this context, we consider landscape changes caused by agriculture and other forms of human development to be natural ecological processes. These activities may make the environment more amenable for some species that did not historically occur in the United States or its territories and allow them to expand their ranges and colonize these jurisdictions. In the absence of direct human intervention, these new arrivals (e.g., cattle egrets) are considered to be native. (4) There is no credible evidence of its natural occurrence in the United States unaided by direct or indirect human assistance. The native range and known migratory movements (if any) of the species combine to make such occurrence in the United States extremely unlikely, both historically and in the future. Migratory bird species with credible evidence of natural occurrence anywhere in the United States or its territories, even if introduced elsewhere within these jurisdictions, are listed in 50 CFR 10.13. What Is the Status of Bird Species Not Protected by the MBTA? Each species meeting the criteria discussed in the previous section--and thus qualifying as a nonnative, human-assisted species-- can be grouped into one or more of the following eight status categories according to the circumstances surrounding its reported occurrence(s) in the United States or its territories. These categories are merely informational and descriptive in nature and have no bearing on determining whether or not a species is nonnative: (1) Self-sustaining and free-living breeding populations currently exist as a consequence of intentional or unintentional introductions. (2) Self-sustaining and free-living populations were at one time thought to be established as a consequence of intentional or unintentional introductions, but it is now extirpated (i.e., no longer exists) as a breeding species. Recurring escapes of this species from captive facilities remain a possibility. (3) It has been introduced and possibly established in the wild (i.e., breeding documented), but some uncertainty remains as to whether self-sustaining populations have been permanently established. (4) Individuals frequently escape from captive facilities such as zoos, farms, parks, and private collections, where they are common, and may be found in an unconfined state virtually anywhere in the country, but not known to breed in the wild. (5) Individuals are housed in captive facilities, but escapes are rare, as judged by the low frequency with which they are reported in the wild. Most of these species are represented by five or fewer documented reports of occurrence in the wild, but future escapes are likely. (6) It was intentionally introduced with the goal of establishing self-sustaining populations, but the release(s) ultimately failed and it no longer occurs in the country. Future introductions are possible. (7) It is imported by private citizens for use in recreational falconry or bird control at airports, with individual free-flying birds known to escape from their handlers with some regularity. (8) It has occurred as a result of intentional or unintentional human assistance, but all such occurrences pre-date enactment of MBTA protection for the family to which it belongs. Although not currently known to occur, future introductions are possible. What About the Mute Swan? The Fish and Wildlife Service has traditionally excluded nonnative species from the list of migratory birds (50 CFR 10.13) protected by the MBTA. Among the nonnative species listed above, the mute swan was the only species that the Service treated as being protected by the MBTA prior to passage of the MBTRA. In December 2001, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that the Canadian and Mexican conventions appeared to apply to mute swans and invalidated the Service's list of species covered by the MBTA to the extent that it excluded mute swans (Hill v. Norton, 275 F.3d 98 (D.C. Cir. 2001)). In December 2003, the mute swan was the major focus of discussion by the seven panel members who presented testimony at a congressional oversight field hearing on exotic bird species and the MBTA conducted by the House Committee on Resources (2003). The major sponsor of the MBTRA succinctly outlined the benefits of excluding nonnative species, including mute swans, from protection of the MBTA (Gilchrest 2004). In separate committee reports, the U.S. House of Representatives (2004) and the U.S. Senate (2004) clearly expressed their views that the mute swan was nonnative and therefore anticipated that the MBTRA would clarify that the mute swan would not be protected by the MBTA. In fact, Congress's view on the nonnative status of the mute swan is strongly supported by the evidence and the consensus of scientific opinion (American Ornithologists' Union 1931, 1957, 1983, 1998; Ciaranca et al. 1997; Johnsgard 1975; Kortright 1942; Long 1981; Palmer 1976; Scott and Wildlife Trust 1972; Sibley and Monroe 1990; Wilmore 1974). For example, there is no mention of mute swans in the extensive popular and scientific literature on North American birds until 1915, and that is a reference (Job 1915) to successful breeding of the species in captivity in the United States. Forbush (1916) provided the first report of unconfined mute swans in the United States, noting that ``many reports of swans seen near Boston followed soon after the escape of European mute swans from the Boston park system.'' All existing populations of the mute swan in North America are derived from introduced stocks that were released or escaped at different localities and in different years and eventually established feral populations. North Atlantic: Bump's (1941) reference to the presence of mute swans in New York State ``prior to 1900'' almost certainly applied to captive or restrained (i.e., wing-clipped or pinioned) birds imported to ``private estates'' on Long Island and along the lower Hudson River (contra Long 1981). Bull (1974) provides more details on the establishment of ``wild'' populations, noting that birds were ``introduced in 1910 into southeastern New York in the lower Hudson [River] valley * * * and in 1912 on the south shore of Long Island.'' These introductions involved a total of 216 birds in 1910 and 328 birds in 1912 (Long 1981). An unrestrained feral flock in the lower Hudson River had grown to 26 individuals by 1920 or 1921 (Crosby 1922, Cooke and Knappen 1941). From this nucleus, birds gradually colonized surrounding States in the North Atlantic, with breeding first reported in New Jersey in 1932 (Urner 1932), Rhode Island in 1948 (Willey and Halla 1972), Connecticut in the late 1950's to 1960's (Zeranski and Baptist 1990, Bevier 1994), Massachusetts prior to 1965 (Veit and Petersen 1993), and New Hampshire in 1968 (Foss 1994). Mid-Atlantic: While mute swans were reported in Maryland as early as 1954, the resident breeding population in the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay has been traced directly to the escape of three males and two females into Eastern Bay from waterfront estates along the Miles River in Talbot County during a storm in March 1962 (Reese 1969, 1975; Robbins 1996). Mute swans were first reported in Virginia beginning in 1955, mostly as captive birds in waterfowl collections, although some were probably released into the wild. A feral breeding population was not thought to be present until the late 1960's or early 1970's (Kain 1987). The origin of the small Delaware population, where birds were first noted in 1954 and nesting in 1965 (Hess et al. 2000) is unclear: it could represent birds that moved south from the North Atlantic, north from the Chesapeake Bay, or an independent introduction. Great Lakes: In Michigan, a northern flock of mute swans was established following an introduction near East Jordan, Charlevoix County, in 1919; this was followed by the establishment of a southern flock derived mostly from introductions in Kalamazoo and Oakland counties (Brewer et al. 1991). Elsewhere in the Great Lakes region, successful nesting of feral mute swans--most likely representing birds dispersing from the sizeable Michigan flocks--was first documented in Indiana in the 1970's (Keller et al. 1986, Castrale et al. 1998), in Wisconsin in 1975 (Robbins 1991), in Ohio in 1987 (Peterjohn and Rice 1991), and in Illinois since at least 1986 (Kleen 1998). Pacific Northwest: This is the least well-established and stable of the four principle mute swan population centers in the United States. Mute swans have escaped or been introduced to the wild in Oregon on multiple occasions. Breeding was first noted in the 1920's in Lincoln County (Gilligan et al. 1994, Marshall et al. 2003), with occasional breeding noted at other localities through the present. In Washington, a small but growing number of birds thought to represent dispersal from the introduced British Columbia population has been established in the Puget Sound lowlands (J. Buchanan, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, pers. comm.). In the past, advocates of Federal protection for the mute swan have taken the position that the mute swan is in fact native to the United States. In support of this view, they have presented three pieces of evidence: (1) Alleged fossil remains, (2) purported descriptions and depictions in historical literature such as Hariott's (1590) ``A briefe and true report of the new found land of Virginia'' of mute swans in the Chesapeake Bay in the 1500's, and (3) a Currier & Ives print dated 1872 and entitled ``The haunts of the wild swan: Carroll Island, Chesapeake Bay'' that purportedly depicts mute swans. The Fossil Evidence: Avian paleontologists have identified fossil remains of at least three species of swans in North America: Cygnus buccinator (the trumpeter swan), Cygnus columbianus (the tundra swan), and Cygnus paloregonus (the purported ancestor of the mute swan). These fossil remains were found in geological deposits in Idaho and Oregon (Shufeldt 1913, Brodkorb 1964, Wetmore 1959) dating to the Pleistocene epoch, a period extending from 11,000 to 1.8 million years ago. Trumpeter and tundra swans survive as members of the modern North American avifauna while paloregonus became extinct. Whatever the relationship of paloregonus to modern-day swans--and Ciaranca et al. (1997) have suggested that in some physical features it more closely resembled the mute swan than either the trumpeter or the tundra--it differed significantly enough for authorities to describe it as a distinct species. Even if there was (and there isn't) clear and indisputable evidence that paloregonus was synonymous with olor, thus possibly representing an early incursion of a population of Cygnus olor into North America that subsequently became extinct, that evidence would not obviate the fact that all current populations of the mute swan in North America are derived from introduced stocks that were released or escaped and eventually established feral populations. Therefore, new section 703(b)(2)(B) precludes the mute swan from being considered a native species. Historical Illustrations: Seven of the 23 illustrations in Harriot's (1590) report on the region now known as Pamlico Sound, North Carolina, depict waterfowl (ducks, geese, or swans) in the background, either in flight or on the water. Only one of the plates depicts anything remotely resembling a swan, and it cannot be assigned with confidence to a particular species. The only text reference to swans is the statement that ``in winter great store of swannes and geese'' provided an abundant source of food, suggesting that the swans depicted are more likely tundra swans, a common winter inhabitant of the region. Similarly, little credence can be placed in the supposed depiction of mute swans in a Currier & Ives print. Illustrators and publishers of the late 1900th century frequently portrayed fanciful depictions of birds that bore little resemblance to reality. Commercial artwork of the period often pictured the species with which recent European immigrants had been familiar in their native land. Nonnative birds were often inserted in the foreground or background of American landscapes. We place much greater significance in the fact that neither Alexander Wilson (1808-1814) nor John James Audubon (1827-1839)--the two most renowned and respected American wildlife artists and naturalists of the 19th century in America--depicted or described the mute swan in their seminal works on the birds of North America. see part two From Michelle_McDowell@fws.gov Wed Jan 5 16:04:17 2005 From: Michelle_McDowell@fws.gov (Michelle_McDowell@fws.gov) Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005 10:04:17 -0600 Subject: [mou] Rice Lake NWR, Aitkin Co CBC, species list Message-ID: This is a multipart message in MIME format. --=_related 00583D4E86256F80_= Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary="=_alternative 00583D4E86256F80_=" --=_alternative 00583D4E86256F80_= Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" The table didn't take in the first email, sorry. Hwy 65 split the count circle into West and East sides. The circle is centered on the Rice Lake NWR headquarters. Several more owls were seen outside the circle mostly northeast of McGregor on County Hwys 6 and 73. Michelle McDowell Wildlife Biologist Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge McGregor, MN 218-768-2402 --=_alternative 00583D4E86256F80_= Content-Type: text/html; charset="US-ASCII"
The table didn't take in the first email, sorry.  Hwy 65 split the count circle into West and East sides.  The circle is centered on the Rice Lake NWR headquarters.  Several more owls were seen outside the circle mostly northeast of McGregor on County Hwys 6 and 73.



Michelle McDowell
Wildlife Biologist
Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge
McGregor, MN
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Thrush at the house on Howell at about 10:30 this morning. There were two robins with it and a lot of other birds around -- cardinals, blue jays, chickadees, etc. I was able to take some digital photos of the bird but have not yet downloaded them. I do not have a scope for the camera so they will not be the quality of the posted photo but should be fairly good as I got pretty close. I will post again after I have looked at the photos and will email them to anyone interested. Gail Wieberdink wieber64@comcast.net From wieber64@comcast.net Wed Jan 5 20:41:55 2005 From: wieber64@comcast.net (Gail Wieberdink) Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005 14:41:55 -0600 Subject: [mou] Varied Thrush photos Message-ID: <000501c4f366$ff4bfbc0$d87c7618@comcast.net> I have several photos taken in Falcon Heights this morning that turned out quite well. There is one that shows both the Varied Thrush and a robin, interesting to see them together to compare. If anyone would like to see the photos, send me an email and I will email them to you or if there is someone who is willing to post them on the MOU site, that is fine, too. I am not officially on this list so I do not have access to all the features. Gail Wieberdink wieber64@comcast.net Roseville, MN From cruzcolibri@yahoo.com Wed Jan 5 21:47:39 2005 From: cruzcolibri@yahoo.com (Alex Cruz) Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005 13:47:39 -0800 (PST) Subject: [mou] Northern Shrike at Basset Creek Park Message-ID: <20050105214739.30899.qmail@web53502.mail.yahoo.com> Hi Birders, During our afternoon run, we found a Northern Shrike at Basset Creek Park in Crystal, Nennepin County today around 3pm. It was in the SE part of the park, just north of the small pond. Looking up, Alex Cruz Crystal, Hennepin Co., MN __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - 250MB free storage. Do more. Manage less. http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250 From a_molson@unidial.com Thu Jan 6 16:54:32 2005 From: a_molson@unidial.com (Ann and Manley Olson) Date: Thu, 06 Jan 2005 10:54:32 -0600 Subject: [mou] Varied Thrush Falcon Heights Message-ID: <41DD6D48.8090900@unidial.com> Seen today at Howell& Prior.That is the only place it has been seen since Monday.The homeowner is aware of the bird and has no problem with people entering the yard to see it. He has not seen the bird himself but I gave him several pictures including one taken in his yard.Yesterday the bird was seen to fly away to the East across Howell so it is possible that is visiting a yard somewhere on Tatum which is the next street.. Manley Olson 651 644 2848 From stan1bb@frontiernet.net Thu Jan 6 16:53:11 2005 From: stan1bb@frontiernet.net (Stan Merrill) Date: Thu, 06 Jan 2005 10:53:11 -0600 Subject: [mou] Pale Male & Lola etc Message-ID: <0pqqt0pip0ma3kjhop3pdlvrbra9bmu7cd@4ax.com> Greetings: Thought you'd enjoy Marie Winn's website. . . http://www.mariewinn.com/disc.htm http://www.mariewinn.com/disc.htm =20 In this fabulous picture taken by LINCOLN KARIM, you get the best view anybody will ever get of Central Park's rare new visitor, the Boreal Owl [Aegolius funereus] It has been moving around in the vicinity of Tavern on the Green since the Christmas Count. That was on Sunday December 19th. First reported by birder Jim Demes, it was subsequenhtly identified as a Boreal, not the somewhat similar but smaller Saw-whet Owl by Peter Post. For the last three days it has been roosting in a Holly near the restaurant. The best way to find it: look for a crowd of people with binoculars. This bird is a local celebrity. Thanks, KimMarie, for sharing this with us! Enjoy! Stan Merrill Apple Valley, MN Dakota Co. From ppedersen6@charter.net Thu Jan 6 20:16:49 2005 From: ppedersen6@charter.net (Paul Pedersen) Date: Thu, 6 Jan 2005 14:16:49 -0600 Subject: [mou] Horned Larks in Olmsted County Message-ID: <3khj62$kmata8@mxip13a.cluster1.charter.net> I don't know if they are early migrants or are being driven in by the ice and snow we've had this week, but more Horned Larks were on some of the gravel roads around Olmsted County today in singles and groups of 2 - 3. However, one stretch of road (20th St SW between 70th Ave SW and Cty Rd 3, near where a Short-eared Owl has been seen years past), had several groups of 12-15. Also in this same stretch, yesterday were about a dozen Lapland Longspurs. Paul Pedersen Stewartville, MN From bassangler@charter.net Thu Jan 6 17:48:16 2005 From: bassangler@charter.net (Fisherman) Date: Thu, 6 Jan 2005 11:48:16 -0600 Subject: [mou] (no subject) Message-ID: <002501c4f417$e6802740$02957044@roc.mn.charter.com> --=======AVGMAIL-41DD79E016E1======= Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary="----=_NextPart_000_0022_01C4F3E5.9BD4EE60" ------=_NextPart_000_0022_01C4F3E5.9BD4EE60 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Hi, I spotted a snowy owl 5 miles N. of Canby, MN in Yellow Medicine county = on Hwy. 75 about 3 weeks ago. I don't remember the exact date but it was = at 7:15 AM. I am reluctant to mention this but I was driving a company = van and it was still fairly dark out and I saw what appeared to be a = dead rabitt in the middle of my side of the highway. I figured I would = straddle it and just as I came to it, the wings appeared and I hit it. I = had no time to react. On the way back I pulled over. It was still on the = shoulder of the road. I turned it over and verified my my = disappointment. It was a snowy owl and needless to say, I still feel bad = about it. ------=_NextPart_000_0022_01C4F3E5.9BD4EE60 Content-Type: text/html; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Hi,
 
I spotted a snowy owl 5 miles N. of = Canby, MN in=20 Yellow Medicine county on Hwy. 75 about 3 weeks ago. I don't remember = the exact=20 date but it was at 7:15 AM. I am reluctant to mention this but I was = driving a=20 company van and it was still fairly dark out and I saw what appeared to = be a=20 dead rabitt in the middle of my side of the highway. I figured I would = straddle=20 it and just as I came to it, the wings appeared and I hit it. I had no = time to=20 react. On the way back I pulled over. It was still on the shoulder of = the road.=20 I turned it over and verified my my disappointment. It was a snowy owl = and=20 needless to say, I still feel bad about it.
------=_NextPart_000_0022_01C4F3E5.9BD4EE60-- --=======AVGMAIL-41DD79E016E1======= Content-Type: text/plain; x-avg=cert; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Disposition: inline Content-Description: "AVG certification" No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.298 / Virus Database: 265.6.8 - Release Date: 1/3/05 --=======AVGMAIL-41DD79E016E1=======-- From PChu@CSBSJU.EDU Thu Jan 6 21:09:22 2005 From: PChu@CSBSJU.EDU (Chu, Philip) Date: Thu, 6 Jan 2005 15:09:22 -0600 Subject: [mou] NO Barrow's Goldeneye Message-ID: Today, from about 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, I was *not* successful in = relocating the male Barrow's Goldeneye previously reported from the = WI/MN state line in the vicinity of Prescott, WI. All of the goldeneyes that I saw were in two groups - a larger group in = the mouth of the St. Croix River, viewed by looking more-or-less north = from Point Douglas County Park (on the north side of US 10 just before = it crosses the St. Croix), and a smaller group in the Mississippi River, = viewed by looking more-or-less south from Freedom Park in Prescott, WI; = unfortunately, the Barrow's was not in either group (or if it was then I = managed to miss it). Incidentally, at Point Douglas County Park there was a Mute Swan. Phil Chu Department of Biology St. John's University Collegeville, MN 56321 From boreal_finch@yahoo.com Thu Jan 6 23:41:51 2005 From: boreal_finch@yahoo.com (Dan Amerman) Date: Thu, 6 Jan 2005 15:41:51 -0800 (PST) Subject: [mou] Boreal Owl, Stoney Point (St. Louis County) Message-ID: <20050106234151.95148.qmail@web53001.mail.yahoo.com> We saw a Boreal Owl off of Stoney Point Road at 3:30 this afternoon. It was 0.1 mile northeast of the intersection with Alt Road, in the trees between the road and lake. It appeared to be actively hunting and not roosting, we watched and photographed for five to ten minutes as it perched on a couple of trees, and then lost it when it moved again. It was our second Boreal in two days after seeing Mike Hendrickson's bird yesterday about four in the afternoon. We saw eight Great Gray Owls today as well: a yard bird, one in Amity Woods a quarter mile behind our house, and six between Stoney Point and Two Harbors. Our house backs up to Amity Woods, which is likely why the yard bird was our fourth yard GGOW in three days, each with distinct plumage. None of the Great Grays we have seen around our house or nearby woods in recent days seem to be stopping, other than to briefly hunt and then keep moving southwest. What a year this is! Dan & Mary Amerman Duluth, MN __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Helps protect you from nasty viruses. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail From boreal_finch@yahoo.com Thu Jan 6 23:50:59 2005 From: boreal_finch@yahoo.com (Dan Amerman) Date: Thu, 6 Jan 2005 15:50:59 -0800 (PST) Subject: [mou] Boreal Owl Typo -- Alseth Road Message-ID: <20050106235059.62703.qmail@web53007.mail.yahoo.com> Whoops, make that 0.1 miles north of where Stoney Point Road intersects Alseth Road, not Alt road. __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Find what you need with new enhanced search. http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250 From Byokel@aol.com Fri Jan 7 01:17:41 2005 From: Byokel@aol.com (Byokel@aol.com) Date: Thu, 6 Jan 2005 20:17:41 EST Subject: [mou] Boreal Owl in Melrude Message-ID: <1a9.2ecc2f31.2f0f3d35@aol.com> -------------------------------1105060660 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Heidi located a roosting Boreal Owl in a remote corner of our yard today; I suspect that this bird has been present for a while, as we heard Jays and Chickadees scolding in this area last week (but we were unable to locate an owl at that time). We still have 2 Great Grays as well, and a Hawkowl was present on January 2. We have been scattering seeds on the plowed sections of our driveway, so perhaps these birds will find something to eat... We will post again if the Boreal is relocated over the next few days... Ben Yokel Melrude (Cotton), MN -------------------------------1105060660 Content-Type: text/html; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Heidi located a roosting Boreal Owl in a remote corner of our yard toda= y; I suspect that this bird has been present for a while, as we heard Jays a= nd Chickadees scolding in this area last week (but we were unable to locate=20= an owl at that time).  We still have 2 Great Grays as well, and a Hawko= wl was present on January 2.  We have been scattering seeds on the= plowed sections of our driveway, so perhaps these birds will find something= to eat...
We will post again if the Boreal is relocated over the next few days...=
Ben Yokel
Melrude (Cotton), MN
-------------------------------1105060660-- From ajjoppru@wiktel.com Fri Jan 7 02:32:21 2005 From: ajjoppru@wiktel.com (Jeanie Joppru) Date: Thu, 6 Jan 2005 20:32:21 -0600 Subject: [mou] Northwest Minnesota Birding Report- Friday, January 7, 2005 Message-ID: <000b01c4f461$28802bb0$31b391ce@main> This is the Northwest Minnesota Birding Report for Friday, January 7, 2005 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. If we had any previous doubts, we cannot now doubt that it is winter here. There were numerous reports of low temperatures as low as forty degrees below zero this week. Also this is certainly the Midwest, as those lows came on the heels of an ice storm. If you don't like the weather here, just wait a minute. Benjamin Fritchman reported from Todd County on the Long Prairie CBC held on New Year's Day. Thirty-seven species were tallied. Highlights included several MALLARDS, SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, RED-TAILED HAWK, BARRED OWL, HORNED LARK, BROWN CREEPER, GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, AMERICAN ROBIN, BOHEMIAN WAXWING, CEDAR WAXWING, SNOW BUNTING, COMMON REDPOLLS, HOARY REDPOLL, and PINE SISKINS. >From Otter Tail County, Eddy Edwards reported on the Battle Lake CBC held on January 2nd where forty-two species were found. They included a record count of 468 TRUMPETER SWANS, record numbers of NORTHERN PINTAILS, BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS, 17 NORTHERN CARDINALS, and a record number of RUSTY BLACKBIRDS. On January 2nd, Doug Johnson found one of the GREAT GRAY OWLS reported earlier in Hubbard County four miles south of MN 200 on MN 64 1/4 mile south of the Forest Edge Winery. In Beltrami County, Doug Johnson reported that the GADWALL is still present at the Mississippi River inlet to Lake Bemidji on January 3rd. Katie Haws found a GREAT GRAY OWL on December 26th, east of Island Lake thirty miles north of Bemidji along MN 89, and a NORTHERN SHRIKE near Nebish. Jack Armstrong on the way home to Illinois on December 30th observed about 120 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS in Kelliher. =20 On January 6th, many small flocks of SNOW BUNTINGS were seen in Polk County between Thief River Falls and East Grand Forks. A flock of about fifty BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS were seen in a single tree along 8th Street in Thief River Falls, Pennington County, on the morning of January 6th. Cliff Steinhauer saw a GREAT GRAY OWL on January 4th hunting in sections one and two of Excel township of Marshall County. Thanks to Eddy Edwards, Cliff Steinhauer, Doug Johnson, Katie Haws, Jack Armstrong, and Benjamin Fritchman for their reports. Please report bird sightings to Jeanie Joppru by email, no later than Thursday each week, at ajjoppru@wiktel.com 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. When reporting by email please put "NW Bird Report" in the subject line of your message. The next scheduled update of this report is Friday, January 14, 2005. From drbenson@cpinternet.com Fri Jan 7 03:07:19 2005 From: drbenson@cpinternet.com (David Benson) Date: Thu, 6 Jan 2005 21:07:19 -0600 Subject: [mou] Duluth RBA 1/6/05 Message-ID: <3DDB4693-6059-11D9-8DAF-000A95AC3AF2@cpinternet.com> This is the Duluth Birding Report for Thursday, January 6, 2005 sponsored by the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union. Following last week's ice storm and heavy snowfall, there have been some interesting developments in this winter's owl irruption. BOREAL OWLS have begun to turn up in the daytime. Today, Dan Amerman reported a Boreal Owl near the shore of Lake Superior at Stoney Point, 0.1 mile northeast of the Alseth Rd, which bisects the point. Also today, Ben Yokel reported a Boreal from near Melrude; and yesterday, Mike Hendrickson found a Boreal in West Duluth in a ravine off 88th Ave, a block-and-a-half from Clyde Ave. GREAT GRAY OWLS have been moving down the shore and into the city limits of Duluth this week. On the 3rd, Jim Lind saw 12 owls in Two Harbors, including three flying across Agate Bay and down the shore. Peder Svingen reported as many as a dozen in East Duluth over the past couple of days, and Scott Wolfe reports that at least six owls have been hunting along the beach at Minnesota Point in the neighborhood near the recreation area. Yesterday, a Great Gray was in the rose garden at Leif Ericson Park, near 13th and Superior St. NORTHERN HAWK OWLS can still be seen at many locations, including along Cty Rd 7 in the Sax-Zim area, between Cty Rd 133 and the Zim Rd. With the large number of visitors here to look for owls, it would be helpful if birders minimized time stopping near dwellings and were extra courteous when driving and stopping to look. Mike Hendrickson reported BOREAL CHICKADEES from Cty Rd 52 in Sax-Zim, 2.0 miles west of the Stickney Rd. He also reported that there are still SNOW BUNTINGS along Cty Rd 7 between the Sax Rd and the Zim Rd (the northern stretch of the road described above.) On Dec. 30, Tom Kemp reported RED CROSSBILLS on the Tomahawk Trail or Forest Rd 377, 0.5 mile from Hwy 1 in the Isabella area in Lake Cty. He also reported both PINE and EVENING (few) GROSBEAKS from a feeder in Isabella along Hwy 1. Mike Hendrickson had a HOARY REDPOLL at this feeder on Dec. 31. Dan Amerman reports that there are still good numbers of gulls at the Superior, Wisconsin landfill. The next scheduled update of this report will be on Thursday, January 13. The telephone number of the Duluth Rare Bird Alert is 218-728-5030. 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 to mou@cbs.umn.edu, or visit the MOU web site at mou.mn.org. From smithville4@charter.net Fri Jan 7 02:58:40 2005 From: smithville4@charter.net (Mike Hendrickson) Date: Thu, 6 Jan 2005 20:58:40 -0600 Subject: [mou] Snowy Owl & other birds Message-ID: <001b01c4f464$ca9a8e10$46a47044@FAMILYCOMPUTER> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0018_01C4F432.7FAEF0D0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable My good friend Jeff Newman from Duluth called me tonight that he heard = thru second hand that a Snowy Owl was seen at the railroad yard in = Proctor, Minnesota. I am fairly certain that there will be some birders = going to check out this sighting to try to locate it. If the owl is = relocated it will be updated on the MOU listserve. Jeff also found several flocks of Bohemian Waxwings on the west side of = Duluth. I would check along Grand Avenue from Norton Park (Zoo area) and = also in Morgan Park. Well the Boreal Owls are showing signs of stress. So far in the past two = days 4 Boreals were found roosting or hunting near roadsides or in = residential yards. Along the Pioneer Rd. east of McQuade Rd. there are some spruce trees = with cones on them and I located 5 White-winged Crossbills feeding among = them. I found a Long-tailed Duck (male) among some Common Goldeneyes in = Burlington Bay on the east side of Two Harbors. I also got second hand reports in Lake Co (Isabella and Lake Co. Rd 2) = of Spruce Grouse (14 of them), Black-backed Woodpecker (Sand River and = Lake Co. Rd 2), Boreal Chickadees behind the Cafe along Hwy 1 in = Isabella and aa Evening Grosbeak at the feeders at Moose Cafe in = Isabella. ( Kim Risen reported these to me and a group from Wisconsin = as well). Kim also told me about a Black-backed Woodpecker (2) on the = southern tip side of the bog on McDavitt Rd. I'll be out the next three days guiding a group from Arizona.=20 Michael Hendrickson Duluth, Minnesota Minnesota Birding Treks http://webpages.charter.net/mmhendrickson/ ------=_NextPart_000_0018_01C4F432.7FAEF0D0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
 My good friend Jeff = Newman from=20 Duluth called me tonight that he heard thru second hand that a Snowy Owl = was=20 seen at the railroad yard in Proctor, Minnesota. I am fairly certain = that there=20 will be some birders going to check out this sighting to try to locate = it. If=20 the owl is relocated it will be updated on the MOU = listserve.
 
Jeff also found several = flocks of=20 Bohemian Waxwings on the west side of Duluth. I would check along Grand = Avenue=20 from Norton Park (Zoo area) and also in Morgan Park.
 
Well the Boreal Owls are = showing signs of=20 stress. So far in the past two days 4 Boreals were found roosting or = hunting=20 near roadsides or in residential yards.
 
Along the Pioneer Rd. east of = McQuade Rd.=20 there are some spruce trees with cones on them and I located 5 = White-winged=20 Crossbills feeding among them.
 
I found a Long-tailed Duck=20 (male) among some Common Goldeneyes in Burlington Bay on the east = side of=20 Two Harbors.
 
I also got second hand = reports in Lake Co=20 (Isabella and Lake Co. Rd 2) of Spruce Grouse (14 of them), Black-backed = Woodpecker (Sand River and Lake Co. Rd 2), Boreal Chickadees behind the = Cafe=20 along Hwy 1 in Isabella and aa Evening Grosbeak at the feeders at Moose = Cafe in=20 Isabella.  ( Kim Risen reported these to me and a group from = Wisconsin as=20 well).  Kim also told me about a Black-backed Woodpecker (2) on the = southern tip side of the bog on McDavitt Rd.
 
I'll be out the next three = days guiding a=20 group from Arizona. 
 
Michael = Hendrickson
Duluth,=20 Minnesota
Minnesota Birding Treks
http://webpages.chart= er.net/mmhendrickson/
------=_NextPart_000_0018_01C4F432.7FAEF0D0-- From TeamVagrant@aol.com Fri Jan 7 03:03:06 2005 From: TeamVagrant@aol.com (TeamVagrant@aol.com) Date: Thu, 6 Jan 2005 22:03:06 EST Subject: [mou] my back yard so far-duluth Message-ID: -------------------------------1105066986 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Nothing too unusual, but I finally had a hoary in today - after weeks of the common ones by themselves, he was a treat. A shrike nearly came through my kitchen window while terrorizing the passel of redpolls, siskens, chickadees and the lone nuthatch - they have beautiful eyes when they're that close, I think I had a glimpse of his soul. The woodpeckers aren't too active, and we are getting daily visits from the Pine grosbeaks. We also had a visit from a sharp-shin yesterday. I wasn't expecting that one. The great gray is only occasional now. That's all, still waiting for the Boreal to stop in for a while -- chickadee or owl, I don't care. Stay warm and well-fed Chris Elmgren Gnesen township, Duluth, St. Louis County -------------------------------1105066986 Content-Type: text/html; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Nothing too unusual, but I finally had a hoary in today - after weeks o= f=20 the common ones by themselves, he was a treat.  A shrike nearly came=20 through my kitchen window while terrorizing the passel of redpolls, siskens,= =20 chickadees and the lone nuthatch - they have beautiful eyes when they're tha= t=20 close, I think I had a glimpse of his soul.  The woodpeckers aren't too= =20 active, and we are getting daily visits from the Pine grosbeaks.  We al= so=20 had a visit from a sharp-shin yesterday.  I wasn't expecting that=20 one.  The great gray is only occasional now.  That's all, still=20 waiting for the Boreal to stop in for a while -- chickadee or owl, = ;I=20 don't care.
Stay warm and well-fed
 
Chris=20 Elmgren
Gnesen township,
Duluth, St. Louis=20 County
 -------------------------------1105066986-- From reforest@wiktel.com Fri Jan 7 06:34:16 2005 From: reforest@wiktel.com (Tom Crumpton) Date: Fri, 07 Jan 2005 00:34:16 -0600 Subject: [mou] Evening Grossbeaks - Borderland Message-ID: <41DE2D68.6020809@wiktel.com> Hi Still feeding 50+ Evening Grosbeaks and a dozen + Pine grosbeaks with swarms of redpolls (a few hoary I think) and some pine siskins and gold finches (also 1-2 eagles, chickadees and nuthatches). The magpies and gray jays have become more regular with the -37 temperatures the last two mornings. The hoar frost has been outstanding with the cold weather though. Location Canadian border Rainy River. If someone wants a more accurate location they can contact me. Have a Great w/e Tom Crumpton From jwallner@hutman.net Fri Jan 7 13:58:03 2005 From: jwallner@hutman.net (John Wallner) Date: Fri, 07 Jan 2005 07:58:03 -0600 Subject: [mou] Anoka N. Saw-whet Message-ID: <41DE956B.4020104@hutman.net> I have a N. Saw-whet owl that roots in my yard. He/she is there most days. I live in Eastern Anoka county in Columbus township. I am unsure if anyone would be interested in this bird. If you are, email me and I will give you directions. If there is much interest I will post my address for everyone in a later email. John Wallner jwallner@hutman.net Forest lake From axhertzel@sihope.com Fri Jan 7 03:22:39 2005 From: axhertzel@sihope.com (Anthony X. Hertzel) Date: Thu, 6 Jan 2005 21:22:39 -0600 Subject: [mou] MOU RBA 6 January 2005 Message-ID: --============_-1107054331==_ma============ Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" ; format="flowed" This is the Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday, January 6th. The irruption of northern owls continues in northeastern Minnesota, with GREAT GRAY OWLS and NORTHERN HAWK OWLS being easy to find in the vicinity of Duluth and along the north shore of Lake Superior. Check especially in the Sax-Zim Bog area along St. Louis County Roads 52 and 7. A Great Gray Owl has been seen north of Chaska, Carver County since December 28th. The owl is at the marsh found at the junction of Bavaria Road and Engler Boulevard, just west of state highway 41. And on January 2nd, a Great Gray Owl was in the Minnesota Valley Refuge north of Blue Lake, Scott County. From the Minnesota Valley Refuge parking lot on state highway 101 east of the Blue Lake sewage treatment plant, walk the trail north to the Minnesota Rive, then follow it upstream for about 800 feet to a small clearing. The owl was in a snag here, ten feet from the path. And with the colder temperatures and deeper snows, BOREAL OWLS are beginning to show up in the area as well. On the 6th, a roosting Boreal Owl was in Ben Yokel's yard in rural Melrude, St. Louis County. Another Boreal Owl was along Stoney Point Road in eastern St. Louis County on the same day, a tenth of a mile northeast of the intersection with Alseth Road. On January 5th, Mike Hendrickson found a Boreal Owl in west Duluth, St. Louis County. At the junction of Grand and Clyde Avenues, go left on Clyde Avenue and drive to 88th Avenue. Go left for a block and a half to the ravine on the left side of the road. The owl was roosting in a alder bush about five feet off the ground. On the 4th, an adult GLAUCOUS GULL was on the ice of the Minnesota River immediately adjacent to the Black Dog power plant in Dakota County. Two SPRUCE GROUSE were seen three miles south of Greenwood Lake along Lake County Road 2 on December 31st. On January 5th, a VARIED THRUSH was seen at Howell and Prior Avenues in St. Paul, Ramsey County. And the Varied Thrush reported in Falcon Heights, Ramsey County was still present on the 6th, as was the Varied Thrush reported in Bloomington at the corner of West 110 Street and Sheridan. On the afternoon of January 5th, a male Varied Thrush was in Mark Junghans yard along Marmoset Street in Ramsey, Anoka County. On the 3rd, there was a Varied Thrush at a home along Devils Track Lake about twelve miles northwest of Grand Marais in Cook County, though I have no specific location. A CAROLINA WREN was just up the hill from the Old Cedar Avenue bridge parking area in Bloomington on the 1st. The bird was in the grape vines directly across the driveway to the garden center. Finally, a HOARY REDPOLL was at the Watson home in Grand Marais, Cook County, on December 30th. And two Hoary Redpolls were at the feeding station in Isabella, Lake County, on the 31st. 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 . 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 report is Thursday January 13th. -- Anthony X. Hertzel -- axhertzel@sihope.com --============_-1107054331==_ma============ Content-Type: text/html; charset="us-ascii" MOU RBA 6 January 2005
This is the Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday, January 6th.

The irruption of northern owls continues in northeastern Minnesota, with GREAT GRAY OWLS and NORTHERN HAWK OWLS being easy to find in the vicinity of Duluth and along the north shore of Lake Superior. Check especially in the Sax-Zim Bog area along St. Louis County Roads 52 and 7. A Great Gray Owl has been seen north of Chaska, Carver County since December 28th. The owl is at the marsh found at the junction of Bavaria Road and Engler Boulevard, just west of state highway 41. And on January 2nd, a Great Gray Owl was in the Minnesota Valley Refuge north of Blue Lake, Scott County. From the Minnesota Valley Refuge parking lot on state highway 101 east of the Blue Lake sewage treatment plant, walk the trail north to the Minnesota Rive, then follow it upstream for about 800 feet to a small clearing. The owl was in a snag here, ten feet from the path.

And with the colder temperatures and deeper snows, BOREAL OWLS are beginning to show up in the area as well. On the 6th, a roosting Boreal Owl was in Ben Yokel's yard in rural Melrude, St. Louis County. Another Boreal Owl was along Stoney Point Road in eastern St. Louis County on the same day, a tenth of a  mile northeast of the intersection with Alseth Road. On January 5th, Mike Hendrickson found a Boreal Owl in west Duluth, St. Louis County. At the junction of Grand and Clyde Avenues, go left on Clyde Avenue and drive to 88th Avenue. Go left for a block and a half to the ravine on the left side of the road. The owl was roosting in a alder bush about five feet off the ground.
 
On the 4th, an adult GLAUCOUS GULL was on the ice of the Minnesota River immediately adjacent to the Black Dog power plant in Dakota County.

Two SPRUCE GROUSE were seen three miles south of Greenwood Lake along Lake County Road 2 on December 31st.

On January 5th, a VARIED THRUSH was seen at Howell and Prior Avenues in St. Paul, Ramsey County. And the Varied Thrush reported in Falcon Heights, Ramsey County was still present on the 6th, as was the Varied Thrush reported in Bloomington at the corner of West 110 Street and Sheridan. On the afternoon of January 5th, a male Varied Thrush was in Mark Junghans yard along Marmoset Street in Ramsey, Anoka County. On the 3rd, there was a Varied Thrush at a home along Devils Track Lake about twelve miles northwest of Grand Marais in Cook County, though I have no specific location.

A CAROLINA WREN was just up the hill from the Old Cedar Avenue bridge parking area in Bloomington on the 1st. The bird was in the grape vines directly across the driveway to the garden center.

Finally, a HOARY REDPOLL was at the Watson home in Grand Marais, Cook County, on December 30th. And two Hoary Redpolls were at the feeding station in Isabella, Lake County, on the 31st.

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 report is Thursday January 13th.

--
Anthony X. Hertzel -- axhertzel@sihope.com
--============_-1107054331==_ma============-- From jwallner@hutman.net Fri Jan 7 14:47:18 2005 From: jwallner@hutman.net (John Wallner) Date: Fri, 07 Jan 2005 08:47:18 -0600 Subject: [mou] N Saw-whet directions Message-ID: <41DEA0F6.10901@hutman.net> I have already received several requests for directions so here it is for everyone.

From 35E or from North of Forest Lake:
Exit at Forest lake exit and go west on  County rd 18 (Broadway) for (about 4 miles).
Go left on Potoamac (Cty rd 19) for about (1.3 miles)
Go right on 164th Lane (unpaved).
I am the first house on the left with a long cement driveway.
7256 164th Lane

FROM  35 W (lino Lakes Exit)
Get off at Lino Lakes (take the CR-23 exit- EXIT 36).
Turn LEFT onto LAKE DR/MN-49/CR-23. Continue to follow LAKE DR NE/CR-23. (4.5 miles)
Turn LEFT onto POTOMAC ST NE/CR-19.  (1.9 miles)
Turn LEFT onto 164TH LN NE (unpaved).
I am the first house on the left with a long cement driveway.
7256 164th Lane

Walk down the  driveway and look for the garbage can (in the turnaround) on the right (west) side of the drive..  You will see droppings and  pellets on the ground  by the garage can.  If the bird is present (it usually is in the daytime),  it will be in the lower branches just a few feet above your head .  It is very tame and will stay there as long as you aren't too loud.

I checked and  he/she is there this morning.  There are also redpolls and siskens at my feeder on the west side of the house.


From thisisus@usfamily.net Fri Jan 7 15:07:42 2005 From: thisisus@usfamily.net (mike b) Date: Fri, 7 Jan 2005 09:07:42 -0600 Subject: [mou] turkeys Message-ID: <005701c4f4ca$a7d016a0$d4219ecd@hewlettz2wf5fi> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0054_01C4F498.58417E30 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Saw one group of 47 turkeys N of Henderson in a small plowed field = 1/6/04 3:20pm=20 3 Red Tailed Hawks on 19 outside of Blakeley=20 good birding - Mike in Young America --- http://USFamily.Net/dialup.html - $8.25/mo! -- http://www.usfamily.net/dsl.html - $19.99/mo! --- ------=_NextPart_000_0054_01C4F498.58417E30 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Saw one group of 47 turkeys N=20 of Henderson in a small plowed field 1/6/04 3:20pm =
 
3 Red Tailed Hawks on 19 outside of = Blakeley=20
 
good birding - Mike in Young = America
 


--- USFamily.Net - $8.25/mo! -- Highspeed - $19.99/mo! ---

------=_NextPart_000_0054_01C4F498.58417E30-- From PastorAl@PrincetonFreeChurch.net Fri Jan 7 16:58:50 2005 From: PastorAl@PrincetonFreeChurch.net (Pastor Al) Date: Fri, 7 Jan 2005 10:58:50 -0600 Subject: [mou] Ann Lake Message-ID: <00c701c4f4da$2a05af40$0c01a8c0@PastorAl> 30+ Bohemian Waxwings present at Ann Lake this morning (right hand trail just before snow fence/road block). Could not find the Townsend's Solitaire(s) this morning, despite walking in portions of three trails/roads. Few Purple Finches & Common Redpolls amidst the trees (latter rapidly becoming a "throw away" bird in the area this winter, observed over 100 today alone). Common Raven on Sherburne CR 9 as I returned to Princeton (midst of Sherburne NWR). Good birding! Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties From a_molson@unidial.com, a_molson@unidial.com Fri Jan 7 17:03:43 2005 From: a_molson@unidial.com, a_molson@unidial.com (Ann and Manley Olson) Date: Fri, 07 Jan 2005 11:03:43 -0600 Subject: [mou] Varied Thrush Falcon Heights Message-ID: <41DEC0EF.3010701@unidial.com> The bird is being seen only at the yard on Howell & Prior.The owner is not a birder but has a feeder and has no problem with people walking into the yard to look for the Thrush.There are also at least two Robins there and Cedar Waxwings have been there this week.I have not seen it in my yard since Monday and my neighbors,in whose yard it was most often seen,have not seen it either.While it has been seen every day at Howell,it is not always there.I suspect it has another feeding area as well.It has been seen flying away to the East across Howell and it could well be visiting somewhere on Tatum or adjacent streets. I will be gone for two weeks and this is the last report.If you do see the bird I am sure that there are still people who would like to see it so please post a report. I have had two people stop by today.I would also like to know if it is staying around. Manley Olson From ignacio_magpie@rohair.com Fri Jan 7 17:14:23 2005 From: ignacio_magpie@rohair.com (ignacio_magpie@rohair.com) Date: Fri, 7 Jan 2005 11:14:23 -0600 (CST) Subject: [mou] MN CBC THANK YOU!!! Message-ID: <57567.156.99.142.99.1105118063.squirrel@156.99.142.99> My warmest of Thank Yous to all the voluneteers who ventured out this season on one of Minnesotas 60+ CBCs. 25 CBCs have reported results thus far. Unofficially, two new species have been added to the MN CBC composite list thus far - Cackling Goose (several reports) and that cold Green Heron from Excelsior - bumping the unofficial total to 199 species within MN boundaries. More updates will follow as reports come in. I'll let you know when searchable data is available. Happy New Year! Roger Schroeder From cfagyal@avianphotos.org Sat Jan 8 00:06:26 2005 From: cfagyal@avianphotos.org (Chris Fagyal) Date: Fri, 07 Jan 2005 18:06:26 -0600 Subject: [mou] Pre-MBW Scouting in Sax-Zim Message-ID: <41DF2402.2080904@avianphotos.org> Left work today around noon and went up to Sax-Zim to scout around and see what was to be seen. Stopped briefly in Lino Lakes to get the Northern Saw-Whet Owl..what a beautiful creature. Made it to Sax-Zim (Cotton) around 2:45pm. In the 2 hours of light I picked up no less than 16 Great Grey Owls and 6 Northern Hawk-Owls, and that was only along 5 roads total: Arkola, Hwy 7, Stone Lk Rd, Admiral Rd, McDavitt Rd. The breakdown was as follows: Arkola Rd: 5 Great Grey, 1 Northern Hawk Owl, all seen at dusk on the way back. Hwy 7: 5 Great Grey, 2 Northern Hawk Owl Stone Lk Rd: 3 Great Grey, 1 Northern Hawk Owl Admiral Rd: 1 Northern Hawk Owl McDavitt Rd: 2 Great Grey Cheers, Chris From Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com Sat Jan 8 00:18:20 2005 From: Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com (Alt, Mark) Date: Fri, 7 Jan 2005 18:18:20 -0600 Subject: [mou] FW: Agenda for MOU board meeting 1/8/05 Message-ID: <4F3C90DD5ABC32408C70AC50F47942BDDEB86C@ds69mail.na.bestbuy.com> I have been severely remiss in my duties, not putting out the invitation to the Mou board meeting fro 1/8/05 for the Mou membership to have a chance to attend. We are having it at the Audubon Center of the Northwoods in Sandstone, MN. The meeting will start at 10 am promptly. I promise to give the MOU members more notice in the future, I am still trying to get organized. Please forgive me. Good Birding. =20 MOU Board Meeting Agenda for 1/8/05 Welcome & Opening comments Mark Alt 10:00 - 10:10 AM Open action items Mark Alt 10:10 - 10:20=20 Committee recommendations Mark Alt 10:20 - 10:40=20 Next steps for filling positions Mark Alt 10:40 - 10:50 Committee Reports (5 minutes each) Mark Alt 10:50 - 11:45=20 1. Avian Information 2. MOURC Minnesota Ornithologists' Union Records Committee 3. Conservation 4. Finance 5. Field Trips 6. Education/Public Relations 7. Affiliate Clubs 8. Resource Management 9. Recruitment and Awards 10. Publications 11. Electronic Communications Special Projects: 1. Owl Logistics Mark Alt 11:45 - 11:50=20 2. Spring Raptor Count Jan Green 11:50 - 11:55=20 Plans for next meeting: Dave Bartkey 11:55 - 12:00=20 Mark Alt=20 President,=20 Minnesota Ornithologists Union J. F. Bell Museum of Natural History University of Minnesota 10 Church Street SE Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104 MOU.mn.org mark.alt@bestbuy.com Cell: 612-803-9085 I have been severely remiss in my duties, not putting out the invitation to the Mou board meeting fro 1/8/05 for the Mou membership to have a chance to attend. We are having it at the Audubon Center of the Northwoods in Sandstone, MN. The meeting will start at 10 am promptly. I promise to give the MOU members more notice in the future, I am still trying to get organized. Please forgive me. Good Birding. =20 MOU Board Meeting Agenda for 1/8/05 Welcome & Opening comments Mark Alt 10:00 - 10:10 AM Open action items Mark Alt 10:10 - 10:20=20 Committee recommendations Mark Alt 10:20 - 10:40=20 Next steps for filling positions Mark Alt 10:40 - 10:50 Committee Reports (5 minutes each) Mark Alt 10:50 - 11:45=20 1. Avian Information 2. MOURC Minnesota Ornithologists' Union Records Committee 3. Conservation 4. Finance 5. Field Trips 6. Education/Public Relations 7. Affiliate Clubs 8. Resource Management 9. Recruitment and Awards 10. Publications 11. Electronic Communications Special Projects: 1. Owl Logistics Mark Alt 11:45 - 11:50=20 2. Spring Raptor Count Jan Green 11:50 - 11:55=20 Plans for next meeting: Dave Bartkey 11:55 - 12:00=20 Mark Alt=20 President,=20 Minnesota Ornithologists Union J. F. Bell Museum of Natural History University of Minnesota 10 Church Street SE Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104 MOU.mn.org mark.alt@bestbuy.com Cell: 612-803-9085 From axhertzel@sihope.com Sat Jan 8 01:41:04 2005 From: axhertzel@sihope.com (Anthony X. Hertzel) Date: Fri, 7 Jan 2005 19:41:04 -0600 Subject: [mou] New MOU Directory Message-ID: MOU Members, The biennial MOU membership directory will be issued with the Spring 2005 issue of The Loon, to be mailed in April of this year. If you have any corrections to your information that we need to aware of, or if you'd like to have your e-mail address included in the directory along with your postal mailing address, please contact Elizabeth Bell at Elizjbell@aol.com with that information. Note that e-mail addresses will not be included unless the MOU member specifically requests it. Thanks. -- Anthony X. Hertzel -- axhertzel@sihope.com From smithville4@charter.net Sat Jan 8 01:52:20 2005 From: smithville4@charter.net (Mike Hendrickson) Date: Fri, 7 Jan 2005 19:52:20 -0600 Subject: [mou] Black-backed Woodpeckers Message-ID: <000801c4f524$b2a45b40$46a47044@FAMILYCOMPUTER> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0005_01C4F4F2.65F19290 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Two Black-backed Woodpeckers were seen today in Sax Zim bog. They were = seen on the southern edge of the bog along McDavitt Rd. From Sax Rd or = from the Zim Rd depending on how you get to McDavitt Rd. drive till you = see a red/white pole on the east side of the road. There is also a blue = ribbon flag tied to a tree branch near it. If you miss these pointers = then look for on the east side of the road a narrow corridor that has = been cleared out. The birds were in this area on both sides of the road. Saw several Great Greys and Northern Hawk Owls in the bog. Searched for = the loon and Harlequins but they were not around but I assume the ducks = have not left. Saw a daze and confused Great Grey along the highway and = cars zipping by it. I got out and walked it over to the yards and it = took a running start and flew to a tree to rest. I am certain it was = clipped by a car.=20 Walked into the my favorite reststop in Meadowlands and talked to locals = and found a another good place for Sharp-tailed Grouse and Snow = Buntings. At the meadowlands sewage pond road past the row of spruces = you'll come to a tree plantation of aspen and locals have been seeing = grouse in here and we found Snow Buntings in the field along this road = on the west side of the road. We also found a large flock of Snow = Buntings just north of the Byrn's Greenhouse on the west side of Co. Rd = 7. =20 As we left the Co-op one of the birders handed some money to the = cashier. The cashier looked at me and said "what this for?" I looked = backed as the birders left the building and I closed the door and walked = over to these locals. I talked to these and said "You see these out of = state birders will give money to use your restrooms and visit your = feeders." The locals looked with such surprise and opened mouths and I = continued to mention " You bring these people to your yards and let them = look at your finches and other birds they might drop anywhere from $10 = to $50 depending on the number of birders that visit your yard". The = locals looked at each other and said " Really?" and I said "Yep". The = cashier then asks me " what should I do with this?" I told her to keep = it, its a tip for letting us use your restrooms. I think some went home today realizing there is gold in those trucks, = passenger vans and cars that park on the shoulder viewing them owls! = Plus I felt good about it. You know in a strange way it reminds me of the movie with Chevy Chase = called "Funny Farm". At the end of the movie where Chevy pays money to = the locals to be nice..=20 Michael Hendrickson Duluth, Minnesota Minnesota Birding Treks http://webpages.charter.net/mmhendrickson/ ------=_NextPart_000_0005_01C4F4F2.65F19290 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Two Black-backed Woodpeckers = were seen=20 today in Sax Zim bog. They were seen on the southern edge of the bog = along=20 McDavitt Rd.  From Sax Rd or from the Zim Rd depending on how you = get to=20 McDavitt Rd. drive till you see a red/white pole on the east side of the = road.=20 There is also a blue ribbon flag tied to a tree branch near it. If you = miss=20 these pointers then look for on the east side of the road a narrow = corridor that=20 has been cleared out. The birds were in this area on both sides of the=20 road.
 
Saw several Great Greys and = Northern Hawk=20 Owls in the bog. Searched for the loon and Harlequins but they were not = around=20 but I assume the ducks have not left.  Saw a daze and confused = Great Grey=20 along the highway and cars zipping by it. I got out and walked it over = to the=20 yards and it took a running start and flew to a tree to rest. I am = certain it=20 was clipped by a car.
 
Walked into the my favorite = reststop in=20 Meadowlands and talked to locals and  found a another good place = for=20 Sharp-tailed Grouse and Snow Buntings.  At the meadowlands sewage = pond road=20 past the row of spruces you'll come to a tree plantation of aspen and = locals=20 have been seeing grouse in here and we found Snow Buntings in the field = along=20 this road on the west side of the road. We also found a large flock of = Snow=20 Buntings just north of the Byrn's Greenhouse on the west side of Co. Rd = 7. =20
 
As we left the Co-op one of = the birders=20 handed some money to the cashier. The cashier looked at me and said = "what this=20 for?" I looked backed as the birders left the building and I closed the = door and=20 walked over to these locals.  I talked to these and said "You see = these out=20 of state birders will give money to use your restrooms and visit your = feeders."=20 The locals looked with such surprise and opened mouths and I continued = to=20 mention " You bring these people to your yards and let them look at your = finches=20 and other birds they might drop anywhere from $10 to $50 depending on = the number=20 of birders that visit your yard".  The locals looked at each = other and=20 said " Really?" and I said "Yep".  The cashier then asks me " what = should I=20 do with this?" I told her to keep it, its a tip for letting us use your=20 restrooms.
 
I think some went home today = realizing=20 there is gold in those trucks, passenger vans and cars that park on the = shoulder=20 viewing them owls!  Plus I felt good about it.
 
You know in a strange way it = reminds me=20 of the movie with Chevy Chase called "Funny Farm". At the end of the = movie where=20 Chevy pays money to the locals to be nice..
 
 
Michael = Hendrickson
Duluth,=20 Minnesota
Minnesota Birding Treks
http://webpages.chart= er.net/mmhendrickson/
------=_NextPart_000_0005_01C4F4F2.65F19290-- From drbenson@cpinternet.com Sat Jan 8 15:04:45 2005 From: drbenson@cpinternet.com (David Benson) Date: Sat, 8 Jan 2005 09:04:45 -0600 Subject: [mou] More on Two Harbors Yellow-billed Loon Message-ID: On Thursday, there was a report on mnbird that a Yellow-billed Loon was seen off the breakwater at Agate Bay in Two Harbors on Tuesday. The observer, Tim Walsh of Wisconsin, sent me some details that do seem like a potential Yellow-billed Loon. He will provide fuller documentation to MOURC. So far as I know, no one has refound this bird (steamy and choppy conditions), but if I hear that someone has, I will post it as soon as possible. Dave Benson Duluth From odunamis@yahoo.com Sat Jan 8 15:15:04 2005 From: odunamis@yahoo.com (Chad Heins) Date: Sat, 8 Jan 2005 07:15:04 -0800 (PST) Subject: [mou] Great Grays et al Message-ID: <20050108151504.14258.qmail@web50908.mail.yahoo.com> Hey birders! I had a chance to get up to Duluth and points north on Friday. We had 41 Great Grays (24 at Park Point and WI Point alone--although there were probably more than that there. The rest were either seen in Sax-Zim or along St. Louis CR16 east of Sax-Zim. They seemed to be everywhere. One even landed briefly on a friend's car as he stoped to look at another Great Gray. Amazing! Happy Birding! Chad Heins Mankato, MN __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From cbutler@lcp2.net Sat Jan 8 15:39:02 2005 From: cbutler@lcp2.net (Cindy Butler) Date: Sat, 08 Jan 2005 09:39:02 -0600 Subject: [mou] E. Aitkin Co owls Message-ID: <3.0.1.32.20050108093902.01319c28@mail.lcp2.net> Hi Birders We, too are having a good number of northern owls this winter showing up in the Tamarack, McGregor area of Aitkin County. It is a rare day that a drive to town doesn't include sighting of both species, some days up to 8 Great Grays and as many or more Hawk Owls and that's without even going out of the way to look for them. There was a report of a Boreal Owl about a mile north of Tamarack on Wed., but the owl hasn't been refound, if we find it I will post it right away. Sharp-tailed grouse are also being seen north of Tamarack. There are a few Pine Grosbeaks and flocks of Evening Grosbeaks. Only one Hoary Redpoll and that was only seen one day, but tons of Common Redpolls. What a great winter! Kim had a good week guiding in the Sax-Zim area and also in Lake Co. He saw many owls and had a group of strutting Spruce Grouse in Lake Co. Lots of fun for him and his clients. Cindy & Kim Tamarack, eastern Aitkin County, MN From ksussman@lcp2.net Sat Jan 8 18:23:05 2005 From: ksussman@lcp2.net (Karen Sussman) Date: Sat, 8 Jan 2005 12:23:05 -0600 Subject: [mou] Spruce Grouse/Extreme North Central SLC Message-ID: <570E2596-61A2-11D9-9816-000A95D84DEC@lcp2.net> --Apple-Mail-2-199850555 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed Extreme North Central St Louis County: While scanning treetops etc doing the Owl Survey this morning I almost ran over a group of 5 Spruce Grouse just west (0.1 mi) of Hwy 73 on County Road 85. This is an area north of Sturgeon called Linden Grove. It is state forest land. It was approximately 8:40 AM overcast with light snow. Also of interest in addition to many more great grays than last survey, we saw 1 Gosshawk and an occasional Bald Eagle. Karen Sussman ksussman@lcp2.net --Apple-Mail-2-199850555 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Type: text/enriched; charset=US-ASCII Hiragino Kaku Gothic ProExtreme North Central St Louis County: While scanning treetops etc doing the Owl Survey this morning I almost ran over a group of 5 Spruce Grouse just west (0.1 mi) of Hwy 73 on County Road 85. This is an area north of Sturgeon called Linden Grove. It is state forest land. It was approximately 8:40 AM overcast with light snow. Also of interest in addition to many more great grays than last survey, we saw 1 Gosshawk and an occasional Bald Eagle. Times New RomanKaren Sussman ksussman@lcp2.net --Apple-Mail-2-199850555-- From jslind@frontiernet.net Sat Jan 8 18:36:15 2005 From: jslind@frontiernet.net (Jim Lind) Date: Sat, 8 Jan 2005 12:36:15 -0600 Subject: [mou] Yellow-billed Loon present in Two Harbors Message-ID: <41DFD3BF.8574.EDA3C1@localhost> The Yellow-billed Loon was relocated at Agate Bay 11:00 am by Kim Eckert's Minnesota Birding Weekend. It was present until at least 12:00 noon. It was outside of the breakwall, to the east, out in front of the lighthouse. When originally seen at 11:00 it was faily close to shore, but eventually moved quite a ways out. It spent a lot of time diving, so you had to be persistent to see it in the waves. This bird was reported to MN-Bird late on Thursday evening, and was originally seen on Tuesday morning. Birders looked without success for it yesterday. Jim Lind Two Harbors From krvail@myclearwave.net Sat Jan 8 22:37:41 2005 From: krvail@myclearwave.net (Ken & Rebecca Vail) Date: Sat, 8 Jan 2005 16:37:41 -0600 Subject: [mou] Northern Shrike- Dodge County Message-ID: <001301c4f5d2$afaa7e20$c2e1f841@Vail> At 2:00 PM Saturday I observed a NORTHERN SHRIKE sitting on the utility wire on CR 3 (130th Ave) near the intersection of CR 4 (710th St.) in SW Dodge County. On Dec. 26 I reported a N. Shrike in exactly the same location. Ken Vail Blooming Prairie, MN krvail@myclearwave.net From drbenson@cpinternet.com Sun Jan 9 00:34:45 2005 From: drbenson@cpinternet.com (David Benson) Date: Sat, 8 Jan 2005 18:34:45 -0600 Subject: [mou] Yellow-billed Loon present at dusk 1/8/05 Message-ID: <42FBE3A6-61D6-11D9-8DAF-000A95AC3AF2@cpinternet.com> The Yellow-billed Loon was just east of the breakwall, well out on the Lake, at Agate Bay in Two Harbors at 5:00 pm. Just an hour earlier, it was well to the east, almost at the water plant, and not so far out on the lake. It is a striking bird. It was a lifer for me, and after years of searching through groups of loons, hoping for a subtly-different yellow-billed, I was surprised at how different it was. You won't mistake it for a common. Dave Benson Duluth From blanich@emily.net Sun Jan 9 00:21:23 2005 From: blanich@emily.net (Steve & Jo Blanich) Date: Sat, 8 Jan 2005 18:21:23 -0600 Subject: [mou] Great Gray Owls in Crow Wing Co.` Message-ID: <005101c4f5e1$69b47f60$b84d5a40@hppav> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_004E_01C4F5AE.DBC2AE20 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Jan. 8th - 3 Great Gray Owls were seen in northeastern Crow Wing County, = Little Pine Twp., Little Pine Rd. ------=_NextPart_000_004E_01C4F5AE.DBC2AE20 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Jan. 8th - 3 Great Gray Owls were seen = in=20 northeastern Crow Wing County, Little Pine Twp., Little Pine=20 Rd.
------=_NextPart_000_004E_01C4F5AE.DBC2AE20-- From wenelson@mlecmn.net Sun Jan 9 00:59:26 2005 From: wenelson@mlecmn.net (Warren Nelson) Date: Sat, 08 Jan 2005 18:59:26 -0600 Subject: [mou] Quick update from Aitkin County Message-ID: <41E081EE.2B017518@mlecmn.net> I spent this afternoon birding around the northern part of Aitkin County and found among other things: 37 GREAT GRAY OWLS, 10 NORTHERN HAWK OWLS, 1 BARRED OWL, 8 NORTHERN SHRIKES, 2 GRAY JAYS. The largest concentrations of owls were along C.R.18, C.R. 10 north of C.R. 18 all the way to Highway 200 and then west on Highway 200 to just west of the Rabey tree farm. The owls have definitely moved in during the last couple of weeks. Warren Nelson From axhertzel@sihope.com Sun Jan 9 02:04:24 2005 From: axhertzel@sihope.com (Anthony X. Hertzel) Date: Sat, 8 Jan 2005 20:04:24 -0600 Subject: [mou] Great Gray Owls Message-ID: For those not wanting to drive all the way to the Sax Zim bog for owls, Mark Alt reported 13 Great gray Owls today in northern Pine County. The birds were clustered in two places: along Countyline Road at the Carlton County line, and along the north/south road just to the east of Oak Lake. Oak Lake is about four of miles west of Nickerson, and Countyline Road is one mile north of the lake. -- Anthony X. Hertzel -- axhertzel@sihope.com From pbudde@earthlink.net Sun Jan 9 05:36:15 2005 From: pbudde@earthlink.net (Paul Budde) Date: Sat, 8 Jan 2005 23:36:15 -0600 Subject: [mou] Black Dog Gulls Message-ID: 365 gulls were still present this evening, including Great Black-backed (1) Glaucous (2) Ring-billed (at least 1 first yr) Paul Minneapolis, Minnesota pbudde@earthlink.net From PastorAl@PrincetonFreeChurch.net Sun Jan 9 13:37:56 2005 From: PastorAl@PrincetonFreeChurch.net (Pastor Al) Date: Sun, 9 Jan 2005 07:37:56 -0600 Subject: [mou] Seeking & finding Message-ID: <001501c4f650$6e07ad70$0c01a8c0@PastorAl> Drove to Falcon Heights & Lino Lakes/Columbus areas yesterday, seeking the Varied Thrush and Northern Saw-whet. Only heard the Varied - did not come into the Howell & Prior yards while I was there, although was calling irregularly in the distance. However, the Saw-whet was readily apparent near Lino Lakes, seemed very calm while quiet birders simply admired it. Bonus - upon returning home, noted that the flock of redpolls was actively flying & lighting in our fields. Numbers exceed 250, and a probable Hoary was finally present (admittedly, on the 20th viewing - they rarely lighted (lit?) for more than a few seconds). Good birding! Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties From kess0010@umn.edu Sun Jan 9 19:36:04 2005 From: kess0010@umn.edu (Ann E Kessen) Date: Sun, 09 Jan 2005 13:36:04 CST Subject: [mou] MOU grants Message-ID: <200501091936.j09Ja4u8003415@turbo.software.umn.edu> The MOU is committed to fostering the study of birds, increasing public interest in birds, and promoting preservation of birds and their natural habitats. Toward these ends, the MOU annually considers funding requests for bird-related projects. The amount awarded per request is dependent upon the moneys available in any given year and upon the number of requests approved. Applications requesting MOU funding of research or other bird-related projects for the year 2005 must be received no later than February 1, 2005. Funding recipients will be notified in early March. Grant application information is available by emailing Ann Kessen, at kess0010@tc.umn.edu. Applicants must describe the project for which funding is sought, its goals, and how it will benefit birds or increase our understanding of birds. Location and dates of the project and a description of how the project is to be carried out and how the MOU money will be used must also be provided. The MOU requires that its funding be acknowledged in all published material associated with the project, and that one paper or report on the project be submitted to the MOU for publication in either The Loon, the MOU quarterly journal, or Minnesota Birding. From jslind@frontiernet.net Sun Jan 9 19:58:49 2005 From: jslind@frontiernet.net (Jim Lind) Date: Sun, 9 Jan 2005 13:58:49 -0600 Subject: [mou] Yellow-billed Loon not seen Message-ID: <41E13899.18347.102CD5B@localhost> As of 1:30 pm, the Yellow-billed Loon had not been seen today at Agate Bay in Two Harbors. At least 20-30 birders searched unsuccessfully throughout the morning, and viewing conditions were good. Jim Lind Two Harbors From Markjunghans@aol.com Sun Jan 9 20:41:24 2005 From: Markjunghans@aol.com (Markjunghans@aol.com) Date: Sun, 9 Jan 2005 15:41:24 EST Subject: [mou] Varied Thrush Anoka County Refound Message-ID: <79.3c6feaf4.2f12f0f4@aol.com> The male Varied Thrush first reported on Wednesday 1-5-05 and then not seen for three days returned to my yard this Sunday afternoon at 12:30 and 1:30. It stayed about ten minutes each visit. It seems rather skittish and will flush into the spruce or pine trees bordering our yard. Our only crab apple tree is picked clean, but others within a block or two of us still hold fruit. Maybe this is where it has been. Mark Junghans 15351 Marmoset St. NW Ramsey MN 55303 From corax6330@yahoo.com Sun Jan 9 21:08:03 2005 From: corax6330@yahoo.com (fred lesher) Date: Sun, 9 Jan 2005 13:08:03 -0800 (PST) Subject: [mou] Peregrine Falcons, LaCrosse & USBANK Message-ID: <20050109210803.61336.qmail@web30906.mail.mud.yahoo.com> An adult Peregrine was perched on the "U" of the "USBANK" sign, NW side in downtown LaCrosse at 11:30 AM Sunday, Jan. 9 The flat top surfaces of the letters tight against the building are obviously preferred perches & "butcher blocks" by the birds. I have seen the birds feeding atop the letters, which have birds' wings sticking out from them. I note that a PEFA was seen in Duluth at the USBANK building there. Were they perched atop a USBANK sign? Is there anything in the literature about where PEFAs prefer to do their banking?! Fred Lesher, LaCrosse __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Read only the mail you want - Yahoo! Mail SpamGuard. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail From mntallboy@earthlink.net Sun Jan 9 21:35:46 2005 From: mntallboy@earthlink.net (William Marengo) Date: Sun, 9 Jan 2005 15:35:46 -0600 Subject: [mou] Aitkin county owls Message-ID: <20050109213515.5457D35B9F@biosci.cbs.umn.edu> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0000_01C4F660.E739E180 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Esther Gesick & I spent Saturday & Sunday surveying our owl routes in Aitkin (and parts of Cass & Itasca) county this weekend. We were not disappointed. We found 3 Northern Hawk Owls and 30 Great Gray Owls. Instead of giving exact locations here are the general areas where most of the birds were seen: Hawk Owls: Two near US 169 & Aitkin county road 18 1 on US 169 & Aitkin county road 21 Great Grays: Many along US 169 between Aitkin county road 18 and Hill City Several along Aitkin county road 7 west of US 169 Several along Aitkin county road 29 south of the town of Swatara Several along MN Highway 200 west of Hill City to the Cass county line Other single birds at various locations along back roads. Wish we had time to survey the whole county! Regards.. ------=_NextPart_000_0000_01C4F660.E739E180 Content-Type: text/html; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Aitkin county owls

Esther Gesick & I spent Saturday = & Sunday surveying our owl routes in Aitkin (and parts of Cass & = Itasca) county this weekend. We were not disappointed.

We found 3 Northern Hawk Owls and 30 = Great Gray Owls.

Instead of giving exact locations here = are the general areas where most of the birds were seen:

Hawk Owls:
Two near US 169 & Aitkin county = road 18
1 on US 169 & Aitkin county road = 21

Great Grays:
Many along US 169 between Aitkin = county road 18 and Hill City
Several along Aitkin county road 7 = west of US 169
Several along Aitkin county road 29 = south of the town of Swatara
Several along MN Highway 200 west of = Hill City to the Cass county line
Other single birds at various = locations along back roads.

Wish we had time to survey the whole = county!

Regards….


------=_NextPart_000_0000_01C4F660.E739E180-- From jgreen@d.umn.edu Sun Jan 9 23:06:09 2005 From: jgreen@d.umn.edu (John Green) Date: Sun, 9 Jan 2005 17:06:09 -0600 (Central Standard Time) Subject: [mou] Great Gray Owls Message-ID: If folks want another place to see concentrations of Great Gray Owls, try the eastern part of Carlton County especially township roads in Wrenshall Township and adjacent townships west and north. Joh and I saw 19 GGOWs on the 8th in 3/4 of an hour; most were in the stretch from Pleasant Valley to Scotts Corner where we counted 13 in 6.5 miles. Jim Lind cruised this area on January 4th and 5th and counted just over 30 GGOWs each day. Jan Green From rtheise@earthlink.net Sun Jan 9 23:36:52 2005 From: rtheise@earthlink.net (Robert Heise) Date: Sun, 9 Jan 2005 17:36:52 -0600 Subject: [mou] Great Horned and N. Shrike Message-ID: <000d01c4f6a4$197cb850$0201a8c0@D89BKP41> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_000A_01C4F671.CE61A6A0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Went searching for Great Grey. Not seen in Chaska at Bavaria Rd. East = of Rt. 41. However, flushed Great Horned Owl and N. Shrike was singing = on top of tree east of feild behind municiple building. Bob Heise Chanhassen, MN ------=_NextPart_000_000A_01C4F671.CE61A6A0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Went searching for Great Grey.  = Not seen in=20 Chaska at Bavaria Rd. East of Rt. 41.  However, flushed Great = Horned Owl=20 and N. Shrike was singing on top of tree east of feild behind = municiple=20 building.
 
Bob Heise
Chanhassen, = MN
------=_NextPart_000_000A_01C4F671.CE61A6A0-- From smithville4@charter.net Mon Jan 10 01:41:46 2005 From: smithville4@charter.net (Mike Hendrickson) Date: Sun, 9 Jan 2005 19:41:46 -0600 Subject: [mou] Weekend Birds Message-ID: <000a01c4f6b5$8bd2fbb0$46a47044@FAMILYCOMPUTER> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0007_01C4F683.40DB9EA0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Today I was out today with a group from Arizona. =20 Here are the highlights of the past two days: -Black-backed Woodpeckers along the McDavitt Rd. Go north from Sax Rd = and look for a red/white pole on east side of road as you enter the bog = habitat. There is a blue ribbon in the tree nearby on the same side of = the road as the pole. ** I heard a Northern Three-toed Woodpecker was = seen there today at the same spot. -Spruce Grouse were seen along Highway 1 between mile post numbers = 306-305 and 301. -Boreal Chickadees were seen very briefly along Owl Avenue on the = southern edge before the bend. -Bohemian Waxwings were seen along Triggs Rd. off Arrowhead Rd just = north of Kenwood Ave. -Townsend's Solitaire was seen again by some Missouri birders last = Friday at Leif Erickson Park near the walkbridge along RR tracks. ** Two Boreal Owls were seen this late afternoon. 1) found by Chris = Benson along walking trail behind Two Harbors 2) the other was found = along the Alseth Rd.=20 - Adult Iceland Gull (glaucoids) was seen at the WI landfill with = several Glaucous Gulls and Thayer's Gulls. -Seen a Great Gray Owl at the intersection of Mesaba Ave & I-35, Seen = several Great Grey Owls along Hwy 2/53 in Superior, WI and several Great = Greys along Moccasin Mike Rd. in Superior, WI. I also had a Great Gray = Owl at 40th Ave. W and I-35, Seen several Great Grays along Minnesota = Ave. at Park Pt. - Jim Lind told me that the Harlequin Ducks were seen this morning along = the breakwall at Agate Bay (lighthouse) in Two Harbors. Michael Hendrickson Duluth, Minnesota Minnesota Birding Treks http://webpages.charter.net/mmhendrickson/ ------=_NextPart_000_0007_01C4F683.40DB9EA0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Today I was out today with a = group from=20 Arizona. 
 
Here are the highlights of = the past two=20 days:
-Black-backed Woodpeckers = along the=20 McDavitt Rd. Go north from Sax Rd and look for a red/white pole on east = side of=20 road as you enter the bog habitat. There is a blue ribbon in the tree = nearby on=20 the same side of the road as the pole.  ** I heard a Northern = Three-toed=20 Woodpecker was seen there today at the same spot.
 
-Spruce Grouse were seen = along Highway 1=20 between mile post numbers 306-305 and 301.
 
-Boreal Chickadees were seen = very briefly=20 along Owl Avenue on the southern edge before the bend.
 
-Bohemian Waxwings were seen = along Triggs=20 Rd. off Arrowhead Rd just north of Kenwood Ave.
 
-Townsend's Solitaire was = seen again by=20 some Missouri birders last Friday at Leif Erickson Park near the = walkbridge=20 along RR tracks.
 
** Two Boreal Owls were seen = this late=20 afternoon. 1) found by Chris Benson along walking trail behind Two = Harbors 2)=20 the other was found along the Alseth Rd.
 
- Adult Iceland Gull = (glaucoids) was seen=20 at the WI landfill with several Glaucous Gulls and Thayer's = Gulls.
 
-Seen a Great Gray Owl at the = intersection of Mesaba Ave & I-35, Seen several Great Grey Owls = along Hwy=20 2/53 in Superior, WI and several Great Greys along Moccasin Mike Rd. in=20 Superior, WI.  I also had a Great Gray Owl at 40th Ave. W and I-35, = Seen=20 several Great Grays along Minnesota Ave. at Park Pt.
 
- Jim Lind told me that the = Harlequin=20 Ducks were seen this morning along the breakwall at Agate Bay = (lighthouse) in=20 Two Harbors.
 
Michael = Hendrickson
Duluth,=20 Minnesota
Minnesota Birding Treks
http://webpages.chart= er.net/mmhendrickson/
------=_NextPart_000_0007_01C4F683.40DB9EA0-- From corax6330@yahoo.com Mon Jan 10 02:42:42 2005 From: corax6330@yahoo.com (fred lesher) Date: Sun, 9 Jan 2005 18:42:42 -0800 (PST) Subject: [mou] Responses to query where Peregrine Falcons do their banking: (humor only) Message-ID: <20050110024242.17120.qmail@web30904.mail.mud.yahoo.com> 1. They "cache" their pigeons at USBANK. 2. They leave their "deposits" to collect interest. Fred Lesher, LaCrosse __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From fieldfare21@hotmail.com Mon Jan 10 02:58:01 2005 From: fieldfare21@hotmail.com (Benjamin Fritchman) Date: Sun, 09 Jan 2005 20:58:01 -0600 Subject: [mou] Lake County Gyrfalcon Message-ID: This morning yielded an unsuccessful try at the Yellow-billed Loon in Two Harbors, but while walking around the lighthouse a Gyrfalcon zipped right in front of my mom and I. It was a very light individual, probably a gray phase. It headed southwest across Agate Bay, and we lost it in the background of the trees. It was heading downshore, so watch the Duluth area for one tomorrow or in the next few days. Also Owls were present in many places, including 4 Great Grays and 1 Hawk Owl in Carlton County. They were all along Hwy. 210 from mile markers 195-206. Ben Fritchman From kreckert@cpinternet.com Mon Jan 10 03:01:40 2005 From: kreckert@cpinternet.com (Kim R Eckert) Date: Sun, 9 Jan 2005 21:01:40 -0600 Subject: [mou] Boreal Owls, Am Three-toed Woodpecker Message-ID: To elaborate on Mike Hendrickson's earlier posting: Boreal Owl =96 one found this afternoon by Otto _____ (? =96 sorry, = forgot=20 his last name) in Two Harbors and seen by m.ob.: follow the trail=20 behind the lighthouse, and after 300 yards or so turn left on the main=20= cut-off trail which leads back to the base of the Agate Bay parking lot=20= =96 owl was in a cedar about 50 yards up this trail on the left side;=20 another seen by Jim Lind's father along Old N Shore Rd, just N of Hwy=20 61 and just W of Alseth Rd (unfortunately, if these are typical=20 individuals like the few reported in recent days, these probably will=20 have moved on by tomorrow) Am Three-toed Woodpecker =96 a male found today with 2 Black-backeds by=20= Dave Johnson's group from IL in the McDavitt Rd tamarack bog in Sax-Zim=20= (from Co Rd 7, go 2 mi W on Sax Rd, then about 2.5 mi N on McDavitt (=3D=20= Co Rd 213) Other notes: Yellow-billed Loon =96 credit April Silber from McKinney TX with the MBW=20= group who first spotted it yesterday (first observed Jan 4; apparently=20= no sightings today); imm male & female Harlequin Ducks in same area Townsend's Solitaire =96 first reported in the Duluth RBA a couple = weeks=20 ago, and relocated Friday at Leif Ericson Park in Duluth in conifers=20 near the Viking ship replica (from the Rose Garden parking lot at !2th=20= Ave E & London Rd, take the pedestrian bridge towards the lake and turn=20= left) Gadwall =96 an unexpected out-of-season male with the Mallard flock at=20= the corner of L Superior near Canal Park in Duluth =96 Kim Eckert From Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com Mon Jan 10 03:02:26 2005 From: Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com (Alt, Mark) Date: Sun, 9 Jan 2005 21:02:26 -0600 Subject: [mou] The new place to go for Great Grays Message-ID: <4F3C90DD5ABC32408C70AC50F47942BDDEB878@ds69mail.na.bestbuy.com> The following are directions and GPS for 14 GGOW and a single NHOW seen = in Northern Pine County on 1/8, from 3:30 PM to 4:30 pm. These sightings = are all within an area defined on the south by Hwy 162, on the north by = County Line Road, which runs from Moose Lake to Nickerson). From Duluth, = take 23 S towards, you can turn onto County line rod at Nickerson and = head west. From the south, get of at the Askov/Finlayson exit and take = 23 North; you can take 162 west from Duquette or go Zn to Nickerson. = Duquette general store is very friendly to birders and makes good = sandwiches and pastries and has fresh coffee. A great sit-down meal and = some really good feeder arrays are to be found to the South at Banning = Junction, near the intersection of 35 North and Hwy 23, north of = Sandstone. Pine Grosbeaks and redpolls are all over here, as well as = deer at night. There is a caf=E9 and a dining room; the feeders are = viewable from the dining room. Please tell the hostess you heard they = cater to birders. You may find lodging at the Audubon Center of the = Northwoods, in Sandstone, MN. This is a wonderful facility dedicated to = wildlife conservation and education. The number at the Nature Center is = 320-245-2648. I was able to plan my own route when we set up the Owl Census Program, = so I made sure my route started where I had staked out a NHOW on = territory, and I made certain it ended in the Boreal forests of Net Lake = Road, where I have gotten Boreal Chickadee and Gray Jay on my CBC (not = this year). I put little though into the rest of the route, = serpentining it around in my CBC area to end up at 34.5 miles. The = middle 25 miles of the route is mixed deciduous and conifer mainly, with = some farms and open areas along the Military Road. The Owls are being = seen in mixed deciduous and conifer areas adjacent to farms. The Owls = are everywhere after 3:30 pm. If I were not on the route, I feel I = could average an owl every .2 of a mile by driving County Line Road from = Moose Lake to Nickerson and going north and south on the intersecting = roads, but staying north of the 162, the East-west road from Duquette to = the south end of Sturgeon Lake, staying east of Hwy 23. I feel the = birds in the next several weeks will move further south in Pine County. = Pine County is the new Sax-Zim. We could use some birding activity her = to explore the waves of owls and determine its extent. Please use all = the precautionary guidelines for behavior we have asked for in Sax-Zim. For review, some of these are: * Stick to the uninhabited areas or to feeder homes where you know you = are welcome.=20 * Do not drive less than 45 mph when on the main roads, if you have to = stop, pull off where there is a place to do so. Walk to a better = viewing area. * Use a scope when a closer proximity is not available * Go out of your way to be friendly. Wave and smile at all passing = motorists.=20 * If you have to stop and see birds at someone's home, please go knock = and talk with the person first, this may flush the birds, but it is more = important for you to gain permission than to see the birds.=20 * Carry calling cards or business cards to give to people you meet or to = leave at local businesses. * Show respect to EVERY ONE. Trappers and people with aggressive = trespassing signs should all be able to go on with their normal lives = without us disrupting them in any way. Enjoy and report back on your findings here. I love Pine County and they = have always been very friendly to me as a birder. I hope each of you can = have this wonderful experience here, as well. Good Birding. Pine County Owl Census Route Mark Alt. Steve Novatney 1/8/05. 3:30 - = 4:30 pm. =09 Qty Species Long Lat Habitat Notes 1 NHOW N46=B022.220 W92=B043.286 3=3Dopen/agricultural Perched atop a = utility pole @ Old Military Rd .8 miles N of Hwy 46 1 GGOW N46=B025.093 W92=B039.173 3=3Dopen/agricultural East on County = Line Rd .2 mi E of Willow Hay 1 GGOW N46=B025.092 W92=B038.752 4=3Dmixed deciduous/pine East on = County Line Rd .3 mi E of Willow Hay 1 GGOW N46=B025.090 W92=B037.805 4=3Dmixed deciduous/pine East on = County Line Rd 1.0 mi E of Willow Hay 2 GGOW N46=B022.791 W92=B034.774 4=3Dmixed deciduous/pine South 0.2 Mi = on Oak Lake Rd from where it turns south to go on Oak Lake's Eastern = Shore 1 GGOW N46=B024.688 W92=B035.647 4=3Dmixed deciduous/pine 0.4 Mi E on = Oak Lake Rd from where it turns to go on Oak Lake's N shore 1 GGOW N46=B022.784 W92=B035.259 4=3Dmixed deciduous/pine 1.6 Mi E on = Oak Lake Rd from where it turns to go on Oak Lake's N shore 1 GGOW N46=B023.751 W92=B034.491 4=3Dmixed deciduous/pine South 0.3 Mi = on Oak Lake Rd from where it turns south to go on Oak Lake's Eastern = Shore 1 GGOW N46=B023.218 W92=B034.434 4=3Dmixed deciduous/pine South 1.0 Mi = on Oak Lake Rd from where it turns south to go on Oak Lake's Eastern = Shore 1 GGOW N46=B023.003 W92=B034.434 4=3Dmixed deciduous/pine South 1.1 Mi = on Oak Lake Rd from where it turns south to go on Oak Lake's Eastern = Shore 1 GGOW 46=B024.725 W92=B030.249 4=3Dmixed deciduous/pine Net Lake Road = E from Nickerson past net Lake 1 GGOW 46=B024.633 W92=B030.030 4=3Dmixed deciduous/pine Net Lake Road = E at RR tracks 1 GGOW 46=B024.641 W92=B030.037 6=3Dpine/spruce/fir upland Net Lake = Road E 0.2 Mi E of RR tracks 1 GGOW N46=B019.915 W92=B029.250 4=3Dmixed deciduous/pine Intersection = of 154 E of Townline Rd and Kerrick Rd (154), 5 miles E of Kerrick Mark Alt=20 President,=20 Minnesota Ornithologists Union J. F. Bell Museum of Natural History University of Minnesota 10 Church Street SE Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104 MOU.mn.org mark.alt@bestbuy.com Cell: 612-803-9085 From Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com Mon Jan 10 04:10:05 2005 From: Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com (Alt, Mark) Date: Sun, 9 Jan 2005 22:10:05 -0600 Subject: [mou] How to find Gyrfalcons Message-ID: <4F3C90DD5ABC32408C70AC50F47942BDDEB87A@ds69mail.na.bestbuy.com> I went out with Jack Voog and Vic Peppe as they flew their Gyrfalcons = Sunday. I got a lesson in Gyrfalcon behavior. Jack saw a Grey Gyrfalcon = in Brooklyn Park Thanksgiving weekend. He was working out his bird with = a lure when this other bird came in, made a pass at his bird, and = perched in a nearby tree. He has a license to trap passage juveniles as = a Master Falconer. This is a tightly regulated permit process. He did = not trap this bird, though it was seen one other time. The area it was = seen in was west of Hwy 169 =BD mile south of the Hwy 610/169 = intersection. Jack told me he has seen Gyrs in this area before, as = well as other metro areas. He said the biggest draw for Gyrs is = swirling flocks of birds, either pigeons at grain elevators or ducks at = open water. Jack has seen a Gyr in past years at the small pond on = Douglas drive south of Duluth Street in Golden Valley, right by the RR = tracks. The RR yard in Fridley has attracted Prairie Falcons and Gyrs = in the past. =20 He is going to work with other falconers to get sightings confirmed and = documented in the future. Falconers in the past have had sightings = rejected with no explanation other than "record not accepted" and they = assumed they were not taken seriously. They do not bother to submit = sightings anymore. I told them it needs to be properly documented and = witnessed, and I offered my assistance. They see many Snowy Owls and = rare raptors every winter as they are out hunting their birds in remote = fields in January and February when everyone else stays on the beaten = paths or indoors. =20 If I get a contact from them, I will post it to the rare bird alert and = to Mnbird and MOU-net and ask that someone try to get out to the site to = confirm the sightings. They do considerable work locating raptor nests = also and do not complete nesting records when they find them; I am going = to work with them as well. These people share many interests with us and = their knowledge of birds exceeds ours in some areas. We need to get to = know them and let them get to know us. We stand to both benefit from = this relationship. Mark Alt=20 President,=20 Minnesota Ornithologists Union J. F. Bell Museum of Natural History University of Minnesota 10 Church Street SE Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104 MOU.mn.org mark.alt@bestbuy.com Cell: 612-803-9085 From esitz@goldengate.net Mon Jan 10 05:30:29 2005 From: esitz@goldengate.net (Erika Sitz) Date: Sun, 9 Jan 2005 23:30:29 -0600 Subject: [mou] Aitkin County Owls Message-ID: <020a01c4f6d5$7f80f040$6601a8c0@dirac4> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_020B_01C4F6A3.34E68040 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Had good luck with owls on Sat, 1/8, all birds seen between 3:50pm and 5:03pm: Northern Hawk Owl US 169 0.5 mi S of CR18 CR18 1.4 mi E of US 169 CR18 5.3 mi E of US 169, about 100 yd back on N side CR18 5.8 mi E of US 169 CR5 3.7 mi S of CR18 Great Gray Owl CR18 1.8 mi E of US 169, when first seen, flying low, barely clearing tops of woody bushes CR18 2.1 mi E of US 169 CR18 2.3 mi E of US 169 CR18 3.4 mi E of US 169, back along farm drive, dove into snow, successfully I think CR18 3.5 mi E of US 169, saw fly in up to power pole while watching GGO#4 CR18 5.8 mi E of US 169, flew low behind car while watching NHO#4 Unless stated otherwise all the NHOs were on power poles or lines and GGOs in trees fairly close to the road. This is the first time we've had any luck with owls in Aitkin Cty, never have found the residents in previous trips. Earlier along CR1 saw a Northern Shrike, Bald Eagle, and a couple Ravens. Erika Sitz Ramsey, north Anoka County ------=_NextPart_000_020B_01C4F6A3.34E68040 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable

Had good luck with owls on Sat, 1/8, all birds seen = between=20 3:50pm and 5:03pm:

Northern Hawk Owl
US 169 0.5 mi S of = CR18
CR18=20 1.4 mi E of US 169
CR18 5.3 mi E of US 169, about 100 yd back on N=20 side
CR18 5.8 mi E of US 169
CR5 3.7 mi S of CR18

Great = Gray=20 Owl
CR18 1.8 mi E of US 169, when first seen, flying low, barely = clearing=20 tops of woody bushes
CR18 2.1 mi E of US 169
CR18 2.3 mi E of US=20 169
CR18 3.4 mi E of US 169, back along farm drive, dove into snow,=20 successfully I think
CR18 3.5 mi E of US 169, saw fly in up to power = pole=20 while watching GGO#4
CR18 5.8 mi E of US 169, flew low behind car = while=20 watching NHO#4

Unless stated otherwise all the NHOs were on power = poles=20 or lines and GGOs in trees fairly close to the road.

This is the = first=20 time we've had any luck with owls in Aitkin Cty, never have found the = residents=20 in previous trips.

Earlier along CR1 saw a Northern Shrike, Bald = Eagle,=20 and a couple Ravens.

Erika Sitz
Ramsey, north Anoka = County=20

------=_NextPart_000_020B_01C4F6A3.34E68040-- From esteb02@frontiernet.net Mon Jan 10 16:13:01 2005 From: esteb02@frontiernet.net (esteb02@frontiernet.net) Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2005 11:13:01 -0500 Subject: [mou] Dragonflies Message-ID: <20050110111301.znjcokc4wk44kks8@webmail.frontiernet.net> Sorry to be off topic, but there was someone on this list that had a website with dragonflies. Does anyone remember that site location? Steve Estebo Avian Zoologist Minnesota Zoo (952)431-9321 From cruzcolibri@yahoo.com Mon Jan 10 03:38:04 2005 From: cruzcolibri@yahoo.com (Alex Cruz) Date: Sun, 9 Jan 2005 19:38:04 -0800 (PST) Subject: [mou] Boreal Owl and Hoary Redpoll Message-ID: <20050110033804.91902.qmail@web53510.mail.yahoo.com> --0-977977047-1105328284=:87229 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Dear Birders, I wanted to thank and pay credit to Otto Gockman for finding and showing our group the Boreal Owl today at the Two Harbours lighthouse. An amazing find and amazing views. Also seen were three Hoary Redpolls at a front yard feeder in the neighborhood southwest of CR2 and 16th Avenue in Two Harbors. They were seen around 3:30 pm on 1-9-2005. Looking up, Alex Cruz Crystal, MN __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com --0-977977047-1105328284=:87229 Content-Type: text/html; charset=us-ascii
Dear Birders,
 
I wanted to thank and pay credit to Otto Gockman for finding and showing our group the Boreal Owl today at the Two Harbours lighthouse. An amazing find and amazing views.
 
Also seen were three Hoary Redpolls at a front yard  feeder in the neighborhood southwest of CR2 and 16th Avenue in Two Harbors. They were seen around 3:30 pm on 1-9-2005.
 
Looking up,
Alex Cruz
Crystal, MN

__________________________________________________
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http://mail.yahoo.com --0-977977047-1105328284=:87229-- From dbmartin@skypoint.com Mon Jan 10 17:58:29 2005 From: dbmartin@skypoint.com (Dennis/Barbara Martin) Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2005 11:58:29 -0600 Subject: [mou] Carlton County owls Message-ID: <009601c4f73d$fe53ff80$c42f56c7@oemcomputer> We would like to reiterate the comments made by others about the owls in Pine and Carlton Counties. Yesterday we had nearly 30 Great Grays in Carlton County, most in a area bordered by County Road 1 and Hwy 23. County Road 1 in the Wrenshall area had more than 2-3 per mile. We had birded these same areas a month ago and struggled to find owls so there is no doubt that there is a southward movement. How far they go south will be determined by the food sources available. Specific locations are not needed to find birds but will be e-mailed to the compiler. Dennis and Barbara Martin dbmartin@skypoint.com From Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com Mon Jan 10 18:17:36 2005 From: Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com (Alt, Mark) Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2005 12:17:36 -0600 Subject: [mou] Cass & Crow Wing County Northern Owls Message-ID: <4F3C90DD5ABC32408C70AC50F47942BDDEB884@ds69mail.na.bestbuy.com> I have a friend at work who lives on Gull Lake near Brainerd. Are there Owls being seen near there? If anyone has an area where there are GGOW's and it is within 40 miles of Brainerd, would you share this with me and the list server group?=20 Mark Alt=20 Brooklyn Center, MN=20 mark.alt@bestbuy.com=20 "I recalled that I had read somewhere that in the Middle Ages Hell was envisioned as a place without birds." Jim Harrison=20 From jlind@nrri.umn.edu Mon Jan 10 19:10:03 2005 From: jlind@nrri.umn.edu (Jim Lind) Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2005 13:10:03 -0600 Subject: [mou] Boreal Owl in Two Harbors Message-ID: <41E27EAB.24836.130B6D0@localhost> Mike Hendrickson just called to report at Boreal Owl found by Kent Nickell next to the lighthouse at Agate Bay in Two Harbors. It was on the the edge of the woods about 40 yards north of the southeast corner of the chain-link fence surrounding the lighthouse. It was at the top of a broken-off 10-foot tall, 3 inch diameter birch tree near a large clump of balsams. This is a few hundred yards south of the Boreal Owl location from yesterday afternoon, and could be the same bird. Mike also said he has not been able to relocate the Yellow-billed Loon, but the two Harlequin Ducks are still present. Jim Lind Two Harbors From b.pomeroy@mchsi.com Mon Jan 10 19:46:49 2005 From: b.pomeroy@mchsi.com (b.pomeroy) Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2005 13:46:49 -0600 Subject: [mou] Carlton County owls References: <009601c4f73d$fe53ff80$c42f56c7@oemcomputer> Message-ID: <002701c4f74d$202e1550$6742d60c@wildthing> Hey, all, I agree...the birds are moving south. The last two weeks the birds which were in Carlton county are now moving south and the farther south I went in Carlton towards Pine county, the more birds I saw. They are on any, and I do mean any, side road or county road off any major highway. The birds are also on major highways and even in towns and cities, sitting just off the roadside, sometimes just feet from right-of-ways and not very high up in the trees. Just go off any side road and watch...they are out and moving south as more and more birds invade. Good birding and keep all of us informed as they move south. You people in the southern parts of the state will soon have the owls in good numbers. Have fun and keep safe. Bruce "I care to live, only to entice people to look at Nature's loveliness." -- John Muir ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dennis/Barbara Martin" To: "mou-net" Sent: Monday, January 10, 2005 11:58 AM Subject: [mou] Carlton County owls > We would like to reiterate the comments made by others about the owls in > Pine and Carlton Counties. Yesterday we had nearly 30 Great Grays in > Carlton County, most in a area bordered by County Road 1 and Hwy 23. > County > Road 1 in the Wrenshall area had more than 2-3 per mile. > > We had birded these same areas a month ago and struggled to find owls so > there is no doubt that there is a southward movement. How far they go > south > will be determined by the food sources available. > > Specific locations are not needed to find birds but will be e-mailed to > the > compiler. > > Dennis and Barbara Martin > dbmartin@skypoint.com > > > _______________________________________________ > mou-net mailing list > mou-net@cbs.umn.edu > http://cbs.umn.edu/mailman/listinfo/mou-net > From esteb02@frontiernet.net Mon Jan 10 19:46:41 2005 From: esteb02@frontiernet.net (esteb02@frontiernet.net) Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2005 14:46:41 -0500 Subject: [mou] Re: Dragonflies Message-ID: <20050110144641.1bvcwsks44wc8sgk@webmail.frontiernet.net> I found the site, thanks to Leslie Kottke. It belongs to Mike Hendrickson and the site is http://webpages.charter.net/mmhendrickson/ A reporter had contacted the Zoo's PR department looking for dragonfly video. The PR department contacted me, as I do the butterfly exhibit here at the Zoo. I guess they figured dragonflies were close to butterflies. So I forwarded websites for Mike and Kurt Mead to the PR department so they could forward them to the reporter as possible leads. Mike, I hope you don't mind! Steve Estebo Avian Zoologist (and Butterflies) Minnesota Zoo (952)431-9321 From watsup@boreal.org Mon Jan 10 21:53:52 2005 From: watsup@boreal.org (Steve and Sherry Watson) Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2005 13:53:52 -0800 Subject: [mou] yellow-billed loon Message-ID: <000001c4f75e$e13a5720$9b0f46d8@m7z0w8> Hello all, As you probably all know myself along with several others were not able to re-locate the loon yesterday. The harlequins were both still their and we had wonderful views of a roosting boreal owl in the vicinity but didn't see the loon, even around 2:00 or 3:00 P.M. after Superior calmed almost glass still we weren't able to locate it. I suppose since it had been around since Tuesday that it could very well still be around and it could have moved a little way's up or down the shore and could have been way out on the horizon beyond vision. The boreal owl was roosting on the far end of the trail. If you hike the trail over to where you can view Burlington bay off a little bluff you can see the trail continues down along the bay towards the town of Two Harbors. At this spot there is another trail intersecting this heading back towards the lighthouse, the boreal owl was roosting about 30 yards from the section of the trail off the little bluff viewing Burlington Bay. It was in a cedar tree just off the trail on the left side on about the only wide open branch available. It was fun watching it trying to sleep as it began snowing as the snow would pile up on top of its head like a hat and every so often it would have to shake it off. That was about the only really exciting part for the day and made driving all the way down to look for the loon worth it even though we didn't see the loon. Good birding to all, Josh Watson Grand Marais -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.300 / Virus Database: 265.6.9 - Release Date: 1/6/05 From Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com Mon Jan 10 19:58:17 2005 From: Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com (Alt, Mark) Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2005 13:58:17 -0600 Subject: [mou] yellow-billed loon Message-ID: <4F3C90DD5ABC32408C70AC50F47942BDDEB88E@ds69mail.na.bestbuy.com> Again, if observing any owl that may be feeding, please stay as far back as possible and try to be silent. Boreal Owls are known to hunt an area actively about 50 feet in all directions, so if you stay back 75 feet or more, you likely would not be impeding its chances of feeding. They may look as if they are resting, yet according to Steve Wilson, Wildlife Specialist with the MN DNR, if these bird are out in the open during the day, they are likely starving and have to hunt during the day to survive. You must be very quiet, for any sound in the range of rustling movements of voles is likely to interfere with the owls prey detection. Bring a scope and help others to see it that way, from a distance, maybe these birds can survive both the winter and us.=20 Mark Alt=20 MOU President mark.alt@bestbuy.com C/O J. F. Bell Museum of Natural History University of Minnesota 10 Church Street SE Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104 MOU.mn.org -----Original Message----- From: mou-net-admin@cbs.umn.edu [mailto:mou-net-admin@cbs.umn.edu] On Behalf Of Steve and Sherry Watson Sent: Monday, January 10, 2005 3:54 PM To: mou-net@cbs.umn.edu Subject: [mou] yellow-billed loon Hello all, As you probably all know myself along with several others were not able to re-locate the loon yesterday. The harlequins were both still their and we had wonderful views of a roosting boreal owl in the vicinity but didn't see the loon, even around 2:00 or 3:00 P.M. after Superior calmed almost glass still we weren't able to locate it. I suppose since it had been around since Tuesday that it could very well still be around and it could have moved a little way's up or down the shore and could have been way out on the horizon beyond vision. The boreal owl was roosting on the far end of the trail. If you hike the trail over to where you can view Burlington bay off a little bluff you can see the trail continues down along the bay towards the town of Two Harbors. At this spot there is another trail intersecting this heading back towards the lighthouse, the boreal owl was roosting about 30 yards from the section of the trail off the little bluff viewing Burlington Bay. It was in a cedar tree just off the trail on the left side on about the only wide open branch available. It was fun watching it trying to sleep as it began snowing as the snow would pile up on top of its head like a hat and every so often it would have to shake it off. That was about the only really exciting part for the day and made driving all the way down to look for the loon worth it even though we didn't see the loon. Good birding to all, Josh Watson Grand Marais=20 --=20 No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.300 / Virus Database: 265.6.9 - Release Date: 1/6/05 =20 _______________________________________________ mou-net mailing list mou-net@cbs.umn.edu http://cbs.umn.edu/mailman/listinfo/mou-net From Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com Mon Jan 10 20:31:35 2005 From: Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com (Alt, Mark) Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2005 14:31:35 -0600 Subject: [mou] FW: To Those Interested in Documenting Owl Sightings Message-ID: <4F3C90DD5ABC32408C70AC50F47942BDDEB894@ds69mail.na.bestbuy.com> This is a memo Steve Wilson, a MN DNR Ecologist based in Tower, MN has sent to DNR Wildlife and Forestry associates in the northern part of the state. Steve is interested in handling personally all records of Saw-Whet and Boreal Owls seen or, sadly, found dead. He gave me permission to publish this to these list servers. FYI Mark Alt MOU President Subject: To Those Interested in Documenting Owl Sightings The largest irruption of northern owls ever documented is occurring in Minnesota this winter. Many of you no doubt have noticed the unusual numbers, and visibility, of great gray and Northern hawk-owls, and now increasingly, boreal owls. All these species become nomadic and/or shift to more daytime hunting when their prey base (small mammal populations) collapses, as has apparently happened across an unusually large swath of Canada and northern Minnesota. This phenomenon has brought large numbers of bird enthusiasts from all over the United States, and even other countries, to northern Minnesota, and attracted regional and national media attention (for example, NBC Nightly News is expected to broadcast a piece on it this week). =20 Some of you have asked if anyone is keeping track of sightings. The Minnesota Ornithologists' Union (MOU) is doing so, and will compile reports at the end of the season that will be published in their journal, The Loon. If any of you are interested in contributing your sightings of owls, the MOU would welcome them, as you folks often get back into areas where birds would otherwise go unreported. I've attached a spreadsheet you can use for this purpose, but any reporting format that includes the requested information is fine. If you decide to participate, please return your spreadsheet or report to me at least once-a-month.=20 =20 If you are aware of any dead owls turning up, they can be brought to the nearest DNR Area Wildlife or Nongame Wildlife office. I've attached a Word document that details how they should be handled in order to optimize their value to education institutions, like the University of Minnesota or Chicago Field Museum, that are receiving collected specimens. =20 =20 I will be focusing on the boreal owl irruption, and whether any of our other small, resident owl species, the Northern saw-whet owl, become involved. If you see either a boreal or Northern saw-whet owl, find a dead one, or know someone who found a dead one, I would appreciate if you could email or phone me as soon as possible with the relevant (see spreadsheet) information. In fact, if you've entered the information in the spreadsheet, just attach the whole spreadsheet to the email and send it; it's not a problem if other sightings on the spreadsheet were reported to me already. =20 Thanks in advance to those who choose to participate. Steve Wilson 218-753-2580 x 270 (day) 218-753-6110 (eve) wils@frontiernet.net=20 From b.pomeroy@mchsi.com Mon Jan 10 22:15:32 2005 From: b.pomeroy@mchsi.com (b.pomeroy) Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2005 16:15:32 -0600 Subject: [mou] Fw: [wisb] Owl Invasion on Bird TV Message-ID: <005a01c4f761$e86cf680$6742d60c@wildthing> Bruce "I care to live, only to entice people to look at Nature's loveliness." -- John Muir ----- Original Message ----- From: "b.pomeroy" To: "Steve Betchkal" Sent: Monday, January 10, 2005 4:04 PM Subject: Re: [wisb] Owl Invasion on Bird TV >I agree with the statement that this is a once-in a- lifetime opportunity >for us. The birds are very easy to spot and it's worth the effort to try >to get out and see these owls while they are here. If winter gets any >harder they owls may have a tough go of it and so I suggest that people >with an opportunity to get out and see the birds should do it soon...no >telling what the rest of winter may bring, with the rain storms, ice storms >and sleet we have had lately let alone the snow and cold we are in for this >next few days. > Get out while you can...you will not regret it. If you can't get out then > this t.v. show will be the next best thing. > Bruce > > "I care to live, only to entice people to > look at Nature's loveliness." > -- John Muir > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Steve Betchkal" > To: "Wisconsin Birding Network" > Sent: Monday, January 10, 2005 3:32 PM > Subject: [wisb] Owl Invasion on Bird TV > > > "Unprecedented" is the word birders are consistently employing to > describe the massive owl invasion taking place in Northern Minnesota and > Wisconsin. "Opportunity of a Lifetime" is the way birders are consistently > describing the tendency to hurriedly pack their bird books and optics > before > heading North. > If you can't make the trip, join us this week for the next best thing -- > the "Invasion of the Rodent Snatchers" -- this weekend on Northland > Adventures. > > Northland Adventures airs in thirteen states, from Indiana to Montana. > In Wisconsin, you can find it... > > in the Madison area (WKOW - TV 27) Sunday, 7:30 AM > in the Milwaukee area (WISN -TV) Friday, 1:35 AM > in the Wausau area (WAOW- TV 9) Sunday, 11:05 PM > in the La Crosse area (WXOW - TV 19) Sunday, 10:35 PM > in the Green Bay area (WFRV - TV) Saturday, 11:05 PM > in the Superior/Duluth area (KDLH - TV) Sunday, 6:30 AM > in the Beloit area (WREX - TV) Saturday, 6:00 AM > in the Eau Claire area (WQOW - TV 18) Sunday, 10:35 PM > in the Chicago area (WFBT -TV) Sunday, 5 :00 AM > (Sorry, Northland Adventures does not air in the Twin Cities area...) > > Many More Birds to You, > Steve Betchkal > Eau Claire > > ############################## > This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to > the mailing list . > To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to > To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to > Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to > From two-jays@att.net Mon Jan 10 23:27:13 2005 From: two-jays@att.net (Jim Williams) Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2005 17:27:13 -0600 Subject: [mou] Fwd: Owl Invasion on Bird TV Message-ID: <286BC406-635F-11D9-BCDE-000D93B466F0@att.net> Begin forwarded message: From: "Steve Betchkal" Date: January 10, 2005 3:32:17 PM CST To: "Wisconsin Birding Network" Subject: [wisb] Owl Invasion on Bird TV "Unprecedented" is the word birders are consistently employing to describe the massive owl invasion taking place in Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin. "Opportunity of a Lifetime" is the way birders are consistently describing the tendency to hurriedly pack their bird books and optics before heading North. If you can't make the trip, join us this week for the next best thing -- the "Invasion of the Rodent Snatchers" -- this weekend on Northland Adventures. Northland Adventures airs in thirteen states, from Indiana to Montana. (but only in Duluth area in Minnesota) in the La Crosse area (WXOW - TV 19) Sunday, 10:35 PM in the Superior/Duluth area (KDLH - TV) Sunday, 6:30 AM in the Eau Claire area (WQOW - TV 18) Sunday, 10:35 PM Many More Birds to You, Steve Betchkal Eau Claire ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to From Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com Mon Jan 10 23:30:03 2005 From: Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com (Alt, Mark) Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2005 17:30:03 -0600 Subject: [mou] (no subject) Message-ID: <4F3C90DD5ABC32408C70AC50F47942BDDEB896@ds69mail.na.bestbuy.com> Peder Svingen has asked me to post some other suggestions for Owl viewing behavior and etiquette in addition to the ones I offered earlier. Please consider these as guidelines. I believe if you take any action with the benefit of the Owl in mind, you will be doing the right thing. * When an owl is sighted while driving, stop 75 feet or more away from a bird and turn off the engine. Avoid disturbing the bird as it feeds by being closer than that * If the bird is looking at you it is not paying attention to hunting, leave it alone so it has a chance to feed. * Do not post a Boreal Owl sighting on the Mnbird or MOU-net. I am not sure all the birding pressure directed at a single bird will be a survivable incident. Please report it directly to the MOU rare bird alert and, if possible to Steve Wilson, who specializes in this species. Looking to discover the birds yourself may be challenging, but may reduce the pressure on an individual bird. * Start looking for the dead birds as well as the live birds. Look for the wing tips peeking out of the snow, not a pleasant task , yet it is important to know if starvation is setting in. We will have to check out the dead birds to determine their conditions. * Stick to the uninhabited areas or to feeder homes where you know you are welcome.=20 * Do not drive less than 45 mph when on the main roads, if you have to stop, pull off where there is a place to do so. Walk to a better viewing area. * Use a scope when a closer proximity is not available * Go out of your way to be friendly. Wave and smile at all passing motorists.=20 * If you have to stop and see birds at someone's home, please go knock and talk with the person first, this may flush the birds, but it is more important for you to gain permission than to see the birds.=20 * Carry calling cards or business cards to give to people you meet or to leave at local businesses. * Show respect to EVERY ONE. Trappers and people with aggressive trespassing signs should all be able to go on with their normal lives without us disrupting them in any way. Good Birding! Mark Alt MOU president From jslind@frontiernet.net Tue Jan 11 00:00:03 2005 From: jslind@frontiernet.net (Jim Lind) Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2005 18:00:03 -0600 Subject: [mou] Yellow-billed Loon relocated Message-ID: <41E2C2A3.11276.D58FE@localhost> The Yellow-billed Loon was relocated this afternoon again at Agate Bay, east of the lighthouse by Mark Stensaas. He first saw it at about 3:00 pm to the north and east of the lighthouse, near the exposed bluff along the gravel portion of the walking trail. This is just south of the water pumping station (white building at the corner of 1st St. and South Ave). It then swam south and west along the shoreline until it got to the east side of the breakwall at dusk (which is when I arrived). It apparently was much closer to shore (50-200 yards out) than it was mid-day on Saturday. Who knows where it was on Sunday. Jim Lind Two Harbors From PastorAl@PrincetonFreeChurch.net Tue Jan 11 00:20:27 2005 From: PastorAl@PrincetonFreeChurch.net (Pastor Al) Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2005 18:20:27 -0600 Subject: [mou] Owl stress question Message-ID: <060a01c4f773$5afe2000$0c01a8c0@PastorAl> I would like to thank Mark Alt & Jim Williams for sharing "considering the owls first", and Peder Svingen for originally penning the suggestions. Many excellent thoughts there. However, I would like to further explore (through questions) one thought expressed about not posting Boreal Owls due to potential stress, possibly leading to further owl fatalities. I believe I understand the rationale, but wonder if it can be validated. Does posting a rare bird generally or inevitably lead to increased stress on the bird being observed, or is this specific to certain owls (since information on Barn & Long-eared is also withheld on some lists)? Does this stress indeed heighten the mortality rate? Do we withhold posting because of the 1-2% that may act poorly? In a related thought, should we always think of the bird first - or is there a human factor that also needs to be considered (ie, has the pendulum swung too far the other direction)? Perhaps all these questions need to be answered "yes", but I would love to see further (courteous!) dialogue on the issue. Great birding to all! Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties From bluejay@lauraerickson.com Tue Jan 11 01:07:05 2005 From: bluejay@lauraerickson.com (Laura Erickson) Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2005 19:07:05 -0600 Subject: [mou] Bog Owls Today Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20050110185954.03cc6cd0@smtp.lauraerickson.com> I left my house for the Sax-Zim bog at 1 pm, so didn't get there until after 2, and couldn't cover some of the roads I usually do and had to go a little quicker than I like and stay in the car to finish up before dark. But in the time I was there I counted 47 Great Gray Owls and 8 Northern Hawk Owls--these were all close enough to the road that I could see them easily as I drove without anyone else with me. One Great Gray flew at another and the two had something of a fight, but both ended up staying in that area. I was in my Prius, and just have to say it's the perfect birding car. Not only did I average 44 mpg (the mileage is significantly lower than normal when temperatures are low like this, but 44 isn't too bad!), but every time I stop for a bird, the gas engine automatically cuts out as the car switches to just the electric motor, so the car is wonderfully silent--and then there's no ignition to start up when I go again. (Disclaimer--I'm not related to and don't personally know any Toyota dealers, employees, etc., and have no connections whatsoever to the company. I just think they've made the perfect car for birding.) Laura Erickson Duluth, MN Producer, "For the Birds" radio program There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of birds. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature--the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter. --Rachel Carson From skylar@uslink.net Tue Jan 11 01:39:49 2005 From: skylar@uslink.net (John Richardson) Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2005 19:39:49 -0600 Subject: [mou] 54 Great Grey Owls, Crow Wing and Aitkin Co 01/10/05 Message-ID: <001b01c4f77e$7167bb20$813ead42@toshibauser> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0018_01C4F74C.25EB2880 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Actually only three were in Crow Wing County:- 1/ 1 mile South of Co Rd 1 on Co Rd 106 2/ 2 miles East of Co Rd 106 on Co Rd 1 3/ 2.7 miles East of Co Rd 106 on Co Rd 1 Aitkin County:- 4/ 3.1 miles East of Crow Wing border on Aitkin Co Rd 3 5/ 1.7 miles West of Hwy 169 on Co Rd 3 6/ 1.2 miles West of Hwy 169 on Co Rd 3 7/ 0.9 miles West of Hwy 169 on Co Rd 3 8/ 1.2 miles East of Hwy 169 on Co Rd 3 9/ 5.4 miles East of Hwy 169 on Co Rd 3 10/ 3.5 miles South of Hwy 200 on Hwy 65 11/ 2.6 miles South of Hwy 200 on Hwy 65=20 12/ 1.9 miles South of Hwy 200 on Hwy 65=20 13/ 0.5 miles South of Hwy 200 on Co Rd 10 14/ 2.6 miles South of Hwy 200 on Co Rd 10 15+16/ 4.8 miles South of Hwy 200 on Co Rd 10 17+18/ 5.6 miles South of Hwy 200 on Co Rd 10 19/ 5.8 miles South of Hwy 200 on Co Rd 10 20/ 6 miles South of Hwy 200 on Co Rd 10 21+22/ miles South of Hwy 200 on Co Rd 10 23/ miles South of Hwy 200 on Co Rd 10 24/ 4.5 miles North of Co Rd 3 on Hwy 169 The other 30 were all on Co Rd 18. It seems silly to list all the = locations on Co Rd 18 as it is a relatively short road and there always = seemed to be at least one or two in sight. There is no way you could not = see one.=20 There was also 1 Hawk Owl on Co Rd 18 at the juction of Co Rd 5 on a = telephone pole.=20 Much closer than the North Shore and much less chance of bothering the = public. I did not have to stop near anyone's house. I felt very = comfortable and safe and did not bother anyone.=20 All seen between 1pm and 5pm. I was on Co Rd 18 for 12 mins up till = 5:12. Is 30 Great Greys a record for 12 minutes? John Richardson, Brainerd, MN ------=_NextPart_000_0018_01C4F74C.25EB2880 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable

Actually only three were in Crow Wing=20 County:-
 
1/    1 mile South of Co = Rd 1 on Co=20 Rd 106
2/    2 miles East of Co = Rd 106 on=20 Co Rd 1
3/    2.7 miles East of = Co Rd 106 on=20 Co Rd 1
 
Aitkin County:-
 
4/    3.1 miles East of = Crow Wing=20 border on Aitkin Co Rd 3
5/    1.7 miles West of = Hwy 169 on=20 Co Rd 3
6/    1.2 miles West of = Hwy 169 on=20 Co Rd 3
7/    0.9 miles West of = Hwy 169 on=20 Co Rd 3
8/    1.2 miles East of = Hwy 169 on=20 Co Rd 3
9/    5.4 miles East of = Hwy 169 on=20 Co Rd 3
10/  3.5 miles South of Hwy = 200 on Hwy=20 65
11/  2.6 miles South of Hwy = 200 on Hwy 65=20
12/  1.9 miles South of Hwy 200 on = Hwy 65=20
13/  0.5 miles South of Hwy 200 on = Co Rd=20 10
14/  2.6 miles South of Hwy 200 on Co Rd 10
15+16/  4.8 miles South of Hwy 200 on Co Rd 10
17+18/   5.6 miles South of Hwy 200 on Co Rd 10
19/    5.8 miles South of Hwy 200 on Co Rd 10
20/    6 miles South of Hwy 200 on Co Rd 10
21+22/ miles South of Hwy 200 on Co Rd 10
23/    miles South of Hwy 200 on Co Rd 10
24/    4.5 miles North of Co Rd 3 on Hwy 169
 
The other 30 were all on Co Rd 18. It seems silly to list = all the=20 locations on Co Rd 18 as it is a relatively short road and = there=20 always seemed to be at least one or two in sight. There is no way you = could not=20 see one.
 
There was also 1 Hawk Owl on Co Rd 18 at the juction of = Co Rd 5=20 on a telephone pole. 
 
Much closer than the North Shore and much less chance of bothering = the=20 public. I did not have to stop near anyone's house. I felt very = comfortable and=20 safe and did not bother anyone.
 
All seen between 1pm and 5pm. I was on Co Rd 18 for 12 mins up till = 5:12.=20 Is 30 Great Greys a record for 12 minutes?
 
 
John Richardson,
Brainerd, = MN
------=_NextPart_000_0018_01C4F74C.25EB2880-- From fkstrnad@ll.net Tue Jan 11 02:28:56 2005 From: fkstrnad@ll.net (Forest Strnad) Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2005 20:28:56 -0600 Subject: [mou] About stress on the Great Grey and other owls Message-ID: Greetings birders: Your comments interest me concerning the stress on Great Grey Owls and other owls. How comes no one mentions the persons who keep going again and again and again to look at the Great Grey and other Owls. It seems to me that once you see so many owls you could give the owls a break by not returning so many times to look for more and more owls. What with so many Minnesota birders and many from other states birders wanting to see the incursion of owls, Minnesota birders ought to consider spending less time going again and again to look for the Great Grey and other owls. Forest Strnad Faribault, MN From b.pomeroy@mchsi.com Tue Jan 11 03:05:32 2005 From: b.pomeroy@mchsi.com (b.pomeroy) Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2005 21:05:32 -0600 Subject: [mou] Re: [mnbird] About stress on the Great Grey and other owls References: <002701c4f782$6360e480$0000a398@yourzpvq75jcr6> Message-ID: <000f01c4f78a$69be4040$6742d60c@wildthing> This has been a concern of mine from the start and I am glad Forest brought it up. I do go look for the owls every few days, but I do go to a different location each time. I have never wanted to stress them out, and I do notice that a lot of times when someone pulls over to watch the birds, they fly off. I have wondered if they have just missed a meal and now they have to go else where to hunt...have they been interrupted to the point of stressing? The owls seem to feeding in the daylight hours and to me that indicates they may be having a hard time eating enough, and may be they are starving right in front of us. That is why the only time I do stop near the owl is when I am on my owl survey route. I leave as soon as I have recorded the location. Bruce "I care to live, only to entice people to look at Nature's loveliness." -- John Muir ----- Original Message ----- From: "Forest Strnad" To: "MnBird" ; "MOU" Cc: "Strnad, Forest" Sent: Monday, January 10, 2005 8:08 PM Subject: [mnbird] About stress on the Great Grey and other owls > Greetings birders: > > Your comments interest me concerning the stress on Great > Grey Owls and other owls. > > How comes no one mentions the persons who keep going again > and again and again to look at the Great Grey and other > Owls. > > It seems to me that once you see so many owls you could give > the owls a break by not returning so many times to look for > more and more owls. > > What with so many Minnesota birders and many from other > states birders wanting to see the incursion of owls, > Minnesota birders ought to consider spending less time going > again and again to look for the Great Grey and other owls. > > Forest Strnad > Faribault, MN > > > _______________________________________________ > mnbird mailing list > mnbird@lists.mnbird.net > http://www.mnbird.net/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/mnbird > From bluejay@lauraerickson.com Tue Jan 11 03:39:41 2005 From: bluejay@lauraerickson.com (Laura Erickson) Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2005 21:39:41 -0600 Subject: [mou] Re: [mnbird] About stress on the Great Grey and other owls In-Reply-To: <000f01c4f78a$69be4040$6742d60c@wildthing> References: <002701c4f782$6360e480$0000a398@yourzpvq75jcr6> Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20050110211636.038e08b0@SMTP.lauraerickson.com> I'm not sure it's a good idea to question how many times each birder goes to a given place. Some of the people going most frequently to see owls are actually leading groups to see them each time, and as far as I have seen this year are being pretty darned conscientious about limiting stress to the birds and to the locals. There are certain ethical considerations when viewing or photographing any bird, and I think it's wise and ethical to err on the side of caution to protect the bird, rather than to make it easier for birders, but overall people seem to be doing their best in this difficult time. I saw one car stop a few times on 133 today, which is a no-no even when it's not so dangerously slippery, but overall people seem to have calmed down from the initial excitement of all these owls and seem to be following ethical considerations really well. When I posted about how many owls I saw today, should I have added that this was the first time I've been to the bog in 2005, that I didn't stop or even slow down for hardly any of the owls I saw, and that I didn't flush a single one? This could make posts pretty unwieldy and defensive, and make us feel like we need to justify every element of our birding behavior from the moment we step out the door. Let's have a little faith in our fellow birders, and focus on minimizing our own impacts rather than questioning one another's right to be out there at all. That said, I think keeping Boreal Owl locations quiet isn't a bad idea in a year like this, and squeaking and pishing to distract any owl to get it to look at us is unwarranted. Peder's suggestions and the ABA code of ethics are excellent guidelines, and perhaps we do need to at least think about where we go to ensure that the same birds aren't over-stressed, but let's try to remember that we're all in this together, and that we're all doing the best we can. Laura Erickson Duluth, MN Producer, "For the Birds" radio program There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of birds. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature--the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter. --Rachel Carson From Chris.Fagyal@udlp.com Tue Jan 11 13:31:41 2005 From: Chris.Fagyal@udlp.com (Chris Fagyal) Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 07:31:41 -0600 Subject: [mou] Re: [mnbird] About stress on the Great Grey and other owls Message-ID: I think the last sentence below in Laura's post is right on. I'm a little (well more than a little) perturbed at these (this is the second time this same topic has been initiated by the same person) posts. I've yet to flush any Great Grey Owls in any of my trips up north. If we should "stop going to see the owls again and again", maybe we should stop pishing for Boreal Chickadees as well. We should probably also stop pishing for warblers in the summer, or other passerines during their migration. We should stop viewing shorebirds in the spring, and hawks in the fall. We certainly don't want to stress anyone or anything out do we? Hell lets just stop birding. All it takes is a little knowledge, a little common sense, some respect, and a little intelligence to be able to go birding and have little to no impact on the birds. Turning off ones engine when near an Owl is a good example. I was with a Great Grey in Sax-Zim on Friday afternoon for 30+ minutes. I left my engine off the whole time (froze my rear end too), and the owl went around to three different perches in the same corner where I was, and hunted, and never even paid me any heed. He never flew from any perch because of me, and he never stopped hunting, nor did he ever fly away. A couple pulled up a few mins later that I didn't recognize, and left their engine running. After a few moments of the Owl staring directly at them, I told them to "turn the engine off". The lady got irritated at me and they just left. I guess they didn't realize how Great Greys hunt. After i'd spent time with this lovely Owl, I left it on the same branch on the same tree that I found it on, still hunting. I guess I stressed it out....just as much as a deer walking by would have, as thats about as much noise as I made the entire time I was there. You want mention of the people who go look at owls again and again, ok here is a mention of one of those people. I've been up there the following dates and times: Thanksgiving from 7:45am to 4:20pm 12/11 from 7:45am to 3:30pm 1/7 from 2:20pm to 4:50pm 1/8 in Sax-Zim from 1:30pm - 5:00pm I suppose I should also mention that i'll be guiding a friend from Texas up in that area on 1/30, so that will make 5 trips in 2 months... As for Pastor Al's questions: > Pastor all states: "However, I would like to further explore (through questions) one thought > expressed about not posting Boreal Owls due to potential stress, possibly > leading to further owl fatalities. I believe I understand the rationale, > but wonder if it can be validated. Does posting a rare bird generally or > inevitably lead to increased stress on the bird being observed, or is this > specific to certain owls (since information on Barn & Long-eared is also > withheld on some lists)? Does this stress indeed heighten the mortality > rate? Do we withhold posting because of the 1-2% that may act poorly? In a > related thought, should we always think of the bird first - or is there a > human factor that also needs to be considered (ie, has the pendulum swung > too far the other direction)?" I think the pendulum has swung way too far in one direction (and i'm not talking about thinking of the human factor, but rather thinking only of the bird first, and irrationally [ie: I won't stress it out if *I* go see it, but anyone else seeing it will cause it undue stress!]). I think in every state i've been in there is a group of people who feel that they are the only ones who should be allowed to see certain birds. The logic just falls apart eventually. If one decides "Species X won't be posted to the listserver", then what about species X+1 or X+2? If one bird shouldn't be posted because of "increased stress", what about all other birds? I submit to you, that posting a Summer Tanager, or Painted Bunting or Rock Wren, or Prairie Warbler, or whatever else in the spring/summer/fall, which people then flock to the spot, play tapes, pish, etc to find that rare bird creates similiar disturbance to posting an Owl location in the winter. I also submit that if your logic dictates that posting a location causes undue distress/disturbance, and this logic applies to multiple species of birds, then all locations of all birds should not be posted, by mathematical induction, and thus why do we have a list server at all? I believe you could also make the exact same argument with respect to stress on birds about those that band birds as you can about those that view birds. One can't honestly believe that capturing an Owl or any other bird in a net, taking it out of the net while it is struggling to get away, putting a band on its leg, and doing whatever other bizarre things people do (painting its head, tagging its wing, whatever disfiguration you feel suits you best) doesn't cause a lot of stress on the individual bird. So should we also stop banding all birds (i'd say yes, but i'm quite against banding), however there is some sound rationale and logic behind *some* (I emphasize some..as I think some banders do it for ego, not for scientific gain) banding. Some of it is quite helpful. Some of it is just all about ego. I, for one, will continue my birdwatching with the same respect, and the same admiration that i've always had. Cheers, Chris Fagyal Senior Software Engineer United Defense, L.P. ASD Fridley, MN (763) 572-5320 chris.fagyal@udlp.com >>> Laura Erickson 01/10/2005 21:39:41 PM >>> [snip] When I posted about how many owls I saw today, should I have added that this was the first time I've been to the bog in 2005, that I didn't stop or even slow down for hardly any of the owls I saw, and that I didn't flush a single one? This could make posts pretty unwieldy and defensive, and make us feel like we need to justify every element of our birding behavior from the moment we step out the door. Let's have a little faith in our fellow birders, and focus on minimizing our own impacts rather than questioning one another's right to be out there at all. [snip] Laura Erickson Duluth, MN Producer, "For the Birds" radio program There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of birds. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature--the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter. --Rachel Carson _______________________________________________ mou-net mailing list mou-net@cbs.umn.edu http://cbs.umn.edu/mailman/listinfo/mou-net From SFbirdclub@aol.com Tue Jan 11 15:41:07 2005 From: SFbirdclub@aol.com (SFbirdclub@aol.com) Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 10:41:07 EST Subject: [mou] Thank you Minnesota Message-ID: --part1_c0.1fa90d90.2f154d93_boundary Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit To all of you generous and friendly Minnesotans (and even the very few birding grouches, too): Thanks for all the really wonderful time enjoying your owls--and more--in Duluth last weekend. Eight of us from Tucson, Chicago, Houston, Sioux Falls (lately of The Hague, Netherlands), and the Twin Cities converged on you from Thursday evening till Monday morning. We saw great birds--the weather was great; well, at least it didn't blizzard or even snow hard, and though cold, there was no wind to speak of. Some of us know how different it could have been. The group saw 44 species. One participant got 9 life birds, another 7, and most 3-4. Everyone had at least one. Again, thanks for all the great hospitality. We tried very hard to be "good" birders: we stopped our engines *anywhere* near owls (can't say the same for others), we pulled off to the side even when we spotted a life bird, and we bought gas, drinks and lunch in the bog (I told everyone to wear their binoculars inside). My 87-year-old mother (whose favorite bird there is the raven, so she was happy) even bought the big pink-dressed doll at the Rocket in the Meadowlands--her souvenir of all this crazy birding. We encountered no animosity anywhere and hopefully we created none. Douglas Chapman Sioux Falls, SD --part1_c0.1fa90d90.2f154d93_boundary Content-Type: text/html; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable To all of you generous and friendly Min= nesotans (and even the very few birding grouches, too):

Thanks for all the really wonderful time enjoying your owls--and more--in Du= luth last weekend.

Eight of us from Tucson, Chicago, Houston, Sioux Falls (lately of The Hague,= Netherlands), and the Twin Cities converged on you from Thursday evening ti= ll Monday morning. We saw great birds--the weather was great; well, at least= it didn't blizzard or even snow hard, and though cold, there was no wind to= speak of. Some of us know how different it could have been.

The group saw 44 species. One participant got 9 life birds, another 7, and m= ost 3-4. Everyone had at least one.

Again, thanks for all the great hospitality.

We tried very hard to be "good" birders: we stopped our engines *anywhere* n= ear owls (can't say the same for others), we pulled off to the side even whe= n we spotted a life bird, and we bought gas, drinks and lunch in the bog (I=20= told everyone to wear their binoculars inside). My 87-year-old mother (whose= favorite bird there is the raven, so she was happy) even bought the big pin= k-dressed doll at the Rocket in the Meadowlands--her souvenir of all this cr= azy birding.

We encountered no animosity anywhere and hopefully we created none.

Douglas Chapman
Sioux Falls, SD --part1_c0.1fa90d90.2f154d93_boundary-- From smithville4@charter.net Tue Jan 11 15:21:23 2005 From: smithville4@charter.net (Mike Hendrickson) Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 09:21:23 -0600 Subject: [mou] owls/people and ect.. Message-ID: <002f01c4f7f1$5ac81ea0$46a47044@FAMILYCOMPUTER> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0024_01C4F7BE.EB000330 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable If there is one person who has been to the bog alot than that would be = me. I believe I stopped for the same hawk owls along Co. 7 and othr = places in the bog numerous times. This thought about birders viewing = the same owls is causing stress on them is not true. I am also getting = tired of those that keep throwing ethics and treating birders as if we = are kindergartners on our first field trip. I have yet to see or hear = any abusive behavior by birders in the bog. I have not seen a person = walk under an owl to take a picture or toss things at it to make it = move. I have not seen a birder or heard of a birder shake a tree to wake = it up, I have not seen anything that I would consider breaking ABA code = of ethics anywhere in northern Minnesota! =20 The message has been sent and sent by several birders and I believe the = message is received and birders are acting very well behaved. WELLLL = except the parking in the middle of busy county roads is something I = have witnessed but not so much. Overall in the last few times I been at = the bog I have not seen birders stop at houses with feeders and I assume = the word is out and birders are not stopping at these houses. So that is = a good sign. As for me, well its like a saying " you can't teach a old dog new = tricks" meaning I was taught to share sightings no matter how great or = small. There has been many times that I have not posted certain birds = or spread the word out on certain birds because either the home owner = doesn't want the main public to be there or its nesting bird. I agree in = those instances I will NOT share those sightings. Yesterday Kent Nickell and I were at the Two Harbors at same time by = chance. Nick was out to see if he could find a Boreal Owl and I was out = to refind the Yellow-billed Loon. I missed out on the loon and a Kent = found the Boreal Owl. My first reaction was to call local birders and = as k one of them to post iton the internet. I wanted the bird on the = internet because there are many many birders from all over the place = planning trips to northern Minnesota to view these special owls. This = owl was in the open and roosting in the sunlight. I was able to get = full frame photos from 50 yards away. The owl slept the whole time and = once opened its eyes as chickadees found the owl. =20 I ran into two other birders and told them where it was. I guess I have = a lot of faith and trust in birders that they are not going to walk up = to the owl and poke a stick at it to wake it up. I knew one of the = birders (Jim Barrett) and knew the owl was in good hands with him. I = just don't like telling the truth if birders asked me about Boreal Owls. = I don't want to say something I heard from a well known Arizona birder, = when I asked him about places to visit to find a Ferrugenous Owl, " I am = sorry but it would be really unethical of me to tell you about any = places to find Ferrugenous Owls". That is NOT me and I will not become = that kind of birder. If the owl is in a public place and open to = birders to view the owl I will share the sighting and give them advice = as far how to approach the owl and what not to do and ect. .so it = insures other birders that they will be able to see this owl as well. = Birders are very good in policing themselves. Also I don't believe any = of these Boreal Owls will be like the owl in Central Park, NY where = hundreds are mobbing the owl for listing, photos and to just say they = saw one. There will many Boreal Owl sightings thru February and maybe = into early March. =20 I will not post Boreal Owls in Northern Lake Co or Cook Co. where they = tend to breed and raise young. Birders have a bad knack of playing tapes = when they shouldn't especially on Boreal Owls. Usually after a eruptive = season with Boreal Owls there is usually a good number of these owls = that will nest in Minnesota where the food base is plentiful and I = assume this will be a good early spring for nesting Boreals or heard = Boreals in their range in Minnesota. =20 If I get a call informing me of an Boreal Owl and ask not to post it = then I will not post it. If I find my own Boreal Owl or be present when = a Boreal Owl is found I will determine the situation and if there is no = issues with home owners and other obstacles that might come into play = with birders then I will NOT post it but if the owl is in a good public = place to view the owl or I got home owners permission to do so then I = will post it and give details on what the home owner expects of birders = as far where to walk and park cars. Enough. Michael Hendrickson Duluth, Minnesota Minnesota Birding Treks http://webpages.charter.net/mmhendrickson/ ------=_NextPart_000_0024_01C4F7BE.EB000330 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
If there is one person who = has been to=20 the bog alot than that would be me. I believe I stopped for the same = hawk owls=20 along Co. 7 and othr places in the bog numerous times.  This = thought about=20 birders viewing the same owls is causing stress on them is not = true.  I am=20 also getting tired of those that keep throwing ethics and treating = birders as if=20 we are kindergartners on our first field trip. I have yet to see or hear = any=20 abusive behavior by birders in the bog.  I have not seen a person = walk=20 under an owl to take a picture or toss things at it to make it move. I = have not=20 seen a birder or heard of a birder shake a tree to wake it up, I have = not seen=20 anything that I would consider breaking ABA code of ethics anywhere in = northern=20 Minnesota! 
 
The message has been sent and = sent by=20 several birders and I believe the message is received and birders are = acting=20 very well behaved.  WELLLL except the parking in the middle of busy = county=20 roads is something I have witnessed but not so much. Overall in the last = few=20 times I been at the bog I have not seen birders stop at houses with = feeders and=20 I assume the word is out and birders are not stopping at these houses. = So that=20 is a good sign.
 
As for me, well its like a = saying " you=20 can't teach a old dog new tricks" meaning I was taught to share=20 sightings no matter how great or small.  There has been many = times=20 that I have not posted certain birds or spread the word out on certain = birds=20 because either the home owner doesn't want the main public to be there = or its=20 nesting bird. I agree in those instances I will NOT share those=20 sightings.
 
 Yesterday Kent Nickell = and I were=20 at the Two Harbors at same time by chance. Nick was out to see if he = could find=20 a Boreal Owl and I was out to refind the Yellow-billed Loon. I missed = out on the=20 loon and a Kent found the Boreal Owl.  My first reaction was to = call local=20 birders and as k one of them to post iton the internet. I wanted the = bird on the=20 internet because there are many many birders from all over the place = planning=20 trips to northern Minnesota to view these special owls. This owl was in = the open=20 and roosting in the sunlight.  I was able to get full frame photos = from 50=20 yards away. The owl slept the whole time and once opened its eyes as = chickadees=20 found the owl. 
 
I ran into two other birders = and told=20 them where it was.  I guess I have a lot of faith and trust in = birders that=20 they are not going to walk up to the owl and poke a stick at it to wake = it=20 up.  I knew one of the birders (Jim Barrett) and knew the owl was = in good=20 hands with him.  I just don't like telling the truth if birders = asked me=20 about Boreal Owls.  I don't want to say something I heard from a = well known=20 Arizona birder, when I asked him about places to visit to find a = Ferrugenous=20 Owl, " I am sorry but it would be really unethical of me to tell you = about any=20 places to find Ferrugenous Owls".  That is NOT me and I will not = become=20 that kind of birder.  If the owl is in a public place and open to = birders=20 to view the owl I will share the sighting and give them advice as far = how to=20 approach the owl and what not to do and ect. .so it insures other = birders that=20 they will be able to see this owl as well. Birders are very good in = policing=20 themselves. Also I don't believe any of these Boreal Owls will be like = the owl=20 in Central Park, NY where hundreds are mobbing the owl for listing, = photos and=20 to just say they saw one.  There will many Boreal Owl sightings = thru=20 February and maybe into early March. 
 
I will not post Boreal Owls = in Northern=20 Lake Co or Cook Co. where they tend to breed and raise young. Birders = have a bad=20 knack of playing tapes when they shouldn't especially on Boreal = Owls. =20 Usually after a eruptive season with Boreal Owls there is usually a good = number=20 of these owls that will nest in Minnesota where the food base is = plentiful and I=20 assume this will be a good early spring for nesting Boreals or heard = Boreals in=20 their range in Minnesota. 
 
If I get a call informing me = of an Boreal=20 Owl and ask not to post it then I will not post it.  If I find my = own=20 Boreal Owl or be present when a Boreal Owl is found I will determine the = situation and if there is no issues with home owners and other obstacles = that=20 might come into play with birders then I will NOT post it but if the owl = is=20 in a good public place to view the owl or I got home owners = permission to=20 do so then I will post it and give details on what the home owner = expects of=20 birders as far where to walk and park cars.
 
Enough.
 
Michael = Hendrickson
Duluth,=20 Minnesota
Minnesota Birding Treks
http://webpages.chart= er.net/mmhendrickson/
------=_NextPart_000_0024_01C4F7BE.EB000330-- From sharonks@mn.rr.com Tue Jan 11 17:34:05 2005 From: sharonks@mn.rr.com (sharonks@mn.rr.com) Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 11:34:05 -0600 Subject: [mou] owls/people and ect.. Message-ID: <10f94d910fa290.10fa29010f94d9@rdc-kc.rr.com> Count me in as someone who has been to the bog several times. I have taken friends, KBJR from Duluth, NBC Nightly News, and my family. I would say since November 1 I have visited the area at least six times and plan two more trips. The species seen are known to be diurnal so it's not necessarily stress that is causing them to hunt during the day. Also, how stressed can an owl be when it is actively hunting while two trains are moving underneath it while it's perched on a telephone wire overhead? While filming a segment for NBC, we pulled off on a side street with no owls near that we could find. Four of us unloaded the vehicle and set up a shot with the reporter walking down the road. As we were doing it, two actively hunting great grays started flying around behind him and landed on trees fairly close not watching us at all (I must say, it made for a great shot and looked as thought we planned it). I think it's good that we are all working together to find a way to keep people informed about safely watching the owls up north, but let's avoid too much emotion and blame. This is a great year for Minnesota birding history and great since the national media is giving some attention to birds and the economy of some small towns a nice boost. Sharon Stiteler Minneapolis, MN www.birdchick.com From sharonks@mn.rr.com Tue Jan 11 18:40:25 2005 From: sharonks@mn.rr.com (sharonks@mn.rr.com) Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 12:40:25 -0600 Subject: [mou] owls/people and ect.. Message-ID: <10fee8b10ff1c4.10ff1c410fee8b@rdc-kc.rr.com> I need to clarify my last post. When I was referring to diurnal owls I meant great gray and northern hawk owls not boreal owls they are a nocturnal species of owl. Second the NBC Nightly News segment on the owl invasion featuring me, Carrol Henderson and Jim Lind will air probobly air this Thursday between 5:30 - 6pm. Sharon Stiteler Minneapolis, MN www.birdchick.com From fredericksonr@willmar.k12.mn.us Tue Jan 11 18:50:40 2005 From: fredericksonr@willmar.k12.mn.us (Randy Frederickson) Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 12:50:40 -0600 Subject: [mou] Help Message-ID: Birding Friends- I am attempting to collect information on the economic impact of birders this winter in Minnesota. To the best of my knowledge, we have never attempted to document this aspect of the birding issue before in Minn, and it is significant (esp. in this year of minimal snowfall and low tourist revenue). While working on/with the conservation committee the past several years, there were many times I could have used real numbers/data, generated here. You have my word no names will ever appear as a result of this request (and I will not show this information to your spouse!) I think the data could greatly enhance our status as a viable and collective voice on environmental issues. I am asking you to break expenditures into three general categories: Travel (gas, tickets), lodging, and meals. Rough estimates are much better than no data at all. If you want to break this down into two groupings, one owl related and one not, that would be great, but I do not want the request to be so bothersome we do not do it. Also, it is important WE HEAR FROM ALL OUR OUT OF STATE friends who have spent time and money enjoying our feathered good fortune. Please, if you have time to spend a day traveling to see these wonderful birds, take 5 minutes to help us help ourselves. If you do not want a name attached to your expenditures, that is fine. You can either e-mail me your information or send it via conventional mail (address below). Provided sufficient and meaningful data is collected, I will share it via one of our MOU publications at a future date (and via list serve, if requested to do so). I would like to use the following inclusive dates for data: Oct. 1, 2004 to Feb. 28, 2005. Thank you in advance, Randy Frederickson MOU conservation committee Randy Frederickson 416 19th St. NW Willmar, MN 56201 From two-jays@att.net Tue Jan 11 18:56:51 2005 From: two-jays@att.net (Jim Williams) Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 12:56:51 -0600 Subject: [mou] owls/people and ect.. In-Reply-To: <10f94d910fa290.10fa29010f94d9@rdc-kc.rr.com> References: <10f94d910fa290.10fa29010f94d9@rdc-kc.rr.com> Message-ID: <8D852177-6402-11D9-BCDE-000D93B466F0@att.net> On Jan 11, 2005, at 11:34 AM, sharonks@mn.rr.com (Sharon Stiteler) wrote: Also, how stressed can an owl be when it is actively hunting while two trains are moving underneath it while it's perched on a telephone wire overhead? ==== These owls do not have the luxury of taking a day off when they feel stressed. The act of hunting cannot be considered a sign of little or no stress. It is simply what the owl must do to survive, regardless of condition. These birds must hunt successfully or die. Nor can the owls' response to trains or vehicles or people be used as measurement of the owls' condition. It is likely that most of these birds have had few if any previous encounters with trains, vehicles, and people prior to recent weeks. The lack of response in encounter situations might well be indicative of lack of knowledge about how best to respond as opposed to a chosen response. Jim Williams Wayzata From mattjim@earthlink.net Tue Jan 11 19:15:47 2005 From: mattjim@earthlink.net (James Mattsson) Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 13:15:47 -0600 Subject: [mou] BAGO is Back at Prescott Message-ID: <410-220051211191547505@earthlink.net> ------=_NextPart_84815C5ABAF209EF376268C8 Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Jan. 11, 11:00am. Freedom Park, Prescott, WI. The stunning adult male Barrow's Goldeneye was found amidst about 100 Commons. To my knowledge, he has not been seen since Jan. 2. James Mattsson Eagan ------=_NextPart_84815C5ABAF209EF376268C8 Content-Type: text/html; charset=US-ASCII

Jan. 11, 11:00am. Freedom Park, Prescott, WI.  The stunning adult male Barrow's Goldeneye was found amidst about 100 Commons. To my knowledge, he has not been seen since Jan. 2.
 
 
James Mattsson
Eagan
 
 

------=_NextPart_84815C5ABAF209EF376268C8-- From sharonks@mn.rr.com Tue Jan 11 20:24:08 2005 From: sharonks@mn.rr.com (sharonks@mn.rr.com) Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 14:24:08 -0600 Subject: [mou] owls/people and ect.. Message-ID: <112f2d61133428.1133428112f2d6@rdc-kc.rr.com> These are all great points and I'm glad we're discussing all sides of the issue with this interesting owl migration. This is not something that can be solved overnight or in one winter but we are all getting some great food for thought. Sharon Stiteler Minneapolis, MN www.birdchick.com ----- Original Message ----- From: Jim Williams Date: Tuesday, January 11, 2005 12:56 pm Subject: Re: [mou] owls/people and ect.. > > On Jan 11, 2005, at 11:34 AM, sharonks@mn.rr.com (Sharon Stiteler) > wrote: > > Also, how stressed can an owl be when it is actively hunting > while two > trains are moving underneath it while it's perched on a telephone > wire > overhead? > > ==== > > These owls do not have the luxury of taking a day off when they > feel > stressed. The act of hunting cannot be considered a sign of little > or > no stress. It is simply what the owl must do to survive, > regardless of > condition. These birds must hunt successfully or die. Nor can the > owls' > response to trains or vehicles or people be used as measurement of > the > owls' condition. It is likely that most of these birds have had > few if > any previous encounters with trains, vehicles, and people prior to > recent weeks. The lack of response in encounter situations might > well > be indicative of lack of knowledge about how best to respond as > opposed > to a chosen response. > > Jim Williams > Wayzata > > _______________________________________________ > mou-net mailing list > mou-net@cbs.umn.edu > http://cbs.umn.edu/mailman/listinfo/mou-net > From Chris.Fagyal@udlp.com Tue Jan 11 20:36:32 2005 From: Chris.Fagyal@udlp.com (Chris Fagyal) Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 14:36:32 -0600 Subject: [mou] Re: Owls/people and etc.. Message-ID: --=_3E1E96CB.B0D1B116 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I think the real determining factors involved in situation assessment for animals are being dismissed, forgotten, or just aren't understood by many. Most animals (predatory or otherwise) tend to ignore what they do not perceive to be threats. They tend to tense up or flee when threatened or if they feel that their ability to survive is compromised (or in this case their ability to hunt). Great Greys for example, will generally move if you are loud, leave your car running, bang into something, talk continously to someone etc. All of these activities impair its ability to hear which impair its ability to hunt. Northern Hawk-Owl (NHOW) behaviour seems a bit more erratic, or just less predictable, as i've had NHOW's that flew as soon as a car pulls up, and i've had NHOW's that would stay on the same perch for hours (One this weekend was on the same perch in the same position 3 hours after I first viewed it. I wondered if the Owl ever moved, or if it just liked that spot and said to hell with the people looking at me, i'm staying here!) Their responses more than likely have nothing to do with a perceived "knowledge" of what a human or a car or a train or whatever is. Much more likely is that their responses are based on perceived threats or disutrbances, or lack thereof. If I am sitting quietly in a car which is turned off, and thus I am not causing any disturbance to habitat, or any noise, I am perceived as a) not a disturbance which inhibits hunting and b) not a threat to wellbeing and thus I am ignored. If, however, I bump into something and make a loud sound, instantly the Owl stares right at me, because now I have made a disturbance which at that moment in time either a) inhibitted hunting or b) disturbed the Owl (or any other animal you may want to relate this to) or c) startled the Owl causing it to perceive a threat. Several of us this winter have had some pretty magical experiences with Great Greys which would seem to prove out these facts. I have had on a few occasions Owls fly to within a few feet of me, perch on a sign/tree/whatever, and successfully catch and eat a vole within 6 feet of me. Many of these times the Owls flew from farther away to a distance closer to me. To me, this signals a level of comfort and a measure of trust. The Owls, in each case, were within 20-25 feet of me, knew I was there, and yet flew closer to me after a period of time and continued their daily activities, whether it be hunting (as in the above noted instances) or even just napping/resting/roosting/whatever. The Owl would have flown off to a further tree to hunt if it felt a) disturbed, or b) endangered. These same reactions can be applied almost unilaterally to most all bird species. If you approach a bird to view it, and it flushes/flies away, you have disturbed it, and it felt its safety was endagered and thus it flew to what it felt was a safe distance. Some species of birds are more fearless than others. Some are much more apt to flush and fly away. Even within the Owl kingdom this phenomenon is very well known. Long-eared Owls, for example, are generally very skittish and flighty (Note how absolutely zero Long-eared Owl roosts ever make it to the list server? Find that interesting? Would you also find interesting how many Long-eared Owls were found roosting in MN in the past? I bet you would....and you'd be surprised too probably...). Some real knowledge and patience is required to view them and not disturb/flush them. However, Northern Saw-Whet Owls, for example (and Great Grey's as well as Northern Hawk-Owls fit into this category) are pretty fearless. Hummingbirds as an entire family of birds are amongst the "fearless" ones as well, unless they see something they feel is a predator, at which time they disappear en masse and chatter up a storm! But if you've ever been to anywhere in the tropics, or even to SE Arizona, you've probably had the pretty amazing experience of having hummingbirds zoom by your head and even maybe had their wings clip you on occasion, as they have little fear of people (we aren't perceived as a threat) The above sorts of things should be considered when one is trying to understand animal behavior. Chris Fagyal Senior Software Engineer United Defense, L.P. ASD Fridley, MN (763) 572-5320 chris.fagyal@udlp.com --=_3E1E96CB.B0D1B116 Content-Type: text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit I think  the real determining factors involved in situation assessment for animals are being dismissed, forgotten, or just aren't understood by many.  Most animals (predatory or otherwise) tend to ignore what they do not perceive to be threats.  They tend to tense up or flee when threatened or if they feel that their ability to survive is compromised (or in this case their ability to hunt).  Great Greys for example, will generally move if you are loud, leave your car running, bang into something, talk continously to someone etc.  All of these activities impair its ability to hear which impair its ability to hunt.  Northern Hawk-Owl (NHOW) behaviour seems a bit more erratic, or just less predictable, as i've had NHOW's that flew as soon as a car pulls up, and i've had NHOW's that would stay on the same perch for hours (One this weekend was on the same perch in the same position 3 hours after I first viewed it.  I wondered if the Owl ever moved, or if it just liked that spot and said to hell with the people looking at me, i'm staying here!)
 
Their responses more than likely have nothing to do with a perceived "knowledge" of what a human or a car or a train or whatever is.  Much more likely is that their responses are based on perceived threats or disutrbances, or lack thereof.  If I am sitting quietly in a car which is turned off, and thus I am not causing any disturbance to habitat, or any noise, I am perceived as a) not a disturbance which inhibits hunting and b) not a threat to wellbeing and thus I am ignored.  If, however, I bump into something and make a loud sound, instantly the Owl stares right at me, because now I have made a disturbance which at that moment in time either a) inhibitted hunting or b) disturbed the Owl (or any other animal you may want to relate this to) or c) startled the Owl causing it to perceive a threat.
 
Several of us this winter have had some pretty magical experiences with Great Greys which would seem to prove out these facts.  I have had on a few occasions Owls fly to within a few feet of me, perch on a sign/tree/whatever, and successfully catch and eat a vole within 6 feet of me.  Many of these times the Owls flew from farther away to a distance closer to me.  To me, this signals a level of comfort and a measure of trust.  The Owls, in each case, were within 20-25 feet of me, knew I was there, and yet flew closer to me after a period of time and continued their daily activities, whether it be hunting (as in the above noted instances) or even just napping/resting/roosting/whatever.  The Owl would have flown off to a further tree to hunt if it felt a) disturbed, or b) endangered.  These same reactions can be applied almost unilaterally to most all bird species.  If you approach a bird to view it, and it flushes/flies away, you have disturbed it, and it felt its safety was endagered and thus it flew to what it felt was a safe distance.  Some species of birds are more fearless than others.  Some are much more apt to flush and fly away. 
 
Even within the Owl kingdom this phenomenon is very well known.  Long-eared Owls, for example, are generally very skittish and flighty (Note how absolutely zero Long-eared Owl roosts ever make it to the list server?  Find that interesting? Would you also find interesting how many Long-eared Owls were found roosting in MN in the past?  I bet you would....and you'd be surprised too probably...).  Some real knowledge and patience is required to view them and not disturb/flush them.  However, Northern Saw-Whet Owls, for example (and Great Grey's as well as Northern Hawk-Owls fit into this category) are pretty fearless.  Hummingbirds as an entire family of birds are amongst the "fearless" ones as well, unless they see something they feel is a predator, at which time they disappear en masse and chatter up a storm!  But if you've ever been to anywhere in the tropics, or even to SE Arizona, you've probably had the pretty amazing experience of having hummingbirds zoom by your head and even maybe had their wings clip you on occasion, as they have little fear of people (we aren't perceived as a threat)
 
The above sorts of things should be considered when one is trying to understand animal behavior.
 
 
 
Chris Fagyal
Senior Software Engineer
United Defense, L.P. ASD
Fridley, MN
(763) 572-5320
chris.fagyal@udlp.com
--=_3E1E96CB.B0D1B116-- From Kent Nickell Tue Jan 11 21:28:02 2005 From: Kent Nickell (Kent Nickell) Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 15:28:02 -0600 Subject: [mou] Gunflint birds Message-ID: Had another great weekend birding on the upper Gunflint Trail although not many owls there for the survey. Lots of Common Redpolls at the Gunflint Lodge feeders but none that I would definitely want to call a hoary. A nice male BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER was flying around the riding stable area. Many Pine Grosbeaks but no Evening Grosbeaks. A Red-breasted Nuthatch and Pine Siskins. Many goldfinches and Blue Jays. Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers. 2 Moose. Have a few images at: Black-backed Woodpecker: http://www.greenbackedheron.com/photo.cfm?setid=1248 Common Redpolls (includes a comparison with a hoary photographed elsewhere): http://www.greenbackedheron.com/photo.cfm?setid=272 Northern Hawk Owl: http://www.greenbackedheron.com/photo.cfm?setid=1249 Thanks and good birding, Kent Nickell Waterloo, Ia From drbenson@cpinternet.com Wed Jan 12 00:45:07 2005 From: drbenson@cpinternet.com (drbenson@cpinternet.com) Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 18:45:07 -0600 Subject: [mou] Yellow-billed Loon Seen Again 1/11/05 Message-ID: <41e47313.74d2.0@cpinternet.com> Don Kienholz reported that the YELLOW-BILLED LOON was seen again today in Two Harbors. It appeared near the breakwater around 3:15 pm and then worked its way east from there. Dave Benson Duluth From markfalcon@comcast.net Wed Jan 12 05:21:48 2005 From: markfalcon@comcast.net (markfalcon@comcast.net) Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2005 05:21:48 +0000 Subject: [mou] Pictures of owls and winter specialties Message-ID: <011220050521.5459.41E4B3EB000B661500001553220073407602010C040E00059D0E03@comcast.net> --NextPart_Webmail_9m3u9jl4l_5459_1105507308_0 Content-Type: text/plain Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit With all the birding activities, it has come to my attention that the MOU has not been gathering many images of this invasion year for archiving. We are being asked for photographic content for articles and do not have the current images we need to support public interest. Please, if you are willing, send your best images to the MOU web site. Owl images and winter specialties are what we are after at this time. Variant plumages of Owls, dark, light, albino, melanistic, etc would be of special interest. Please add a statement allowing the MOU to reproduce these images with your permission for purposes of education and public information. It is important to note date and location of the birds. They may be used on our website or sent to accompany articles in the press. Credit will be given in all cases of their use. If you have a gallery you would allow MOU to link to, please advise, as well. I thank you for your cooperation in this initiative. Good birding. The address to send them to is: mou@cbs.umn.edu Mark Alt MOU President markfalcon@comcast.net --NextPart_Webmail_9m3u9jl4l_5459_1105507308_0 Content-Type: text/html Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit
With all the birding activities, it has come to my attention that the MOU has not been gathering many images of this invasion year for archiving. We are being asked for photographic content for articles and do not have the current images we need to support public interest.  Please, if you are willing, send your best images to the MOU web site. Owl images and winter specialties are what we are after at this time. Variant plumages of Owls, dark, light, albino, melanistic, etc would be of special interest. Please add a statement allowing the MOU to reproduce these images with your permission for purposes of education and public information. It is important to note date and location of the birds. They may be used on our website or sent to accompany articles in the press. Credit will be given in all cases of their use. If you have a gallery you would allow MOU to link to, please advise, as well. I thank you for your cooperation in this initiative. Good birding.
 
The address to send them to is:
 
 
Mark Alt
MOU President
markfalcon@comcast.net
--NextPart_Webmail_9m3u9jl4l_5459_1105507308_0-- From mcnulty@gte.net Wed Jan 12 08:57:16 2005 From: mcnulty@gte.net (Patrick McNulty) Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2005 00:57:16 -0800 Subject: [mou] Some Birding tourism dollar data. References: Message-ID: <007f01c4f884$b7c180e0$0300a8c0@gatewayf90fdbb> Randy, Knowing how I can procrastinate on cleaning everything up when i return from a trip, there is no telling when I might finally give you a detailed accounting, so I will just give you some rough info now while the spirit is moving, and you can maybe get the first line filled in on your spreadsheet.. My big Christmas present this year is that I am flying to Minneapolis from Santa Barbara on Friday morning, Jan 14, renting a car and driving to a motel in Duluth, and flying back on Tuesday Jan 18. Motel about $220, car $140, airfare about $320. If history is any guide, I'll spend $10-15/day on food before 6pm and another $25 after 6 pm on food, drink, and perhaps pool tables if I find any. I'm just guessing, but I'll probably drive 4-500 miles, so whatever it costs for gas there in a rental car for 500 miles. When I was there for the first time, in April '02, I hired a guide for the first time in my life since I wasn't finding anything, a very nice guy, and paid him $120 to take me around for about 5 hours. He found us my life woodcocks displaying, which was great, but another large part of his value was in demonstrating to me that I wasn't as dumb as I feared, since he coundn't find any of the other targets either. Then I found my own the next day by using all of his good advice, and that was great too. I don't expect to pay a guide this time, since I hope to be able to find my birds just using all the great info on this list (the postings on MOU-net are the direct cause of me coming to MN to spend money), but I may spend $20 in Kinko's or someplace else with internet connection to check this list and see if anyone still trusts me enough to post a Boreal Owl sighting if I haven't found one by Sunday. (Although I would rather not see my life Boreal Owl than do anything which would substantially contribute to its death, I do not think that I am disturbing the birds I see any more than is the rest of their daily experience; if I do seem to be perturbing the bird, I will leave.) (On reading Michael Hendrickson's summary of birder's behavior locally, I'm thinking that there might be a potential research project in testing whether birders migrating to areas with sub-zero temperatures are significantly better behaved than birders visiting areas with temperatures over 70 degrees. Or actually, I think the hypothesis should not be about the average birder's behavior, which is pretty good everywhere, but about a significant reduction in outlier-point jerks, since they are too self-indulgent to put up with your climate.) And I'll spend at least another $20-50 on books, maps, and whatever else I can't resist. Or choose not to resist, since I'm out birding alone and, as my wife says, off the leash. Patrick McNulty Santa Barbara, CA ----- Original Message ----- From: "Randy Frederickson" To: ; Sent: Tuesday, January 11, 2005 10:50 AM Subject: [mou] Help > Birding Friends- > > I am attempting to collect information on the economic impact of birders > this winter in Minnesota. To the best of my knowledge, we have never > attempted to document this aspect of the birding issue before in Minn, and > it is significant (esp. in this year of minimal snowfall and low tourist > revenue). > > While working on/with the conservation committee the past several years, > there were many times I could have used real numbers/data, generated here. > > You have my word no names will ever appear as a result of this request > (and > I will not show this information to your spouse!) I think the data could > greatly enhance our status as a viable and collective voice on > environmental > issues. > > I am asking you to break expenditures into three general categories: > Travel (gas, tickets), lodging, and meals. Rough estimates are much > better > than no data at all. If you want to break this down into two groupings, > one > owl related and one not, that would be great, but I do not want the > request > to be so bothersome we do not do it. > > Also, it is important WE HEAR FROM ALL OUR OUT OF STATE friends who have > spent time and money enjoying our feathered good fortune. > > Please, if you have time to spend a day traveling to see these wonderful > birds, take 5 minutes to help us help ourselves. > > If you do not want a name attached to your expenditures, that is fine. > You > can either e-mail me your information or send it via conventional mail > (address below). Provided sufficient and meaningful data is collected, I > will share it via one of our MOU publications at a future date (and via > list > serve, if requested to do so). > > I would like to use the following inclusive dates for data: Oct. 1, 2004 > to > Feb. 28, 2005. > > Thank you in advance, > > Randy Frederickson > MOU conservation committee > > > > Randy Frederickson > 416 19th St. NW > Willmar, MN 56201 > > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > mou-net mailing list > mou-net@cbs.umn.edu > http://cbs.umn.edu/mailman/listinfo/mou-net > From Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com Wed Jan 12 14:36:47 2005 From: Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com (Alt, Mark) Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2005 08:36:47 -0600 Subject: [mou] Starving Boreals Message-ID: <4F3C90DD5ABC32408C70AC50F47942BDDEB8F2@ds69mail.na.bestbuy.com> Steve Wilson, DNR Ecologist based in Tower, MN wrote on1/12/05: Numerous starved boreal owls have started turning up in the North Shore area in recent days. I would expect the numbers to increase as the bitter cold weather hits later this week. If you find one near a feeder, please make sure the feeder is full and there is lots of seed on the ground. While Boreal Owls cannot eke out an existence on proso millet, the voles and mice they are seeking will. If you find a BOOW on private property, perhaps you might approach the Owner of the property, explain the circumstances, and inform them that if they feed in the area plentifully, it might help the BOOW's chances. At leas t inform them of the significance of this chunky flat headed Owl. It is sad but inevitable that the life cycle in an irruption year will end this way for so many. I am really proud of the feedback I have gotten from out of state visitors, commending MN birders and citizen's for their stewardship of this event. I think everyone is making sure we keep the well-being of the owls in mind. I am making plans to go up to Cook and Lake County to hang Boreal Owl nesting boxes in prime habitat that might be missing nest tree size aspen for Flickers to excavate, perhaps we can have these rotund Owls tooting to us soon as they attract mates. If anyone else wants s to help Bill Lane with this effort, please contact him at Owlman@boreal.org Good Birding.=20 FYI. Mark Alt=20 President,=20 Minnesota Ornithologists Union J. F. Bell Museum of Natural History University of Minnesota 10 Church Street SE Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104 MOU.mn.org mark.alt@bestbuy.com Cell: 612-803-9085 From hjw_forest@yahoo.com Wed Jan 12 14:56:55 2005 From: hjw_forest@yahoo.com (Howard Weinberg) Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2005 06:56:55 -0800 (PST) Subject: [mou] Regarding starving boreal owls Message-ID: <20050112145655.1249.qmail@web52401.mail.yahoo.com> --0-114628026-1105541815=:761 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii I just read the Mark Alt/Steve Wilson email about starving boreal owls. I would like to ask the list serve what perhaps is a dumb question. Would a Boreal Owl eat a strip of meat if it was left out or does the "prey" need to be moving to get the Owl's attention? I would gladly leave some strips of meat out before i left for work if an owl would take it. I did it for a GGO that was in the yard, but he didn't go for it. Blue jays on the other hand were happy to carry it away and munch on it and chickadees pecked at it as well. I will keep the feeders stocked with seed as Steve suggests (for mice). Wishing i could do more for what i know is a sad but real part of nature. Howard in Duluth __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com --0-114628026-1105541815=:761 Content-Type: text/html; charset=us-ascii
I just read the Mark Alt/Steve Wilson email about starving boreal owls.  I would like to ask the list serve what perhaps is a dumb question.  Would a Boreal Owl eat a strip of meat if it was left out or does the "prey" need to be moving to get the Owl's attention?  I would gladly leave some strips of meat out before i left for work if an owl would take it.  I did it for a GGO that was in the yard, but he didn't go for it.  Blue jays on the other hand were happy to carry it away and munch on it and chickadees pecked at it as well.  I will keep the feeders stocked with seed as Steve suggests (for mice). 
 
Wishing i could do more for what i know is a sad but real part of nature.
Howard in Duluth

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http://mail.yahoo.com --0-114628026-1105541815=:761-- From chickadee@lauraerickson.com Wed Jan 12 15:55:50 2005 From: chickadee@lauraerickson.com (Laura Erickson) Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2005 09:55:50 -0600 Subject: [mou] Starving owls Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20050112092239.01e9a008@smtp.lauraerickson.com> If anyone comes across a downed owl that needs care, it's critical to get it to the Raptor Center ASAP. There are also two licensed rehabbers in northern Minnesota that I know of--Emily Buchanan in Duluth (218-348-8745) and Regina Kijak in Two Harbors (218-834-4129). In the late stages of starvation, time is of the essence. If you cannot reach the rehabbers or simply cannot deliver the bird within minutes rather than hours, especially if you found the bird downed, you must offer fluids before even thinking of feeding it. Feeding a mouse to an owl in the late stages of starvation can cause the bird to go into shock--owls empty their stomach contents before regurgitating a pellet each day. When they're dehydrated and suddenly have a full stomach, they must replenish their stomach fluids with fluids from their lymphatic and blood systems, and that sudden siphoning off of fluids in a dehydrated bird can kill it. What should you do? Robert Nero once gave me the following advice to first make sure an owl is comfortable with a human: bow your own head (a submissive behavior for owls) and then stroke its forehead feathers. Unlike hawks, owls "allopreen," and this helps assure the bird that you are not going to kill it. Then offer fluids. Water will work in a pinch. Cooled boiled Sprite, Seven-up, or even Coke may be a little better. Far better is Gatorade, and best of all is unflavored Pedialyte (in the baby food section of most grocery stores) or Ringer's solution (the basic saline solution used in IVs). DON'T force any fluid down any bird's throat, and don't use an eyedropper. Rather, hold a bowl of the fluid in front of the owl's face, and with your finger drip just a couple of drops on the bird's beak--as the bird's rictal bristles detect it, the bird will swallow. Most of them quickly start drinking on their own. Be careful not to get too much fluid on the bird's face because these substances are sticky. Again, only offer small amounts, and do your best to get the bird to a rehabber ASAP. But if you're still pressed for time, after the bird has had a few small drinks, the best first food to offer is Gerber strained chicken, which has enzymes added to break down the proteins, making it easily absorbed. Tease the bird's beak open and give it a very tiny amount. Usually after tasting it, owls will readily take if off a finger--it's goopy, so be careful to not get the bird's feathers messy. And again, this should only be offered for a short time before offering a fresh dead mouse, with fur and bones--otherwise the stomach can become infected from moist matter building up with no substantial fibers to help it form and eliminate a pellet. Again I must emphasize that these techniques are only to use in absolute emergencies, and only if you can't get it to a licensed rehabber immediately. It's illegal to possess any owl, and your emergency aid can be a curse rather than a kindness to the bird if you don't know what you're doing. Also, data are being kept on these birds' initial condition which are altered by intervention, and the Raptor Center has state-of-the art facilities that deal far better than we can in those first critical hours, so it's far better to rush the bird to the Raptor Center than to try these techniques except in dire emergencies. If anyone has numbers for other rehabbers or facilities up here, please post them. It's not a bad idea to keep some of these numbers by your phone. Also, if anyone has sounder suggestions for these emergencies, please let us all know. Laura Erickson Duluth, MN Producer, "For the Birds" radio program There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of birds. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature--the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter. --Rachel Carson From bluejay@lauraerickson.com Wed Jan 12 15:56:38 2005 From: bluejay@lauraerickson.com (Laura Erickson) Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2005 09:56:38 -0600 Subject: [mou] Starving owls Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20050112095611.01078108@smtp.lauraerickson.com> If anyone comes across a downed owl that needs care, it's critical to get it to the Raptor Center ASAP. There are also two licensed rehabbers in northern Minnesota that I know of--Emily Buchanan in Duluth (218-348-8745) and Regina Kijak in Two Harbors (218-834-4129). In the late stages of starvation, time is of the essence. If you cannot reach the rehabbers or simply cannot deliver the bird within minutes rather than hours, especially if you found the bird downed, you must offer fluids before even thinking of feeding it. Feeding a mouse to an owl in the late stages of starvation can cause the bird to go into shock--owls empty their stomach contents before regurgitating a pellet each day. When they're dehydrated and suddenly have a full stomach, they must replenish their stomach fluids with fluids from their lymphatic and blood systems, and that sudden siphoning off of fluids in a dehydrated bird can kill it. What should you do? Robert Nero once gave me the following advice to first make sure an owl is comfortable with a human: bow your own head (a submissive behavior for owls) and then stroke its forehead feathers. Unlike hawks, owls "allopreen," and this helps assure the bird that you are not going to kill it. Then offer fluids. Water will work in a pinch. Cooled boiled Sprite, Seven-up, or even Coke may be a little better. Far better is Gatorade, and best of all is unflavored Pedialyte (in the baby food section of most grocery stores) or Ringer's solution (the basic saline solution used in IVs). DON'T force any fluid down any bird's throat, and don't use an eyedropper. Rather, hold a bowl of the fluid in front of the owl's face, and with your finger drip just a couple of drops on the bird's beak--as the bird's rictal bristles detect it, the bird will swallow. Most of them quickly start drinking on their own. Be careful not to get too much fluid on the bird's face because these substances are sticky. Again, only offer small amounts, and do your best to get the bird to a rehabber ASAP. But if you're still pressed for time, after the bird has had a few small drinks, the best first food to offer is Gerber strained chicken, which has enzymes added to break down the proteins, making it easily absorbed. Tease the bird's beak open and give it a very tiny amount. Usually after tasting it, owls will readily take if off a finger--it's goopy, so be careful to not get the bird's feathers messy. And again, this should only be offered for a short time before offering a fresh dead mouse, with fur and bones--otherwise the stomach can become infected from moist matter building up with no substantial fibers to help it form and eliminate a pellet. Again I must emphasize that these techniques are only to use in absolute emergencies, and only if you can't get it to a licensed rehabber immediately. It's illegal to possess any owl, and your emergency aid can be a curse rather than a kindness to the bird if you don't know what you're doing. Also, data are being kept on these birds' initial condition which are altered by intervention, and the Raptor Center has state-of-the art facilities that deal far better than we can in those first critical hours, so it's far better to rush the bird to the Raptor Center than to try these techniques except in dire emergencies. If anyone has numbers for other rehabbers or facilities up here, please post them. It's not a bad idea to keep some of these numbers by your phone. Also, if anyone has sounder suggestions for these emergencies, please let us all know. Laura Erickson Duluth, MN Producer, "For the Birds" radio program There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of birds. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature--the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter. --Rachel Carson From dkienholz@earthlink.net Wed Jan 12 16:14:07 2005 From: dkienholz@earthlink.net (Don Kienholz) Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2005 10:14:07 -0600 Subject: [mou] More on Yellow Billed Loon Message-ID: <410-22005131216147310@earthlink.net> ------=_NextPart_84815C5ABAF209EF376268C8 Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII The Yellow Billed Loon was relocated yesterday Tuesday 3:15 PM by Aaron Brees of Des Moines, IA, and myself. The bird was first found swimming in from the lake and moving West along the Far shore of Lighthouse point,( around the corner on the trail past the lighthouse). The bird was several hundred yards out at first. The Loon then continued to dive and move closer to shore finally reaching a distance of about 50 ft from shore. It then swam West following the shore to the breakwall where it swam out and around the breakwall and continued across Agate Bay (4:30 PM) towards the docks and far shore. The bird was visible from the parking lot, and seen by several others as it made its way around the breakwall. The bird was also observed eating a fish. This may be a pattern? as I heard it did the same routine on Monday. It is snowy now, and with extreme cold forecast, the lake will be steamy so visibility may be hindered. A pair of Harlequin Ducks was also present on the East side of Breakwall. regards, Don Kienholz --- Don Kienholz --- dkienholz at earthlink.net --- EarthLink: The #1 provider of the Real Internet. ------=_NextPart_84815C5ABAF209EF376268C8 Content-Type: text/html; charset=US-ASCII

The Yellow Billed Loon was relocated yesterday Tuesday 3:15 PM by Aaron Brees of Des Moines, IA,  and myself. The bird was first  found swimming in from the lake and moving West along the Far shore of Lighthouse point,( around the corner on the trail past the lighthouse). The bird was several hundred yards out at first. The Loon then continued to dive and move closer to shore finally reaching a distance of about 50 ft from shore. It then swam West following the shore to the breakwall where it swam out and around the breakwall and continued across Agate Bay (4:30 PM) towards the docks and far shore. The bird was visible from the parking lot, and seen by several others as it made its way around the breakwall. The bird was also observed eating a fish.
This may be a pattern? as I heard it did the same routine on Monday. It is snowy now, and with extreme cold forecast, the lake will be steamy so visibility may be hindered.
 
A pair of Harlequin Ducks was also present on the East side of Breakwall.
 
regards,
Don Kienholz
 
 
 
--- Don Kienholz
--- dkienholz at earthlink.net
--- EarthLink: The #1 provider of the Real Internet.
 

------=_NextPart_84815C5ABAF209EF376268C8-- From axhertzel@sihope.com Wed Jan 12 16:47:58 2005 From: axhertzel@sihope.com (Anthony X. Hertzel) Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2005 10:47:58 -0600 Subject: [mou] Owl photos Message-ID: --============_-1106574012==_ma============ Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" ; format="flowed" One piece of information that needs to be added to this request is format and file size. We prefer images that are at least 1500 x 2100 pixels in their original size. Larger images are welcome as well. >From: mou-net-admin@cbs.umn.edu >Sent: Tuesday, January 11, 2005 11:22 PM >To: mou-net@cbs.umn.edu >Subject: [mou] Pictures of owls and winter specialties > >With all the birding activities, it has come to my attention >that the MOU >has not been gathering many images of this invasion >year for archiving. We >are being asked for photographic content for >articles and do not have the >current images we need to support >public interest. Please, if you are >willing, send your best images >to the MOU web site. Owl images and winter >specialties are what we >are after at this time. Variant plumages of Owls, >dark, light, >albino, melanistic, etc would be of special interest. Please >add a >statement allowing the MOU to reproduce these images with >your >permission for purposes of education and public information. >It is >important to note date and location of the birds. They may be >used on our >website or sent to accompany articles in the press. >Credit will be given in >all cases of their use. If you have a >gallery you would allow MOU to link >to, please advise, as well. I >thank you for your cooperation in this >initiative. Good birding. > >The address to send them to is: > >mou@cbs.umn.edu > >Mark Alt >MOU President >markfalcon@comcast.net -- Anthony X. Hertzel -- axhertzel@sihope.com --============_-1106574012==_ma============ Content-Type: text/html; charset="us-ascii" Owl photos
One piece of information that needs to be added to this request is format and file size. We prefer images that are at least 1500 x 2100 pixels in their original size. Larger images are welcome as well.

>From: mou-net-admin@cbs.umn.edu
>Sent: Tuesday, January 11, 2005 11:22 PM
>To: mou-net@cbs.umn.edu
>Subject: [mou] Pictures of owls and winter specialties
>
>With all the birding activities, it has come to my attention that the MOU >has not been gathering many images of this invasion year for archiving. We >are being asked for photographic content for articles and do not have the >current images we need to support public interest.  Please, if you are >willing, send your best images to the MOU web site. Owl images and winter >specialties are what we are after at this time. Variant plumages of Owls, >dark, light, albino, melanistic, etc would be of special interest. Please >add a statement allowing the MOU to reproduce these images with your >permission for purposes of education and public information. It is >important to note date and location of the birds. They may be used on our >website or sent to accompany articles in the press. Credit will be given in >all cases of their use. If you have a gallery you would allow MOU to link >to, please advise, as well. I thank you for your cooperation in this >initiative. Good birding.
>
>The address to send them to is:
>
>
>Mark Alt
>MOU President
>markfalcon@comcast.net

--
Anthony X. Hertzel -- axhertzel@sihope.com
--============_-1106574012==_ma============-- From esteb02@frontiernet.net Wed Jan 12 16:48:38 2005 From: esteb02@frontiernet.net (esteb02@frontiernet.net) Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2005 11:48:38 -0500 Subject: [mou] Regarding starving boreal owls In-Reply-To: <20050112145655.1249.qmail@web52401.mail.yahoo.com> References: <20050112145655.1249.qmail@web52401.mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <20050112114838.xickkw4k488wokko@webmail.frontiernet.net> Howard, There's no such thing as a dumb question. (Well, maybe there is, but I don't think that this is one.) Owls in general, are not highly intelligent birds, comparatively to other species of birds. But they don't need to be, since they have so many highly developed adaptations that program them for survival, such as great eyesight (even in dark), better hearing than just about any other creature and silent flight. Owls depend on these abilities in helping them to survive and find food. However, this "programming" can work against them in abnormal situations. Their eyes and ears are "programmed" to detect small movements and sounds. A piece of meat does not move/twitch or make noise in the snow. And most likely an owl would not "recognize" it as food, since it doesn't look like anything they've eaten before. That is why many of these species become highly specialized feeders, they are "programmed" or attracted to a specific prey, such as voles. Other possible food items are unrecognized and therefore ignored. Of the owls, GHOs are probably the closest thing to a generalist feeder. In order to supplement wild owls, you would need to buy/raise small rodents such as mice or gerbils and release them alive in sight of the owl. I'm sure they would take them without hesitation. Both GGOs and NHOs have a tendency to be unfearful of humans and would probably go after a mouse almost at your feet if they were hungry. Dave Evans from the Hawk Ridge banding station has caught and banded NHOs with only a fishing net and a live mouse this way. Of course the other argument against this would be that a bird could become dependent on handouts and quit hunting. But I think with owls, they will not take something that doesn't resemble their natural diet. Steve Estebo Avian Zoologist Minnesota Zoo Quoting Howard Weinberg : > I just read the Mark Alt/Steve Wilson email about starving boreal > owls. I would like to ask the list serve what perhaps is a dumb > question. Would a Boreal Owl eat a strip of meat if it was left out > or does the "prey" need to be moving to get the Owl's attention? I > would gladly leave some strips of meat out before i left for work if > an owl would take it. I did it for a GGO that was in the yard, but > he didn't go for it. Blue jays on the other hand were happy to carry > it away and munch on it and chickadees pecked at it as well. I will > keep the feeders stocked with seed as Steve suggests (for mice). > > Wishing i could do more for what i know is a sad but real part of > nature. > Howard in Duluth > > > __________________________________________________ > Do You Yahoo!? > Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around > http://mail.yahoo.com From Denise Ryan Wed Jan 12 17:08:50 2005 From: Denise Ryan (Denise Ryan) Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2005 12:08:50 -0500 Subject: [mou] RFI Feeders Grosbeaks Redpolls Message-ID: Greetings MN birders! I'm one of those out-of-towners planning a visit this weekend to check out the owl action, but I'm also in search of some more Northern specialty lifers while I'm in the area. I would really appreciate anyone offering information about what is being seen at their feeders and if I may come and take a look in the Duluth/Sax-Zim/Superior National Forest/and parts south area. I'm specifically looking for either kind of Redpolls, Pine Grosbeaks, Evening Grosbeaks, Varied Thrush, Shrikes and Red Crossbills. I'm traveling alone and would certainly be respectful of your property and privacy - you set the limits and I'll obey. Keep those Loon, Grouse and other species reports coming in too. It is great information that I hope to follow for more lifers. Also, kind of a weird question - has anyone heard the GGOs or other owls vocalizing in MN this winter? Any recommendations about where to hear wolves howling at night? I might as well max out on the North Woods experience. If you want to share information, and share off-line, I can be reached at screechowl@gmail.com If you are inclined to share breaking information over the weekend, my cell phone number is 202-431-0259. Many thanks! Denise Ryan Washington, DC From rongreen@charter.net Tue Jan 11 23:30:14 2005 From: rongreen@charter.net (Ron Green) Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 17:30:14 -0600 Subject: [mou] Re: [mnbird] About stress on the Great Grey and otherowls References: Message-ID: <00a701c4f835$80ab94a0$6401a8c0@ron> Comment from a neophyte. First, I must admit, I fall lamentably short of the level of experience many of you have who are posting on this forum. Secondly, even though I would be classified as an experienced photographer, the discussions here have helped me realize that I was sorely lacking education in a number of critical areas. So, now when I take my second trip up to Duluth and Sax/Zim this week, I feel better armed to be more respectful and less intrusive on both the animals and people who live in the area. So education made the difference in my thinking and choices, not the witholding or limiting of information. So my recommendation is to use education as your primary means to change behavior. Ron Green http://www.greensphotoimages.com/gallery ----- Original Message ----- From: "Chris Fagyal" To: ; Sent: Tuesday, January 11, 2005 7:31 AM Subject: [mou] Re: [mnbird] About stress on the Great Grey and otherowls > I think the last sentence below in Laura's post is right on. I'm a > little (well more than a little) perturbed at these (this is the second > time this same topic has been initiated by the same person) posts. I've > yet to flush any Great Grey Owls in any of my trips up north. If we > should "stop going to see the owls again and again", maybe we should > stop pishing for Boreal Chickadees as well. We should probably also > stop pishing for warblers in the summer, or other passerines during > their migration. We should stop viewing shorebirds in the spring, and > hawks in the fall. We certainly don't want to stress anyone or anything > out do we? Hell lets just stop birding. > > All it takes is a little knowledge, a little common sense, some > respect, and a little intelligence to be able to go birding and have > little to no impact on the birds. Turning off ones engine when near an > Owl is a good example. I was with a Great Grey in Sax-Zim on Friday > afternoon for 30+ minutes. I left my engine off the whole time (froze > my rear end too), and the owl went around to three different perches in > the same corner where I was, and hunted, and never even paid me any > heed. He never flew from any perch because of me, and he never stopped > hunting, nor did he ever fly away. A couple pulled up a few mins later > that I didn't recognize, and left their engine running. After a few > moments of the Owl staring directly at them, I told them to "turn the > engine off". The lady got irritated at me and they just left. I guess > they didn't realize how Great Greys hunt. After i'd spent time with > this lovely Owl, I left it on the same branch on the same tree that I > found it on, still hunting. I guess I stressed it out....just as much > as a deer walking by would have, as thats about as much noise as I made > the entire time I was there. > > You want mention of the people who go look at owls again and again, ok > here is a mention of one of those people. I've been up there the > following dates and times: > Thanksgiving from 7:45am to 4:20pm > 12/11 from 7:45am to 3:30pm > 1/7 from 2:20pm to 4:50pm > 1/8 in Sax-Zim from 1:30pm - 5:00pm > > I suppose I should also mention that i'll be guiding a friend from > Texas up in that area on 1/30, so that will make 5 trips in 2 months... > > As for Pastor Al's questions: > > > Pastor all states: "However, I would like to further explore (through > questions) one thought > > expressed about not posting Boreal Owls due to potential stress, > possibly > > leading to further owl fatalities. I believe I understand the > rationale, > > but wonder if it can be validated. Does posting a rare bird > generally or > > inevitably lead to increased stress on the bird being observed, or is > this > > specific to certain owls (since information on Barn & Long-eared is > also > > withheld on some lists)? Does this stress indeed heighten the > mortality > > rate? Do we withhold posting because of the 1-2% that may act > poorly? In a > > related thought, should we always think of the bird first - or is > there a > > human factor that also needs to be considered (ie, has the pendulum > swung > > too far the other direction)?" > > I think the pendulum has swung way too far in one direction (and i'm > not talking about thinking of the human factor, but rather thinking only > of the bird first, and irrationally [ie: I won't stress it out if *I* go > see it, but anyone else seeing it will cause it undue stress!]). I > think in every state i've been in there is a group of people who feel > that they are the only ones who should be allowed to see certain birds. > The logic just falls apart eventually. If one decides "Species X won't > be posted to the listserver", then what about species X+1 or X+2? If > one bird shouldn't be posted because of "increased stress", what about > all other birds? I submit to you, that posting a Summer Tanager, or > Painted Bunting or Rock Wren, or Prairie Warbler, or whatever else in > the spring/summer/fall, which people then flock to the spot, play tapes, > pish, etc to find that rare bird creates similiar disturbance to posting > an Owl location in the winter. I also submit that if your logic > dictates that posting a location causes undue distress/disturbance, and > this logic applies to multiple species of birds, then all locations of > all birds should not be posted, by mathematical induction, and thus why > do we have a list server at all? > > I believe you could also make the exact same argument with respect to > stress on birds about those that band birds as you can about those that > view birds. One can't honestly believe that capturing an Owl or any > other bird in a net, taking it out of the net while it is struggling to > get away, putting a band on its leg, and doing whatever other bizarre > things people do (painting its head, tagging its wing, whatever > disfiguration you feel suits you best) doesn't cause a lot of stress on > the individual bird. So should we also stop banding all birds (i'd say > yes, but i'm quite against banding), however there is some sound > rationale and logic behind *some* (I emphasize some..as I think some > banders do it for ego, not for scientific gain) banding. Some of it is > quite helpful. Some of it is just all about ego. > > I, for one, will continue my birdwatching with the same respect, and > the same admiration that i've always had. > > Cheers, > > > Chris Fagyal > Senior Software Engineer > United Defense, L.P. ASD > Fridley, MN > (763) 572-5320 > chris.fagyal@udlp.com > > >>> Laura Erickson 01/10/2005 21:39:41 PM > >>> > [snip] > > When I posted about how many owls I saw today, should I have added that > > this was the first time I've been to the bog in 2005, that I didn't > stop or > even slow down for hardly any of the owls I saw, and that I didn't > flush a > single one? This could make posts pretty unwieldy and defensive, and > make > us feel like we need to justify every element of our birding behavior > from > the moment we step out the door. Let's have a little faith in our > fellow > birders, and focus on minimizing our own impacts rather than > questioning > one another's right to be out there at all. > > [snip] > > Laura Erickson > Duluth, MN > > > Producer, "For the Birds" radio program > > > There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of > birds. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains > of > nature--the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the > winter. > > --Rachel Carson > > > _______________________________________________ > mou-net mailing list > mou-net@cbs.umn.edu > http://cbs.umn.edu/mailman/listinfo/mou-net > _______________________________________________ > mnbird mailing list > mnbird@lists.mnbird.net > http://www.mnbird.net/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/mnbird > From burrder@prtel.com Wed Jan 12 17:52:55 2005 From: burrder@prtel.com (burrder@prtel.com) Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2005 11:52:55 -0600 Subject: [mou] Owling Expenses Message-ID: <003501c4f8cf$dd0cf870$bee4e442@DGFQKJ41> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_002F_01C4F89D.409CAC60 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable We went Owling with Betsy Beneke Jan. 2nd and 3rd Room $62.00 Gas/Food $90.spent as: Perkins $25. Two Harbors Gas $12.00 Floodwood gas $15 & $18. Walker/food $10. Snacks$10. A total of $152.00 was spent by Bob & I. M.Joan Burke 23664 Edlynn Beach Trail Pelican Rapids, MN 56572 tel: 218-863-2824 cell: 218-850-9991 ------=_NextPart_000_002F_01C4F89D.409CAC60 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
We went Owling with Betsy Beneke Jan. = 2nd and=20 3rd
Room $62.00
Gas/Food $90.spent as:
Perkins $25.
Two Harbors Gas $12.00
Floodwood gas $15 & = $18.
Walker/food $10.
Snacks$10.
A total of $152.00 was = spent by Bob=20 & I.
M.Joan Burke
23664 Edlynn Beach = Trail
Pelican=20 Rapids, MN 56572
tel:  218-863-2824
cell: =20 218-850-9991
------=_NextPart_000_002F_01C4F89D.409CAC60-- From SFbirdclub@aol.com Wed Jan 12 19:19:44 2005 From: SFbirdclub@aol.com (SFbirdclub@aol.com) Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2005 14:19:44 EST Subject: [mou] Owling Expenses Message-ID: <1ad.2ef98de9.2f16d250@aol.com> --part1_1ad.2ef98de9.2f16d250_boundary Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit A group of 8 birding Jan. 6-10: from Tucson, Houston, Chicago, Crystal, MN, and Sioux Falls, SD Rooms at Best Western Edgewater Motel: $1440.00 Gas, $225: best guess, rounded off as 3 cars drove, Chicago to Duluth, Sioux Falls to Duluth, Twin Cities to Duluth. Not all spent in Duluth of course, but at Cotton and Duluth and Two Harbors in the area. 2 airline flights into Duluth airport, how to count? Food: China Cafe--$85; Rocket Cafe in Meadowlands (includes a large doll a participant HAD to have)--$140; Blackwoods dinner, $350; Perkins lunch--$120; Pickwick dinner--$425; Vanilla Bean Cafe lunch--$130; Blackwoods dinner--$390. Plus meals at Ortonville and Foley in MN and the airport. Does not include incidental snacks or other items. Total is: $3,305 spent to come see owls and boreal species for 3 days. It was worth every penny. All in the group said so. Doug Chapman Sioux Falls, SD --part1_1ad.2ef98de9.2f16d250_boundary Content-Type: text/html; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
A group of 8 birding Jan. 6-10: from Tucson, Houston, Chicago, Crystal, MN= , and Sioux Falls, SD

Rooms at Best Western Edgewater Motel: $1440.00

Gas, $225: best guess, rounded off as 3 cars drove, Chicago to Duluth, Sio= ux Falls to Duluth, Twin Cities to Duluth. Not all spent in Duluth of course= , but at Cotton and Duluth and Two Harbors in the area. 2 airline flights in= to Duluth airport, how to count?

Food: China Cafe--$85; Rocket Cafe in Meadowlands (includes a large doll a= participant HAD to have)--$140; Blackwoods dinner, $350; Perkins lunch--$12= 0; Pickwick dinner--$425; Vanilla Bean Cafe lunch--$130;  Blackwoods d= inner--$390. Plus meals at Ortonville and Foley in MN and the airport. Does=20= not include incidental snacks or other items.

Total is: $3,305 spent to come see owls and boreal species for 3 days. It wa= s worth every penny. All in the group said so.

Doug Chapman
Sioux Falls, SD --part1_1ad.2ef98de9.2f16d250_boundary-- From Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com Wed Jan 12 21:17:52 2005 From: Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com (Alt, Mark) Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2005 15:17:52 -0600 Subject: [mou] Back of a Northern Hawk Owl's head Message-ID: <4F3C90DD5ABC32408C70AC50F47942BDDEB915@ds69mail.na.bestbuy.com> This guy needs photos of the back of a Northern Hawk Owl's head. Please respond to him directly. eldeem@webtv.net (Lloyd D. Moore) =20 Mark Alt=20 (W) 612-291-6717=20 (Cell) 612-803-9085 =20 =20 =20 -------------- Forwarded Message: --------------=20 From: eldeem@webtv.net (Lloyd D. Moore)=20 To: markfalcon@comcast.net=20 Subject: Northern Hawk Owl Photos=20 Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 17:22:08 +0000=20 =20 HI...I am a woodcarver with a serious problem which perhaps you can help=20 me to solve. I have completed life sized carvings of 18 of the 19=20 species of owls of the U.S. I can not finish the last one, the Northern=20 Hawk Owl because I can not find a photo of the backside of ones head. I=20 have 3 shots which are either too distant, or too lacking in detail to be of much help.=20 =20 I have contacted several of the better known Canadian photographers and=20 all of them have pointed out that to their knowledge, photos of the=20 backside of an owls head are not very much in demand!=20 =20 If you, or any members of your organizations have any thoughts regarding=20 my dilemma, I would be pleased to hear them. I have already contacted=20 most of the bird magazines, libraries, and places like Cornell=20 University to no avail. I am a lifetime birder, and seen all but one of=20 the 19 owls, the Northern Hawk Owl! The internet is of little more=20 help, great for everything excepting what I need, and I am disinclined to "fake it". Lots of folks have seen the backside of the head, but none=20 have intentionally printed a photo of it.=20 =20 Thank you for your consideration.=20 =20 Lloyd Moore=20 =20 Lloyd Moore=20 502 W. Fallbrook Ave.=20 Clovis, Ca. 93611 Mark Alt=20 Sr. Project Manager=20 Entertainment Software Supply Chain=20 Project Resources Group (PRG)=20 Best Buy Co., Inc.=20 Mark.Alt@BestBuy.com=20 (W) 612-291-6717=20 (Cell) 612-803-9085 From rdunlap@gac.edu Wed Jan 12 22:02:19 2005 From: rdunlap@gac.edu (rdunlap@gac.edu) Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2005 16:02:19 -0600 Subject: [mou] Northern Goshawk, Nicolett County Message-ID: <20050112160219.iha80ko00cg08o40@webmail.gac.edu> This afternoon while walking in the arboretum here at Gustavus Adolphus in St. Peter I observed an adult Northern Goshawk flying overhead. A search through the many pines in the arboretum yielded no owls, although a few trees appeared to have been "whitewashed." I might have to try an owl prowl one of these warmer nights. -Bob Dunlap, Nicolett County From jslind@frontiernet.net Thu Jan 13 03:09:39 2005 From: jslind@frontiernet.net (Jim Lind) Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2005 21:09:39 -0600 Subject: [mou] Yellow-billed not seen Message-ID: <41E59213.4472.15C066B@localhost> I unsuccessfully searched for the Yellow-billed Loon at Agate Bay this afternoon from 4:00 to 5:00 pm. The snow tapered off while I was on the breakwall, but the wind was rather strong off the lake and waves made it difficult to scan. It might still be around. The two Harlequin Ducks were still present (the male's plumage is becoming brighter by the day). Jim Lind Two Harbors From Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com Thu Jan 13 14:26:58 2005 From: Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com (Alt, Mark) Date: Thu, 13 Jan 2005 08:26:58 -0600 Subject: [mou] Wi Owls Message-ID: <4F3C90DD5ABC32408C70AC50F47942BDDEB931@ds69mail.na.bestbuy.com> http://www.jsonline.com/news/state/jan05/292559.asp Here is a link to an article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, where I am quoted as an Owl specialist. Groan. The reporter asked me if I specialized in owls, I said, these past two months, yes. Funny, huh? There is some good data on WI Owls in the article, he did a good job overall.=20 I got word that the Owls are now very common throughout Southern Pine County, the time has come to look for Owls in Chisago County and maybe as far south as Carlos Avery, Bunker Hills, Rice Creek Park, Carver and Elm Creek Park. It will be interesting to see if the frigid temps push the advance of the birds or slows them. This would be a great service rendered for people to comb the back roads and parks of Central MN to see where these birds are in abundance. I remember the 4 Great Grays we saw in one place many years ago - 1993? Afton? It is perfect weather for road birding, that is for sure. Please get out and check some areas this weekend after 3:30 pm and let us know what is here. Good Birding. Owl specialist (this year only) Mark Alt=20 President,=20 Minnesota Ornithologists Union J. F. Bell Museum of Natural History University of Minnesota 10 Church Street SE Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104 MOU.mn.org mark.alt@bestbuy.com Cell: 612-803-9085 From jwbarrett10@msn.com Thu Jan 13 16:36:46 2005 From: jwbarrett10@msn.com (Jim Barrett) Date: Thu, 13 Jan 2005 10:36:46 -0600 Subject: [mou] Excellent post re: ageing Great Gray Owls Message-ID: <000301c4f98e$13c89040$aefd0143@Primary> The post copied below was made by Jean Iron in ONTbirds. It includes tips on ageing GGOWs (although, note the caveat halfway down), along w/ links to many photos to illustrate the techniques. Jim Barrett Duluth From: Jean Iron To: ontbirds@hwcn.org Subject: [Ontbirds]How to age Great Gray Owls Sent: Thursday, January 13, 2005 3:13 PM INTRODUCTION: Many birders have asked us questions about (1) distinguishing the ages and plumages of Great Gray Owls and (2) how to tell males from females. Most of the differences seen in the field are due to individual variation. After September, the young of the year (three months of age) and older birds are very similar in appearance. However, two broad age classes can be recognized in the field with practice. Here we describe how to tell first year birds (hatched in 2004) from adults (older birds) using links to photos. We hope that birders and those doing surveys will use this information to better understand the numbers of first year and adult birds in this winter's irruption. If you are taking photos of perched birds to determine age, the best ones are of the sides and back showing the wingtips, secondaries, wing coverts and tail. MALE or FEMALE: Females are larger than males, but there is considerable overlap. Judging size in the field is deceptive and unreliable. If several birds are seen together, one might "guess" that an extremely small individual is a male or an extremely large one is a female, but not with much certainty. SUBSPECIES: There is one subspecies (race) in North America, which is the nominate (first named) race Strix nebulosa nebulosa. The Great Gray Owl was first described in 1772 from the Severn River in northern Ontario. It is one of the few bird species first described from the New World that also occurs in the Old World. One other subspecies occurs across northern Eurasia; its scientific name is S. n. lapponica. The Royal Ontario Museum specimens of lapponica are slightly paler overall with more distinct long streaks below. A third subspecies, S. n. elisabethae, described from Mongolia is not recognized by most authorities. MORPHS: There are no morphs (correct term for phase) of the Great Gray Owl. Some birds are greyer or browner than others due to wear, faded older feathers and individual variation. The same bird will appear different depending on light, time of day, and background. A bird's true colours and patterns are often altered in photographs. ALBINOS: Albinism is more frequent in Great Gray Owls than in other North American owls. A pure white bird in Idaho mated with a normal bird produced normal young. Partial albinos and leucistic birds with diluted plumage coloration have been recorded. MOLT: Juveniles complete a partial molt into first year (first basic) plumage by late September. First year birds retain the juvenile primaries, secondaries, and tail for more than a year. The flight feathers of first year birds appear about the same colour and contrast because they are the same age. The first molt of flight feathers starts about 13 months of age. Not all primary/secondary feathers and often lesser secondary coverts are molted annually, so after about 1.5 years of age, they show a mix of older faded brown and new darker flight feathers. A few juvenile primary/secondary feathers may be retained for several years. Most birds molt their tail feathers every year. Note: Older feathers wear and fade to brown providing a molt contrast with newer feathers, which is very useful in aging. AGES: Two broad age classes can be identified in the field: (1) First year birds hatched in 2004 and (2) adults. FIRST YEAR: First year birds have pale tipped primaries and secondaries, except on the short 10th outer primary which lacks a pale tip. The tail feathers of first year birds often have a tiny sharp point where the juvenile down adhered to the tips of tail feathers; these tips remain into January or February. First year birds lack a mix of older browner feathers from previous years often found on adults. Note: We have seen very few first year Great Gray Owls this winter suggesting a poor breeding season in 2004. ADULT: The folded wingtips are dark brown (no pale tips) and contrast darker with the grey tertials above. A mix of pale primary tips and adult tips suggests a 2-3 year old bird. The central tail feathers of adults are wider with more rounded tips. On some adults one or two new grey secondaries contrast among brownish secondaries on the folded wing. The plumage of adults often shows a mix of older browner feathers contrasting with the greyer new plumage. Note: Most of the Great Gray Owls that we have seen this winter have been adults. CAUTION: The above information on aging Great Gray Owls is preliminary. Many are difficult if not impossible to age in the field. If you have comments or additional information, please email us at . PHOTO LINKS with remarks on aging. 1. http://www3.sympatico.ca/jeaniron/AgingGrGr2.htm Two photos comparing folded wingtip patterns of first year and adult. 2. http://www3.sympatico.ca/jeaniron/AgingGrGrays.htm Three photos comparing first year and adult birds. 3. http://www.ofo.ca/photos/greatgrays/ Top row, left photo: Dark folded wingtips with no pale tips indicate an adult. Second row, right photo: Pointed tail tips indicate a first year bird. 4. http://www.ofo.ca/photos/greatgray/ Photos from OFO's website: Top row, left photo (Sept 22). Down still adhering to head feathers indicates a first year bird. Second row, left photo (Nov 7). Dark wingtips lacking pale tips and brownish secondaries contrasting with tertials indicate an adult. Dark wingtips on Oct 16 (top right) and Nov 26 (bottom) birds also indicate adults. 5. http://www.greenbackedheron.com/id.cfm?setid=1234 Four photos from Kent Nickell's website. Third bird is an adult because of dark wingtips lacking pale tips, old brownish secondaries and contrasting brownish wing coverts. Fourth bird is an adult because it has dark wingtips lacking pale tips, brownish secondaries and a contrast of older brown feathers among the newer grey body feathers. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Mark Peck and Glenn Murphy allowed us to examine specimens at the Royal Ontario Museum. We thank Michel Gosselin of the Canadian Museum of Nature for advice. Ron Tozer made helpful suggestions. REFERENCES used for this article and for more information. Brunton, D.F. and R. Pittaway. 1971. Observations of the Great Gray Owl on winter range. Canadian Field-Naturalist 85:315-322. Bull, E. L. and J. R. Duncan. 1993. Great Gray Owl (Strix nebulosa). In The Birds of North America, No. 41 (A. Poole and F. Gill, Eds.). Philadelphia: The Academy of Natural Sciences; Washington, D.C.: The American Ornithologists Union. Duncan, Jim. 1996. Techniques to Sex and Age Great Gray Owls: a bird in the hand worth two in the bush? Birders Journal 5(5):240-246. Godfrey, W. Earl. 1986. The Birds of Canada. National Museums of Canada, Ottawa. Nero, Robert W. and Herbert W.R. Copeland. 1997. Sex and Age Composition of Great Gray Owls (Strix nebulosa). In Duncan, James R.; Johnson, David H.; Nicholls, Thomas H., eds. 1997. Biology and conservation of owls of the Northern Hemisphere: 2nd International symposium; 1997 February 5-9; Winnipeg, MB. Gen. Tech. Rep. NC-190. St. Paul, MN: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Research Station. 635 p. Pyle, Peter. 1997. Identification Guide to North American Birds. Part 1. Slate Creek Press, Bolinas, California. Please allow Great Gray Owls the space they need to hunt and rest. To age them, a scope is essential. Ron Pittaway and Jean Iron Minden and Toronto, Ontario jeaniron@sympatico.ca From writers2@comcast.net Thu Jan 13 16:46:18 2005 From: writers2@comcast.net (Val/Roger) Date: Thu, 13 Jan 2005 10:46:18 -0600 Subject: [mou] No owl feature on NBC news tonight Message-ID: Hello, fellow birders: A week or so ago, Carrol Henderson, Jim Lind and Sharon Stiteler were interviewed for a report on the unusual northern owl irruption in Minnesota. That report had been scheduled for this evening on the 5:30 p.m. NBC nightly news, but Sharon Stiteler just called to advise that that the story has been bumped. I don't have any info about when this story will be shown, but don't tune in tonight expecting to see it. Regards, Val Cunningham St. Paul, Minn. From melissa.driscoll@dnr.state.mn.us Thu Jan 13 16:54:07 2005 From: melissa.driscoll@dnr.state.mn.us (Melissa Driscoll) Date: Thu, 13 Jan 2005 10:54:07 -0600 Subject: [mou] SNA Bird List Request! Message-ID: Hello MOU Members and Friends, I met some of you at the MOU paper session in December. I have been hired by the DNR to coordinate bird counts and gather historical bird information re: SNA's in Western Minnesota, and you can help!!! If you have ever visited any western prairie SNA north of Morris, and compiled a bird list you can help! If you want to go to any of these prairies and compile a list of the birds you see and hear, you can help! Please contact me today if you are interested in participating in this project or wish to know more about it. Your participation is a great way to show your support for the Scientific and Natural Areas Program and to have fun birding at the same time! Thanks! Melissa Melissa Driscoll DNR Natural Resource Specialist - SNA Bird Survey Coordinator 1509 1st Avenue North Fergus Falls, MN 56537 218-739-7576 218-739-7601 fax email: melissa.driscoll@dnr.state.mn.us From Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com Thu Jan 13 23:43:09 2005 From: Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com (Alt, Mark) Date: Thu, 13 Jan 2005 17:43:09 -0600 Subject: [mou] The year of the Owl Message-ID: <4F3C90DD5ABC32408C70AC50F47942BDDEB94F@ds69mail.na.bestbuy.com> My life this winter is full of owls. The year has progressed and I landed in a unique role, reporting on the status of the Owls. It started with reports of a dozen Hawk Owls in Sax-Zim. I went to see them. I reported on them. That trip I saw the Black Great Gray Owl, on Munger Shaw Road, I got it on film. I was excited that day, to see so many Owls and then to see one so different, what a day! The Great Black Owl. Ben Yokel saw it again, then it was gone like a puff of black smoke. I remember its sooty blackness, the only contrast were the yellow eyes of a wolf glaring from its flattened face. I watch the video over and over, 4 seconds in duration, as jumpy and out of focus as a Bigfoot tape; it turns and flies into the woods, spreading its pinions, wheeling to float into the trees.=20 The video did not capture the eyes, its head turned from when I saw it as we backed up. It flew. I looked into its eyes from 12 feet away and I saw it look back. Nebulosa is its species name, it means misty or cloudy. There are all kinds of clouds, and this one was as dark as midnight fog, dark as a wall cloud in July, dark as a cloud of smoke from a raging fire of tires. Perhaps it migrated Southward, is well-fed, it may even be dead. It may be sitting somewhere, dark as Pennsylvania coal, no one seeing it, an even darker hole in the darkness around it. Great Gray Owls are working hard to survive this winter, and an image is burned into my psyche, an image of the dark Owl. What haunts me is the apocalyptic nature of this irruption, so many owls suffering so much, their great journey, their exodus bringing them so much pain and bleakness. The blackness of the Owl seems to define the blackness of their prospects, underfed not even halfway to spring. Perhaps I need to find a Snowy Owl to restore balance, to see the brightness of its plumage, this time white with yellow eyes, to try and make a difference. Maybe to make a difference I can find these Owls breeding this spring or summer, to find renewal in nature, to find the circle of life still intact. What seems cataclysmic to me some will say is nature at work, and I understand this from a scientific point of view, but my feelings are deeper than that. I have worked to find Owls and look for their next moves, where they can be found, how they behave, report on them, as have many people involved in this year of the Owl. I am going to go next Saturday and hang nest boxes on the North Shore with Bill Lane, to try and make a difference for some Boreal Owls. Perhaps it will make a difference for me, as well.=20 Mark Alt=20 Brooklyn Center, MN=20 mark.alt@bestbuy.com=20 "I recalled that I had read somewhere that in the Middle Ages Hell was envisioned as a place without birds." Jim Harrison=20 From axhertzel@sihope.com Fri Jan 14 01:15:47 2005 From: axhertzel@sihope.com (Anthony X. Hertzel) Date: Thu, 13 Jan 2005 19:15:47 -0600 Subject: [mou] MOU RBA 13 January 2005 Message-ID: --============_-1106457143==_ma============ Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" ; format="flowed" This is the Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday, January 13th. A YELLOW-BILLED LOON was discovered in Two Harbors, Lake County over the weekend and was seen as recently as the 12th. The bird was found on Lake Superior near Lighthouse point. A pair of HARLEQUIN DUCKS has also been present on the east side of breakwall. The irruption of northern owls continues in Minnesota, as GREAT GRAY OWLS are now being reported moving south in large numbers into Carlton, Pine, Itasca, Aitkin, and Crow Wing counties. NORTHERN HAWK OWLS seem to have settled in but can still be found in places such as the Sax-Zim bog in St. Louis County. On the 5th, a SNOWY OWL was at the railroad yards in Proctor, St. Louis County. The BARROW'S GOLDENEYE was found again on the 11th on the Mississippi River east of Hastings in Dakota County. It was once again in with a group of about 100 COMMON GOLDENEYE. An apparent gray-phase GYRFALCON was seen briefly in Two Harbors on the 9th, flying past the lighthouse and down shore in the direction of Duluth. On the 8th, 365 gulls were present at Black Dog Lake in Dakota County, including a GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL and two GLAUCOUS GULLS. SPRUCE GROUSE were seen on the 9th along state highway 1 between mile post numbers 306-305 and at 301 in Lake County. Five more were just west of State Highway 73 on St. Louis County Road 85 on the 8th. On the 8th, an AMERICAN THREE-TOED WOODPECKER and two BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKERS were seen along the McDavitt Road in the Sax-Zim bog. From St. Louis County Road 7, go two miles west on Sax Road, then about two and a half miles north on McDavitt Road. A TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE was relocated on the 7th at Leif Ericson Park in Duluth, in the conifers near the Viking ship replica. On the 11th, a VARIED THRUSH was in a crabapple tree at Wilson Hall Courtyard of Itasca Community College in Itasca County. This is along U.S. Highway 169 in Grand Rapids. 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 . 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 report is Thursday January 20th. -- Anthony X. Hertzel -- axhertzel@sihope.com --============_-1106457143==_ma============ Content-Type: text/html; charset="us-ascii" MOU RBA 13 January 2005
This is the Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday, January 13th.

A YELLOW-BILLED LOON was discovered in Two Harbors, Lake County over the weekend and was seen as recently as the 12th. The bird was found on Lake Superior near Lighthouse point. A pair of HARLEQUIN DUCKS has also been present on the east side of breakwall.

The irruption of northern owls continues in Minnesota, as GREAT GRAY OWLS are now being reported moving south in large numbers into Carlton, Pine, Itasca, Aitkin, and Crow Wing counties. NORTHERN HAWK OWLS seem to have settled in but can still be found in places such as the Sax-Zim bog in St. Louis County. On the 5th, a SNOWY OWL was at the railroad yards in Proctor, St. Louis County.

The BARROW'S GOLDENEYE was  found again on the 11th on the Mississippi River east of Hastings in Dakota County. It was once again in with a group of about 100 COMMON GOLDENEYE.
 
An apparent gray-phase GYRFALCON was seen briefly in Two Harbors on the 9th, flying past the lighthouse and down shore in the direction of Duluth.

On the 8th, 365 gulls were present at Black Dog Lake in Dakota County, including a GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL and two GLAUCOUS GULLS.

SPRUCE GROUSE were seen on the 9th along state highway 1 between mile post numbers 306-305 and at 301 in Lake County. Five more were just west of State Highway 73 on St. Louis County Road 85 on the 8th.

On the 8th, an AMERICAN THREE-TOED WOODPECKER and two BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKERS were seen along the McDavitt Road in the Sax-Zim bog. >From St. Louis County Road 7, go two miles west on Sax Road, then about two and a half miles north on McDavitt Road.

A TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE was relocated on the 7th at Leif Ericson Park in Duluth, in the conifers near the Viking ship replica.

On the 11th, a VARIED THRUSH was in a crabapple tree at Wilson Hall Courtyard of Itasca Community College in Itasca County. This is along U.S. Highway 169 in Grand Rapids.
 
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 report is Thursday January 20th.

--
Anthony X. Hertzel -- axhertzel@sihope.com
--============_-1106457143==_ma============-- From ajjoppru@wiktel.com Fri Jan 14 03:25:21 2005 From: ajjoppru@wiktel.com (Jeanie Joppru) Date: Thu, 13 Jan 2005 21:25:21 -0600 Subject: [mou] Northwest Minnesota Birding Report- Friday, January 14, 2005 Message-ID: <000101c4f9e8$b3b2b9a0$4ab391ce@main> This is the Northwest Minnesota Birding Report for Friday, January 14, 2005 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. Old Man Winter certainly has a grip on the northwest these days. Temperatures are falling daily after a snowfall on the weekend. There are crystal clear nights and blinding white days, and the snow crunches underfoot. This week's report is all about owls. They are definitely moving south and west this week after the episodes of freezing rain and snow that has fallen in the northeast. I have reports this week of Great Gray Owls from Roseau, Marshall, Polk, Mahnomen, Beltrami, Becker, Clearwater, and Hubbard Counties. There is also a report of a Northern Hawk Owl in Norman County. I will not give exact locations for all of these, but if anyone wants to know where to look in a given county, email me and I'll supply the locations where the owls were seen. Gary Tischer reported that on Sunday, January 9th, he saw 5 GREAT GRAY OWLS along MN 11 between Greenbush and Badger in Roseau County. In Marshall County, at least two GREAT GRAY OWLS have been seen west of CR 12 north of CR 117 this week. Maggie Anderson saw a SHORT-EARED OWL near the intersection of CR 12 and CR 7. Elsewhere in Marshall County, Linda Johnson had a large flock of BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS visit her yard this week. Rick Benson saw a GREAT GRAY OWL in Eden Township in northeastern Polk County on January 5th. Bruce Flaig reported both COMMON REDPOLLS, and HOARY REDPOLLS in Polk County on January 13th. He also had a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK and RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER visit the yard on that day. Gary and Marion Otnes found a NORTHERN HAWK OWL in Norman County on January 8th one half mile south of Gary along MN 32. Another or the same owl was seen by Bruce Flaig near the intersection of MN 32 and MN 200 on January 13th. Gary Otnes also reported a COMMON RAVEN two miles north of Syre along MN 32, and an AMERICAN ROBIN in the town of Ulen. While surveying for owls on the weekend, Herb Dingmann and Ron Erpelding found a GREAT GRAY OWL in Mahnomen County along MN 200 3.7 miles west of CR 4. In Hubbard County, Bill Unzen observed two GREAT GRAY OWLS along MN 71 on January 11th. Herb Dingmann and Ron Erpelding reported one along MN 64 two miles south of MN 200, and one a quarter mile west of CR 36 along MN 200. Connie Norheim found two BARRED OWLS in Hubbard County on January 8th - one east of Park Rapids along MN 34 and one south of Akeley along MN 64. Four GREAT GRAY OWLS in Beltrami County were reported by Herb Dingmann and Ron Erpelding, and I observed at least one more on Sunday, January 9th, while traveling through the Red Lake Indian Reservation on MN 1. Melissa Galland reported a GREAT GRAY OWL northeast of Clearbrook in Leon Township, Clearwater County, on January 9th. Another was seen overlooking Lower Red Lake in Clearwater County on the same day. Herb Dingmann reported a flock of RED CROSSBILLS at the north entrance to Itasca State Park on the weekend. A GREAT GRAY OWL was observed in Becker County last weekend along MN 113 seven miles west of MN 71. Shar Legenhausen had a NORTHERN SHRIKE in her yard on January 9th and 10th, while Art Bakker had a NORTHERN CARDINAL in his yard along Becker CR 25. Thanks to Herb Dingmann, Shar Legenhausen, Bill Unzen, Rick Benson, Bruce Flaig, Connie Norheim, Gary Tischer, Maggie Anderson, and Gary Otnes for their reports. Please report bird sightings to Jeanie Joppru by email, no later than Thursday each week, at ajjoppru@wiktel.com 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. When reporting by email please put "NW Bird Report" in the subject line of your message. The next scheduled update of this report is Friday, January 21, 2005. From drbenson@cpinternet.com Fri Jan 14 05:29:15 2005 From: drbenson@cpinternet.com (David Benson) Date: Thu, 13 Jan 2005 23:29:15 -0600 Subject: [mou] Duluth RBA 1/13/05 Message-ID: <3B28BB7A-65ED-11D9-B5AB-000A95AC3AF2@cpinternet.com> This is the Duluth Birding Report for Thursday, January 13, 2005, sponsored by the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union. The YELLOW-BILLED LOON refound on January 8th was seen several times this week, most recently on Tuesday the 11th. On several days, it has been seen near the breakwater at Agate Bay between 3:00 pm and dusk; it has been seen as far east as the water plant; and on some days it has not been seen at all. The very cold temperatures forecast for the next few days will make viewing difficult, but given that the bird has been in the area since January 3rd, there is reason to hope that it will stick around longer. Many observers searching for the loon have had excellent looks at the two HARLEQUIN DUCKS that have been near the breakwater. Harley Hanson saw a possible SNOWY OWL at the Duluth International Airport last Friday from the observation area in the airport building. In recent years, some birders have been stopped by security for birding outdoors at the airport, but a fair view of the runway is possible from the indoor observation area. This is the only Snowy Owl report I have received in recent weeks. BOREAL OWLS have begun to turn up along the North Shore. At least one bird was seen on both Sunday and Monday in the vicinity of the lighthouse in Two Harbors, and another was seen over the weekend at Wisconsin Point. GREAT GRAY OWLS are still abundant, and many have moved farther south. Sparky Stensaas found an amazing 79 Great Grays in just 36 miles of driving in the Wrenshall and Carlton areas in Carlton County. Many owls are also being seen to the south in Pine County. NORTHERN HAWK OWLS and Great Grays are still being seen in Sax-Zim, especially along Cty Rd 7. At least one BOREAL CHICKADEE is coming to a feeder in Isabella on Hwy 1 in Lake Cty, and this is also one of the few places that has reported EVENING GROSBEAKS, in addition to COMMON and HOARY REDPOLLS, and PINE GROSBEAKS. A THREE-TOED WOODPECKER, and a pair of BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKERS have been seen in Sax-Zim in the bog on McDavitt Rd, 2.6 miles north of the Sax Rd. There may also be another pair of black-backeds at the north end of this bog. SNOW BUNTINGS were seen in Aitkin Cty on Cty Rd 16 just south of Tamarack. Unfortunately, due to liability concerns, birders are no longer being allowed to enter the Superior, Wisconsin landfill to look at gulls. The road past the dump is public, and on weekends when the dump is closed, it may still be possible to peer longingly through the fence. The next scheduled update of this report will be on Thursday, January 20th. From bluejay@lauraerickson.com Fri Jan 14 17:38:05 2005 From: bluejay@lauraerickson.com (Laura Erickson) Date: Fri, 14 Jan 2005 11:38:05 -0600 Subject: [mou] Rehabber phone number correction Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20050114113616.03785408@smtp.lauraerickson.com> After posting my suggestions for helping starving owls, I learned that the rehabber in Two Harbors does NOT take owls. However, there is one in Silver Bay who does: Gail Buhl 218-353-0396 (can be reached at work at Wolf Ridge ELC at 218-353-7414) Laura Erickson Duluth, MN Producer, "For the Birds" radio program There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of birds. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature--the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter. --Rachel Carson From Markjunghans@aol.com Fri Jan 14 17:48:40 2005 From: Markjunghans@aol.com (Markjunghans@aol.com) Date: Fri, 14 Jan 2005 12:48:40 EST Subject: [mou] Varied Thrush-Anoka County Message-ID: <1e6.32c01cef.2f195ff8@aol.com> The Varied Thrush has been a daily visitor to our backyard feeders for the past four days. The feeders are not visible from the street in our fenced yard but if you are interested in trying for this bird on Sunday, please call. No visitors Saturday please. Mark and Bev Junghans Ramsey, MN 763-427-9820 From bill lane Fri Jan 14 19:24:20 2005 From: bill lane (bill lane) Date: Fri, 14 Jan 2005 13:24:20 -0600 (GMT-06:00) Subject: [mou] My two cents worth: the winter of owls Message-ID: <31167115.1105730661391.JavaMail.root@wamui02.slb.atl.earthlink.net> I seldom interject my opinions into mou-related matters, but given both real and perceived controversies within the owl (and human) community, felt a different perspective of the irruption was warranted. Reading recent posts has been interesting, amusing, and frustrating. There have been attempts to justify intrusive human behavior at the individual and group levels; define owl stress (it depends on what your definition of "is" "is"); explain the intricacies of owl behavior; label the irruption as a wonderful migration; and, to describe the hypnotic spell cast by a roosting owl. Recently, detailed instructions for medical intervention have appeared along with the suggestion that the Raptor Center should act as a repository for dying owls who, whether you want to accept it or not, should die. Trust me, I don't make a statement like this with disregard for others or their feelings or perceptions. Nor do I say this as an insensitive, data-gathering biologist, although some will certainly come to those conclusions. Nineteen years with a nocturnal species, afterall, has afforded me a great deal of humility. During those 19 years (spring, some summers, and now winters), I have recorded data, quantified habitat, watched courtship behaviors, radio-tagged breeding adults, spent hundreds of hours in steadfast observation, watched the first flights of young owls, and watched nests flourish and lately, disappear. I have felt fortunate. I have felt cursed. After "participating" in the last 5 irruptions (1989, 1993, 1996, 1997, and 2001), however, I can truthfully say that I loathe irruption years because during irruption years, owls die. Then again, during irruption years, owls are supposed to die. I accept that. I don't like it, but I accept it. Irruptions are about owl biology and the Strigidaen response to small mammal population cycles. Much of this "machinery" occurs far to our north and we just happen to be proximal to a large, diverting body of water which ends most north-south movements of owls and conveniently, increases their visibility. The death of irruptive owls - the genetic elimination of those individuals unable to utilize resources in an unfamiliar landscape - is unfortunate, but is a function of life in the northern latitudes. Ultimately, these deaths will serve boreal and other owl species, well (a.k.a. survival of the fittest). As bleak as irruptions are, without them, boreal owls in Minnesota will move towards localized extinction. We need the irruptions; rather, the survivors of the irruptions to supplement/replace/enhance the individual and genetic presence in landscapes once rich with boreals but now, alarmingly void of them. Is extinction the direction Minnesota's boreals are headed? My involvement with the species is but a brief window but consider this: only one successful nest has been documented in the last 3 years and the number of singing (i.e. breeding-ready) male owls has declined from an approximate annual average of 35 (1987-90; including the 1989 irruption) to an approximate annual average of 6 (2001-04; including the 2001 irruption). If you are trying to sustain a population, a decrease in the number of adults is not the way to do it. But what if the irruption works as "it is supposed to", there are a number of individuals that survive, yet the North Woods landscape no longer has sufficient resources to support the influx? In northeast Minnesota, those resources are diverse mixes of old forest aspen for nesting and large tracts of lowland spruce for roosting and foraging. Unfortunately, most of the cavity trees selected by boreal owls for courtship and/or nesting (approximately 80 since 1988) are gone. With the loss of cavity trees has come a noticeable decrease in boreal owls. Is that a relationship or a coincidence? I suggest there is a tangible relationship, especially since the proportions of lowlands within the landscape have changed little from the tracts I first observed in 1987. Furthermore, despite concerted efforts, a "smarter" observer approach, and more time in the field during the breeding season, there is scant evidence that alternative cavity trees are being located or utilized by boreals. In other words, owls that survive an irruption might do wonders for the genetic composition of our metapopulations, but if critical habitat resources are limited, or absent, there will be no reason for the owls to call northern Minnesota home. Regardless of ones' approach to the current irruption, my greatest concern is not how individual owls are treated, how excited the birding community becomes every fourth winter, what economic rewards come locally or individually, what correct or incorrect information is presented, what intervention occurs, who has the final say on birding and ethics and decorum in our North Woods, or who saw the most owls. Instead, my concern is that Minnesota's resident boreal owl population is in trouble and our collective focus should always be towards the spring and when and where owls reproduce, and not the irruptive winters, when owls die. Respectfully, Bill Lane ****** FYI: I will be speaking at the MRVAC January meeting on the 27th of January. Information may be found at : http://home.comcast.net/~mrvac/trumpeter.htm owlman@mindspring.com www.mindspring.com/~owlman From birdnird@yahoo.com Fri Jan 14 20:38:53 2005 From: birdnird@yahoo.com (Terence Brashear) Date: Fri, 14 Jan 2005 12:38:53 -0800 (PST) Subject: [mou] Superior Landfill closed to birders???? In-Reply-To: <31167115.1105730661391.JavaMail.root@wamui02.slb.atl.earthlink.net> Message-ID: <20050114203854.38559.qmail@web50303.mail.yahoo.com> I saw the following posted on Iowa Birds: IA-Birders-- If any of you are considering a N MN trip in the near future there's something you should be aware of. The Superior, WI landfill is now closed to birders. A week or two ago a birder fell while at the landfill, and threatened to sue the city. Access may change in the future, but for now the only way to enjoy the gulls that frequent the area is to view them from the road outside the landfill. __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - You care about security. So do we. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail From drbenson@cpinternet.com Fri Jan 14 22:14:32 2005 From: drbenson@cpinternet.com (David Benson) Date: Fri, 14 Jan 2005 16:14:32 -0600 Subject: [mou] Superior Landfill closed to birders???? In-Reply-To: <20050114203854.38559.qmail@web50303.mail.yahoo.com> References: <20050114203854.38559.qmail@web50303.mail.yahoo.com> Message-ID: Yes, as reported in this week's Duluth RBA, the landfill is closed to birders. This post from Iowa was the first that I had heard of an incident, but this past week, birders were not allowed in. Dave Benson Duluth On Jan 14, 2005, at 2:38 PM, Terence Brashear wrote: > I saw the following posted on Iowa Birds: > > IA-Birders-- > > If any of you are considering a N MN trip in the near > future there's > something you should be aware of. The Superior, WI > landfill is now closed to > birders. A week or two ago a birder fell while at the > landfill, and > threatened to sue the city. Access may change in the > future, but for now the > only way to enjoy the gulls that frequent the area is > to view them from the > road outside the landfill. > > > > > > __________________________________ > Do you Yahoo!? > Yahoo! Mail - You care about security. So do we. > http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail > _______________________________________________ > mou-net mailing list > mou-net@cbs.umn.edu > http://cbs.umn.edu/mailman/listinfo/mou-net > From bluejay@lauraerickson.com Fri Jan 14 22:22:22 2005 From: bluejay@lauraerickson.com (Laura Erickson) Date: Fri, 14 Jan 2005 16:22:22 -0600 Subject: [mou] My two cents worth: the winter of owls Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20050114152511.0382ad90@smtp.lauraerickson.com> Bill Lane gives us some wonderful insights into the Boreal Owl life cycle. The more I learn about birds, and human beings, the more awestruck I am at the sheer complexity of this tiny planet. How should we be reacting to this owl invasion? Or is this phenomenon simply too beautiful and awe-inspiring and thrilling and interesting and fascinating and tragic and heart-breaking and devastating to even imagine there could be a right way or a wrong way to interpret it, or to feel about it, or to learn from it? I'm fielding so many phone calls--now averaging over 10 a day--about this irruption that I've come to the conclusion that there are as many ways to see and interpret and understand it as there are people. Those who have never before seen an owl are understandably thrilled to see their first Great Gray. Some people are devastated to find them dead. A woman called yesterday sobbing because she found a dead Boreal Owl on her porch. Should this woman, who never even knew such a tiny owl existed until one came to her home to die, be ridiculed for her tears, or for not knowing more about nature? Would it change your reaction to know that she is a doctor, who knows a lot about something else? Are compassion and science compatible? When I was researching nighthawks for my Ph.D. project (which I didn't finish because my professor had to retire early for health reasons), I came upon a paper by Joe T. Marshall of the Smithsonian. After learning of Edward Jaeger's discovery of hibernating Poor-wills, Marshall wanted to see if he could induce hibernation in other Caprimulgids, so he took some captive, hand-reared nighthawks and withheld food in fall as temperatures and day length decreased. After several days, he stopped the experiment, so touched was he by their plaintive cries for food. He never learned the answer to his scientific inquiry, but I learned quite a bit about how to measure a man. Yet at the same time Dr. Marshall was working on this, scientists were learning via "exsanguination" experiments that birds could lose much more blood than mammals before their blood pressure dropped, they went into shock, and they died. Scientists were learning that redpolls can survive colder temperatures than any other songbirds, including ravens, by putting them in deep freezers and recording at which temperature each bird died--redpolls made it to -80. Is it ironic that someone might find these facts fascinating when she has, in the judgment of some people, way too much compassion vs. scientific detachment, and way too much of an impulse to intervene when coming face to face with the suffering of a fellow creature who meets her eyes? Is it ironic that when brought owl carcasses, she sends them on for study and analysis? That's the trick with us humans. We have a mind, and I'm seeing a lot of people filling their minds with a lot of interesting things during this owl invasion. We also have a heart. And we can use our minds to temper our hearts, and we can use our hearts to temper our minds. Should we expend time and energy on wildlife rehabilitation that helps a few or habitat preservation that helps many? Or might there be room to do both? Is giving a mouse, or setting out a bird house, or banding a bird, or watching an owl from a running car, too much intervention? Where do we draw lines? Does a scientific approach automatically trump a compassionate one? Do we see a difference in the naturalness of a major mouse population crash that is somehow different from the naturalness of a major tree blow-down? How is giving a mouse to a hungry owl, or delivering a starving owl to the Raptor Center, different from setting out bird boxes? Aren't both interventions? The one thing this winter is teaching me is that there are a lot more questions than answers. Laura Erickson Duluth, MN Producer, "For the Birds" radio program There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of birds. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature--the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter. --Rachel Carson From pjeffrey@hotmail.com Fri Jan 14 22:31:41 2005 From: pjeffrey@hotmail.com (Phil Jeffrey) Date: Fri, 14 Jan 2005 22:31:41 +0000 Subject: [mou] Re: Owls/people and NYC's Boreal Message-ID: On Jan 11th, Mike Hendrickson wrote: >Also I don't believe any of these Boreal Owls will be like the owl in >Central Park, NY where hundreds are mobbing the owl for listing, photos and >to just say they saw one. To correct this statement, the owl is not being mobbed. We (i.e. the list owners of Metro Birding Briefs - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/btblue, Lloyd Spitalnik; and eBirdsNYC - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ebirdsnyc i.e. myself) made a decision to disclose the location of the Central Park Boreal Owl to the wider birding community, and it's of some considerable relief that the bird has not been harassed despite many hundreds of birders coming to see the owl. It probably helps that it there's been a fairly significant presence by one or more Central Park birders (especially Lloyd) much of the time, which serves to dampen the over-enthusiasm of a very small minority. The birders have also made sure that there is no rat poison put down while the owl is present either by the Parks Dept/Conservancy or the local restaurant. Long-eared Owls and Northern Saw-whet Owls use/have used the park as a winter roosting location and there are a few re-introduced Eastern Screech Owls, so owls in the park are not unprecedented. We have, however, been keeping a fairly close eye on this particular owl for obvious reasons. And it's true, some of us have an interest in the Boreal for listing, photography and just plain curiosity. None of this is bad as long as the welfare of the bird is foremost in our minds. The bird also serves as yet another inadvertent opportunity to educate the general public as they pass by, just like Pale Male. I'll gladly answer questions about it off-list. Phil Jeffrey NYC and Princeton http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ebirdsnyc - eBirdsNYC http://www.philjeffrey.net/boreal.html - pictures of the Boreal in question From smithville4@charter.net Fri Jan 14 22:55:42 2005 From: smithville4@charter.net (Mike Hendrickson) Date: Fri, 14 Jan 2005 16:55:42 -0600 Subject: Fw: [mou] My two cents worth: the winter of owls Message-ID: <000801c4fa8c$2cdf8cb0$46a47044@FAMILYCOMPUTER> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mike Hendrickson" To: "bill lane" Sent: Friday, January 14, 2005 3:26 PM Subject: Re: [mou] My two cents worth: the winter of owls >I agree with everything Bill has mentioned. I will not report any heard >Boreal Owls in Lake Co or Cook Co. I will not report the best places to >hear Boreal Owls or the best roads. Last year information was shared and >the male Boreal Owl was lured in by taping by birders. I will as many >other local birders have agreed to not report Spring Boreal Owls anywhere >in Northern Minnesota. > > I encourage birders in Minnesota and outside of Minnesota to support Bill > Lane's Owl research and visit Bill's web site and read the best source in > the US about Boreal Owls in Minnesota http://www.mindspring.com/~owlman/ > > I would even go as far and support him by helping put owl nest boxes up or > send him donations to keep his owl research going. To those that went on > MOU field trips in October of 2003 and Nov. of 2004 know how devoted Bill > is in saving and understanding Boreal and Saw Whet Owls in NE Minnesota. > In my opinion its not about numbers of owls he's banding its about the > time he puts in learning about these owl. I can't think of anyone who > would put themselves under a tree in the middle of late winter night > huddling under a tree and spend hours observing owl behavior. That's > devotion and love for owls. > > I encourage those to email Bill and ask if he needs help hanging nest > boxes up or if you can't do that then send him some kind of donation to > keep his research going. I could go on and on about my support for Bill > but I just want to know Bill is doing some unbelievable work up in > Northern Lake Co and Cook Co. > > Mike Hendrickson > Duluth, MN > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "bill lane" > To: > Sent: Friday, January 14, 2005 1:24 PM > Subject: [mou] My two cents worth: the winter of owls > > >>I seldom interject my opinions into mou-related matters, but given both >>real and perceived controversies within the owl (and human) community, >>felt a different perspective of the irruption was warranted. >> >> Reading recent posts has been interesting, amusing, and frustrating. >> There have been attempts to justify intrusive human behavior at the >> individual and group levels; define owl stress (it depends on what your >> definition of "is" "is"); explain the intricacies of owl behavior; label >> the irruption as a wonderful migration; and, to describe the hypnotic >> spell cast by a roosting owl. Recently, detailed instructions for >> medical intervention have appeared along with the suggestion that the >> Raptor Center should act as a repository for dying owls who, whether you >> want to accept it or not, should die. >> >> Trust me, I don't make a statement like this with disregard for others or >> their feelings or perceptions. Nor do I say this as an insensitive, >> data-gathering biologist, although some will certainly come to those >> conclusions. Nineteen years with a nocturnal species, afterall, has >> afforded me a great deal of humility. >> >> During those 19 years (spring, some summers, and now winters), I have >> recorded data, quantified habitat, watched courtship behaviors, >> radio-tagged breeding adults, spent hundreds of hours in steadfast >> observation, watched the first flights of young owls, and watched nests >> flourish and lately, disappear. I have felt fortunate. I have felt >> cursed. After "participating" in the last 5 irruptions (1989, 1993, >> 1996, 1997, and 2001), however, I can truthfully say that I loathe >> irruption years because during irruption years, owls die. Then again, >> during irruption years, owls are supposed to die. I accept that. I >> don't like it, but I accept it. >> >> Irruptions are about owl biology and the Strigidaen response to small >> mammal population cycles. Much of this "machinery" occurs far to our >> north and we just happen to be proximal to a large, diverting body of >> water which ends most north-south movements of owls and conveniently, >> increases their visibility. The death of irruptive owls - the genetic >> elimination of those individuals unable to utilize resources in an >> unfamiliar landscape - is unfortunate, but is a function of life in the >> northern latitudes. Ultimately, these deaths will serve boreal and >> other owl species, well (a.k.a. survival of the fittest). >> >> As bleak as irruptions are, without them, boreal owls in Minnesota will >> move towards localized extinction. We need the irruptions; rather, the >> survivors of the irruptions to supplement/replace/enhance the individual >> and genetic presence in landscapes once rich with boreals but now, >> alarmingly void of them. >> >> Is extinction the direction Minnesota's boreals are headed? My >> involvement with the species is but a brief window but consider this: >> only one successful nest has been documented in the last 3 years and the >> number of singing (i.e. breeding-ready) male owls has declined from an >> approximate annual average of 35 (1987-90; including the 1989 irruption) >> to an approximate annual average of 6 (2001-04; including the 2001 >> irruption). If you are trying to sustain a population, a decrease in the >> number of adults is not the way to do it. >> >> But what if the irruption works as "it is supposed to", there are a >> number of individuals that survive, yet the North Woods landscape no >> longer has sufficient resources to support the influx? In northeast >> Minnesota, those resources are diverse mixes of old forest aspen for >> nesting and large tracts of lowland spruce for roosting and foraging. >> Unfortunately, most of the cavity trees selected by boreal owls for >> courtship and/or nesting (approximately 80 since 1988) are gone. With >> the loss of cavity trees has come a noticeable decrease in boreal owls. >> Is that a relationship or a coincidence? >> >> I suggest there is a tangible relationship, especially since the >> proportions of lowlands within the landscape have changed little from the >> tracts I first observed in 1987. Furthermore, despite concerted efforts, >> a "smarter" observer approach, and more time in the field during the >> breeding season, there is scant evidence that alternative cavity trees >> are being located or utilized by boreals. In other words, owls that >> survive an irruption might do wonders for the genetic composition of our >> metapopulations, but if critical habitat resources are limited, or >> absent, there will be no reason for the owls to call northern Minnesota >> home. >> >> Regardless of ones' approach to the current irruption, my greatest >> concern is not how individual owls are treated, how excited the birding >> community becomes every fourth winter, what economic rewards come locally >> or individually, what correct or incorrect information is presented, what >> intervention occurs, who has the final say on birding and ethics and >> decorum in our North Woods, or who saw the most owls. Instead, my >> concern is that Minnesota's resident boreal owl population is in trouble >> and our collective focus should always be towards the spring and when and >> where owls reproduce, and not the irruptive winters, when owls die. >> >> >> Respectfully, >> >> Bill Lane >> >> ****** >> FYI: I will be speaking at the MRVAC January meeting on the 27th of >> January. Information may be found at : >> http://home.comcast.net/~mrvac/trumpeter.htm >> >> owlman@mindspring.com >> www.mindspring.com/~owlman >> _______________________________________________ >> mou-net mailing list >> mou-net@cbs.umn.edu >> http://cbs.umn.edu/mailman/listinfo/mou-net >> > From JELLISBIRD@aol.com Fri Jan 14 22:58:04 2005 From: JELLISBIRD@aol.com (JELLISBIRD@aol.com) Date: Fri, 14 Jan 2005 17:58:04 EST Subject: [mou] Carolina Wren@Old Cedar/ Strange Duck/Others Message-ID: <9b.56eda305.2f19a87c@aol.com> Saw the Carolina Wren seen earlier this year near the driveway to the nursery going down the hill to the Old Cedar Bridge. The bird started near the top of the hill near the apartments (with feeders), then worked its way down to the street, flew across into one of the shrubs at the nursery and then flew down past the home at the nursery and away. I watched it from 11:40-11:55 today. Saw Rough legged Hawk(s?) hunting over the MN River Valley near Black Dog. Saw an unusual duck at Dangerfield's Restaurant in Shakopee in the open pond. The duck was mallard sized and shaped and had tail curls (3-4) like a mallard. The plumage was as follows: head was metallic green, which continued down the breast and highlighted the wings. The flanks were dark chestnut, the bill was shiny black (towards a very dark grey). There is a shiny purple speculum on the wing. The tail continues the metallic green color (similar to the head) but is tipped in black. The back is brown/chestnut with darker flecking. The bird was in the front of the pond toward the park on the east and was close to the bridge. Another unusual (obviously mallard) duck had a white belly with chestnut on the flanks and had white and chestnut highlights on the wings. Also present was a Trumpeter, three drake H. Mergansers and at least one Am. Black Duck. John P.Ellis, St. Paul From dkienholz@earthlink.net Sat Jan 15 15:26:49 2005 From: dkienholz@earthlink.net (Don Kienholz) Date: Sat, 15 Jan 2005 09:26:49 -0600 Subject: [mou] Clarks Nutcracker - St Louis Cty Message-ID: <410-220051615152649530@earthlink.net> ------=_NextPart_84815C5ABAF209EF376268C8 Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII I just received a call from Mike Hendrickson that a Clarks Nutcracker was found this morning. The location is on Scenic Hwy 61, 4.5 miles from where the scenic 61 leaves the Express 61 North of Duluth. The bird was on the Left or inland side of the road. I do not have the name of the person or persons who first called Mike and reported the bird. He called me from his cell in the SazZim bog. --- Don Kienholz --- dkienholz at earthlink.net --- EarthLink: The #1 provider of the Real Internet. ------=_NextPart_84815C5ABAF209EF376268C8 Content-Type: text/html; charset=US-ASCII

I just received a call from Mike Hendrickson that a Clarks Nutcracker was found this morning. The location is on Scenic Hwy 61,
4.5 miles from where the scenic 61 leaves the Express 61 North of Duluth. The bird was on the Left or inland side of the road. I do not have the name of the person or persons who first called Mike and reported the bird. He called me from his cell in the SazZim bog.
 
--- Don Kienholz
--- dkienholz at earthlink.net
--- EarthLink: The #1 provider of the Real Internet.
 

------=_NextPart_84815C5ABAF209EF376268C8-- From dkienholz@earthlink.net Sat Jan 15 15:34:01 2005 From: dkienholz@earthlink.net (Don Kienholz) Date: Sat, 15 Jan 2005 09:34:01 -0600 Subject: [mou] st louis cty Clarks Nutcracker Message-ID: <410-22005161515341790@earthlink.net> ------=_NextPart_84815C5ABAF209EF376268C8 Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII I just received a call from Mike Hendrickson that a Clarks Nutcracker was found this Saturday morning. The location was given as 4.5 miles up Scenic Hwy 61 from where it leaves the Express Hwy 61 North of Duluth. The bird was on the inland or Left side of the road. I do not have the names of the party who found the bird. Mike is in the Bog. --- Don Kienholz --- dkienholz at earthlink.net --- EarthLink: The #1 provider of the Real Internet. ------=_NextPart_84815C5ABAF209EF376268C8 Content-Type: text/html; charset=US-ASCII

 
I just received a call from Mike Hendrickson that a Clarks Nutcracker was found this Saturday morning. The location was given as 4.5 miles up Scenic Hwy 61 from where it leaves the Express  Hwy 61 North of Duluth. The bird was on the inland or Left side of the road. I do not have the names of the party who found the bird. Mike is in the Bog.
 
--- Don Kienholz
--- dkienholz at earthlink.net
--- EarthLink: The #1 provider of the Real Internet.
 

------=_NextPart_84815C5ABAF209EF376268C8-- From dkienholz@earthlink.net Sat Jan 15 15:34:01 2005 From: dkienholz@earthlink.net (Don Kienholz) Date: Sat, 15 Jan 2005 09:34:01 -0600 Subject: [mou] st louis cty Clarks Nutcracker Message-ID: <410-22005161515341790@earthlink.net> ------=_NextPart_84815C5ABAF209EF376268C8 Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII I just received a call from Mike Hendrickson that a Clarks Nutcracker was found this Saturday morning. The location was given as 4.5 miles up Scenic Hwy 61 from where it leaves the Express Hwy 61 North of Duluth. The bird was on the inland or Left side of the road. I do not have the names of the party who found the bird. Mike is in the Bog. --- Don Kienholz --- dkienholz at earthlink.net --- EarthLink: The #1 provider of the Real Internet. ------=_NextPart_84815C5ABAF209EF376268C8 Content-Type: text/html; charset=US-ASCII

 
I just received a call from Mike Hendrickson that a Clarks Nutcracker was found this Saturday morning. The location was given as 4.5 miles up Scenic Hwy 61 from where it leaves the Express  Hwy 61 North of Duluth. The bird was on the inland or Left side of the road. I do not have the names of the party who found the bird. Mike is in the Bog.
 
--- Don Kienholz
--- dkienholz at earthlink.net
--- EarthLink: The #1 provider of the Real Internet.
 

------=_NextPart_84815C5ABAF209EF376268C8-- From kreckert@cpinternet.com Sat Jan 15 15:49:46 2005 From: kreckert@cpinternet.com (Kim R Eckert) Date: Sat, 15 Jan 2005 09:49:46 -0600 Subject: [mou] Clarks Nutcracker - St Louis Cty In-Reply-To: <410-220051615152649530@earthlink.net> References: <410-220051615152649530@earthlink.net> Message-ID: <14F826DB-670D-11D9-9F30-000A95E02230@cpinternet.com> --Apple-Mail-2-795451645 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed To elaborate on the Clark's Nutcracker (and other birds): - The nutcracker was found by Mike Overton and a group from Texas about=20= 8:30 this morning. I just talked to Mike who said he could provide no=20 other landmarks. As Don posted, it was about 4 - 4.5 mi (just an=20 estimate from Mike) up Scenic Hwy 61, which would be near the McQuade=20 Rd junction. - Snowy Owl updates: As Dave Benson posted on the Duluth Birding=20 Report, the two Snowy Owls reported earlier were relocated yesterday,=20 14 Jan. One was seen by Mike Overton around mid-day in Proctor in the=20 railroad yards, which are along U S Hwy 2 just N of downtown. The other was seen in the afternoon by an incoming Northwest=20 passenger/birder as the plane landed. It was along the N side of the=20 runway, and it could also be distantly seen from the observation=20 windows on the second level of the airport terminal. It might also be=20 possible to see the owl from the end of Stebner Rd which turns E off=20 Hwy 194 and dead-ends at the W end of the runway, though an attempt to=20= do this yesterday yielded no sighting. If you try this, however, be=20 aware you may encounter airport security personnel asking you to leave=20= (even though this is a public road). - A Boreal Owl was spotted yesterday mid-afternoon by Frank Nicoletti=20 as it flew past 16th Ave East & London Rd. It was relocated by others a=20= short time later near the corner of 17th Ave East & Superior St, but it=20= was gone by dusk. - Kim Eckert On Jan 15, 2005, at 9:26 AM, Don Kienholz wrote: > I just received a call from Mike Hendrickson that a Clarks Nutcracker=20= > was found this morning. The location is on Scenic Hwy 61, > 4.5 miles from where the scenic 61 leaves the Express 61 North of=20 > Duluth. The bird was on the Left or inland side of the road. I do not=20= > have the name of the person or persons who first called Mike and=20 > reported the bird. He called me from his cell in the SazZim bog. > =A0 > --- Don Kienholz > --- dkienholz at earthlink.net > --- EarthLink: The #1 provider of the Real Internet. > =A0 > --Apple-Mail-2-795451645 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Type: text/enriched; charset=ISO-8859-1 To elaborate on the Clark's Nutcracker (and other birds): - The nutcracker was found by Mike Overton and a group from Texas about 8:30 this morning. I just talked to Mike who said he could provide no other landmarks. As Don posted, it was about 4 - 4.5 mi=20 (just an estimate from Mike) up Scenic Hwy 61, which would be near the McQuade Rd junction. - Snowy Owl updates: As Dave Benson posted on the Duluth Birding Report, the two Snowy Owls reported earlier were relocated yesterday, 14 Jan. One was seen by Mike Overton around mid-day in Proctor in the railroad yards, which are along U S Hwy 2 just N of downtown.=20 The other was seen in the afternoon by an incoming Northwest passenger/birder as the plane landed. It was along the N side of the runway, and it could also be distantly seen from the observation windows on the second level of the airport terminal. It might also be possible to see the owl from the end of Stebner Rd which turns E off Hwy 194 and dead-ends at the W end of the runway, though an attempt to do this yesterday yielded no sighting. If you try this, however, be aware you may encounter airport security personnel asking you to leave (even though this is a public road). - A Boreal Owl was spotted yesterday mid-afternoon by Frank Nicoletti as it flew past 16th Ave East & London Rd. It was relocated by others a short time later near the corner of 17th Ave East & Superior St, but it was gone by dusk. - Kim Eckert =20 On Jan 15, 2005, at 9:26 AM, Don Kienholz wrote: I just received a call from Mike Hendrickson that a Clarks Nutcracker was found this morning. The location is on Scenic Hwy 61, 4.5 miles from where the scenic 61 leaves the Express 61 North of Duluth. The bird was on the Left or inland side of the road. I do not have the name of the person or persons who first called Mike and reported the bird. He called me from his cell in the SazZim bog. =A0 --- Don Kienholz --- dkienholz at earthlink.net --- EarthLink: The #1 provider of the Real = Internet. =A0 = --Apple-Mail-2-795451645-- From reforest@wiktel.com Sat Jan 15 16:19:14 2005 From: reforest@wiktel.com (Tom Crumpton) Date: Sat, 15 Jan 2005 10:19:14 -0600 Subject: [mou] Evening Grosbeaks on the border Message-ID: <41E94282.2030509@wiktel.com> Woke this morning to 100+ evening grosbeaks and the usual dozen or so pine grosbeaks. -30 degrees F.. Location Canadian border area in MN. If anyone wants location details they can contact me. Take Care Tom Crumpton From penn0107@umn.edu Fri Jan 14 20:13:43 2005 From: penn0107@umn.edu (Derric Pennington) Date: Fri, 14 Jan 2005 14:13:43 -0600 Subject: [mou] Call for abstracts for the 2005 MN SCB Annual Meeting Message-ID: --Apple-Mail-12-724888396 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Type: text/plain; charset=WINDOWS-1252; format=flowed Hello Everyone- Could you please post/spread the following message regarding the call=20 for abstracts for the 2005 Minnesota Chapter of the Society for=20 Conservation Biology. We have included a pdf for posting this=20 information in strategic places. We greatly appreciate your time and=20 help in making this year's meeting one of the most successful. Minnesota Chapter of the Society for Conservation Biology Call for Abstracts for the 2005 Minnesota Chapter of the Society for Conservation Biology (MN SCB) and Minnesota Chapter of American Fisheries Society (MN AFS) Joint Meeting in Grand Rapids, Minnesota March 14 =96 16, 2005 Deadline for Abstract Submissions: February 4, 2005 =A0 We invite abstract submissions for contributed oral or poster=20 presentations at the 2005 joint meeting of the Minnesota Chapter of the=20= Society for Conservation Biology (MN SCB) and Minnesota Chapter of the=20= American Fisheries Society (MN AFS). The meeting will be held March=20 14-16, 2005 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota at the Sawmill Inn. Abstracts that address issues in conservation biology in Minnesota are=20= strongly encouraged, but submissions may address any geographic region.=20= As conservation biology is an interdisciplinary field, submissions may=20= be from a variety of disciplines including, but not limited to:=20 ecology, forestry, fisheries, sociology, economics, wildlife=20 management, recreation and environmental education, water resources,=20 and agriculture. Oral presentations will include both joint sessions between MN SCB and=20= MN AFS for projects of mutual interest to the respective disciplines,=20 along with focused independent sessions. Poster sessions will be held=20= jointly, with informal =93poster pub=94 sessions to allow for discussion = of=20 poster findings. Please adhere to the following guidelines in preparing=20= and submitting your abstract. Oral Presentations: =95Speakers for contributed presentations are allowed 15 minutes for=20 presentation. =95A 5-minute period between talks allows for questions, discussion, and=20= introduction of the next speaker. Poster Presentations: =95Posters are encouraged as they allow extended informal discussions = and=20 active participation by coauthors. =95Poster boards should follow traditional formats for presentations. =20= Please email if you have questions regarding size. Please submit abstract (250 words or less) as an attachment to=20 penn0107@umn.edu or mail the abstract on disc or paper to at=20 Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, University of Minnesota, 200=20 Hodson Hall, 1980 Folwell Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108.=A0 Include the title, author(s), institution, mailing address, phone=20 number, e-mail address, presenter and classification (open or student).=20= Also please indicate if you choose oral presentation only, poster only,=20= or oral presentation preferred but willing to bring poster. Notification of Ac ceptance: You will be notified via e-mail by=20 February 11, 2005, if your abstract has been accepted for presentation.=20= NOTE: If you submit your abstract early, it will be reviewed promptly=20= and you will be notified of its status earlier. Please contact Derric=20= Pennington at or (612) 624-4796 if you have any further questions. DETAILS ABOUT THE CONFERENCE: Annual MN Chapter Meeting - The annual chapter meeting will be held at=20= the Sawmill Inn, Grand Rapids, MN, from March 14 =96 16, 2005.=20 Registration will begin Monday evening along with a social. The=20 approximate cost for registration will be $30-32 and around $20 for the=20= banquet. Rooms at the Sawmill range from $57 for a single and $67 for a=20= double. Other hotels are within walking distance or short drives. More details regarding lodging and and registration will be out shortly. Derric Pennington Graduate Research Assistant Conservation Biology Graduate program Dept. of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology College of Natural Resources University of Minnesota 200 Hodson Hall 1980 Folwell Ave St. Paul, MN 55108 ph: 612-624-4796 "I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with=20 forethought of grief... For a time I rest in the grace of the world,=20 and am free." --Wendell Berry "People seem not to see that their opinion of the world is also a=20 confession of character." --Ralph Waldo Emerson --Apple-Mail-12-724888396 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Type: text/enriched; charset=WINDOWS-1252 TimesHello Everyone- Could you please post/spread the following message regarding the call for abstracts for the 2005 Minnesota Chapter of the Society for Conservation Biology. We have included a pdf for posting this information in strategic places. We greatly appreciate your time and help in making this year's meeting one of the most successful. =20
Times
Times
TimesMinnesota Chapter of the Society for Conservation Biology Call for Abstracts for the 2005 Minnesota Chapter of the Society for Conservation Biology (MN SCB) and Minnesota Chapter of American Fisheries Society (MN AFS)=20 Joint Meeting in Grand Rapids, Minnesota March 14 =96 16, 2005
Times =
TimesF= FF9,0000,0000Deadline for Abstract Submissions: February 4, 2005 =
Times=A0 We invite abstract submissions for contributed oral or poster presentations at the 2005 joint meeting of the Minnesota Chapter of the Society for Conservation Biology (MN SCB) and Minnesota Chapter of the American Fisheries Society (MN AFS). The meeting will be held March 14-16, 2005 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota at the Sawmill Inn. Abstracts that address issues in conservation biology in Minnesota are strongly encouraged, but submissions may address any geographic region. As conservation biology is an interdisciplinary field, submissions may be from a variety of disciplines including, but not limited to: ecology, forestry, fisheries, sociology, economics, wildlife management, recreation and environmental education, water resources, and agriculture. =20 Oral presentations will include both joint sessions between MN SCB and MN AFS for projects of mutual interest to the respective disciplines, along with focused independent sessions. Poster sessions will be held jointly, with informal =93poster pub=94 sessions to allow for discussion of poster findings. Please adhere to the following guidelines in preparing and submitting your abstract. =20 Oral Presentations: = Symbol=95= TimesSpeakers for contributed presentations are allowed 15 minutes for presentation.=20= = Symbol=95= TimesA 5-minute period between talks allows for questions, discussion, and introduction of the next speaker. Times Poster Presentations: = Symbol=95= TimesPosters are encouraged as they allow extended informal discussions and active participation by coauthors. = Symbol=95= TimesPoster boards should follow traditional formats for presentations. Please email if you have questions regarding size. TimesPlease submit abstract (250 words or less) as an attachment to = 1998,1998,FFFEpenn0107@umn.edu or mail the abstract on disc or paper to at Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, University of Minnesota, 200 Hodson Hall, 1980 Folwell Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108.=A0=20 Include the title, author(s), institution, mailing address, phone number, e-mail address, presenter and classification (open or student). Also please indicate if you choose oral presentation only, poster only, or oral presentation preferred but willing to bring poster. = TimesNotificatio= n of Ac ceptance:Times=20 You will be notified via e-mail by February 11, 2005, if your abstract has been accepted for presentation. NOTE: If you submit your abstract early, it will be reviewed promptly and you will be notified of its status earlier. Please contact Derric Pennington at or (612) 624-4796 if you have any further questions. =20 DETAILS ABOUT THE CONFERENCE:=20 Annual MN Chapter Meeting - The annual chapter meeting will be held at the Sawmill Inn, Grand Rapids, MN, from March 14 =96 16, 2005. Registration will begin Monday evening along with a social. The approximate cost for registration will be $30-32 and around $20 for the banquet. Rooms at the Sawmill range from $57 for a single and $67 for a double. Other hotels are within walking distance or short drives.=20 Times More details regarding lodging and and registration will be out shortly. Derric Pennington Graduate Research Assistant Conservation Biology Graduate program Dept. of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology College of Natural Resources University of Minnesota 200 Hodson Hall 1980 Folwell Ave St. Paul, MN 55108 ph: 612-624-4796 "I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief... For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and am free." --Wendell Berry=20 "People seem not to see that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character." --Ralph Waldo Emerson --Apple-Mail-12-724888396-- From JulianSellers@msn.com Sat Jan 15 23:26:18 2005 From: JulianSellers@msn.com (Julian Sellers) Date: Sat, 15 Jan 2005 17:26:18 -0600 Subject: [mou] Waterfowl on the Mississippi, Pig's Eye Message-ID: This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0008_01C4FB27.52B24E50 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable This afternoon, waterfowl were concentrated in a small area of open = water near Pig's Eye Lake (Ramsey County), across the river from South = St. Paul, a few hundred yards north of the spiral bridge to the levee at = Grand and Hardman Avenues. I estimated or counted the following: 380 Common Mergansers 330 Canada Geese 36 Common Goldeneyes 5 Mallards 3 Trumpeter Swans 1 Red-breasted Merganser (male, plumage more diffuse than in spring) 1 Hooded Merganser (male) 2 Bald Eagles Julian Sellers St. Paul ------=_NextPart_000_0008_01C4FB27.52B24E50 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
This afternoon, waterfowl were concentrated in a = small=20 area of open water near Pig's Eye Lake (Ramsey County), across the river = from=20 South St. Paul, a few hundred yards north of the spiral bridge to the = levee at=20 Grand and Hardman Avenues.  I estimated or counted the=20 following:
 
380 Common Mergansers
330 Canada Geese
36 Common Goldeneyes
5 Mallards
3 Trumpeter Swans
1 Red-breasted Merganser (male, plumage more = diffuse than=20 in spring)
1 Hooded Merganser (male)
2 Bald Eagles
 
Julian Sellers
St. Paul
------=_NextPart_000_0008_01C4FB27.52B24E50-- From renohawk@hbci.com Sun Jan 16 02:29:36 2005 From: renohawk@hbci.com (Jeff Dankert) Date: Sat, 15 Jan 2005 20:29:36 -0600 Subject: [mou] Winona County snipe Message-ID: <000101c4fb73$38f72bb0$4cc88acf@S0025943521> There were three snipe Saturday in spring-fed pools in Wiscoy Valley, Winona County, and one adult golden eagle near the Houston-Winona county border. Jeff Dankert 908 Parks Ave Apt 158 Winona MN 55987-5330 (507) 454-0033 renohawk@hbci.com From jslind@frontiernet.net Sun Jan 16 03:02:16 2005 From: jslind@frontiernet.net (Jim Lind) Date: Sat, 15 Jan 2005 21:02:16 -0600 Subject: [mou] northbound Great Grays Message-ID: <41E984D8.24255.29510E9@localhost> This afternoon I talked to some birders from Colorado at Lighthouse Point in Two Harbors, who said they saw 21 Great Gray Owls flying UP the shore across Agate Bay yesterday evening. This was very surprising to hear, since just 12 days ago, on January 3, at least 16 Great Grays were seen flying DOWN the shore (southwest) over Lighthouse Point and Agate Bay, with many more birds seen in subsequent days flying over the treetops in and near Duluth, all headed southwest. Large numbers of Great Grays have subsequently been seen in Carlton, Pine, and Aitkin counties in MN, and Douglas Co. in WI. So this evening Sharon and I went to Lighthouse Point from 4:55 to 6:00 pm, and we counted 27 Great Gray Owls flying northeast across Agate Bay and up the shore. Many were seen perched in the treetops at the crest of Port City Hill on the western shore of Agate Bay, then flying over the bay and over our heads. This was really an amazing thing to see. With the bitter cold of the last few days, and 10" of additional snow on the North Shore Wednesday, it is hard to imagine why birds would suddenly be moving north. I have heard recent reports from people in Cook County who continue to see Great Grays along the shore, and I assumed these were birds continuing to head south from Canada. It seems too early for birds to be headed back to breeding areas, but who knows? I know where I'll be tomorrow night. Jim Lind Two Harbors From b.pomeroy@mchsi.com Sun Jan 16 03:46:44 2005 From: b.pomeroy@mchsi.com (b.pomeroy) Date: Sat, 15 Jan 2005 21:46:44 -0600 Subject: [mou] northbound Great Grays References: <41E984D8.24255.29510E9@localhost> Message-ID: <001701c4fb7d$ff993150$6742d60c@wildthing> The owls in Carlton County are now harder to find. The snow and the cold may have pushed them farther south. On Tuesday I counted 48 GGOWs and on Thursday, none...then today I had only 10 Great Grays and 1 Hawk Owl. They were a lot farther from the roadside and a lot deeper into the fields and meadows, with the ditches having fairly hard packed snow along the right-of-ways form the plowing. Some of the snow crust in ditches supported my 165 # weight and I was able to walk quite well on the crust along the road side ditches. The farther south I went the more birds I found, like around Holyoke area and Nickerson and points south. Winter has struck a good blow to the critters. Saw lots of Common Red Polls and a few hoaries, lots of siskens and many pine grosbeaks. Bruce "I care to live, only to entice people to look at Nature's loveliness." -- John Muir ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jim Lind" To: Sent: Saturday, January 15, 2005 9:02 PM Subject: [mou] northbound Great Grays > This afternoon I talked to some birders from Colorado at Lighthouse > Point in Two Harbors, who said they saw 21 Great Gray Owls flying UP > the shore across Agate Bay yesterday evening. This was very > surprising to hear, since just 12 days ago, on January 3, at least 16 > Great Grays were seen flying DOWN the shore (southwest) over > Lighthouse Point and Agate Bay, with many more birds seen in > subsequent days flying over the treetops in and near Duluth, all > headed southwest. Large numbers of Great Grays have subsequently > been seen in Carlton, Pine, and Aitkin counties in MN, and Douglas > Co. in WI. > > So this evening Sharon and I went to Lighthouse Point from 4:55 to > 6:00 pm, and we counted 27 Great Gray Owls flying northeast across > Agate Bay and up the shore. Many were seen perched in the treetops > at the crest of Port City Hill on the western shore of Agate Bay, > then flying over the bay and over our heads. This was really an > amazing thing to see. > > With the bitter cold of the last few days, and 10" of additional snow > on the North Shore Wednesday, it is hard to imagine why birds would > suddenly be moving north. I have heard recent reports from people in > Cook County who continue to see Great Grays along the shore, and I > assumed these were birds continuing to head south from Canada. It > seems too early for birds to be headed back to breeding areas, but > who knows? > > I know where I'll be tomorrow night. > > Jim Lind > Two Harbors > _______________________________________________ > mou-net mailing list > mou-net@cbs.umn.edu > http://cbs.umn.edu/mailman/listinfo/mou-net > From rothm001@tc.umn.edu Sun Jan 16 04:02:41 2005 From: rothm001@tc.umn.edu (Alex Rothman) Date: Sat, 15 Jan 2005 22:02:41 -0600 Subject: [mou] Great Grays and Hawk Owls in Aitkin County In-Reply-To: <001701c4fb7d$ff993150$6742d60c@wildthing> References: <41E984D8.24255.29510E9@localhost> Message-ID: <5.1.0.14.0.20050115215057.02eb0170@rothm001.email.umn.edu> My wife, two boys, and I were in northern Aitkin County this afternoon (primarily South on Cty Rd 10 and West on Cty Rd 18) and were able to spot nearly 40 GGOWs and 6 Northern Hawk Owls (plus a bald eagle). The overwhelming majority of the GGOWs were in the relatively open fields over the last 2-3 miles before CO 18 runs into 169. As my boys were eagerly counting away, the question arose as to how many GGOWs have likely come south in this irruption? Does anyone know what the size of the population might be? Thanks. Alex Rothman Minneapolis At 09:46 PM 1/15/05 -0600, b.pomeroy wrote: >The owls in Carlton County are now harder to find. The snow and the cold >may have pushed them farther south. On Tuesday I counted 48 GGOWs and on >Thursday, none...then today I had only 10 Great Grays and 1 Hawk >Owl. They were a lot farther from the roadside and a lot deeper into the >fields and meadows, with the ditches having fairly hard packed snow along >the right-of-ways form the plowing. Some of the snow crust in ditches >supported my 165 # weight and I was able to walk quite well on the crust >along the road side ditches. The farther south I went the more birds I >found, like around Holyoke area and Nickerson and points south. >Winter has struck a good blow to the critters. >Saw lots of Common Red Polls and a few hoaries, lots of siskens and many >pine grosbeaks. >Bruce > >"I care to live, only to entice people to >look at Nature's loveliness." >-- John Muir >----- Original Message ----- From: "Jim Lind" >To: >Sent: Saturday, January 15, 2005 9:02 PM >Subject: [mou] northbound Great Grays > > >>This afternoon I talked to some birders from Colorado at Lighthouse >>Point in Two Harbors, who said they saw 21 Great Gray Owls flying UP >>the shore across Agate Bay yesterday evening. This was very >>surprising to hear, since just 12 days ago, on January 3, at least 16 >>Great Grays were seen flying DOWN the shore (southwest) over >>Lighthouse Point and Agate Bay, with many more birds seen in >>subsequent days flying over the treetops in and near Duluth, all >>headed southwest. Large numbers of Great Grays have subsequently >>been seen in Carlton, Pine, and Aitkin counties in MN, and Douglas >>Co. in WI. >> >>So this evening Sharon and I went to Lighthouse Point from 4:55 to >>6:00 pm, and we counted 27 Great Gray Owls flying northeast across >>Agate Bay and up the shore. Many were seen perched in the treetops >>at the crest of Port City Hill on the western shore of Agate Bay, >>then flying over the bay and over our heads. This was really an >>amazing thing to see. >> >>With the bitter cold of the last few days, and 10" of additional snow >>on the North Shore Wednesday, it is hard to imagine why birds would >>suddenly be moving north. I have heard recent reports from people in >>Cook County who continue to see Great Grays along the shore, and I >>assumed these were birds continuing to head south from Canada. It >>seems too early for birds to be headed back to breeding areas, but >>who knows? >> >>I know where I'll be tomorrow night. >> >>Jim Lind >>Two Harbors >>_______________________________________________ >>mou-net mailing list >>mou-net@cbs.umn.edu >>http://cbs.umn.edu/mailman/listinfo/mou-net > > >_______________________________________________ >mou-net mailing list >mou-net@cbs.umn.edu >http://cbs.umn.edu/mailman/listinfo/mou-net From Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com Sun Jan 16 04:19:07 2005 From: Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com (Alt, Mark) Date: Sat, 15 Jan 2005 22:19:07 -0600 Subject: [mou] Snowy Owl in Duluth Message-ID: <4F3C90DD5ABC32408C70AC50F47942BDDEB97A@ds69mail.na.bestbuy.com> A Birder from California, Ann Brooks, called me Saturday to tell me that there was an immature Snowy Owl seen today at Duluth Airport. She said it was visible from the observation area of the airport to the left of a NWA sign, between a sign with"9" on it and the NW building. Mark Alt=20 Brooklyn Center, MN=20 mark.alt@bestbuy.com=20 "I recalled that I had read somewhere that in the Middle Ages Hell was envisioned as a place without birds." Jim Harrison From Denise Ryan Sun Jan 16 13:26:46 2005 From: Denise Ryan (Denise Ryan) Date: Sun, 16 Jan 2005 07:26:46 -0600 Subject: [mou] Atkin County Owls & Lookin for Loons Message-ID: Thanks to everyone for their helpful posts. I just arrived in Duluth on Saturday afternoon. I got out to Atkin County and toured the recommended roads. Got a bit turned around in spite of a DeLorme Atlas but found 2 N. Hawk Owls within spitting distance of each other along Hwy (Rt?) 2 at mile marker 214. They were right at the road edge perched high in a decid. trees. River Road 10 was good for GGOs. I had two about 6 miles north of the town of Palisades one at close range hunting around a house where the owner was actively shoveling snow. This is about a mile north of local road 270 or 270th St. Small road. I didn't make it to 18 in time for the show before it got dark, but headed North on Hwy 169 and saw another GGO when it was nearly dark at the intersection with Road or Hwy 68. I'm headed to Isabella to look at feeders and see what I can find along the road (think Grouse!) today and down to Two Harbors hopefully before sunset. If anyone spots those loons, please give me a call on my cell phone at (202) 431-0259. I'm not sure my coverage will reach into the forest, but I should be able to pick up messages when I am back in range. Good Birding! Denise Ryan (Washington, DC) writing from Virginia, MN From corax6330@yahoo.com Sun Jan 16 17:46:55 2005 From: corax6330@yahoo.com (fred lesher) Date: Sun, 16 Jan 2005 09:46:55 -0800 (PST) Subject: [mou] Wild Turkeys, Ring-n. Pheasants in Houston Co. , Jan. 15 Message-ID: <20050116174655.99659.qmail@web30901.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Ring-n. Pheasants-----6-----Co.Rd.5, 4-5 miles west of New Albin, Iowa. Wild Turkeys---------93----- ditto Location is along Winnebago Creek west of New Albin. This is a good time to search for WITUs. Easy to spot against the snow and in large flocks. Fred lesher, LaCrosse __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Find what you need with new enhanced search. http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250 From two-jays@att.net Sun Jan 16 19:47:20 2005 From: two-jays@att.net (Jim Williams) Date: Sun, 16 Jan 2005 13:47:20 -0600 Subject: [mou] questions on Great Gray Owls Message-ID: <6EF5D3E0-67F7-11D9-84ED-000D934C33C2@att.net> We might at this point be suffering from owl-information overload. Risking that, however, I offer the following comments from Dr. James Duncan, owl expert from Winnipeg. Several days ago, I asked him some questions about Great Gray Owls, which he kindly answered. Jim Williams Wayzata, Minnesota Begin forwarded message: From: "Duncan, James (CON)" Date: January 12, 2005 4:05:11 PM CST To: "'Jim Williams'" Cc: "Duncan, James (CON)" Subject: RE: questions on Great Gray Owls Hi Jim, Thanks for the opportunity to help. I will do my best to answer your questions below. I will use CAPS TO ANSWER, which I hope are not too annoying, but will serve to help id my responses. Cheers, Jim _________________________________________ Dr. James R. Duncan, Manager Biodiversity Conservation Section Wildlife and Ecosystem Protection Branch Manitoba Conservation Box 24, 200 Saulteaux Crescent Winnipeg, MB R3J 3W3 204-945-7465 work 204-945-3077 fax jduncan@gov.mb.ca Subject: questions on Great Gray Owls 1. Is it reasonable to believe that the Great Gray Owls we are seeing here right now are stressed to any degree simply by their displacement? MIGRATION IS A DANGEROUS TIME FOR ANY ORGANISM, INCLUDING HUMANS. Is the need to find food, which has brought them here, by itself at this point stressful? YES, BUT ONE AUTHOR OF ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR NOTED BEAUTIFULLY ... STRESS AND EMOTION ACT AS POWER UNITS, PUSHING AN ORGANISM FROM FROM ONE SITUATION TO ANOTHER. THE POINT IS THAT SOME STRESS IS BENEFITIAL (ENABLING SURVIVAL), TOO MUCH IS HARMFUL. 2. Is there reason to believe that owls encountering objects with which they are not familiar or might not be familiar (vehicles, trains, power lines, multiple and frequent observers) are stressed by those experiences? WISONSIN BIOLOGIST DON FOLLEN WROTE AN ARTICLE IN PASSENGER PIGEON DESCRIBING THE PHENOMENON OF FOCAL CONCENTRATION IN OWLS. WHEN AN OWL IS CONCENTRATING ON A VOLE IT MAY FLY INTO THE PATH OF AN ONCOMING CAR SEEMINGLY UNAWARE THAT THE CAR IS THERE. IT SEEMS THAT MANY OWLS, AND MANY OTHER FORMS OF WILDLIFE, ARE SIMPLY NOT ADAPTED TO AVOID FAST MOVING VEHICLES, A RELATIVELY RECENT PHENOMENON FROM AN EVOLUTIONARY PERSPECTIVE. IN MY OPINION, MANY OBSERVERS AT A RESPECTFUL DISTANCE, WOULD NOT STRESS A FREE-LIVING HUNTING BIRD. REPEATEDLY APPROACHING A BIRD TOO CLOSE CAUSING IT TO CHANGE PERCHES FREQUENTLY IS NOT APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR AND LIKELY STRESSFUL TO THE ANIMAL. FOLLOWING RADIO-MARKED GREAT GRAY OWLS FOR MANY YEARS TAUGHT ME HOW CLOSE I COULD APPROACH - IT VARIES BETWEEN BIRDS, AND YOU HAVE TO TAKE THE CUES FROM THE OWL. I ALSO LEARNED THAT IN THE WILD GREAT GRAY OWLS HAVE ACCIDENTS, DAMAGING THEMSELVES ON SHRUBS AND WILLOWS. YES, SOME COLLIDE WITH WIRES, FENCES, ETC. BUT MOST SEEM ADEPT AT AVOIDING THEM. I THINK THEY BENEFIT FROM POLES USED FOR HUNTING PERCHES. RELATIVELY FEW GET ELECTROCUTED BY POWER LINES. 3. Can this stress, if it exists, be a factor in the birds' ability to successfully hunt? LIKE PEOPLE, A STARVING OR TIRED BIRD IS MORE ACCIDENT PRONE AND MORE VULNERABLE (LESS WARY) TO PREDATORS SUCH AS GOSHAWKS, GREAT HORNED OWLS, LYNX, MARTEN, ETC. 4. What is the usual success ratio for a hunting owl? How many strikes might it make before successfully capturing prey? ADULT BIRDS ARE MORE EFFICIENT HUNTERS THAN LESS EXPERIENCED BIRDS. IN 1992 I ESTIMATED SUCCESS RATES FOR WINTER HUNTING GREAT GRAYS, BUT THIS WAS BASED ON A RELATIVELY SMALL SAMPLE -- 30 TO 50 % OF SNOW PLUNGES WERE SUCCESSFUL. I WOULD CAUTION AGAINST USING THIS ESTIMATE TO JUDGE IF A HUMAN ACTIVITY IS IMPACTING OR STRESSING GREAT GRAY OWLS. MORE RESEARCH IS NEEDED ON HUNTING SUCCESS RATES. 5. How many voles must an adult Great Gray Owl eat during an average winter day to survive? 4-6, DEPENDING ON HOW BIG THE VOLES ARE. 6. How long can a Great Gray Owl go without food before it becomes to weak to hunt? I DON'T KNOW, BUT I WOULD GUESS ABOUT A WEEK IN WINTER. THE PROBLEM IS THAT AS A BIRD GETS HUNGRY, IT GETS ACCIDENT PRONE AND MORE VULNERABLE TO PREDATION. 7. We are approaching a period of several days of predicted below-zero (F) temperatures. What impact will this colder weather have on the birds' need for nourishment? CLEARLY COLD WEATHER INCREASED THEIR NEED FOR FOOD, BUT THE PLUMAGE OF A GREAT GRAY KEEPS IT QUITE WARM IF IT IS SHELTERED FROM THE WIND. IF THEY ARE EATING WELL THEY CAN SURVIVE EXTREMELY COLD WEATHER. 8. How best can observers meet the needs of the birds during periods of observation? Should observation be limited overall? Should there be limits to approach? Should there be limits to duration of observation? Are there clues an observer can use to determine if the owl is becoming stressed or agitated, to determine that an observation should be terminated? PEOPLE SHOULD USE COMMON SENSE - SEE MY EARLIER COMMENTS. WATCHING THEM FROM A CAR OR THE ROAD WITH BINOCULARS AND SCOPES SHOULD NOT STRESS THE BIRDS. WALKING OUT ACROSS A FIELD RIGHT UP TO THE TREE IT IS PERCHED IN TO SEE IT CLOSER IS NOT SOMETHING I WOULD DO. ALONG ROADS, I TYPICALLY KEEP AT LEAST ONE TELEPHONE POLE AWAY FROM A BIRD ON A HYDRO POLE. 9. What advice might you offer birders as they seek to balance their continuing desire (repeated trips by some individuals) to see as many of the birds are possible with their desire to do no harm to these creatures that, to some degree, have placed themselves in our care? I THINK MY COMMENTS ABOVE ADDRESS THIS. HERE IS ANOTHER POINT I'D LIKE TO MAKE. I USE AN ARTIFICIAL MOUSE OR VOLE-LIKE LURE TECHNIQUE TO CATCH AND BAND GREAT GRAY AND NORTHERN HAWK OWLS. I PERSONALLY THINK FOR THIS PURPOSE IT IS AN ACCEPTIBLE TECHNIQUE -- IT IS USED ONCE, AND THE BIRD IS RELEASED WITHIN MINUTES OF CAPTURE. I KNOW SOME PEOPLE IN MANITOBA WHO HAVE USED ARTIFICIAL LURES TO BRING OWLS CLOSER TO PHOTOGRAPH THEM, AND SOME DID SO REPEATEDLY. I AM OPPOSED TO THIS PRACTISE SINCE IT CAUSES THE BIRDS TO EXPEND ENERGY REPEATEDLY. I SOMETIMES GET ASKED IF FEEDING OWLS LIVE OR FROZEN-THAWED LAB MICE IS OK, FOR PHOTOGRAPHY OR SIMPLY BECAUSE WELL-INTENTIONED PEOPLE WANT TO HELP HUNGRY OWLS. I THINK THIS PRACTISE HAS PROS AND CONS. PROS - THE OWLS GET SOME FOOD ENERGY FOR THEIR EFFORT, AND THIS WOULD COMPENSATE THE OWLS FOR THE ENERGY THEY EXPEND (RE PHOTOGRAPHERS). CONS - THIS PRACTISE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CONDITION SOME OWLS TO APPROACH PEOPLE AND CARS IN ANTICIPATION OF BEING FED. ONE OWL NEAR WINNIPEG WAS NICKNAMED "LUNCHBOX" BY THOSE FEEDING IT. SUCH CONDITIONED BEHAVIOUR MAY LURE SOME OWLS TO THEIR DEATH IF THEY APPRAOCH HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS, OR PEOPLE NOT FAMILIAR WITH THE CONTEXT (THEY ASSUME THE OWL IS ATTACKING THEM AND MAY HARM THE OWL IN SELF DEFENSE. AS A GENERAL POLICY, IT IS ILLEGAL TO FEED WILD ANIMALS IN MANITOBA UNLESS IT IS FOR DEPARTMENT APPROVED CONSERVATION PURPOSES OR PERMITTED RESEARCH. MN MAY HAVE ITS OWN POLICY ON THESE MATTERS. HOPE THIS HELPS! From jotcat@boreal.org Sun Jan 16 23:57:47 2005 From: jotcat@boreal.org (Jim & Carol Tveekrem) Date: Sun, 16 Jan 2005 17:57:47 -0600 Subject: [mou] great gray owls moving north Message-ID: <006501c4fc28$411b0e00$ca0f46d8@jotcat> A friend in Schroeder with a good view of the lake called just before 5:30 p.m. to say that in the past 15 minutes or so he had seen 7 great gray owls flying northeast along the shore, about 8 or 10 feet above the ground. While talking to us he saw 2 more. Carol Tveekrem, Schroeder, Cook Co. From smithville4@charter.net Mon Jan 17 01:23:58 2005 From: smithville4@charter.net (Mike Hendrickson) Date: Sun, 16 Jan 2005 19:23:58 -0600 Subject: [mou] Jan 15-16th Message-ID: <002201c4fc33$397d2150$46a47044@FAMILYCOMPUTER> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_001D_01C4FC00.ED415D60 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Hello: Before I go on the birds we witnessed, found or shared with other = birders this weekend, I can tell you it was a unbelievable weekend for = birding!! Despite the -40 degree air temps and -50-55 degree wind chills = the group saw some great birds! A lot of birds were found this weekend by birders and I am certain Kim = Eckert will give precise directions to them. If you are out of town = birder and have not made the visit to witness the owl eruption because = you are waiting on Boreal Owls, well there were 4-6 sightings in Two = Harbors and 1-2 sightings along Scenic North shore and one sighting in = northern Lake Co. Since I did not find any Boreals myself I will not = post the locations as I will wait on Kim Eckert or Jim Lind to do so. So = if you in need of a Boreal Owl I would search the the town of Two = Harbors and Scenic 61 to find one. It doesn't really matter at this = point what time of day to find one because many of them were either = hunting during the day or roosting out in the open. Anyway I led a group today of 24 birders with the help of Tom Auer of = Duluth on my Minnesota Birding Trek. It was my first trip in my new = venture and what a way to begin the year! 1/15/05 -Northern Goshawk (Sax Zim Bog) -Northern Hawk Owl (Sax Zim Bog and Two Harbors) -Great Gray Owl (Sax Zim Bog, Hwy 61 and Two Harbors) -Boreal Owl (called on 2 different sightings. Many Thanks go to Jim = Lind for calling me on these owls he found over the weekend) -Black-backed Woodpecker (male) found on the very south end of McDavitt = Rd bog in Sax Zim Bog area.=20 -Boreal Chickadee seen along Admiral Rd in the Sax Zim bog area. 1/16/05=20 -Spruce Grouse in Lake Co. 2 birds were between mile post 301-302 on = Hwy. 1 and another grouse was found between mile post 300-301. -Boreal Owl ( a owl Jim Lind found ) total seen for the weekend were 3 = or a possible 4 different Boreal Owls! All thanks go to Jim Lind of Two = Harbors who found these owls. -Northern Saw Whet Owl Sharon Lind found this owl and was reported to = me by Jim Lind. While watching this owl get mobbed by small birds, a = Boreal Owl flew out of the woods not to far away. -Boreal Chickadee (2) were seen feeding on the suet buckets at the Moose = Ridge Cafe in Isabella. The feeding station is across the road from = cafe. -Hoary Redpoll seen in Two Harbors. * Plenty of Pine Grosbeaks and Common Redpolls were seen in Sax Zim Bog = and Lake County. Seen a few Gray Jays in Sax Zim Bog and a Northern = Shrike. So our group saw 5 species of owls for the weekend! =20 I would like to thank the following people who called me during the = weekend to report owls or other sightings. These calls are so important = to guiding and leading trips and they need to by recognized for their = generosity!=20 -Kim Eckert, Jim Lind, Mike Overton, Dave Johnson, Frank Nicoletti, Kim = Risen and Peder Svingen. =20 Thank you !! * Another item to add is the generous people of Meadowland Co-op for = allowing us to use their restrooms. While there are group bought = mittens, sandwiches and other lunch items. The owner knows me by name = now and she is so grateful for the business she is getting from all the = birders that have stopped in to buy something and to use the restroom. * We also gave the owner of Moose Rdge Cafe a decent size donation for = the sunflower seeds that are used for the feeders he has up. I chatted = with owner and he is also very happy with the birders and is surprised = how gracious they are with their donations he has gotten from us. =20 Michael Hendrickson Duluth, Minnesota Minnesota Birding Treks http://webpages.charter.net/mmhendrickson/ ------=_NextPart_000_001D_01C4FC00.ED415D60 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Hello:
 
Before I go on the birds we = witnessed,=20 found or shared with other birders this weekend, I can tell you it was a = unbelievable weekend for birding!! Despite the -40 degree air temps and = -50-55=20 degree wind chills the group saw some great birds!
 
A lot of birds were found = this weekend by=20 birders and I am certain Kim Eckert will give precise directions to = them. =20 If you are out of town birder and have not made the visit to witness the = owl=20 eruption because you are waiting on Boreal Owls, well there were 4-6 = sightings=20 in Two Harbors and 1-2 sightings along Scenic North shore and one = sighting in=20 northern Lake Co.  Since I did not find any Boreals myself I will = not post=20 the locations as I will wait on Kim Eckert or Jim Lind to do so. So if = you in=20 need of a Boreal Owl I would search the the town of Two Harbors and = Scenic 61 to=20 find one.  It doesn't really matter at this point what time of day = to find=20 one because many of them were either hunting during the day or roosting = out in=20 the open.
 
Anyway I led a group today of = 24 birders=20 with the help of Tom Auer of Duluth on my Minnesota Birding Trek. = It was my=20 first trip in my new venture and what a way to begin the = year!
 
 1/15/05
 
-Northern Goshawk  (Sax = Zim=20 Bog)
-Northern Hawk Owl (Sax Zim = Bog and Two=20 Harbors)
-Great Gray Owl (Sax Zim Bog, = Hwy 61 and=20 Two Harbors)
-Boreal Owl (called on 2 = different=20 sightings.  Many Thanks go to Jim Lind for calling me on these owls = he=20 found over the weekend)
-Black-backed Woodpecker = (male) found on=20 the very south end of McDavitt Rd bog in Sax Zim Bog = area. 
-Boreal Chickadee seen along = Admiral Rd=20 in the Sax Zim bog area.
 
1/16/05 
 
-Spruce Grouse in Lake = Co.  2 birds=20 were between mile post 301-302 on Hwy. 1 and another grouse was found = between=20 mile post 300-301.
-Boreal Owl ( a owl Jim Lind = found )=20 total seen for the weekend were 3 or a possible 4 different Boreal Owls! = All=20 thanks go to Jim Lind of Two Harbors who found these owls.
-Northern Saw Whet Owl  = Sharon Lind=20 found this owl and was reported to me by Jim Lind.  While watching = this owl=20 get mobbed by small birds, a Boreal Owl flew out of the woods not to far = away.
-Boreal Chickadee (2) were = seen feeding=20 on the suet buckets at the Moose Ridge Cafe in Isabella. The feeding = station is=20 across the road from cafe.
-Hoary Redpoll seen in Two=20 Harbors.
 
* Plenty of Pine Grosbeaks = and Common=20 Redpolls were seen in Sax Zim Bog and Lake County.  Seen a few Gray = Jays in=20 Sax Zim Bog and a Northern Shrike.
 
So our group saw 5 = species of owls=20 for the weekend! 
 
I would like to thank the = following=20 people who called me during the weekend to report owls or=20 other sightings. These calls are so important to guiding and = leading=20 trips and they need to by recognized for their generosity!
-Kim Eckert, Jim Lind, Mike=20 Overton, Dave Johnson, Frank Nicoletti, Kim Risen and Peder=20 Svingen. 
Thank = you !!
 
* Another item to = add is the=20 generous people of Meadowland Co-op for allowing us to use their=20 restrooms.  While there are group bought mittens, sandwiches = and other=20 lunch items. The owner knows me by name now and she is so grateful = for the=20 business she is getting from all the birders that have stopped in = to buy=20 something and to use the restroom.
* We also gave the owner of = Moose Rdge=20 Cafe a decent size donation for the sunflower seeds that are used = for the=20 feeders he has up.  I chatted with owner and he is also = very=20 happy with the birders and is surprised how gracious they are with their = donations he has gotten from us.       
 
Michael = Hendrickson
Duluth,=20 Minnesota
Minnesota Birding Treks
http://webpages.chart= er.net/mmhendrickson/
------=_NextPart_000_001D_01C4FC00.ED415D60-- From Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com Mon Jan 17 03:47:10 2005 From: Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com (Alt, Mark) Date: Sun, 16 Jan 2005 21:47:10 -0600 Subject: [mou] Pine County, MN Owls 1/16/05 Message-ID: <4F3C90DD5ABC32408C70AC50F47942BDDEB984@ds69mail.na.bestbuy.com> Al Nelson and I traveled Pine County this afternoon to see if the owls = are moving out. They are not. We did not look and run, but stopped for = at least 3-4 minutes for each Owl, trying to get feeding footage on my = Digital Video. I filmed all but 3 of these birds. =20 Notes on GGOW observations and behavior: * These were all adult birds, with much brown, worn plumage visible = inmost birds we studied * 10 of the 22 GGOW were perched atop Utility Poles. * 1 GGOW ( #1)was on a utility wire * These were very active, alert birds, all but 5 changing perches every = 3-4 minutes.=20 * We stayed back at least 75 ft and shut the car off, except for one = where Al stopped right under the bird - he didn't see it.=20 o Two of the birds seemed disrupted by even this level of precaution. = The rest were actively working face tilted to pick up rodent noise * 2/3 of the GG0W were adjacent to farm land and close to farm = buildings. =20 o Rodents must be in abundance their, not hard to imagine o Pay special attention to farm building and field areas * The only bird that fed did so in a stand of Jack Pine, so we missed = it. * GGOW are more abundant than ever in this county. Al Nelson lives = locally, he sees them clustered every day but in different spots each = day, they are not like Hawk Owls, which are in the same area every day = for weeks.=20 * The roads around Oak Lake hold amazing numbers of GGOW's, but they = move freely around the area. * The temps went from -5=B0 @ 3:35 PM to -15=B0 @ 5:15 PM. This did not = seem cold for these birds, they remained very active and did not even = appear to be "fluffed up". Al saw one two days ago when it was -24=B0 = and it was so "fluffed up" that it appeared like a round ball of = feathers. *=09 1/16/05; 22 GGOW sightings: 3:35 PM till 5:15 PM, All in Northern Pine = County, page 57 in MN DeLorme. These are the actual sign names, not on = any maps. 1. Hill street .1 Mi W of Military Rd (50) just east of Sturgeon Lake = (3:35 PM)=20 2. Pioneer Rd .1 Mi W of Partridge Rd (by Lake Eleven) 3. Pioneer Rd .5 Mi E of Partridge Rd (by Lake Twelve) 4. Shadow Oak Rd (cr163) 1 Mi E of Willow Hay Rd (49) 5. Shadow Oak Rd (cr163) .5 Mi W of Koecher (pronounced Kegger) Rd (48) 6. Shadow Oak Rd (cr163) .25 Mi E of Koecher Rd (48) 7. Shadow Oak Rd (cr163) .5 Mi S of Oak Shade Rd (174) 8. Koecher Rd (48).25 Mi N of Berger Rd=20 9. Intersection of Shady Oak Rd (56) and Oak Leaf Rd (47) (4:20 PM) 10. Same as # 9, across the Rd on edge of field=20 11. Willow Hay Rd (49) 1.5 Mi N of Shadow Oak Rd (cr163) 12. Koecher Rd (48) .1 Mi N of Willow Hay Rd (49) intersection w/Shadow = Oak Rd (cr163) 13. Koecher Rd (48) .5 Mi N of Willow Hay Rd (49) intersection w/Shadow = Oak Rd (cr163) 14. County Line Road (10) 2.0 Mi W of town of Nickerson @Hwy 23 15. Oak Leaf Rd (47) .5 Mi W of Duquette @Hwy 23 16. Koecher Rd (48) .75 Mi S of Oak Leaf Rd (47) 17. Kerrick Rd (46/cr154) 2.5 Mi E of Kerrick @Hwy23=20 18. Kerrick Rd (46/cr154) 3.5 Mi E of Kerrick @Hwy23 19. 30 ft away from #18 20. Kerrick Rd (46/cr154) 3.6 Mi E of Kerrick @Hwy23 perched on Deer = Feeder 21. Kerrick Rd (46/cr154) 3.0 Mi E of Kerrick (we refound #17 & #18 and = saw this one) 22. Hwy 46 3.0 Mi W of Kerrick (5:15 pm) NHOW seen at corner of HWY 46 and Military Rd (50) - top of pole. Mark Alt=20 Brooklyn Center, MN=20 mark.alt@bestbuy.com=20 "I recalled that I had read somewhere that in the Middle Ages Hell was = envisioned as a place without birds." Jim Harrison From smithville4@charter.net Mon Jan 17 05:21:40 2005 From: smithville4@charter.net (Mike Hendrickson) Date: Sun, 16 Jan 2005 23:21:40 -0600 Subject: [mou] Snowy Owl Message-ID: <000801c4fc54$6d44e2e0$46a47044@FAMILYCOMPUTER> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0005_01C4FC22.225240C0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable The snowy owl that was reported at the Duluth International Airport was = seen by several birders including my group. I forgot to add this for = Jan 15 & 16th post. The owl can be found by either going to the Duluth = International Airport and view the bird from the observation deck or = drive north on Hwy 53 to the Stebner Road stop lights. Take a right past = Gordy's Market and follow the road past the prison and the Federal = Express building. Take the road that bends to the right and park in the = parking lot next to the watch tower. The run ways of the airport can be = easily viewed from here.=20 Kim Eckert and his group found the owl today on top of this small = utility building that has red and white stripes on it. This red/white = stripe building is on the far eastern side of the runway. While we = observed the owl, the snowy owl flew right at us and landed on some of = the buildings to the west of us. We relocated the owl and once again the = owl flew directly in front of us and landed on a telephone pole at the = intersection of Stebner and Highway 53. The owl has a green wing tag on = it and not a black cap on it. So it might be a owl our local snowy owl = researcher banded in Duluth some time ago. To me it appeared to be a = young male snowy owl. Its fairly white with a small amount of brownish = flecks on it. The owl was seen again by Kim Risen late this evening = back over near the prison buildings. The snowy owl in the Proctor railroad yard was searched by several = birders yesterday and as far as I know no one has relocated it. The owl = was last observed by Mike Overton last Friday. (?) Michael Hendrickson Duluth, Minnesota Minnesota Birding Treks http://webpages.charter.net/mmhendrickson/ ------=_NextPart_000_0005_01C4FC22.225240C0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
The snowy owl that was = reported at the=20 Duluth International Airport was seen by several birders including my=20 group.  I forgot to add this for Jan 15 & 16th post.  The = owl can=20 be found by either going to the Duluth International Airport and view = the bird=20 from the observation deck or drive north on Hwy 53 to the Stebner Road = stop=20 lights. Take a right past Gordy's Market and follow the road past the = prison=20 and   the Federal Express building.  Take the road that = bends to=20 the right and park in the parking lot next to the watch tower. The run = ways of=20 the airport can be easily viewed from here. 
 
 Kim Eckert and his = group found=20 the owl today on top of this small utility building that has red and = white=20 stripes on it. This red/white stripe building is on the far eastern side = of the=20 runway.  While we observed the owl, the snowy owl flew right at us = and=20 landed on some of the buildings to the west of us. We relocated the owl = and once=20 again the owl flew directly in front of us and landed on a telephone = pole at the=20 intersection of Stebner and Highway 53.  The owl has a green wing = tag on it=20 and not a  black cap on it. So it might be a owl our = local snowy=20 owl researcher banded in Duluth some time ago. To me it appeared to be a = young=20 male snowy owl.  Its fairly white with a small amount of brownish = flecks on=20 it.  The owl was seen again by Kim Risen late this evening back = over near=20 the prison buildings.
 
The snowy owl in = the Proctor=20 railroad yard was searched by several birders yesterday and as far as I = know no=20 one has relocated it. The owl was last observed by = Mike=20 Overton last Friday. (?)
 
Michael = Hendrickson
Duluth,=20 Minnesota
Minnesota Birding Treks
http://webpages.chart= er.net/mmhendrickson/
------=_NextPart_000_0005_01C4FC22.225240C0-- From Jpcorrigan@aol.com Mon Jan 17 13:28:13 2005 From: Jpcorrigan@aol.com (Jpcorrigan@aol.com) Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2005 08:28:13 EST Subject: [mou] Superior area birds Message-ID: --part1_f6.48087ec6.2f1d176d_boundary Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit On 1-15-05 a friend from Duluth and I saw 1 GGO at Wisconsin Point Park. We then looked in the area south of Superior on county roads C, Z, Valley Brook Rd. and Lyman Lake Road and saw 3 GGO's. Also on 1-15, my wife reported a robin eating at our feeder at our home in Hudson township. On 1-16-05 in the morning we returned to the C-Z area and saw 11 GGO's. Later we saw 2 GGO's at Wisconsin Point. These were our first GGO's. We took many photos and some video John Corrigan Hudson Tim Ferch Duluth --part1_f6.48087ec6.2f1d176d_boundary Content-Type: text/html; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable On 1-15-05 a friend from Duluth and= I saw 1 GGO at Wisconsin Point Park.

We then looked in the area south of Superior on county roads C, Z, Valley Br= ook Rd. and Lyman Lake Road and saw 3 GGO's.

Also on 1-15, my wife reported a robin eating at our feeder at our home in H= udson township.

On 1-16-05 in the morning we returned to the C-Z area and saw 11 GGO's. = ; Later we saw 2 GGO's at Wisconsin Point.

These were our first GGO's.  We took many photos and some video

John Corrigan
Hudson

Tim Ferch
Duluth --part1_f6.48087ec6.2f1d176d_boundary-- From Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com Mon Jan 17 13:42:23 2005 From: Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com (Alt, Mark) Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2005 07:42:23 -0600 Subject: [mou] Owls away from ditches Message-ID: <4F3C90DD5ABC32408C70AC50F47942BDDEB986@ds69mail.na.bestbuy.com> Bruce Pomeroy wrote: I went to Carlton county on Saturday, and the owls were not as=20 abundant as in the recent past. They were a lot harder to locate, and I agree that they are by out buildings and out in the fields, not by the=20 ditches. The snow is very deep in the ditches and the birds have changed=20 their tactics some...most of the birds were not in the same spot later when=20 we returned through and the northern hawk owls have been scarce. This=20 weekend I only found 13 GGOW's, whereas the week before I had found over 50=20 on Saturday and 48 on Sunday. I drove all over Carlton county and the=20 farther south I went the more owls I found. Bruce says the Owls he has seen have been away from ditches and more towards farm buildings and fields now. Perhaps this is due to snow plowing? The ditches are full of hard pack plowed into them. I am not sure about this at all, as nearly half the Owls I saw were on roadside wires or poles, but it is a thought. Mark Alt=20 Brooklyn Center, MN=20 mark.alt@bestbuy.com=20 "I recalled that I had read somewhere that in the Middle Ages Hell was envisioned as a place without birds." Jim Harrison=20 From sandyrog@brainerd.net Mon Jan 17 14:03:53 2005 From: sandyrog@brainerd.net (Sandy Roggenkamp) Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2005 08:03:53 -0600 Subject: [mou] Owls in Aitkin & Itasca Co. Message-ID: <000401c4fc9d$646c9840$b7c3a8c0@MARCH2002> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0005_01C4FC6B.19D22840 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit On my way to & from Grand Rapids today (Sunday) I kept track of owls I saw along TH 169. On the drive up this morning, I saw 11 Great Gray Owls all close to TH 169 and driving at 60 mph (me, not them). On the way back this afternoon, I saw two Northern Hawk Owls. I didn't stop for any, just recorded mileage where I spotted them. >From jct. of TH 169 & CR 18 in northern Aitkin Co. 5 mi. south - west side of TH 169 4.6 mi. south - east side " 4.4 mi. south - west side " 1.8 mi. south - east side " 1.1 mi. south - west side " 0.3 mi. south - west side " 0.1 mi. south - east side " 0.1 mi. north - east side " 0.9 mi. north - west side " >From jct. of TH 169 & CR 67 in southern Itasca Co. 2.9 mi. south - east side of TH 169 & south of Hennessey Lake 2.1 mi. south of Grand Rapids city limits (just north of the Pokegama Bridge) The Northern Hawk Owls were seen at: 2.2 mi. south of jct. of TH 169 & CR 67 (Itasca Co.just north of Hennessey Lake) 0.1 mi. south of jct. of TH 169 & CR 18 (Aitkin Co.) Sandy Roggenkamp Pillager ------=_NextPart_000_0005_01C4FC6B.19D22840 Content-Type: text/html; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable

On my way to & from Grand Rapids = today (Sunday) I kept track of owls I saw along TH 169.  On the drive up this = morning, I saw 11 Great Gray Owls all close to TH 169 and driving at 60 mph (me, = not them). On the way back this afternoon, I saw two Northern Hawk = Owls.  I didn’t stop for any, just recorded mileage where I spotted = them.

 

From jct. of TH 169 & CR 18 in northern Aitkin Co.

5 mi. south – west side of TH 169

4.6 mi. south – east side    “

4.4 mi. south – west side   “

1.8 mi. south – east side    “

1.1 mi. south – west side   “

0.3 mi. south – west side   “

0.1 mi. south – east side   “

 

0.1 mi. north – east side   “

0.9 mi. north – west side  “

 

From jct. of TH 169 & CR 67 in southern Itasca Co.

2.9 mi. south – east side of TH 169 & south of Hennessey Lake

2.1 mi. south of Grand Rapids = city limits (just north of the Pokegama Bridge)

 

The Northern Hawk Owls were seen at:

2.2 mi. south of jct. of TH 169 & CR 67 (Itasca Co.just north of = Hennessey Lake)

0.1 mi. south of jct. of TH 169 & CR 18 (Aitkin Co.)

 

Sandy Roggenkamp

Pillager

 

------=_NextPart_000_0005_01C4FC6B.19D22840-- From JacobTee@aol.com Mon Jan 17 14:36:17 2005 From: JacobTee@aol.com (JacobTee@aol.com) Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2005 09:36:17 -0500 Subject: [mou] Great Gray Owl in central Iowa Message-ID: <45897D94.1C0B4D25.00755955@aol.com> On Sunday, many birders got to observe a Great Gray Owl just east of Madrid, Iowa in Boone County. This is in the central part of the state just NW of Des Moines. It has been around for about a week at that location. We've been expecting one or more to show up this winter with the invasion that is occurring. I didn't expect the first one to be found this far south though. Jay Gilliam Norwalk, IA From MarkBeckyLystig@comcast.net Mon Jan 17 16:17:54 2005 From: MarkBeckyLystig@comcast.net (MarkBeckyLystig) Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2005 10:17:54 -0600 Subject: [mou] Great Gray Owls in Pine and Carlton Counties Message-ID: <41EBE532.7090701@comcast.net> Yesterday (1/16) we drove from Duluth to I 35 via Hwy 23. We saw a total of 12 Great Grays, 1 of them in Carlton County and the rest in Pine County. The first one we saw while driving rather slowly, but the rest were at highway speeds (so there were probably many more that we missed). Time was 3:45 to 4:15 (about). 4 of the birds were within a mile of each other just north of Kerrick. Becky and Mark Lystig Dave and Rita Baden From b.pomeroy@mchsi.com Mon Jan 17 16:37:44 2005 From: b.pomeroy@mchsi.com (b.pomeroy) Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2005 10:37:44 -0600 Subject: [mou] Weekend birds... Message-ID: <004001c4fcb2$df292390$6742d60c@wildthing> Birders, On Sunday morning we went birding in the Lakeside area looking at feeders looking for any unusual birds. We stopped to get coffee at the gas station on E. Superior St., where there is some road work going on, and we were stretching and sipping coffee in the brisk morning sunlight (bbbrrr!!!) and we spotted a few dozen Bohemian Waxwings. We went down to the trees they were in and for the next 40 minutes flock after flock of them flew from the lakeside to the hillside inland...and we counted 300+. Also, on Saturday on the way to Pine county, I noticed the ditches in the rural areas of both Pine and Carlton were filled level across with snow. I walked into the ditches and in some places the snow was hard packed from the snow plows...and the snow held my weight in many areas. I sank up to my knees in some of the ditches, but a lot of the hard packed snow held my 165 #'s very well. The owls were into the fields farther than in they were before this last snow storm. They were a lot closer to farm outbuildings and sitting on fence posts out in the fields and pastures. The owls were a lot harder to find, and the numbers were a lot lower. I talked to several other birders in the Barnum and Mahtowa areas who said the birds were farther south and west than earlier in the past. They had come up Hwy. 61 and birded Pine and Carlton counties but thought we were "exaggerating" the numbers, but they saw owls and were happy. They also thanked the bird lists for alerting them to the southward push. Bruce "I care to live, only to entice people to look at Nature's loveliness." -- John Muir From PastorAl@PrincetonFreeChurch.net Mon Jan 17 19:41:22 2005 From: PastorAl@PrincetonFreeChurch.net (Pastor Al) Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2005 13:41:22 -0600 Subject: [mou] Ann Lake Message-ID: <028001c4fccc$88e4a3f0$0c01a8c0@PastorAl> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_027D_01C4FC9A.3B96D3C0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Checked Ann Lake over lunch hour today - neither the Bohemian Waxwing = flock (last seen 1/7) or the Townsend's Solitaire (last seen 12/30) were = present. Six turkeys broke the monotony, the Raven was still present on = Sherburne CR 9 (near Blue Hill Trail), and a Pileated nearly merged with = my windshield. Should either the Solitaire or Waxwings return, will advise. Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties ------=_NextPart_000_027D_01C4FC9A.3B96D3C0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Checked Ann Lake over lunch hour today = - neither=20 the Bohemian Waxwing flock (last seen 1/7) or the Townsend's = Solitaire=20 (last seen 12/30) were present.  Six turkeys broke the = monotony, the=20 Raven was still present on Sherburne CR 9 (near Blue Hill Trail), and a = Pileated=20 nearly merged with my windshield.
 
Should either the Solitaire or Waxwings = return,=20 will advise.
 
Al Schirmacher
Princeton, MN
Mille Lacs & Sherburne=20 Counties
------=_NextPart_000_027D_01C4FC9A.3B96D3C0-- From tnejbell@comcast.net Mon Jan 17 20:58:40 2005 From: tnejbell@comcast.net (tnejbell@comcast.net) Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2005 20:58:40 +0000 Subject: [mou] Fabulous Ssaturday Owls Message-ID: <011720052058.24185.41EC26FF000C831900005E79220588636004040A0D060A029B@comcast.net> --NextPart_Webmail_9m3u9jl4l_24185_1105995520_0 Content-Type: text/plain Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Bringing St. Louis, Missouri, friends John and Nancy Solodar north with us, we joined Jo and Steve Blanich for a fabulous day of owling on Saturday, January 15. We spotted 76 Great Gray Owls (GGOW) and 13 Northern Hawk Owls between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. We figured we had a total of 62 original GGOW sightings after subtracting birds seen on previously traveled sections of roads. The sightings occurred mainly on Aitkin CR-5 and CR-18, with a number also seen on MN-169 and Pietz Road. Over 40% of the sightings occurred between 4:00 and 5:30 p.m. when the owls seemed to be all over. It was pretty incredible! We saw no Rough-legged Hawks, 5 Northern Shrikes, very few Snow Buntings, no Pine or Evening Grosbeaks, and fair number of Common Redpolls here and there. On Sunday morning we saw a flock of 50 Bohemian Waxwings in the park at Crosby. T & E -- Tom & Elizabeth Bell 5868 Pioneer Road South Saint Paul Park MN 55071 651 459-4150 --NextPart_Webmail_9m3u9jl4l_24185_1105995520_0 Content-Type: text/html Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit
Bringing St. Louis, Missouri, friends John and Nancy Solodar north with us, we joined Jo and Steve Blanich for a fabulous day of owling on Saturday, January 15.
 
We spotted 76 Great Gray Owls (GGOW) and 13 Northern Hawk Owls between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. We figured we had a total of 62 original GGOW sightings after subtracting birds seen on previously traveled sections of roads. The sightings occurred mainly on Aitkin CR-5 and CR-18, with a number also seen on MN-169 and Pietz Road. Over 40% of the sightings occurred between 4:00 and 5:30 p.m. when the owls seemed to be all over. It was pretty incredible! We saw no Rough-legged Hawks, 5 Northern Shrikes, very few Snow Buntings, no Pine or Evening Grosbeaks, and fair number of Common Redpolls here and there.

On Sunday morning we saw a flock of 50 Bohemian Waxwings in the park at Crosby.

 

T & E

 
--
Tom & Elizabeth Bell
5868 Pioneer Road South
Saint Paul Park MN 55071
651 459-4150
--NextPart_Webmail_9m3u9jl4l_24185_1105995520_0-- From benzdedrick@hotmail.com Tue Jan 18 00:14:30 2005 From: benzdedrick@hotmail.com (Dedrick Benz) Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2005 00:14:30 +0000 Subject: [mou] RFI 1/22-1/23 Duluth sightings Message-ID: Hello, all, I will be showing out-of-state friends some birds in the Duluth/Two Harbors area this Saturday and Sunday. If anyone finds a Boreal Owl or that Yellow-billed Loon, I'd love a phone call. Email me with your phone #, and I will return the favor if we find anything great. The Cell Phone is Chad Aakre's: 507-250-2324 Thanks! Dedrick Benz Winona, MN From M. Thomas Auer" Today, myself and the Hockema brothers (John and Chris) spent almost a full day searching for the Yellow-billed Loon, which had not been sighted since Tuesday last week. We spent the day scanning the waters around Two Harbors, Knife River and Stony Point. It appears the bird is gone, as we had good viewing conditions all day and never saw it. Present were the following: 2 Harlequin Ducks - Agate Bay in Two Harbors 4-5 Great Gray Owls on the trail near the Two Harbor Lighthouse 1 Saw-whet Owl - Seen in Two Harbors thanks to a phone call from Jim Lind Good Birding! Tom Auer Duluth, MN From aajensen1@hotmail.com Tue Jan 18 01:17:59 2005 From: aajensen1@hotmail.com (Allison Jensen) Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2005 19:17:59 -0600 Subject: [mou] Seeking a volunteer ad coordinator Message-ID: Advertising coordinator—Minnesota Birding An advertising coordinator is needed for Minnesota Birding, the MOU newsletter published six times a year. This is an unpaid position. The volunteer contacts regular advertisers (about eight), responds to requests via e-mail or phone for information, and informs the designer about ads that are booked for each issue. Some advertisers submit inserts, which requires communication to them about delivery. After issue is mailed, the coordinator then sends invoices to the advertisers. The hours are not long but this job requires attention to detail and either ease using a spreadsheet or comfort with bookkeeping. If you're interested, please send a note to me, Allison Jensen, at aajensen1@hotmail.com or Jude Williams, heyjude42@att.net. From tnejbell@comcast.net Tue Jan 18 03:12:18 2005 From: tnejbell@comcast.net (tnejbell@comcast.net) Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2005 03:12:18 +0000 Subject: [mou] Correction NOHO Message-ID: <011820050312.3320.41EC7E920008096500000CF8220700320104040A0D060A029B@comcast.net> --NextPart_Webmail_9m3u9jl4l_3320_1106017938_0 Content-Type: text/plain Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Sorry, our figure for Saturday's Northern Hawk Owls is 6, not 13. Elizabeth -- Tom & Elizabeth Bell on Grey Cloud Island 5868 Pioneer Road South Saint Paul Park MN 55071 651 459-4150 --NextPart_Webmail_9m3u9jl4l_3320_1106017938_0 Content-Type: text/html Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit
Sorry, our figure for Saturday's Northern Hawk Owls is 6, not 13.
 
Elizabeth
--
Tom & Elizabeth Bell
on Grey Cloud Island
5868 Pioneer Road South
Saint Paul Park MN 55071
651 459-4150
--NextPart_Webmail_9m3u9jl4l_3320_1106017938_0-- From Jbaines317@aol.com Tue Jan 18 03:30:39 2005 From: Jbaines317@aol.com (Jbaines317@aol.com) Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2005 22:30:39 EST Subject: [mou] Winter Owling 1/17/05 Message-ID: <89.1e808ceb.2f1ddcdf@aol.com> -------------------------------1106019039 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Hello All, We headed up to Duluth & the bog on MLK Day for a little cold weather owling. When we drove through Cloquet at 8:30 am the temperature read -32 degrees! I couldn't believe that my little VW diesel was still running at that temp! Luckily our perseverance was rewarded with some good birding. Here are the highlights: 1 Adult Northern Goshawk (crossing owl avenue south of correction line rd) 7 Northern Hawk Owls (locations follow) 51 Great Gray Owls (locations follow) 1 Boreal Owl (Two Harbors-life bird for all of us) and of course the usual suspects... ravens, common redpolls, snow buntings, bald eagle, common goldeneye... All in all a great day! Jen, Dan & Helen Economics & Bird Locations: For those keeping track we spent a cumulative $47.84 $19.00 gas, the rest was breakfast, lunch and snacks for three people. Most was spent in Cloquet & the bog area. For those others keeping track here are the locations for the NHOW & GGOW as detailed as we could without GPS. Northern Hawk Owls(7): 1) 200 yards off Arkola near Stickney intersection 2) 1424 McDavitt 3) Hwy 7 South of Zim Rd 4) Stone Lake Rd. 1 mile from Hwy 7 5) Hwy 7 just south of Stone Lake Road 6) Hwy 7 1 3/4 mile south of Dibbell Rd 7) Hwy 7 3 miles south of Dibbell Rd Great Gray Owls (51): 1) Intersection Hwy 133 & Hwy 7 2) 1/2 mile west of Hwy 7 an 133 3) Hwy 133 3 miles E of Little Whiteface Rd. 4) Arkola 1/3 mile West of Stickney 5) Corner of Stickney and Arkola 6) Stickney Ave in field by corner of Sax Rd. 7) 1572 McDavitt 8) Field next to 1572 McDavitt 9) 1627 McDavitt 10) 1622 McDavitt 11) 1658 McDavitt 12) Field by 2053 McDavitt 13) 2053 McDavitt 14) Stone Lake Rd 2 miles East of Hwy 7 15) Stone Lake Rd. 100 yards East of Hwy 7 16) Hwy 7 near intersection with Stone Lake Rd 17) Hwy 7 near intersection with Stone Lake Rd 18) Hwy 7 near intersection with Stone Lake Rd 19) Hwy 7 near intersection with Stone Lake Rd 20) Hwy 7 near intersection with Stone Lake Rd 21) Hwy 7 & Dibbell Rd 22) Hwy 7 1/4 mile south of Dibbell Rd. 23) Hwy 7 on telephone wire 1 mile south of Dibbell Rd. 24) Hwy 7 1 1/2 mile south of Dibbell Rd. 25) Hwy 7 3/4 mile north of Sax Rd 26) Hwy 7 junction of Sax Rd 27) Hwy 7 junction of Sax Rd 28) Hwy 7 1 mile south of Sax Rd 29) Hwy 7 1/2 mile north of Niemi Rd 30) Hwy 7 1/3 mile North of Niemi Rd 31) Hwy 7 100 yards north of Kacer Rd. 32) Corner of Hwy 7 & Niemi Rd 33) Corner of Hwy 7 & Arkola 34) Corner of Hwy 7 & Arkola 35) 8341 Arkola 36) 8341 Arkola 37) 8341 Arkola 38) Arkola 1/2 mile west of Murphy Rd 39) Stoney Pt Rd. 1/4 mile North of Alseth 40) Scenic Hwy 61 by Moss Island Rd 41) Scenic Hwy 61 by (railroad?) overpass 42) Scenic Hwy 61 by (railroad?) overpass 43) Scenic Hwy 61 1/4 mile North of Alseth 44) Scenic Hwy 61 @ Lakeshore Cottages 45) Parking lot @ Two Harbors Lighthouse (north side) 46) Lighthouse walking path in woods 47) Lighthouse walking path in woods 48) Lighthouse walking path in woods 49) Lighthouse walking path in woods 50) Lighthouse walking path in woods 51) Parking lot at Two Harbors Lighthouse (south side) -------------------------------1106019039 Content-Type: text/html; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Hello All,
We headed up to Duluth & the bog on MLK Day for a little=20= cold weather owling. When we drove through Cloquet at 8:30 am the temperatur= e read -32 degrees! I couldn't believe that my little VW diesel was still ru= nning at that temp! Luckily our perseverance was rewarded with some goo= d birding. Here are the highlights:
 
1 Adult Northern Goshawk (crossing owl avenue south of correc= tion line rd) 
7 Northern Hawk Owls (locations follow)
51 Great Gray Owls (locations follow)
1 Boreal Owl (Two Harbors-life bird for all of us)
 
and of course the usual suspects...
ravens, common redpolls, snow buntings, bald eagle, common goldeneye...=
 
All in all a great day!
Jen, Dan & Helen
 
Economics & Bird Locations:
For those keeping track we spent a cumulative $47.84
$19.00 gas, the rest was breakfast, lunch and snacks for three people.=20=
Most was spent in Cloquet & the bog area.
 
For those others keeping track here are the locations for the= NHOW & GGOW as detailed as we could without GPS.
 
Northern Hawk Owls(7):
1) 200 yards off Arkola near Stickney intersection
2) 1424 McDavitt
3) Hwy 7 South of Zim Rd
4) Stone Lake Rd. 1 mile from Hwy 7
5) Hwy 7 just south of Stone Lake Road
6) Hwy 7 1 3/4 mile south of Dibbell Rd
7) Hwy 7 3 miles south of Dibbell Rd
 
Great Gray Owls (51):
1) Intersection Hwy 133 & Hwy 7
2) 1/2 mile west of Hwy 7 an 133
3) Hwy 133 3 miles E of Little Whiteface Rd.
4) Arkola 1/3 mile West of Stickney
5) Corner of Stickney and Arkola
6) Stickney Ave in field by corner of Sax Rd.
7) 1572 McDavitt
8) Field next to 1572 McDavitt
9) 1627 McDavitt
10) 1622 McDavitt
11) 1658 McDavitt
12) Field by 2053 McDavitt
13) 2053 McDavitt
14) Stone Lake Rd 2 miles East of Hwy 7
15) Stone Lake Rd. 100 yards East of Hwy 7
16) Hwy 7 near intersection with Stone Lake Rd
17) Hwy 7 near intersection with Stone Lake Rd
18) Hwy 7 near intersection with Stone Lake Rd
19) Hwy 7 near intersection with Stone Lake Rd
20) Hwy 7 near intersection with Stone Lake Rd
21) Hwy 7 & Dibbell Rd
22) Hwy 7 1/4 mile south of Dibbell Rd.
23) Hwy 7 on telephone wire 1 mile south of Dibbell Rd.
24) Hwy 7 1 1/2 mile south of Dibbell Rd.
25) Hwy 7 3/4 mile north of Sax Rd
26) Hwy 7 junction of Sax Rd
27) Hwy 7 junction of Sax Rd
28) Hwy 7 1 mile south of Sax Rd
29) Hwy 7 1/2 mile north of Niemi Rd
30) Hwy 7 1/3 mile North of Niemi Rd
31) Hwy 7 100 yards north of Kacer Rd.
32) Corner of Hwy 7 & Niemi Rd
33) Corner of Hwy 7 & Arkola
34) Corner of Hwy 7 & Arkola
35) 8341 Arkola
36) 8341 Arkola
37) 8341 Arkola
38) Arkola 1/2 mile west of Murphy Rd
39) Stoney Pt Rd. 1/4 mile North of Alseth
40) Scenic Hwy 61 by Moss Island Rd
41) Scenic Hwy 61 by (railroad?) overpass
42) Scenic Hwy 61 by (railroad?) overpass
43) Scenic Hwy 61 1/4 mile North of Alseth
44) Scenic Hwy 61 @ Lakeshore Cottages
45) Parking lot @ Two Harbors Lighthouse (north side)
46) Lighthouse walking path in woods 
47) Lighthouse walking path in woods 
48) Lighthouse walking path in woods 
49) Lighthouse walking path in woods 
50) Lighthouse walking path in woods 
51) Parking lot at Two Harbors Lighthouse (south side)
 
 
 
-------------------------------1106019039-- From Avocet13@charter.net Tue Jan 18 19:08:10 2005 From: Avocet13@charter.net (Blaine) Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2005 13:08:10 -0600 Subject: [mou] Farmington Collared Doves Message-ID: For those of you that are starting year lists there are at least 5 EC Doves still in Farmington Blaine Seeliger Dakota Co. From bluejay@lauraerickson.com Tue Jan 18 19:19:23 2005 From: bluejay@lauraerickson.com (Laura Erickson) Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2005 13:19:23 -0600 Subject: [mou] Great Gray Owl eating squirrel Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20050118131542.02afceb8@smtp.lauraerickson.com> I got a call from a woman on Oakley street in my neighborhood (Lakeside) in Duluth this morning. She's had a Great Gray Owl hanging around her yard for over a week. This morning it killed a squirrel, and was ripping it apart and eating. She was both surprised and delighted to find this potential solution to her squirrel situation. Laura Erickson Duluth, MN Producer, "For the Birds" radio program There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of birds. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature--the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter. --Rachel Carson From bluejay@lauraerickson.com Tue Jan 18 19:23:32 2005 From: bluejay@lauraerickson.com (Laura Erickson) Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2005 13:23:32 -0600 Subject: [mou] Airport Snowy Owl-January 18 Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20050118131927.03c2ceb0@smtp.lauraerickson.com> The immature Snowy Owl was present at the airport this morning at about 11:15. It wasn't on any buildings, but was sitting on a snowbank near the building it had been seen on top of. Without a scope or good binoculars, it would be difficult to identify from the building through the glass as more than a dirty snowbank unless it moves its head. But a thorough scan from the observation lounge should still provide at least a peek. If you aren't planning to spend more than a few minutes studying it, you can park in the short-term parking, which is one dollar for 30 minutes. If you want to spend time photographing it, go to the longer term parking lot, which isn't much farther and is cheaper per hour. Laura Erickson Duluth, MN Producer, "For the Birds" radio program There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of birds. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature--the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter. --Rachel Carson From birdnird@yahoo.com Tue Jan 18 19:35:16 2005 From: birdnird@yahoo.com (Terence Brashear) Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2005 11:35:16 -0800 (PST) Subject: [mou] Territorial behavior exhibited by Great Gray Owl Pine County In-Reply-To: <5.2.1.1.2.20050118131542.02afceb8@smtp.lauraerickson.com> Message-ID: <20050118193516.66869.qmail@web50308.mail.yahoo.com> Hi Since my daughter and I were off for the holiday on Monday I packed her up in the car and we went to Pine County to look for owls. We ended up seeing nine Great Gray Owls in Pine County and one on 35W just north of Hinckley, MN. What was really interesting was watching one Great Gray Owl that was perched on the west side of a section suddenly make a bee line for another Great Gray Owl that flew in and perched on the east side of the section near us; traveling one mile in distance. The attacking Great Gray Owl drove the other bird away. I have seen Great Gray Owls in past irruptions totally ignore other birds in the area. This is the first time I have seen, what I perceived as, territory establishment in this species during irruption years. Has anyone else seen this behavior? Regards, Terry __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From bluejay@lauraerickson.com Tue Jan 18 19:48:06 2005 From: bluejay@lauraerickson.com (Laura Erickson) Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2005 13:48:06 -0600 Subject: [mou] Territorial behavior exhibited by Great Gray Owl Pine County In-Reply-To: <20050118193516.66869.qmail@web50308.mail.yahoo.com> References: <5.2.1.1.2.20050118131542.02afceb8@smtp.lauraerickson.com> Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20050118134352.03d00ec8@SMTP.lauraerickson.com> A couple of weeks ago I watched one Great Gray Owl attack another in the bog, along Highway 7. The attacking bird flew directly at the other, which flew up and the two seemed to be grabbing air rather than each other, and then the attacking bird took over the perch where the first had been, at the top of a large shrub, and the attacked bird dropped to a lower branch, and crouched and pulled its head back to look up and eye the other. It had its beak open part of the time, but I was much too far away to hear any bill snapping or other vocalizations. They were far enough from the road that I felt comfortable watching them, but after 10 minutes they still hadn't moved from that position and it was getting a bit darker so I moved on before I saw what happened next. Laura Erickson Duluth, MN Producer, "For the Birds" radio program There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of birds. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature--the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter. --Rachel Carson From two-jays@att.net Tue Jan 18 21:57:47 2005 From: two-jays@att.net (Jim Williams) Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2005 15:57:47 -0600 Subject: [mou] Fwd: BIRD SURVEY TECHNICIANS NEEDED (4) Message-ID: Job opportunity. forward by Jim Williams Wayzata Begin forwarded message: From: Thomas R Stanley Date: January 18, 2005 2:56:23 PM CST To: ORNITH-L@LISTSERV.UARK.EDU Subject: BIRD SURVEY TECHNICIANS NEEDED (4) Reply-To: "ORNITH-L: the scientific discussion of Ornithology" BIRD SURVEY TECHNICIANS NEEDED (4). Project Description/Services Required: We are conducting a study to determine the distribution and abundance of breeding long-billed curlews (LBCUs) in the western United States. Road-based survey routes from randomly selected locations throughout the west will be driven by teams of two technicians, who will stop at regularly-spaced survey points to count LBCUs and record vegetation, land use, and other site characteristics. The typical day will consist of approximately 6 hours of survey work, 2-4 hours of travel by vehicle to the next survey location, and a night of car camping on public land or private campground. The typical work week will be 40-50 hours with the hours spread unevenly among days, but may exceed 50 hours. The approximate start date is March 16, 2005, and the approximate end date is May 20, 2005. A 2-4 day orientation/training course at the Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, Colorado, will be given before survey work commences. We will provide a government vehicle for travel between survey locations, survey-related field gear (e.g., spotting scopes, binoculars, GPS units, laser rangefinders, cell phones), and some camping gear (e.g., tents, stoves, coolers). If you are a birder and enjoy camping, and would like to be paid to explore the west counting birds, then this job is perfect for you. Qualifications: Completion of two or more years of college-level coursework in wildlife, ecology, or a closely-related discipline is desirable. Applicants should be competent at bird identification, map-reading, and camping, and ideally would have previous field research experience. You must be a licensed driver, and a student (undergraduate or graduate) currently enrolled in a degree program or a former student that graduated within12 months of the position start date (see eligibility below). I am looking for mature, responsible, and self motivated individuals who work well with others and do not need constant supervision. CPR and first aid skills are desirable. Compensation: Students are considered independent contractors and are paid by purchase order (direct deposit to a checking or savings account). Compensation is based on education level, where the rate is $13.42/hr for 2 or more years of college, $15.01/hr for a BA/BS degree, $18.60/hr for BA/BS +1 year grad school, etc. Overtime will be paid at the usual hourly rate (no time and a half), and there will be no paid holidays, vacation time, or sick time. Per diem for meals/cost of food during field surveys will be provided by the USGS in the same manner as for federal employees, in accordance with the Government Travel Regulations. The student is responsible for all costs of transportation to and from the Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, Colorado. Eligibility: Students working under purchase orders must provide evidence of current enrollment prior to award. This can be a letter from the university admissions office, a current registration card, or other documentary evidence of the student's current status. Former students are eligible for only 12 months following the date the degree was earned (documentation, such as a photocopy of the diploma, is required); students who left school without graduating are not eligible. How to apply: Please email (preferred), FAX, or snail mail your resume to Dr. Tom Stanley, USGS Fort Collins Science Center, 2150 Centre Ave. Bldg. C, Fort Collins, CO 80526. Email: tom_stanley@usgs.gov. Phone: 970-226-9360. FAX: 970-226-9230. The deadline for submission of resumes is February 8, 2005. Please include the following: 1. Full legal name 2. Mailing address 3. Telephone number (landline and cell) 4. Email address 5. Date of birth 6. Citizenship and, if not a US citizen, immigration/VISA status 7. Education, including descriptions of relevant classes and grades 8. Work or volunteer experience related to the scientific field 9. Three references with contact information ************************************************************************ ****** Thomas R. Stanley, Ph.D. Phone: 970-226-9360 U.S. Geological Survey Fax: 970-226-9230 Fort Collins Science Center Email: tom_stanley@usgs.gov 2150 Centre Ave. Bldg. C www.fort.usgs.gov/staff/130.asp Fort Collins, CO 80526 ************************************************************************ ****** From Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com Tue Jan 18 22:22:39 2005 From: Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com (Alt, Mark) Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2005 16:22:39 -0600 Subject: [mou] Pine County Owls 1/17 Message-ID: <4F3C90DD5ABC32408C70AC50F47942BDDEB9AF@ds69mail.na.bestbuy.com> News from Pine County. Al Nelson, Of Sturgeon Lake, MN wrote: Mark Alt=20 Brooklyn Center, MN=20 mark.alt@bestbuy.com=20 "I recalled that I had read somewhere that in the Middle Ages Hell was envisioned as a place without birds." Jim Harrison=20 -----Original Message----- From: Al Nelson [mailto:alnelson@mooselake.k12.mn.us]=20 Sent: Tuesday, January 18, 2005 4:15 PM To: Alt, Mark Subject: Re: FW: Boreal Owl nest box project Saturday, 1/22/05 Mark: I enjoyed the density of GGO's so much on Sunday that when released early from our Monday meetings, Cindy and I went out at 3:30 pm. By 5:36 our count was 32 Great Grey Owls and 1 Northern Hawk Owl. We primarily covered the same area you and I did but saw only one owl in exactly the same place you and I did (remember that very scenic deserted barn at sunset with the owl on the lamp post). We also found 2 south of Kerrick on Trails End Rd. They haven't vacated Pine Cty. yet. Ferdie From Denise Ryan Wed Jan 19 00:00:41 2005 From: Denise Ryan (Denise Ryan) Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2005 19:00:41 -0500 Subject: [mou] Territorial behavior exhibited by Great Gray Owl Pine County In-Reply-To: <5.2.1.1.2.20050118134352.03d00ec8@SMTP.lauraerickson.com> References: <5.2.1.1.2.20050118131542.02afceb8@smtp.lauraerickson.com> <20050118193516.66869.qmail@web50308.mail.yahoo.com> <5.2.1.1.2.20050118134352.03d00ec8@SMTP.lauraerickson.com> Message-ID: A few observations I wanted to share - but not an attack thing -- First - I went looking at Two Harbors for the Boreal Owl by the light house on Monday at dawn. No Boreal owls there - but I wasn't surprised. Along that stretch of trail I encountered no less than 8 different GGOs at very close range sitting in the sun. It would be a brave or foolish Boreal to hang out in the company of so many large owls. So, if you all are looking for Boreal, don't look where you see lots of GGOs. But if others have comments on this - I'd like to learn more. Second - while watching a GGO sleep in the sun in Sax Zim over the weekend I heard a Black Capped Chickadee sing off in the distance. The GGO heard it too. He/she woke up, turned her head and did a yawn / bill snap in the direction of the Chickadee. I'll admit that I do a great deal of anthropomorphizing with critters, but this certainly seemed to be a commentary from the owl on the Chickadee song. I've never seen that before. Third - I did finally find a Boreal around Two Harbors in very thick conifers after the Chickdee brigade located it for me. The Boreal Owl used some great hiding techniques to lose the Chickadees. First it flew under a bough heavy with snow - so heavy it was like a little shelter completely covering the bird. It was pretty much out of sight until the Chickadees found it again and flushed it. Then it moved to another branch and hit its face behind a snowy bough. Only the face was hidden and the back was seen - but blended in with the trunk of the tree. This seemed to fake out the Chickadees. From time to time the Boreal would lift its head from behind the snow to look out again - giving me good ID looks. When the coast was almost clear, the Boreal left that perch and found another only a few feet away where it puffed up the feathers and settled in for a nap at which time I departed. It was good owl survival drama. Good birding all, and Minnesota - thanks for the wonderful hospitality and birds! My expense report will follow to the appropriate folks. Denise Ryan Washington, DC On Tue, 18 Jan 2005 13:48:06 -0600, Laura Erickson wrote: > A couple of weeks ago I watched one Great Gray Owl attack another in the > bog, along Highway 7. The attacking bird flew directly at the other, which > flew up and the two seemed to be grabbing air rather than each other, and > then the attacking bird took over the perch where the first had been, at > the top of a large shrub, and the attacked bird dropped to a lower branch, > and crouched and pulled its head back to look up and eye the other. It had > its beak open part of the time, but I was much too far away to hear any > bill snapping or other vocalizations. They were far enough from the road > that I felt comfortable watching them, but after 10 minutes they still > hadn't moved from that position and it was getting a bit darker so I moved > on before I saw what happened next. > > Laura Erickson > Duluth, MN > > Producer, "For the Birds" radio program > > > There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of > birds. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of > nature--the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter. > > --Rachel Carson > > > _______________________________________________ > mou-net mailing list > mou-net@cbs.umn.edu > http://cbs.umn.edu/mailman/listinfo/mou-net > From stan_1ch@yahoo.com Wed Jan 19 02:34:57 2005 From: stan_1ch@yahoo.com (Stan Merrill) Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2005 18:34:57 -0800 (PST) Subject: [mou] Rare owls are on the wing this winter Message-ID: <20050119023458.63925.qmail@web61309.mail.yahoo.com> Greetings: Thought you'd be interested in this information shared by a New York friend, close to the "Pale Male & Lola" scenario and her friend, Gerry Rising. Enjoy! Happy Birding! Stan Merrill Apple Valley, Dakota Co. ***************** --- KimMarie Markel wrote: > From: "KimMarie Markel" > To: "Stan" > Subject: Rare owls are on the wing this winter > Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2005 17:50:51 -0500 > > Hi Stan, > thought you might find this interesting - or a good > column to share with your Minnesota birders. > > One of my favorite local weekly columnists wrote a nice > piece about owls traveling southward this winter - > http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20050116/3016036.asp > I'm including it in full because he is very generous > about allowing his work to be shared. If you want to read past columns by Mr. Rising he has his own > website: http://www.acsu.buffalo.edu/~insrisg/nature/ - > lots of interesting nature topics are covered in the archives. > > kimmarie :] ************************* > NATURE WATCH > Rare owls are on the wing this winter > By GERRY RISING > > 1/16/2005 > > The large owls most often seen on the Niagara Frontier in > winter are the great horned owl, short-eared owl and long-eared owl. > This year, however, may prove quite different. > Occasionally conditions in the boreal forests and tundra > of northern Canada cause other owls to move south, and we have rare opportunities to see them. > These uncommon large owl species are snowy owl, hawk owl > and great gray owl. > > The specific conditions that initiate these incursions > are not well known. > They may in fact be different in different years. In one > recent year, for example, apparently a lack of food caused the movement, because many starving owls were brought to rehabilitators. Because the diet of these > birds is largely voles - those little mammals that most > of us call field mice - the cyclically changing populations of the tiny rodents probably have > much to do with these owl incursions. > > Something like the following scenario may occur: In one > winter the mouse population peaks and well-fed owls respond by raising large broods of young > that year. By the following winter, the resulting > overpopulation of owls has > caused the mouse population to crash and available > hunting grounds to be depleted. Excess birds have to seek new territories, and the fortunate ones move south. > > Early evidence this year, however, suggests that the > cause may be something else, because many birds that have already appeared have been in good condition. > > Whatever the cause, hundreds of rare owls are moving into > southern Canada and the northern United States this winter. In Minnesota, for example, by > the end of 2004, over 200 hawk owls had been reported, as > were more than 1,300 of the still rarer great gray owls. The situation in Canada north of Lake Ontario is similar. > > What is best for those who enjoy observing unusual birds > is the fact that these owls are unaccustomed to humans and are little bothered by us. They > usually simply sit and peer at you as you approach. > Because of this and their large size, they are often photographed. You can see many of them, > like the superb ones by Canadians Judy Eberspaecher and > Dave Mills appearing here, on the Ontario Field Naturalists' Web site, > http://www.ofo.ca/photos/. > > The most common of these three owls and the easiest to > identify is the snowy owl, our only largely white owl. It is often seen sitting on the ground > around airports or on perches along the Niagara River and > the shores of Lakes Erie and Ontario. Sometimes, however, they visit the city or suburbs, > where they pose majestically on building roofs. > > Like the snowy owl, the hawk owl is active in daytime. As > the name suggests, it is hawk-like and thus unlikely to be confused with other owls. It is > usually seen scanning for prey from atop a tree or > telephone pole. Its relatively long tail, whitish facial disk outlined with black and falcon > shape further identify it. The smallest of these three > species, its fluffed-out feathers make it appear much larger than a crow. > > By far the biggest-appearing of all North American owls > is the great gray owl. In bulk it is almost eagle-sized; however, this appearance, like that > of all owls, is deceptive. The great gray owl weighs only > two to three pounds, its thick, deep feathering giving it both insulation and its larger > profile. In fact, less bulky snowy owls and great horned > owls weigh more. > This large woodland owl shows a distinctive white > mustache spreading from just below its bill. > > As these and other boreal species move south from > northern Ontario, they meet the Great Lakes and tend to accumulate north of them. For that reason > we don't usually see them in this region. This year, > however, with so many on the move, the chances are greater that some will make it to the Niagara Frontier. __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? The all-new My Yahoo! - What will yours do? http://my.yahoo.com From a_molson@unidial.com Wed Jan 19 17:02:25 2005 From: a_molson@unidial.com (Ann and Manley Olson) Date: Wed, 19 Jan 2005 11:02:25 -0600 Subject: [mou] Falcon Heights Varied Thrush Message-ID: <41EE92A1.8030005@unidial.com> I got back from Arizona last night.Did not find the thrush this morning.The homeowner on Howell also just got back from a trip so there has been no regular looking for the past week or so.I last saw it on Jan 8. Idid not get any reports that anyone saw it since.If you did,let me know. Manley Olson From anderson.diane@mayo.edu Wed Jan 19 16:32:55 2005 From: anderson.diane@mayo.edu (Anderson, Diane M.(QC)) Date: Wed, 19 Jan 2005 10:32:55 -0600 Subject: [mou] Varied Thrush in Olmsted County Message-ID: This message is in MIME format. Since your mail reader does not understand this format, some or all of this message may not be legible. ------_=_NextPart_001_01C4FE44.877D7496 Content-Type: text/plain A Varied Thrush has been seen feeding on the ground at a feeder in Rochester at 631 Toogood Court SW. This is a difficult view on the downhill side of the backyard. We have permission from the homeowner to enter the yard, but the best view is from 6th Ave SW. Parking is quite limited although the street is not too busy. If interested you can e-mail me with any questions. > Diane M. Anderson RT(R) > Medical Imaging Technical Services > Department of Radiology > Mayo Clinic Rochester > (507) 266-8504 > anderson.diane@mayo.edu > > ------_=_NextPart_001_01C4FE44.877D7496 Content-Type: text/html Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Varied Thrush in Olmsted County

A Varied Thrush has = been seen feeding on the ground at a feeder  in Rochester at  = 631 Toogood Court SW.  This is a difficult view on the downhill = side of the backyard.  We have permission from the homeowner to = enter the yard, but the best view is from 6th Ave SW.    = Parking is quite limited although the street is not too = busy.   If interested  you can e-mail me with any = questions. 

      Diane M. = Anderson RT(R)
      Medical = Imaging Technical Services
      Department of Radiology
      Mayo = Clinic Rochester
      (507) = 266-8504
      anderson.diane@mayo.edu


------_=_NextPart_001_01C4FE44.877D7496-- From Markjunghans@aol.com Wed Jan 19 18:42:01 2005 From: Markjunghans@aol.com (Markjunghans@aol.com) Date: Wed, 19 Jan 2005 13:42:01 EST Subject: [mou] Anoka Cty. Varied Thrush dead Message-ID: <1d6.34a5329e.2f2003f9@aol.com> --part1_1d6.34a5329e.2f2003f9_boundary Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit The Varied Thrush, who has been a regular at our feeders since Jan. 5, was found dead today, Wednesday, January 19, the victim of a cat. He fed at 30 to 60 minute intervals and was last seen Tuesday at 4 PM. We are glad those that called were able to see it as it was a life bird for some. :( Mark and Bev Junghans --part1_1d6.34a5329e.2f2003f9_boundary Content-Type: text/html; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable The Varied Thrush, who has been a r= egular at our feeders since Jan. 5, was found dead today, Wednesday, January= 19, the victim of a cat. He fed at 30 to 60 minute intervals and was last s= een Tuesday at 4 PM. We are glad those that called were able to see it as it= was a life bird for some. :(

Mark and Bev Junghans --part1_1d6.34a5329e.2f2003f9_boundary-- From Chris Benson" This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0022_01C4FE45.1E9694C0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable The Varied Thrush reported at 631 Toogood Ct SW in Rochester was present at noon today, nice way to spend a lunch break. It was visible from 6th Av SW feeding under the pole feeder in the = backyard. You can't see it from the front yard so look from 6th Av. Please note that parking could be a problem. The street is very narrow with no real good place to park. And it is on a downhill curve so traffic doesn't have much of a chance to work around you if you're not as focusing on your surroundings as much as you are finding or viewing the bird. Keep the Airfull Beak bird on your shoulder... Chris Benson Rochester, MN ------=_NextPart_000_0022_01C4FE45.1E9694C0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
The Varied Thrush reported at 631 = Toogood Ct SW in=20 Rochester
was present at noon today, nice way to = spend a=20 lunch break.
It was visible from 6th Av SW feeding = under the=20 pole feeder in the backyard.
You can't see it from the front yard so = look from=20 6th Av.
Please note that parking could be a=20 problem.
The street is very narrow with no real = good place=20 to park.
And it is on a downhill curve so = traffic doesn't=20 have much
of a chance to work around you if = you're not as=20 focusing on
your surroundings as much as you are = finding or=20 viewing the bird.
Keep the Airfull Beak bird on your=20 shoulder...
 
Chris Benson
Rochester, = MN
------=_NextPart_000_0022_01C4FE45.1E9694C0-- From Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com Wed Jan 19 23:34:06 2005 From: Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com (Alt, Mark) Date: Wed, 19 Jan 2005 17:34:06 -0600 Subject: [mou] New MOU webpage design Message-ID: <4F3C90DD5ABC32408C70AC50F47942BDDEB9DE@ds69mail.na.bestbuy.com> http://www.cbs.umn.edu/~mou/ Tony Hertzel and Dave Cahlander have done some of their techno magic and done a great service for the MOU and the Birding community at large. Check out some of the beautiful photos of MN Owls that lead you in to the Owl invasion site. Enjoy!=20 Mark Alt=20 President,=20 Minnesota Ornithologists Union J. F. Bell Museum of Natural History University of Minnesota 10 Church Street SE Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104 MOU.mn.org mark.alt@bestbuy.com Cell: 612-803-9085 From smithville4@charter.net Thu Jan 20 15:02:22 2005 From: smithville4@charter.net (Mike Hendrickson) Date: Thu, 20 Jan 2005 09:02:22 -0600 Subject: [mou] Two Snowy Owls Message-ID: <000801c4ff01$0b87b5f0$46a47044@FAMILYCOMPUTER> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0005_01C4FECE.C08B9DF0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Thanks to John Arthur photos of last weekend Snowy Owls it was = determined by myself and another birder that there are two snowy Owls in = the vicinity of the Duluth Int'l Airport and the corner of Stebber Rd = and Hwy 53 intersection. =20 While guiding my Minnesota Birding Treks group last Sunday we refound = the reported snowy owl at the Duluth Int'l airport runway. This owl then = flew over to us and landed o a building. John was able to take a photo = of this owl as it flew right over us. As we left the the old airport terminal buildings off Stebner road we = drove out to Highway 53 and I found what I thought was the same owl on = the telephone pole over highway 53. John took more photos of this owl = and while John was taking photos birders were telling me this owl is = different because it looked much whiter vs. the heavy spotted owl of = what we observed on the runway and over by the prison buildings. John just sent me the photos and I forwarded them to Peder Svingen as he = is tabulating all owl sightings during this eruption year. The photos = clearly shows that these are two different birds. The airport runway owl = looks to be a imm female snowy owl and the owl on Stebner and Hwy 53 = looks like a imm. male snowy owl. Thanks to John Arthur for the photos and Peder Svingen for observing = these photos and helping to back up the claims that these are two = different owls. So far to the best of my knowledge that the imm male = owl has not been seen since last Sunday. There was a report of a snowy = owl a few weeks ago seen along Piedmont Ave. and this could be the same = owl. =20 Michael Hendrickson Duluth, Minnesota Minnesota Birding Treks http://webpages.charter.net/mmhendrickson/ ------=_NextPart_000_0005_01C4FECE.C08B9DF0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Thanks to John Arthur photos = of last=20 weekend Snowy Owls it was determined by myself and another birder that = there are=20 two snowy Owls in the vicinity of the Duluth Int'l Airport and the = corner of=20 Stebber Rd and Hwy 53 intersection. 
 
While guiding my = Minnesota Birding=20 Treks group last Sunday we refound the reported snowy owl at the Duluth = Int'l=20 airport runway. This owl then flew over to us and landed o a building. = John=20 was able to take a photo of this owl as it flew right over = us.
 
As we left the the old = airport=20 terminal buildings off Stebner road we drove out to Highway 53 and = I=20 found what I thought was the same owl on the telephone pole over = highway=20 53.  John took more photos of this owl and while John was = taking=20 photos birders were telling me this owl is different because it looked = much=20 whiter vs. the heavy spotted owl of what we observed on the = runway and=20 over by the prison buildings.
 
John just sent me the = photos and I=20 forwarded them to Peder Svingen as he is tabulating all owl = sightings=20 during this eruption year.  The photos clearly shows that = these are=20 two different birds. The airport runway owl looks to be a imm = female snowy=20 owl and the owl on Stebner and Hwy 53 looks like a imm. male = snowy=20 owl.
 
Thanks to John = Arthur for the photos=20 and Peder Svingen for observing these photos and helping to back up = the=20 claims that these are two different owls.  So far to the best = of my=20 knowledge that the imm male owl has not been seen since last = Sunday.  There=20 was a report of a snowy owl a few weeks ago seen=20 along Piedmont Ave. and this could be the = same owl.
  
Michael = Hendrickson
Duluth,=20 Minnesota
Minnesota Birding Treks
http://webpages.chart= er.net/mmhendrickson/
------=_NextPart_000_0005_01C4FECE.C08B9DF0-- From smithville4@charter.net Thu Jan 20 15:13:34 2005 From: smithville4@charter.net (Mike Hendrickson) Date: Thu, 20 Jan 2005 09:13:34 -0600 Subject: [mou] January19th Birds Message-ID: <000f01c4ff02$9c559b50$46a47044@FAMILYCOMPUTER> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_000C_01C4FED0.517D37F0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Was out guiding today with some birders from Washington. Highlights: ** ONLY TWO Great Gray Owls were seen in the Sax Zim Bog. I was owling = areas north of county road 52. The owls definitely moved south and west = to Aitkin Co. Carlton Co. and Pine Co. -Hawk Owls are still very numerous in Sax Zim Bog. -Bohemian Waxwings in the town of Meadowlands. Check out the buckthorn = patch along Spruce Street. Spruce Street is a east -west road on the = northern edge of Meadowlands. Meadowlands is located along county road = 133. -Hoary Redpoll coming to a feeder in Two Harbors. =20 - Black-billed Magpie seen along Co. Rd 52 east of Co. Rd 7 -Harlequin Ducks are still at Agate Bay along the lake side of the = breakwall. * No Boreal Owls but I received a report of one in West Duluth and you = need snowshoes to see it. (Robbeye Johnson of Superior, WI called in = this sighting to me) I have no exact locations of where. Other birds are still in good numbers: Pine Grosbeaks, Common Redpolls, = Pine Siskins, and Northern Shrikes. =20 Michael Hendrickson Duluth, Minnesota Minnesota Birding Treks http://webpages.charter.net/mmhendrickson/ ------=_NextPart_000_000C_01C4FED0.517D37F0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Was out guiding today with = some birders=20 from Washington.
 
Highlights:
 
** ONLY TWO Great Gray Owls = were seen in=20 the Sax Zim Bog. I was owling areas north of county road 52.  The = owls=20 definitely moved south and west to Aitkin Co. Carlton Co. and Pine=20 Co.
 
-Hawk Owls are still very = numerous in Sax=20 Zim Bog.
 
-Bohemian Waxwings in the = town of=20 Meadowlands. Check out the buckthorn patch along Spruce Street. Spruce = Street is=20 a east -west road on the northern edge of Meadowlands.  Meadowlands = is=20 located along county road 133.
 
-Hoary Redpoll coming to a = feeder in Two=20 Harbors. 
 
- Black-billed Magpie seen = along Co. Rd=20 52 east of Co. Rd 7
 
-Harlequin Ducks are still at = Agate Bay=20 along the lake side of the breakwall.
 
* No Boreal Owls but I = received a report=20 of one in West Duluth and you need snowshoes to see it.  (Robbeye = Johnson=20 of Superior, WI  called in this sighting to me) I have no exact = locations=20 of where.
 
Other birds are still in good = numbers:  Pine Grosbeaks, Common Redpolls, Pine Siskins, and = Northern=20 Shrikes.
 
Michael = Hendrickson
Duluth,=20 Minnesota
Minnesota Birding Treks
http://webpages.chart= er.net/mmhendrickson/
------=_NextPart_000_000C_01C4FED0.517D37F0-- From PastorAl@PrincetonFreeChurch.net Thu Jan 20 15:14:34 2005 From: PastorAl@PrincetonFreeChurch.net (Pastor Al) Date: Thu, 20 Jan 2005 09:14:34 -0600 Subject: [mou] Duluth/Two Harbors Questions Message-ID: <001101c4ff02$c01e86a0$0c01a8c0@PastorAl> My son (12) and I are planning a Duluth/Two Harbors (and, perhaps, Sax-Zim) trip either Saturday or Monday. There are a few birds we would like to "chase" (not literally), any recommendations would be great: * Boreal Owl (Where in Two Harbors is best? Is the Knife River bird consistent? Life bird for both of us.) * Boreal Chickadee (know the Owl Road location) * Both Crossbills * Pine & Evening Grosbeaks (do know two feeder areas in Sax-Zim, but are they still "open"?) * Harlequin Duck (are they consistently in Agate Bay?) * Winter gulls (Glaucous, Iceland, Thayers - especially with the recent closure) * Gyrfalcon We would be happy to travel an additional hour or so from Duluth as well. Thanks! Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties From MMARTELL@audubon.org Thu Jan 20 15:24:31 2005 From: MMARTELL@audubon.org (MARTELL, Mark) Date: Thu, 20 Jan 2005 10:24:31 -0500 Subject: [mou] New MOU webpage design Message-ID: WOW Excellent Job! Mark Martell Director of Bird Conservation Audubon Minnesota 2357 Ventura Drive #106 St. Paul, MN 55125 651-739-9332 651-731-1330 (FAX) -----Original Message----- From: mou-net-admin@cbs.umn.edu [mailto:mou-net-admin@cbs.umn.edu]On Behalf Of Alt, Mark Sent: Wednesday, January 19, 2005 5:34 PM To: mou-net@cbs.umn.edu; mnbird@lists.mnbird.net Subject: [mou] New MOU webpage design http://www.cbs.umn.edu/~mou/ Tony Hertzel and Dave Cahlander have done some of their techno magic and done a great service for the MOU and the Birding community at large. Check out some of the beautiful photos of MN Owls that lead you in to the Owl invasion site. Enjoy!=20 Mark Alt=20 President,=20 Minnesota Ornithologists Union J. F. Bell Museum of Natural History University of Minnesota 10 Church Street SE Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104 MOU.mn.org mark.alt@bestbuy.com Cell: 612-803-9085 _______________________________________________ mou-net mailing list mou-net@cbs.umn.edu http://cbs.umn.edu/mailman/listinfo/mou-net From JEBonkoski@aol.com Thu Jan 20 15:46:53 2005 From: JEBonkoski@aol.com (JEBonkoski@aol.com) Date: Thu, 20 Jan 2005 10:46:53 EST Subject: [mou] Owls in NW Minnesota Message-ID: <1ac.300a0230.2f212c6d@aol.com> -------------------------------1106236013 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit On Jan. 17 - 19, Ernie Lewis, Bob Janssen and I went on a birding trip to NW Minnesota. We found Great Gray Owls in several locations; four Great Gray Owls within about 2 miles of each other on the Hubbard & Cass Co. lines (Jan 17, about 10:00 am), along Hiway 64 & 87, we also found a Northern Hawk Owl in this same vicinity; we found 3 Great Gray Owls around the intersection of Hiway 71 & 113 in Hubbard and Becker Co. (Jan. 19, about 11:30 am), we refound the Great Gray Owl along Hiway 200 in Mahnomen Co. (Jan 17, 2:00 pm) and we found one dead Great Gray Owl along Hiway 59 in Marshall Co. (Mile post 375). We also saw the Northern Hawk Owl reported from Norman Co. at the intersection of Hiway 32 and 200. We also saw Sharp-tailed Grouse in Marshall Co., Greater Prairie-Chickens in Polk & Norman Co. and Northern Shrikes in Kittson, Marshall, and Norman Co. We saw Pine Grosbeaks and one Rough-legged Hawk in Mahnomen Co. and a Northern Goshawk in Becker Co., along Hiway 113. We saw a total of 44 species on our 3 day trip. -------------------------------1106236013 Content-Type: text/html; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
On Jan. 17 - 19, Ernie Lewis, Bob Janssen and I went on a birding trip=20= to=20 NW Minnesota.  We found Great Gray Owls in several locations; four Grea= t=20 Gray Owls within about 2 miles of each other on the Hubbard & Cass Co. l= ines=20 (Jan 17, about 10:00 am), along Hiway 64 & 87, we also found a Northern=20= Hawk=20 Owl in this same vicinity; we found 3 Great Gray Owls around the intersectio= n=20 of Hiway 71 & 113 in Hubbard and Becker Co. (Jan. 19, about 11:30 a= m),=20 we refound the Great Gray Owl along Hiway 200 in Mahnomen Co. (Jan 17, 2:00=20 pm) and we found one dead Great Gray Owl along Hiway 59 in Marshall Co.= =20 (Mile post 375).  We also saw the Northern Hawk Owl reported=20 from Norman Co. at the intersection of Hiway 32 and 200.
 
We also saw Sharp-tailed Grouse in Marshall Co., Greater=20 Prairie-Chickens in Polk & Norman Co. and Northern Shrikes in Kittson,=20 Marshall, and Norman Co.  We saw Pine Grosbeaks and one Rough-legged Ha= wk=20 in Mahnomen Co. and a Northern Goshawk in Becker Co., along Hiway=20 113.
 
We saw a total of 44 species on our 3 day trip.
 
 
 -------------------------------1106236013-- From reforest@wiktel.com Thu Jan 20 16:39:18 2005 From: reforest@wiktel.com (Tom Crumpton) Date: Thu, 20 Jan 2005 10:39:18 -0600 Subject: [mou] Borderland report Message-ID: <41EFDEB6.8040401@wiktel.com> Still feeding 80+ evening and 12+ pine grosbeaks with the goldfinches, redpolls, nuthatches, chickadees, gray jays and magpies. Bait for magpies and gray jays maybe getting thin though. Does anyone know how a person would set up a web camera to share this? Maybe a person should just do a video. I'm open to suggestions. Location Canadian border, Rainy River. Have a great week Tom From Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com Thu Jan 20 16:04:25 2005 From: Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com (Alt, Mark) Date: Thu, 20 Jan 2005 10:04:25 -0600 Subject: [mou] State of the state of MN Owl Irruption 1-20-05 Message-ID: <4F3C90DD5ABC32408C70AC50F47942BDDEB9E4@ds69mail.na.bestbuy.com> The winter of 2004 and 2005 is still the year of the Owls in Minnesota, and now fro Wisconsin, as well. The Minnesota Ornithologists' Union (MOU) and Audubon Minnesota are working with agency and University biologists to collect data on these Owls. Records of sightings in MN should be emailed to the MOU at mou@cbs.umn.edu.=20 Peder Svingen, MOU Records Committee Chair, has tallied reports thus far of 1715 Great Gray owls (GGOW's), more than 300 Northern Hawk Owls (NHOW's), and more than 400 Boreal Owls (BOOW's) in MN as of 1/17/05. This compares to last year's more typical numbers of 35 GGOW's, 6 NHOW's, and 1 BOOW's for MN and each represents the highest number ever documented in the state in a single winter season. These numbers have been adjusted to account for multiple sightings and are backed up with an Owl census coordinated by Dave Grossheusch and Jim Lind. Kim Eckert, Mike Hendrickson, and Peder Svingen also helped plan and implement this census, which will be repeated at monthly intervals through March. The first survey in early December tallied 167 Owls along randomly selected routes in northern Minnesota, plus an additional 88 owls along non-randomly selected routes. Dave Evans and others at Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve, plus Jim Lind, Dave Grosshuesch, Frank Nicoletti, Denny Meyer and Bill Lane have banded Owls intensively this fall.. Without banding, we would certainly have missed the early Boreal Owl movements this year. 378 BOOW's have been banded this winter, 268 of these by Frank Nicoletti alone.=20 The MN DNR processes dead owls found and reports their freezers are filling up. 171 GGOW's, 25 BOOW's, and 2 NOHW's are logged in already, with more on the way. In the past 2 weeks, BOOW's have been regularly found roosting or feeding in the open along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Normally nocturnal, any Boreal Owl seen in these circumstances is food-stressed. Snow depth and conditions are now affecting prey availability. These factors combined with winds and bitter temperatures are exacerbating the Owls' slide towards starvation. Freezing rain coated northeastern Minnesota with ice just before New Year's Eve. Extreme arctic cold since 1/14/05 coincided with half the dead BOOW's picked up this year. According to Steve Wilson, MN DNR Ecologist, this follows the precedent of 1989, when a similar arctic blast killed off many BOOW's.=20 GGOW's are not surviving very well. Their penchant for sailing in front of passing vehicles adds to their mortality rates caused by other stresses. They are being seen near open farmed areas and in mixed deciduous and conifer forests. The habitat their target prey frequents is grassy open areas that are not too dry in summer. Roadside ditches, meadows, and forest edge habitats are prime vole habitat. Ditches are now packed with hard snow, forcing the owls in more from the roads. They are frequently being seen near farm buildings. NHOW's are still sticking to open, barren field edge environments, and are being seen close to where they were being seen a month ago. NHOW numbers may have stabilized; it will be interesting to see how far their dispersal takes them. David Willard, of the Chicago Field Museum of Natural History, collected GGOW specimens from the invasion year in 1995-1996. Of the 43 GGOW's he studied, 30 were female and were more apt to be in good physical shape (i.e., carrying fat ) while the 13 males were emaciated. Dave and his colleagues theorize that the reason there were more females was that they had territories along roads where people driving by were likely to find them (dead) and where the birds could still find prey, while the males were away from roads with less accessible prey, and less likely to be found when they died. They do not know if this is true--just that it fit the data. Supporting the possibility of the sexes using different habitats was the fact that while both were feeding primarily on Microtus, the only Southern Bog Lemmings and Arctic Shrews were in male stomachs (despite a much smaller sample size for males). Dave is hoping to augment these samples this year and to see if there are similar patterns. Many GGOW specimens will be going his way. If you want to check out specimen information on the owls from the 1995-96 invasion you can find it at their database at http://fm1.fieldmuseum.org/collections/search.cgi?dest=3Dbirds. The Minnesota Ornithologists' Union (MOU) is still looking for data on these owls. It is important that as much data is collected as is possible.=20 A good record includes: 1. A correctly identified species 2. Date of observation 3. A specific location=20 4. Observers' names and contact information These great birds have now dispersed throughout the northern half of the state of MN, common as far south as central Pine and Aitkin Counties. GGOW seen in the south are in good condition, confirmed by banders. Southernmost birds are most active at dawn and after 3:30 PM, actively hunting from prominent perches. GGOW's resident now in the far north are frequently found in poor condition, with fat reserves depleted and body weights very low.=20 Dead Owls should be reported to the local DNR office. Sax-Zim and the north shore of Superior, where large numbers of Owls were first discovered, have far fewer Owls than two weeks ago. Dispersal to the west appears to be limited, perhaps due to the more open prairie and farmlands, but there have been sightings as far west as Kittson, Marshall, Pennington, Polk, and Mahnomen counties within since 1/10/05. A GGOW strayed as far west as Grand Forks in late December, the first confirmed record for North Dakota since the 1960's. Another was found in Southern Iowa this week, only the fifth record for that state. In Minnesota, only a few GGOW's are being seen farther south than central Pine County as of 1/15, yet as many as a 100 are being seen in Wisconsin, so a general southward and eastward dispersal is continuing. FAQ's: Why are they here?=20 Depletion of primary food supply has caused a mass southward movement; Lake Winnipeg forms a Western barrier to Owls from the north, funneling birds to the east of it. Boreal forest in Manitoba gives way to Prairie, so Owls would follow continuous forest SE to progress southward. Lake of the Woods is the next barricade to western dispersal. Owls would then move south to meet Lake Superior, turning SW towards the Superior National Forest and the North Shore of Superior, which we witnessed.=20 =20 Where will they go?=20 We can confirm GGOW's have dispersed South in the past 2 weeks in large numbers to Pine and Aitkin Counties in MN and to the Southeast to Douglas and Burnett Counties in WI. A single GGOW is being reported in Iowa. NHOW and BOOW remain rare and hard to find south of Duluth. A continuation of dispersal trends may move birds deeper into Wisconsin and into Chisago, Anoka, Isanti, Sherburne and Washington Counties in Minnesota, continuing southward and eastward. Birds moving into Wisconsin may be following the continuation of boreal forest east to Crex Meadows and on. A reverse movement north and east along Lake Superior has been noted since 1/14/05. It is not known if this represents a return path to their breeding grounds o merely birds dispersing elsewhere after finding no prey to the south. How many will survive?=20 We are not certain. Mortality rates are higher in Northern MN thus far.. The DNR has to get dead owls reported to them so they may determine cause of death. Birders need to disperse their activities now to report where the birds are and in what densities they are found, both in MN and in WI. Sadly, birders should look for dead owls to report to the DNR, look for their wingtips or tails sticking out of the snow. Every sighting and report is important now; each bird may become the one that stays to attempt breeding. It is a huge area to cover; we need everyone out looking for owls in promising habitat. Please remain vigilant and help us monitor the saga as it plays out.=20 What can I do to help these birds? You that have enjoyed these birds this year should consider giving of your time or money to some of the groups that are coordinating efforts to support these birds. =20 * The MOU is providing services documenting sightings, natural histories and behaviors of these birds. We will be publishing data, observations, and research from this irruption year. A special publication with photos, maps and all the data compiled is planned. http://www.cbs.umn.edu/~mou/ * The MN DNR uses funds from licenses and the "chickadee check-off" to support conservation programs and wildlife and forestry services that impact this area. Carroll Henderson, Head of the DNR Wildlife Division comments "The State is in the process of updating its list of threatened and endangered species, and it would be appropriate to review the status of these three owls to make sure that they are given appropriate consideration for listing. The boreal owl's status should be looked at very closely." Please donate and support them. http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/index.html * Minnesota Audubon is working on Sax-Zim as an IBA (Important Bird Area), and will help coordinate development of habitat management and conservation practices with State and local organizations to ensure alignment and outcomes that are good for the Owls. The MOU and Audubon are also collecting information on birders. Birding as an economic benefit to rural areas can best be documented by tracking where birders are coming from and how much they are spending. To accomplish that we are asking our birding visitors to let us know when they are in the state and how much they spend, and on what (motel, gas, food, etc). Information can be sent to mmartell@audubon.org.http://www.audubon.org/chapter/mn/mn/programs.html * The Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve in Duluth sponsors banding and research; it was their contract bander, Frank Nicoletti, that showed us how many BOOW's were on the move in late fall 2004. http://www.hawkridge.org/ * Bill Lane is a bander and Owl researcher in Tofte, MN that specializes in Boreal Owls. You can volunteer to help him build or hang boxes or sponsor him in his efforts to locate breeding BOOW's and map their abundance. He uses no calls to attract birds; he only listens for actively singing birds. Last year, he heard only three BOOW's in an entire spring season. It is the hard way to do it, but it puts less stress on the birds. http://www.mindspring.com/~owlman/=20 * The Raptor Center has handled many injured Owls this season - 43 total: GGOW - 39 admitted; 14 survived; 3 released; 25 died=20 NHOW - 2 admitted; 1 survived; 0 released; 1 died BOOW - 2 admitted; 1 survived; 0 released; 1 died These birds had all suffered collisions with cars and blunt trauma injuries with the exception of the Boreal that died, cause of death was starvation. All other Owls were deemed to be in good physical condition prior to their injuries. http://www.theraptorcentor.org Supporting any of these groups by making a donation will ensure your money is put to good use. Joining up as a member can put your time to good use. We all share memberships, partnerships and interests. You should earmark donations for specific use towards Owl conservation and research or it may get applied to other worthy programs. All of our efforts are funded by donations and memberships. Birders and residents have been remarkable stewards this season in Minnesota, consistently favoring decisions that favor the Owls. The outcome of this irruption year may be tough to witness and document, but we will see it through. I look forward to hearing Owls on territory in a couple of months, the booming hoots of a Great Gray or the hollow toots of the Boreal mixed in with the steady calling of Saw-Whets. =20 Good Birding, go find some Owls for us, please. This essay is the product of all listed here and many more, Mark Alt President, Minnesota Ornithologists' Union markfalcon@comcast.net (Cell) 612-803-9085 Brooklyn Center, MN From bluebill@surfbest.net Thu Jan 20 21:05:43 2005 From: bluebill@surfbest.net (bluebill@surfbest.net) Date: Thu, 20 Jan 2005 21:05:43 -00 Subject: [mou] RE: [mnbird] Anoka Cty. Varied Thrush dead Message-ID: <265000-22005142021543178@surfbest.net> >Will the cat's owner be informed of the treasure it has destroyed? > > >---- Original Message ---- >From: Markjunghans@aol.com >To: mnbird@lists.mnbird.net, mou-net@biosci.cbs.umn.edu >Subject: RE: [mnbird] Anoka Cty. Varied Thrush dead >Date: Wed, 19 Jan 2005 13:42:01 EST > >>The Varied Thrush, who has been a regular at our feeders since Jan. >5, was >>found dead today, Wednesday, January 19, the victim of a cat. He fed >at 30 to 60 >>minute intervals and was last seen Tuesday at 4 PM. We are glad >those that >>called were able to see it as it was a life bird for some. :( >> >>Mark and Bev Junghans >> From Wayne_Brininger@fws.gov Thu Jan 20 21:21:39 2005 From: Wayne_Brininger@fws.gov (Wayne_Brininger@fws.gov) Date: Thu, 20 Jan 2005 15:21:39 -0600 Subject: [mou] 2 new Great Gray Owls in Becker Co. Message-ID: I observed two great gray owls this afternoon (1:30 pm) on the Ponsford Prairie in eastern Becker Co about 25 miles northeast of Detroit Lakes near the Jct of Co Hwy 35 and Co Hwy 37 (just a couple miles north of Shell Lake). The first owl was seen 1/4 mile west of the Jct of 35 & 37 along the south side of the Co Hwy 35. There is a gravel pit area along the south side of Co Hwy 35 and the owl was sitting in a tree just to the west of the gravel pit. The second owl was seen 1-1/4 mile east of the Jct of 35 & 37. This owl was approximately 1/8 mile south of Co Hwy 35 along a point of brush & young aspen trees that extends out into the middle of an open field. These owls are approximately 18 miles southwest of the locations of several GGOW reported in the NE corner of Becker Co. yesterday. I did not make it up to that location today to see if those birds were still there. Wayne Brininger Wildlife Biologist U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge 35704 Co Rd 26 Rochert, MN 56578 (218) 847-2641 email: Wayne_Brininger@fws.gov From mattjim@earthlink.net Fri Jan 21 00:21:01 2005 From: mattjim@earthlink.net (James Mattsson) Date: Thu, 20 Jan 2005 18:21:01 -0600 Subject: [mou] Alpha Codes website Message-ID: <410-2200515210211234@earthlink.net> ------=_NextPart_84815C5ABAF209EF376268C8 Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII FYI: Like so many others that use bird species 4-letter alpha codes in listserver postings, I sometimes make a guess at a code and too often get it wrong. So do lots of others, it seems. For example, Northern Hawk Owl has variously been shown as NOHO, HAOW, NHAO and probably some others variations. The correct code is NHOW. Another code that is often misused is CEWA. Think that stands for Cerulean Warbler? Nope. That would be CERW. How about Cedar Waxwing? Wrong again. That's CEDW. Actually, CEWA stands for nothing...at least birdwise. The Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Banding Lab has a website showing all the alpha codes in alphabetical order. Unfortunately, it is the CODES that are in alphabetical order, not the species, which can be somewhat confusing when you are trying to look up a particular bird by species common name. Nonetheless, it is a very useful website. I keep this website bookmarked for quick reference. Hope this will reduce some of the confusion. http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl/manual/aspeclst.htm GOBI = Good Birding James Mattsson Eagan, MN ------=_NextPart_84815C5ABAF209EF376268C8 Content-Type: text/html; charset=US-ASCII

FYI: 
 
Like so many others that use bird species 4-letter alpha codes in listserver postings, I sometimes make a guess at a code and too often get it wrong. So do lots of others, it seems.  For example, Northern Hawk Owl has variously been shown as  NOHO,  HAOW, NHAO and probably some others variations. The correct code is NHOW. 
 
Another code that is often misused is CEWA. Think that stands for Cerulean Warbler? Nope. That would be CERW. How about Cedar Waxwing? Wrong again. That's CEDW.  Actually, CEWA stands for nothing...at least birdwise.
 
The Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Banding Lab has a website showing all the alpha codes in alphabetical order. Unfortunately, it is the CODES that are in alphabetical order, not the species, which can be somewhat confusing when you are trying to look up a particular bird by species common name. Nonetheless, it is a very useful website.  I keep this website bookmarked for quick reference.  Hope this will reduce some of the confusion.
 
 
GOBI  = Good Birding
 
 
James Mattsson
Eagan, MN
 
 

------=_NextPart_84815C5ABAF209EF376268C8-- From axhertzel@sihope.com Fri Jan 21 01:04:20 2005 From: axhertzel@sihope.com (Anthony X. Hertzel) Date: Thu, 20 Jan 2005 19:04:20 -0600 Subject: [mou] MOU RBA 20 January 2005 Message-ID: --============_-1105853030==_ma============ Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" ; format="flowed" This is the Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday, January 20th. The irruption of northern owls continues in Minnesota, as GREAT GRAY OWLS are now being reported moving south in large numbers into Carlton, Pine, Itasca, Aitkin, and Crow Wing counties. More than 200 Great Grays were found in northern Aitkin County on the 19th. NORTHERN HAWK OWLS seem to have settled in but can still be found in places such as the Sax-Zim bog in St. Louis County. A SNOWY OWL is still at the railroad yards in Proctor, St. Louis County. Another Snowy Owl is being seen at the Duluth airport. I have a second-hand report of a CLARK'S NUTCRACKER from January 15th in St. Louis County. It was reportedly seen near the junction of McQuade Road and Scenic Highway 61, northeast of Duluth. Several callers have reported NORTHERN GOSHAWKS in the past few days. Goshawks have been seen in the counties of Isanti, Otter Tail, and St. Louis. A LONG-EARED OWL was at Anna Grunseth Prairie in Wilkin County on the 16th. A VARIED THRUSH was reported from Rochester in Olmsted County on the 19th. It's being seen at at 631 Toogood Court SW, and is visible from 6th Avenue SW. On the 15th, a Varied Thrush was seen again in Bloomington, Hennepin County, at the corner of Sheridan and 110th Street. Check near 2600 West 110th Street. And a CAROLINA WREN was relocated on the 14th at the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge area of Bloomington, Hennepin County. It is seen most often at the top of the access road across from the garden center. 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 . 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 report is Thursday January 27th. -- Anthony X. Hertzel -- axhertzel@sihope.com --============_-1105853030==_ma============ Content-Type: text/html; charset="us-ascii" MOU RBA 20 January 2005
This is the Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday, January 20th.

The irruption of northern owls continues in Minnesota, as GREAT GRAY OWLS are now being reported moving south in large numbers into Carlton, Pine, Itasca, Aitkin, and Crow Wing counties. More than 200 Great Grays were found in northern Aitkin County on the 19th. NORTHERN HAWK OWLS seem to have settled in but can still be found in places such as the Sax-Zim bog in St. Louis County. A SNOWY OWL is still at the railroad yards in Proctor, St. Louis County. Another Snowy Owl is being seen at the Duluth airport.

I have a second-hand report of a CLARK'S NUTCRACKER from January 15th in St. Louis County. It was reportedly seen near the junction of McQuade Road and Scenic Highway 61, northeast of Duluth.
 
Several callers have reported NORTHERN GOSHAWKS in the past few days. Goshawks have been seen in the counties of Isanti, Otter Tail, and St. Louis.

A LONG-EARED OWL was at Anna Grunseth Prairie in Wilkin County on the 16th.
 
A VARIED THRUSH was reported from Rochester in Olmsted County on the 19th. It's being seen at at 631 Toogood Court SW, and is visible from 6th Avenue SW. On the 15th, a Varied Thrush was seen again in Bloomington, Hennepin County, at the corner of Sheridan and 110th Street. Check near 2600 West 110th Street.

And a CAROLINA WREN was relocated on the 14th at the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge area of Bloomington, Hennepin County. It is seen most often at the top of the access road across from the garden center.

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 report is Thursday January 27th.

--
Anthony X. Hertzel -- axhertzel@sihope.com
--============_-1105853030==_ma============-- From drbenson@cpinternet.com Fri Jan 21 02:02:03 2005 From: drbenson@cpinternet.com (David Benson) Date: Thu, 20 Jan 2005 20:02:03 -0600 Subject: [mou] Duluth RBA 1/20/05 Message-ID: <71A0AB04-6B50-11D9-9B67-000A95AC3AF2@cpinternet.com> This is the Duluth Birding Report for Thursday, January 20, 2005, sponsored by the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union. The YELLOW-BILLED LOON in Two Harbors has not been reported recently. Two SNOWY OWLS have been seen at the Duluth International Airport; some observers have seen them from the observation area inside the terminal; others have succeeded in seeing the owls from Stebner Rd. Another Snowy Owl was refound on the 14th at the railroad yards in Proctor. The only BOREAL OWL reports this week were from Duluth. Frank Nicoletti found a bird on the 15th along 16th Ave E near London Rd; another bird was seen in Lakeside along Dodge St on the 17th. Mike Hendrickson reported another bird from West Duluth. GREAT GRAY OWLS continue to be abundant, especially south of Duluth in Carlton, Aitkin, and Pine counties. Some observers have found fewer Great Grays in Sax-Zim; others have continued to have luck there. On the evening of the 16th, Jim and Sharon Lind counted 27 Great Grays flying northeast through Two Harbors. The night before they saw 21, and Carol Tveekrem reported 9 moving northeast along the shore near Schroeder on the 16th. Adjusted counts for the season so far in Minnesota are 1715 Great Grays and over 300 Hawk Owls. A group from Iowa reported a CLARK'S NUTCRACKER on the 15th on Hwy 61 near the jct. with McQuade Rd. BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKERS were seen again this week along McDavitt Rd in Sax-Zim between 2.6 and 3.4 miles north of the the Sax Rd. No reports this week of the Three-toed. On the 15th, Jim Otto reported a HOARY REDPOLL from the headquarters at Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Aitkin Cty. SHARP-TAILED GROUSE were seen on the 17th along Aitkin Cty Rd 16, 0.5 to 1.0 mi S of Tamarack. BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS were seen this week in Two Harbors, in Meadowlands, and in the Lakeside neighborhood of Duluth. Deb Buria-Falkowski saw a flock of at least 30 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS at Mesabi Range College in Virginia on the 17th. Kim Eckert reported a flock of about 25 RED CROSSBILLS along St. Louis Cty Rd 29, just south of 133 on the 16th. This location is just west of Meadowlands. He also saw a small flock of White-winged Crossbills on the Blue Spruce Rd. Kim also reported an AMERICAN TREE SPARROW at Wisconsin Point, plus one THAYER'S GULL and GLAUCOUS GULLS from the road outside the Superior Landfill. A GADWALL is overwintering with the Mallards and Black Ducks at the corner of the lake in Canal Park. The next scheduled update of this report will be on Thursday, January 27. The telephone number of the Duluth Rare Bird Alert is 218-728-5030. 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 to mou@cbs.umn.edu, or visit the MOU web site at mou.mn.org. From BXWilliams@CBBURNET.COM Fri Jan 21 01:57:10 2005 From: BXWilliams@CBBURNET.COM (Williams, Bob) Date: Thu, 20 Jan 2005 19:57:10 -0600 Subject: [mou] Aitkin County Owls Message-ID: This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------_=_NextPart_001_01C4FF5C.84B08FF8 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" Content-Transfer-Encoding: base64 SnVzdCB0byBjb25maXJtIHdoYXQgaGFzIGFscmVhZHkgYmVlbiBzYWlkLCB0aGUgcGxhY2UgZm9y IEdyZWF0IEdyYXkgT3dscyB0b2RheSB3YXMgQWl0a2luIENvdW50eS4gIFdlIHN0YXJ0ZWQgdXAg Q28uIFJkLiAxIGdvaW5nIG5vcnRoIG91dCBvZiB0aGUgdG93biBvZiBBaXRraW4gYXQgYWJvdXQg OToxNSBhbmQgc2F3IDE2IEdHTydzIGJ5IHRoZSB0aW1lIHdlIGhpdCBDby4gUmQuIDMuICBUcmF2 ZWxpbmcgZWFzdCBvbiBDby4gUmQuIDMgd2Ugc2F3IGFub3RoZXIgMTIgYnkgdGhlIHRpbWUgd2Ug aGl0IFBhbGlzYWRlcy4gIEdvaW5nIG5vcnRoIG9uIENvLiBSZC4gNSB0byB0byBDby4gUmQuIDE4 IHdlIHNhdyBhbm90aGVyIDE1LiAgQWxvbmcgQ28uIFJkLiAxOCBiZXR3ZWVuIFVTIDE2OSBvbiB0 aGUgd2VzdCBhbmQgQ28uIFJkLiAxMCBvbiB0aGUgZWFzdCB3ZSBzYXcgYW5vdGhlciAyMS4gIEZy b20gdGhlbiBvbiB0aGUgc2lnaHRpbmdzIHdlcmUgbW9yZSBzcG9yYWRpYyBhbmQgd2UgcmFuIG91 dCBvZiBzdGVhbSBhYm91dCAzOjMwIGFuZCBoZWFkZWQgZm9yIGhvbWUuICBUaGUgZmluYWwgdGFs bHkgd2FzIDgzIEdHTydzIG9mIHdoaWNoIDc2IHdlcmUgc2VlbiBpbiBBaXRraW4gQ291bnR5LiAg T25lIHdhcyBzZWVuIGluIENhcmx0b24gQ291bnR5IGFsb25nIEh3eSA3MyBub3J0aCBvZiBLZXR0 bGUgUml2ZXIgYW5kIHNpeCB3ZXJlIHNlZW4gaW4gbm9ydGhlcm4gUGluZSBDb3VudHkgaW4gbG9j YXRpb25zIHByZXZpb3VzbHkgcmVwb3J0ZWQuICBXZSBhbHNvIGhhZCA0IE5vcnRoZXJuIEhhd2sg T3dscywgYWxsIGluIEFpdGtpbiBDb3VudHksIHR3byBhbG9uZyBDby4gUmQuIDE4LCBvbmUgYWxv bmcgSHd5IDY1IG5vcnRoIG9mIFJpY2UgTGFrZSBOV1IgYW5kIG9uZSBhbG9uZyB0aGUgbWFpbiBy b2FkIGludG8gUmljZSBMYWtlIE5XUi4gIEkgY2FuIHByb3ZpZGUgbW9yZSBkZXRhaWxlZCBpbmZv IGZvciBhbnlvbmUgd2hvIHdhbnRzIGl0IGFuZCBJIHdpbGwgc2VuZCBpbiB0aGUgaW5mbyB0byB0 aGUgTU9VLg0KTXkgd2lmZSBhbmQgSSBmZWx0IHRoYXQgc29tZSBvZiB0aGVzZSBvd2xzIHdlcmUg cGFpcmVkIHVwIGFuZCBJIHdpbGwgcmVyZWFkIHRoZSB2YXJpb3VzIGUtbWFpbHMgdGhhdCBJIGhh dmUgc2F2ZWQgaW4gbXkgb3dscyBmb2xkZXIgdG8gc2VlIGlmIHRoaXMgdG9waWMgaGFzIGFscmVh ZHkgYmVlbiBkaXNjdXNzZWQuICBOb3RpY2VhYmx5IGFic2VudCB3ZXJlIFJvdWdoLWxlZ2dlZCBI YXdrcy4gIFdlIGhhZCBvbmUgcHJvYmFibGUgTm9ydGhlcm4gR29zaGF3ayBhbG9uZyBDby4gUmQu IDEzIGluIEFpdGtpbiBDb3VudHkgd2VzdCBvZiBMYXdsZXIgYW5kIG9uZSBNYWdwaWUgYWxvbmcg Q28uIFJkLiA1IG5vcnRoIG9mIFBhbGlzYWRlcywgYnV0IG1vc3RseSB3ZSB3ZXJlIGxvb2tpbmcg Zm9yIG93bHMuDQpCb2IgYW5kIE1vbmljYSBXaWxsaWFtcyAgICAgICAgICAgQmxvb21pbmd0b24s IE1OICANCiANCiAgIA0K ------_=_NextPart_001_01C4FF5C.84B08FF8 Content-Type: text/html; 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Thomas Auer" Hello MOU Members, For 2005, I'll be acting as the MOU's Field Trip Chairman. I want to thank Mike Hendrickson for nominating me for the position and those who have helped me so far. I've just finalized my trip schedule for the year and am making the official announcement and opening the trips to participants. I'm happy with the schedule I've put together and I think it will be an exciting year. The schedule is designed to give MOU members personally guided access to a large variety of Minnesota's birds, in different parts of the state at different times of the year. These trips are open to birders of all skill levels and everyone should feel welcome. One of the goals of these trips is to offer birders a chance to advance their identification skills and the leaders will always work hard to make sure that everybody sees the bird! Myself and another co-leader will be guiding each weekend, providing assistance throughout the trip. I like to keep the experience friendly and personal, so I'm going to put a limit of 25 birders per trip. I will keep a waiting list, incase people have to cancel and others are interested. The schedule follows: April 16th and 17th =E2=80=93 Rock County=20 Base: Luverne =09The far southwest corner of the state is considerably different from the rest of the state with places like Blue Mounds SP. Spring migration always has a good possibility of producing western vagrants and strays, such as Spotted Towhee, Mountain Bluebird, Rock Wren and Prairie Falcon. We have a good chance of seeing Great-tailed Grackle and Black-headed Gull. The timing will be such that plenty of waterfowl and raptors will still be present, but some shorebirds and some passerines will also be arriving. May 14th and 15th =E2=80=93 Lac Qui Parle Co. Base: Montevideo =09If you keep your eye on The Loon seasonal reports or North American Birds, you may have noticed that this county is a variable "hot spot" this weekend in May. Last year Black Rail, Curlew Sandpiper, Burrowing Owl, Say's Phoebe, and Black-headed Grosbeak were all found here at this time of year. Warblers and shorebirds should be at their peak. Overall, a big list of birds is expected. Not a trip to miss! May 21st and 22nd =E2=80=93 Southeast Specialties Base: Winona =09The very southeast corner of the state has been known to harbor numerous species which make restricted appearances in the state, such as: Acadian Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Blue-winged Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, and Hooded Warbler. We'll work the bottomlands for these and other species, hoping to run into an "overshoot" migrant from the south. September 17th =E2=80=93 Duluth Migration (one day) Base: Duluth =09This one day trip around the Duluth area will cover all the local migrant traps and funnels. Last year, during this time 22 species of Warbler were seen. If the weather cooperates (cloudy and foggy), a good fallout could occur. All types and species of bird are fair game at this point in fall migration in Duluth. As well, we'll spend some time looking for Jaegers and vagrant gulls, such as Little or Sabine's, on Lake Superior. October 15th and 16th =E2=80=93 Northshore Base: Duluth and Grand Marais =09There's no place most birders in Minnesota would rather be in the peak of fall migration than on the Northshore. The trip will start in Duluth and work its way north to Grand Marais, hitting all the best spots for migrants on the way up. Saturday night, we'll stay in Grand Marais and hopefully make a stop to Bill Lane's owl banding station that night, to see some Saw-whet Owl migration in action. On Sunday, we'll bird around Grand Marais, then head back to Duluth. The whole time, I'll be keeping an ear to the grapevine for any vagrants that may have appeared on the northshore. November 19th =E2=80=93 Gulls, Gulls, Gulls (one day) Base: Duluth =09Late November is the best time of the year for migrant and vagrant gulls on the Great Lakes and the Duluth/Superior area is no exception. If you're looking to hone your gull identification, then this is the trip for you. Up to 8 species of Gulls can be expected and hopefully well studied. The Knife River, Canal Park, Superior Entry, and (hopefully (fingers-crossed)) the Superior Landfill will all be locations where we will spend time. If you would like to sign up for one of these trips, please send an email to me and I'll put you on the list. Good Birding! Tom Auer Duluth, MN From mattjim@earthlink.net Fri Jan 21 03:07:34 2005 From: mattjim@earthlink.net (James Mattsson) Date: Thu, 20 Jan 2005 21:07:34 -0600 Subject: [mou] More on Alpha Codes Message-ID: <410-2200515213734515@earthlink.net> ------=_NextPart_84815C5ABAF209EF376268C8 Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Thanks to Julian for this: Just to expand a bit on James's message, at http://www.pwrcusgs.gov/bbl/manual/bandsize.htm, you can download the list sorted in any of three different ways: by species number (taxonomical order), by alpha code (Jim's example), or by common name. Once downloaded, you can save it on your computer. Julian Sellers St. Paul James Mattsson ------=_NextPart_84815C5ABAF209EF376268C8 Content-Type: text/html; charset=US-ASCII

Thanks to Julian for this:
 
Just to expand a bit on James's message, at http://www.pwrcusgs.gov/bbl/manual/bandsize.htm, you can download the list sorted in any of three different ways:  by species number (taxonomical order), by alpha code (Jim's example), or by common name.  Once downloaded, you can save it on your computer.
Julian Sellers
St. Paul
 
 
James Mattsson
 
 
 

------=_NextPart_84815C5ABAF209EF376268C8-- From a_molson@unidial.com Fri Jan 21 03:20:20 2005 From: a_molson@unidial.com (Ann and Manley Olson) Date: Thu, 20 Jan 2005 21:20:20 -0600 Subject: [mou] Bohemian Waxwings---Falcon Heights Message-ID: <41F074F4.8050400@unidial.com> About 3:30 I saw a flock of about 75 waxwings near Howell and Garden(a block from where the Varied Thrush was last seen).I did not have my binocs but I got close enough to pick out both species.There has been a small flock of Cedar Waxwings around,this was a much bigger flock.Also had the first Pine Siskins of the year at my feeder and saw a small flock of Redpolls and a Sharp-shinned Hawk in the neighborhood.Will post if the waxwings are seen. Manley Olson 651 644 2848 From ajjoppru@wiktel.com Fri Jan 21 03:20:09 2005 From: ajjoppru@wiktel.com (Jeanie Joppru) Date: Thu, 20 Jan 2005 21:20:09 -0600 Subject: [mou] Northwest Minnesota Birding Report- Friday, January 21, 2005 Message-ID: <000801c4ff68$284dde50$76d5aec6@main> This is the Northwest Minnesota Birding Report for Friday, January 21, 2005 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. There has been variety of weather this week and temperatures have swung from minus 40 in some areas to plus 25. Winds have also ranged from calm to upwards of 35 mph at some times. Roads are treacherous with an icy layer on the bottom, with compacted snow on top, and the smaller county roads can be snow covered also. Minimum maintenance roads are not recommended for travel anywhere in the northwest. Many hundreds of SNOW BUNTINGS were seen by many birders as the wind whipped the snow up on Monday. That said, the weather did not stop intrepid birders from getting out and finding yet more owls. There were GREAT GRAY OWLS reported from Becker, Mahnomen, Cass, Hubbard, Marshall, Pennington, and Roseau Counties, NORTHERN HAWK OWLS from Beltrami and Norman Counties, SHORT-EARED OWLS from Roseau and Marshall Counties. There were even two BOREAL OWLS found this week- one was along MN 72 south of Baudette, and one turned up at a private feeder on January 15th near Thief River Falls in Pennington County.=20 >From Otter Tail County, Wayne Runningen reported that TRUMPETER SWANS are wintering this year along the Pelican River north of Pelican Rapids and near the north inlet to Prairie Lake. Greg Awender found a NORTHERN SHRIKE in northern Becker County near White Earth Lake. Also in Becker County, Bob Janssen, Jerry Bonkowski, and Ernie Lewis observed a NORTHERN GOSHAWK along MN 113. They also found a GREAT GRAY OWL along MN 113 3.2 mi west of MN 71 on January 19th. Wayne Brininger reported two more GREAT GRAY OWLS at Ponsford Prairie near the intersection of CR35 and CR37. In Norman County , the Bob Janssen group found two COMMON RAVENS near Flom, and twenty-seven GREATER PRAIRIE-CHICKENS along MN 32 south of Gary. They also refound the NORTHERN HAWK OWL previously reported by several observers north of Gary where MN 32 and MN 200 run together for two miles. Mahnomen County sightings by Bob Janssen's group included ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, and several PINE GROSBEAKS. Doug Johnson found a GREAT GRAY OWL along MN 200 2.5 miles west of CR 4 in the tribal village of Mah-Konce. On the 17th, Bob and his friends found a half dozen GREAT GRAY OWLS along MN 64 where it runs together with MN 87 and forms the boundary between Cass and Hubbard Counties. A NORTHERN HAWK OWL was found in the same vicinity. On the 19th, three more GREAT GRAY OWLS were seen near the intersection of MN 71 and MN 113 in Hubbard and Becker Counties. Two were seen in Hubbard County - one near the intersection of MN 71 and CR 42, and one near the intersection of MN 71 and CR 43. Other species reported from Hubbard County included eleven TRUMPETER SWANS and some CANADA GEESE at Third Crow Wing Lake, a BARRED OWL, and RED CROSSBILLS. Nathaniel Emery reported BOHEMIAN WAXWING in Crookston in Polk County on January 20th. Bob Janssen's group found GREATER PRAIRIE-CHICKENS in that county also. In Thief River Falls, Pennington County, Richard Olson called to report about 250 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS feasting on mountain ash berries in his yard on January 15th. A GREAT GRAY OWL was reported by Sue Braastad in rural Thief River Falls on January 18th. HOARY REDPOLLS and HORNED LARKS were also seen in the county on that day.=20 Two more GREAT GRAY OWLS were spotted in Marshall County on Saturday, January 15th , both near the intersection of CR 12 and CR7 near the west entrance to Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge. At the Agassiz bird feeder a HOARY REDPOLL and a LAPLAND LONGSPUR were seen. Cliff Steinhauer reported a SHORT-EARED OWL one mile west of the intersection of CR12 and CR7. SHARP-TAILED GROUSE were seen in the same area. Ricky Olson, and Kenny Miller, visiting South Dakota birders, were in Beltrami County on the weekend and found a NORTHERN HAWK OWL six miles north of Kelliher along MN 72. In Roseau County, the visitors located eight GREAT GRAY OWLS, six of them along CR 124 off CR 13, one along CR 28 one mile north of MN 11, and one along MN 32 a mile south of Greenbush. They also found a SHARP-TAILED GROUSE, and a SHORT-EARED OWL along CR 28 north of Roseau. Jenny Moorman reported that there were 30-40 EVENING GROSBEAKS and 15 PINE GROSBEAKS coming to her feeder south of Baudette in Lake of the Woods County. Also there were COMMON REDPOLLS, and a MOURNING DOVE which came occasionally. Ricky Olson found two BOREAL CHICKADEES one mile north of the Rapid River Road on the Faunce Forest Road in Beltrami Island State Forest last weekend. Thanks to Wayne Runningen, Cliff Steinhauer, Greg Awender, Doug Johnson, Ricky Olson, Jenny Moorman, Bob Jannsen, Jerry Bonkoski, Nathaniel Emery, and Sue and John Braastad, Richard Olson, and Wayne Brininger for their reports. Please report bird sightings to Jeanie Joppru by email, no later than Thursday each week, at ajjoppru@wiktel.com 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. When reporting by email please put "NW Bird Report" in the subject line of your message. The next scheduled update of this report is Friday, January 28, 2005. From cbutler@lcp2.net Fri Jan 21 11:35:23 2005 From: cbutler@lcp2.net (Cindy Butler) Date: Fri, 21 Jan 2005 05:35:23 -0600 Subject: [mou] Record Number of Great Gray Owls in Aitkin County Message-ID: <3.0.1.32.20050121053523.012e74d0@mail.lcp2.net> How did you spend your honeymoon? Kim Risen reporting from Cindy Butler's computer. This is my first post as a newlywed! Cindy Butler and I were married last Friday evening so I can now officially call Aitkin County home. Our first weekend as a married couple was a little different than most honeymoon weekends, I'm sure. Cindy spent Saturday at a quilting retreat and I spent the weekend guiding birders around northern Minnesota. Even though we had no honeymoon immediately following the wedding, the weekend was fun for both of us. Cindy was the center of attention at her gathering, as new brides usually are, and my clients from Ohio, New Jersey, and Texas and I enjoyed Boreal, Snowy, Barred, Great Gray, and Northern Hawk Owls, Pine & Evening Grosbeaks, Common & Hoary Redpolls, Northern Shrike, Black-backed Woodpecker, Boreal Chickadee, Snow Bunting, Harlequin Duck, Spruce, Sharp-tailed & Ruffed Grouse, and a spectacularly close flock of 370+ Bohemian Waxwings. Certainly a weekend of memorable events!=20 Spending our first weekend as newlyweds in different parts of the state is not as bad as it sounds, though. Cindy was able to join me on two of the three days I was guiding birders. It worked out well as we had an extra pair of eyes in the car and Cindy and I got to spend more time together (even if it was with friends from out of town). Yesterday, Tuesday, January 19 was our first day alone since our wedding. How did we decide to spend our first time alone together as man and wife? By going birding, of course! Watching the numbers of owls being reported in the Sax-Zim bog area decline while the numbers of owls we were seeing in Northeastern Aitkin County increased we thought that, perhaps, the bulk of these wintering Great Gray Owls may be moving south and west into our area. We decided that an all day search that covered Northern Aitkin County would be a good way to find out how many Great Grays were around and where they were concentrated. Our reason for this survey was due to the number of owls that we found in just a short search about a week ago when Cindy and I had found 69 Great Gray Owls in northern Aitkin County in only about five hours of birding. Most of these were found in the expected areas north of Palisade (County Roads 18 & 5 and Highway 169). Just this last Saturday, Elizabeth Bell posted the results of a birding trip to Aitkin County that she and her husband, Tom, along with John & Nancy Solodar and Steve & Jo Blanich enjoyed. They had 76 Great Gray Owl sightings representing at least 62 different individuals and 13 Northern Hawk Owls while birding only six hours. Again, the area that proved to be the best was the area north of Palisade bounded by highway 169 on the west, County Road 5 on the east and County Road 18 on the north. We decided that we would make an all day survey of northern Aitkin County and, after speaking with Michelle McDowell at the Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge we devised a route that would allow us to cover much of northern Aitkin County. We began at our home in Balsam Township went south as far as Lawler with side-trips both east and west of Kestrel Ave. Lawler to Rice Lake NWR (where we confirmed routes and meeting times with Michelle), north to highway 210, east to Tamarack and returned via side roads. North from McGregor along the Simpson Road and out to Highway 65 via County Road 6. Highway 65 north to Jacobson, highway 200 east to the county line, then back to Hill City. West of Hill City to Highway 29, south on 29 to Swatara, east on County Road 7 to Haypoint--back on Highway 169, then south to County Road 3, east to Palisade (where we ate lunch & met Michelle & Jayme McDowell). County Road 10 SW from Palisade to 'the dump road', east to County Road 1, continuing north when it changes to County Road 29 to County Road 68. We continued east on CR 68 to Highway 169 then north on 169 to County Road 18. CR 18 was checked VERY carefully by scanning all open areas with binoculars on foot or from the car to find those owls that were beyond unassisted eye-sight from the road. CR 18 its entire length, Pietz's Road to its end, and then County Road 5 back to Palisade. Our party separated to cover different routes back home. Cindy and I covered Highway 232 back to Highway 65 (darkness prevented any scanning and we found only one additional owl after leaving Palisade so we declared the survey over at 5:30 PM). Michelle and Jayme covered Rice Lake NWR west to Aitkin, north on County Road 1 to County Road 3 then east to Palisade. From that point we were together in a single party as described above. How successful were we? More than we could have possibly hoped! Cindy and I had set an unofficial goal of trying to see 100 Great Gray Owls in Aitkin County in a single day--a feat that has never been accomplished in Minnesota. We decided that in order to see 100 individual owls our count total had to be at 50 when we arrived at Palisade for lunch about 2:00 PM. We arrived with 56 on our tally sheets so our hopes for a record total were high. Even more so after Michelle & Jayme arrived with their total of 32 and we began to think that Warren Nelson's prediction of 150 Great Grays in Aitkin County might prove to be true. We left the caf=E9 in Palisade at 2:45 PM and in the next 165 minutes we saw an absolutely incredible 118 Great Gray Owls! This gave Cindy and I a personal total of 174 Great Gray Owls seen in Aitkin County in a single day. This is the largest one day total of Great Gray Owls ever recorded in Minnesota let alone a single county. The additional owls found by Jayme & Michelle gave us our survey total of 203 Great Gray Owls in northern Aitkin County on January 19, 2005. The totals for our survey break down as follows: Great Gray Owls: Kim & Cindy - 174 (less seven birds that are probable duplicates observed by Jayme & Michelle) Jayme & Michelle - 38 (less two birds that are probable duplicates observed by Kim & Cindy PLUS 118 birds observed by our entire party during the last 2.75 hours of the day.) Northern Hawk Owls: Kim & Cindy - 15 Jayme & Michelle - 3 Hourly breakdown of Kim & Cindy's Great Gray Owl sightings 8:00 - 9:00 AM - 10=20 9:00 -10:00 AM - 5 10:00 - 11:00 AM - 19 11:00 - 11:59 AM - 2 12 :00 - 1:00 PM - 4 1:00 - 2:00 PM - 17 2:00 - 3:00 PM - 12 3:00 - 4:00 PM - 48 4:00 - 5:00 PM - 49 5:00 - 5:30 PM - 8 Also seen were Barred Owl, Snow Bunting, Sharp-tailed & Ruffed Grouse, Pine Grosbeak, Common Redpoll, and Northern Shrike. As amazing as our total of 203 Great Gray Owls appears to be, it is even more surprising when you consider:=20 1) The area between our house and Tamarack yielded only a single Great Gray during our survey. A hugely disappointing total as in the last few days there has been from seven to ten birds present. Just this morning we had one perched above our mailbox and Cindy's daughter counted 10 during her drive to school. 2) The huge area along Highway 65 from McGregor north to Jacobson, east on 200 to the county line, back west to Hill City, and then south to Swatara that contains beautiful habitat, has had recent reports of 'dozens' of Great Gray Owls but provided us with only THREE owls. This is, perhaps, due to the fact that we covered this area in the 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM time slot-mid-day is certainly not the optimum time to find Great Gray Owls. 3) Finally, that Great Gray reports from locals continue at an amazing pace. "Thirteen seen between home and town.", "Seven of those big owls were along the road=85", and like reports are commonplace showing that numbers of Great Gray Owls appear to be continuing to climb.=20 My highlight of the day? Well, I really can't choose just one. Perhaps the times when we had thirteen, ten, or nine Great Gray Owls in sight at a single moment. Perhaps that Great Gray Owl we watched plunge into the snow during a sortie over an overgrown hayfield. His initial plunge wasn't successful and it may have been unable to break through the crusty snow as we watched it rise vertically in the air and plunge forcefully into the snow again and again. Maybe it was listening to Michelle's exclamations from the backseat each time she found another owl, and another, and another=85 Or maybe the patience exhibited by Cindy as the three of us calle= d out Great Gray Owl sightings, milages, and locations faster than a person could humanly write them down. I know I couldn't have done it nearly so= well. I can't wait to try this again. Perhaps, by forming multiple parties to survey the best areas at better times of the day, we could find=85? Do you think that 300 is possible? Kim & Cindy Risen Tamarack Aitkin County =20 From chadaakre@hotmail.com Fri Jan 21 14:30:33 2005 From: chadaakre@hotmail.com (Chad Aakre) Date: Fri, 21 Jan 2005 08:30:33 -0600 Subject: [mou] No Varied Thrush - Olmsted County Message-ID: The Varied Thrush seen as recently as the 19th at noon in Olmsted County was not seen yesterday. I was there from 4 to 5:30 and did not see the bird. I also spoke to another birder that was there from 2 to 2:30 yesterday who also did not see the bird. Please post if the bird is seen again. Thanks, Chad Aakre Winona County From MMARTELL@audubon.org Fri Jan 21 15:46:14 2005 From: MMARTELL@audubon.org (MARTELL, Mark) Date: Fri, 21 Jan 2005 10:46:14 -0500 Subject: [mou] Alpha Codes website Message-ID: This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------_=_NextPart_001_01C4FFD0.56D44C18 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable What if we stopped using codes all together. I know it makes things a = bit easier for the person writing the email, but for those of us (most = of us?) who face large numbers of emails each day and need to use = triage, guessing what a code in the subject line means is not only a = hassle, but interferes with the message you are tying to convey. =20 thanks =20 Mark Martell=20 Director of Bird Conservation=20 Audubon Minnesota=20 2357 Ventura Drive #106=20 St. Paul, MN 55125=20 651-739-9332=20 651-731-1330 (FAX)=20 -----Original Message----- From: mou-net-admin@cbs.umn.edu [mailto:mou-net-admin@cbs.umn.edu]On = Behalf Of James Mattsson Sent: Thursday, January 20, 2005 6:21 PM To: mou-net@cbs.umn.edu Subject: [mou] Alpha Codes website FYI: =20 =20 Like so many others that use bird species 4-letter alpha codes in = listserver postings, I sometimes make a guess at a code and too often = get it wrong. So do lots of others, it seems. For example, Northern = Hawk Owl has variously been shown as NOHO, HAOW, NHAO and probably = some others variations. The correct code is NHOW. =20 =20 Another code that is often misused is CEWA. Think that stands for = Cerulean Warbler? Nope. That would be CERW. How about Cedar Waxwing? = Wrong again. That's CEDW. Actually, CEWA stands for nothing...at least = birdwise.=20 =20 The Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Banding Lab has a website showing = all the alpha codes in alphabetical order. Unfortunately, it is the = CODES that are in alphabetical order, not the species, which can be = somewhat confusing when you are trying to look up a particular bird by = species common name. Nonetheless, it is a very useful website. I keep = this website bookmarked for quick reference. Hope this will reduce some = of the confusion.=20 =20 http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl/manual/aspeclst.htm =20 GOBI =3D Good Birding =20 =20 James Mattsson Eagan, MN =20 =20 ------_=_NextPart_001_01C4FFD0.56D44C18 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
What if we=20 stopped using codes all together. I know it makes things a bit easier = for the=20 person writing the email, but for those of us (most of us?) who face = large=20 numbers of emails each day and need to use triage, guessing what a code = in the=20 subject line means is not only a hassle, but interferes with the message = you are=20 tying to convey.
 
thanks
 

Mark Martell
Director of Bird=20 Conservation
Audubon Minnesota =
2357 Ventura Drive #106
St. = Paul, MN=20 55125
651-739-9332
651-731-1330 (FAX)

-----Original Message-----
From:=20 mou-net-admin@cbs.umn.edu [mailto:mou-net-admin@cbs.umn.edu]On = Behalf Of=20 James Mattsson
Sent: Thursday, January 20, 2005 6:21=20 PM
To: mou-net@cbs.umn.edu
Subject: [mou] Alpha = Codes=20 website

FYI: 
 
Like so many others that use bird species 4-letter alpha = codes in=20 listserver postings, I sometimes make a guess at a code and too often = get it=20 wrong. So do lots of others, it seems.  For example, Northern = Hawk Owl=20 has variously been shown as  NOHO,  HAOW, NHAO and = probably some others variations. The correct code is NHOW.  =
 
Another code that is often misused is CEWA. Think that = stands for=20 Cerulean Warbler? Nope. That would be CERW. How about Cedar Waxwing? = Wrong=20 again. That's CEDW.  Actually, CEWA stands for nothing...at least = birdwise.
 
The Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Banding Lab has a website = showing=20 all the alpha codes in alphabetical order. Unfortunately, it is = the CODES=20 that are in alphabetical order, not the species, which can be somewhat = confusing when you are trying to look up a particular bird by = species=20 common name. Nonetheless, it is a very useful website.  I = keep this=20 website bookmarked for quick reference.  Hope this will = reduce=20 some of the confusion.
 
http://www.pwrc= .usgs.gov/bbl/manual/aspeclst.htm
 
GOBI  =3D Good Birding
 
 
James Mattsson
Eagan, MN
 
 

------_=_NextPart_001_01C4FFD0.56D44C18-- From watsup@boreal.org Fri Jan 21 17:55:47 2005 From: watsup@boreal.org (Steve and Sherry Watson) Date: Fri, 21 Jan 2005 09:55:47 -0800 Subject: [mou] Snowy Owl Message-ID: <000001c4ffe2$707abc00$140f46d8@m7z0w8> Hello All, I'm sorry I wasn't able to post this sooner but on the 19th I was down in Duluth searching for the snowy owl at the Duluth International Airport and even after observing from the observation lounge and near the watch tower I was unable to locate it. However while I was looking for the owl I watched a very classic Gyrfalcon fly over the airport heading north. When I first spied the very large bird I thought Wow, looks like a large buteo and for a brief moment I thought it might be a rough-legged hawk. But then I noticed its really long tail, and blunt pointy wings (blunt in comparison to a peregrine falcon as they are sharply pointed to that of a gyr). It was a very large bulky bird and glided over the runways with its wings swept back and flew very much like a falcon. It had swift powerful wing beats though not as swift as any accipiter I've ever seen, and then glided with a perfect falcon form. I flew by close enough I was able to see its light underside and grey barring on the sides of its breast and some on its flanks. Its upperparts were overall grey and its wing tips dark. It was a very good look as it flew by and out of sight to the north. Again it was bulky like a buteo but flew and had a falcon shape. Again I'm sorry I was unable to post this any sooner. Good birding, Josh Watson Grand Marais -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.300 / Virus Database: 265.7.1 - Release Date: 1/19/05 From anderson.diane@mayo.edu Fri Jan 21 16:25:33 2005 From: anderson.diane@mayo.edu (Anderson, Diane M.(QC)) Date: Fri, 21 Jan 2005 10:25:33 -0600 Subject: [mou] Olmsted County Varied Thrush Message-ID: This message is in MIME format. Since your mail reader does not understand this format, some or all of this message may not be legible. ------_=_NextPart_001_01C4FFD5.A98B35EA Content-Type: text/plain The bird was seen this morning at about 8:30 by a group from the Fort Worth Texas Area. It was seen at about 9:30am on the 20th and at least 3 times during the day on the 19th. Good Luck! > Diane M. Anderson RT(R) > Medical Imaging Technical Services > Department of Radiology > Mayo Clinic Rochester > (507) 266-8504 > anderson.diane@mayo.edu > > ------_=_NextPart_001_01C4FFD5.A98B35EA Content-Type: text/html Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Olmsted County Varied Thrush

The bird was seen = this morning at about 8:30 by a group from the Fort Worth Texas = Area.  It was seen at about 9:30am  on the 20th and at least = 3 times during the day on the 19th.  Good Luck!

      Diane M. = Anderson RT(R)
      Medical = Imaging Technical Services
      Department of Radiology
      Mayo = Clinic Rochester
      (507) = 266-8504
      anderson.diane@mayo.edu


------_=_NextPart_001_01C4FFD5.A98B35EA-- From PastorAl@PrincetonFreeChurch.net Fri Jan 21 16:48:41 2005 From: PastorAl@PrincetonFreeChurch.net (Pastor Al) Date: Fri, 21 Jan 2005 10:48:41 -0600 Subject: [mou] Townsend's Solitaire Message-ID: <002c01c4ffd9$1052bb60$0c01a8c0@PastorAl> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0029_01C4FFA6.C5626330 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Relocated the Townsend's Solitaire at Ann Lake this morning at the 1.5 = mile mark along the access road. The road is closed at the one mile = mark, but parking is available on the right hand side, and the walk in = is relatively easy. It was back in the more open treed area on the left = hand side. There was also a flock of 20+ Purple Finches; however, the Bohemians = were conspicuously absent. Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties ------=_NextPart_000_0029_01C4FFA6.C5626330 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Relocated the Townsend's Solitaire at = Ann Lake this=20 morning at the 1.5 mile mark along the access road.  The road is = closed at=20 the one mile mark, but parking is available on the right hand side, and = the walk=20 in is relatively easy.  It was back in the more open treed area on = the left=20 hand side.
 
There was also a flock of 20+ Purple = Finches;=20 however, the Bohemians were conspicuously absent.
 
Al Schirmacher
Princeton, MN
Mille Lacs & Sherburne = Counties
 
 
------=_NextPart_000_0029_01C4FFA6.C5626330-- From writers2@comcast.net Fri Jan 21 16:57:36 2005 From: writers2@comcast.net (Val/Roger) Date: Fri, 21 Jan 2005 10:57:36 -0600 Subject: [mou] Alpha Codes website In-Reply-To: Message-ID: > This message is in MIME format. Since your mail reader does not understand this format, some or all of this message may not be legible. --MS_Mac_OE_3189149856_945108_MIME_Part Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit I agree with Mark one thousand percent! Those abbreviations serve the purpose for bird banders, but many of the rest of us have to stop and fill in the words each time we see something like GGOW, or whatever. Let's use birds' names, all of us know birds by their names. And it can't be too time-consuming to write them out: use the full name in the first reference, then some generic (such as 'the owl') from there on out. It's a matter of better communication, Regards, Val Cunningham St. Paul, Minn. on 1/21/05 9:46 AM, MARTELL, Mark at MMARTELL@audubon.org wrote: What if we stopped using codes all together. I know it makes things a bit easier for the person writing the email, but for those of us (most of us?) who face large numbers of emails each day and need to use triage, guessing what a code in the subject line means is not only a hassle, but interferes with the message you are tying to convey. thanks Mark Martell Director of Bird Conservation Audubon Minnesota 2357 Ventura Drive #106 St. Paul, MN 55125 651-739-9332 651-731-1330 (FAX) -----Original Message----- From: mou-net-admin@cbs.umn.edu [mailto:mou-net-admin@cbs.umn.edu]On Behalf Of James Mattsson Sent: Thursday, January 20, 2005 6:21 PM To: mou-net@cbs.umn.edu Subject: [mou] Alpha Codes website FYI: Like so many others that use bird species 4-letter alpha codes in listserver postings, I sometimes make a guess at a code and too often get it wrong. So do lots of others, it seems. For example, Northern Hawk Owl has variously been shown as NOHO, HAOW, NHAO and probably some others variations. The correct code is NHOW. Another code that is often misused is CEWA. Think that stands for Cerulean Warbler? Nope. That would be CERW. How about Cedar Waxwing? Wrong again. That's CEDW. Actually, CEWA stands for nothing...at least birdwise. The Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Banding Lab has a website showing all the alpha codes in alphabetical order. Unfortunately, it is the CODES that are in alphabetical order, not the species, which can be somewhat confusing when you are trying to look up a particular bird by species common name. Nonetheless, it is a very useful website. I keep this website bookmarked for quick reference. Hope this will reduce some of the confusion. http://www.pwrc..usgs.gov/bbl/manual/aspeclst.htm GOBI = Good Birding James Mattsson Eagan, MN --MS_Mac_OE_3189149856_945108_MIME_Part Content-type: text/html; charset="US-ASCII" Content-transfer-encoding: quoted-printable Re: [mou] Alpha Codes website I agree with Mark one thousand percent! Those abbreviations serve the purpo= se for bird banders, but many of the rest of us have to stop and fill in the= words each time we see something like GGOW, or whatever. Let's use birds' n= ames, all of us know birds by their names. And it can't be too time-consumin= g to write them out: use the full name in the first reference, then some gen= eric (such as 'the owl') from there on out.

It's a matter of better communication,
Regards,
Val Cunningham
St. Paul, Minn.

on 1/21/05 9:46 AM, MARTELL, Mark at MMARTELL@audubon.org wrote:

What if we stopped usi= ng codes all together. I know it makes things a bit easier for the person wr= iting the email, but for those of us (most of us?) who face large numbers of= emails each day and need to use triage, guessing what a code in the subject= line means is not only a hassle, but interferes with the message you are ty= ing to convey.
thanks
Mark Martell
Director of Bird Conservation
Audubon Minnesota
2357 Ventura Drive #106
St. Paul, MN 55125
651-739-9332
651-731-1330 (FAX)
-----Original Message-----
From: mou-net-admin@cbs.umn.edu [mailto:mou-net-admin@cbs.umn.edu]On Behalf Of James Mattsson
Sent: Thursday, January 20, 2005 6:21 PM
To: mou-net@cbs.umn.edu
Subject: [mou] Alpha Codes website


FYI:  

Like so many others that use bird species 4-letter alpha codes in listserve= r postings, I sometimes make a guess at a code and too often get it wrong. S= o do lots of others, it seems.  For example, Northern Hawk Owl has vari= ously been shown as  NOHO,  HAOW, NHAO and probably some others va= riations. The correct code is NHOW.  

Another code that is often misused is CEWA. Think that stands for Cerulean = Warbler? Nope. That would be CERW. How about Cedar Waxwing? Wrong again. Tha= t's CEDW.  Actually, CEWA stands for nothing...at least birdwise.

The Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Banding Lab has a website showing all= the alpha codes in alphabetical order. Unfortunately, it is the CODES that = are in alphabetical order, not the species, which can be somewhat confusing = when you are trying to look up a particular bird by species common name. Non= etheless, it is a very useful website.  I keep this website bookmarked = for quick reference.  Hope this will reduce some of the confusion.

http://www.pwrc..usgs.gov/bbl/manual/aspeclst.htm <http://www.pwrc.usgs.= gov/bbl/manual/aspeclst.htm>

GOBI  =3D Good Birding


James Mattsson
Eagan, MN




--MS_Mac_OE_3189149856_945108_MIME_Part-- From Robert_Russell@fws.gov Fri Jan 21 19:19:00 2005 From: Robert_Russell@fws.gov (Robert_Russell@fws.gov) Date: Fri, 21 Jan 2005 13:19:00 -0600 Subject: [mou] Dakota Co. GGOW Message-ID: --0__=09BBE503DFFAE83D8f9e8a93df938690918c09BBE503DFFAE83D Content-transfer-encoding: quoted-printable Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Jim Mattsson asked me to post. Great Gray Owl. 11:15am. Dakota Co. , Eagan. Bird in tree immediately south of U.S. Postal Office parking lot. Locat= ed about 150m southwest of intersection of Lexington Ave. and Clubview Rd.= Parking lot accessible by turning west onto Clubview and then turning l= eft (south) at 2nd turn. Drive around to south behind Post Office and look = at small woody, grassy area immediately adjacent to parking area. Saw bird= at 10 m. It dropped down and flew to nearby tree to west. = --0__=09BBE503DFFAE83D8f9e8a93df938690918c09BBE503DFFAE83D Content-transfer-encoding: quoted-printable Content-type: text/html; charset=US-ASCII Content-Disposition: inline

Jim Mattsson asked me to post.

Great Gray Owl. 11:15am. Dakota Co. , Eagan.

Bird in tree immediately south of U.S. Postal Office parking lot. Locat= ed about 150m southwest of intersection of Lexington Ave. and Clubview = Rd. Parking lot accessible by turning west onto Clubview and then turn= ing left (south) at 2nd turn. Drive around to south behind Post Office = and look at small woody, grassy area immediately adjacent to parking ar= ea. Saw bird at 10 m. It dropped down and flew to nearby tree to west. =

= --0__=09BBE503DFFAE83D8f9e8a93df938690918c09BBE503DFFAE83D-- From mattjim@earthlink.net Fri Jan 21 20:45:13 2005 From: mattjim@earthlink.net (James Mattsson) Date: Fri, 21 Jan 2005 14:45:13 -0600 Subject: [mou] Dakota owl update and request Message-ID: <410-220051521204513618@earthlink.net> ------=_NextPart_84815C5ABAF209EF376268C8 Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII 1/21/05 - 2:15pm. The Great Gray Owl was perched in tree about 60m west of Lexington Ave. near edge of previously describe parking lot and was easily viewed from the car. There is no reason to get out of your car. Doing so may force the bird to move, thus stressing it and and others may miss opportunity to see this individual. As always, as this is a government facility, and snow conditions are getting worse, please use caution and good judgement. Thanks Good luck James Mattsson ------=_NextPart_84815C5ABAF209EF376268C8 Content-Type: text/html; charset=US-ASCII

1/21/05 - 2:15pm. The Great Gray Owl was perched in tree about 60m west of Lexington Ave. near edge of previously describe parking lot and was easily viewed from the car. There is no reason to get out of your car. Doing so may force the bird to move, thus stressing it and and others may miss opportunity to see this individual. As always, as this is a government facility, and snow conditions are getting worse, please use caution and good judgement. Thanks
 
Good luck
 
 
James Mattsson
 
 
 

------=_NextPart_84815C5ABAF209EF376268C8-- From MarkBeckyLystig@comcast.net Fri Jan 21 22:21:02 2005 From: MarkBeckyLystig@comcast.net (MarkBeckyLystig) Date: Fri, 21 Jan 2005 16:21:02 -0600 Subject: [mou] Dakota owl update and request In-Reply-To: <410-220051521204513618@earthlink.net> References: <410-220051521204513618@earthlink.net> Message-ID: <41F1804E.2070303@comcast.net> The Great Gray Owl was present in the same location at 3:50 PM. Becky Lystig Eagan, Dakota County James Mattsson wrote: > 1/21/05 - 2:15pm. The Great Gray Owl was perched in tree about 60m > west of Lexington Ave. near edge of previously describe parking lot > and was easily viewed from the car. There is no reason to get out of > your car. Doing so may force the bird to move, thus stressing it > and and others may miss opportunity to see this individual. As always, > as this is a government facility, and snow conditions are getting > worse, please use caution and good judgement. Thanks > > Good luck > > > James Mattsson > > > From mattjim@earthlink.net Sat Jan 22 17:47:05 2005 From: mattjim@earthlink.net (James Mattsson) Date: Sat, 22 Jan 2005 11:47:05 -0600 Subject: [mou] Dakota GGOW not found Message-ID: <410-22005162217475727@earthlink.net> ------=_NextPart_84815C5ABAF209EF376268C8 Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Jan. 22. I looked for the Great Gray Owl in Eagan around 9:30am without success. The deep snow last night covered up what little grass habitat there is at this locality, plus it is noisy site with the mail trucks constantly driving by. There are numerous small blocks of habitat just like this throughout Eagan and surrounding areas. These owls could be anywere, urban or rural. With the new snow they should be easier to spot. So get out there and find 'em. Also, after 5 years in Eagan, I finally had Common Redpolls at my feeder this morning. James Mattsson ------=_NextPart_84815C5ABAF209EF376268C8 Content-Type: text/html; charset=US-ASCII

Jan. 22.   I looked for the Great Gray Owl in Eagan around 9:30am without success. The deep snow last night covered up what little grass habitat there is at this locality, plus it is noisy site with the mail trucks constantly driving by. There are numerous small blocks of habitat just like this throughout Eagan and surrounding areas. These owls could be anywere, urban or rural. With the new snow they should be easier to spot. So get out there and find 'em.  Also, after 5 years in Eagan, I finally had Common Redpolls at my feeder this morning.
 
 
James Mattsson
 
 
 

------=_NextPart_84815C5ABAF209EF376268C8-- From mattjim@earthlink.net Sat Jan 22 18:53:18 2005 From: mattjim@earthlink.net (James Mattsson) Date: Sat, 22 Jan 2005 12:53:18 -0600 Subject: [mou] Dakota GGOW is back Message-ID: <410-220051622185318556@earthlink.net> ------=_NextPart_84815C5ABAF209EF376268C8 Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Jan. 22 - 12:45pm - Dave Cahlander just phoned. He's looking at the Great Gray Owl which is perched just south of Eagan post office and is visible from Lexington Ave. Be warned that there is no stopping on Lexington. Good luck James Mattsson ------=_NextPart_84815C5ABAF209EF376268C8 Content-Type: text/html; charset=US-ASCII

Jan. 22 - 12:45pm - Dave Cahlander just phoned. He's looking at the Great Gray Owl which is perched just south of Eagan post office and is visible from Lexington Ave.  Be warned that there is no stopping on Lexington.
 
Good luck
 
James Mattsson
 
 
 

------=_NextPart_84815C5ABAF209EF376268C8-- From M. Thomas Auer" Normally wouldn't post some of these birds, but they seemed notable today. Found a Peregrine (THE Peregrine?) working the grain elevators on Port Terminal in Duluth today. Was fairly prominent and easy to see from the roads in the area. Also chasing the Rock Pigeons around was one Light Juvenile Rough-legged Hawk and one Adult Red-tailed Hawk. Then, sitting on a piece of the high bridge that crosses over to Wisconsin, was one Great Grey Owl. He seemed a little out of place and to have one in the industrial complex of Duluth, seemed a little peculiar. Tom Auer -- www.d.umn.edu/~auer0009 From rccarl@pacbell.net Sat Jan 22 22:13:30 2005 From: rccarl@pacbell.net (Richard Carlson) Date: Sat, 22 Jan 2005 15:13:30 -0700 Subject: [mou] Minnesotans in Panama References: <20050121155102.13254.75777.Mailman@biosci.cbs.umn.edu> Message-ID: <003e01c500cf$9b538720$6401a8c0@sabrna01.az.comcast.net> We're going to Panama in a trip led by "Guido" who apparently just led a trip for a group of Mnnesotans. If any read this, How was the trip? Dick Richard C. Carlson Tahoe City, CA, and Tucson, AZ Full time Birder, Biker and Rotarian Part-time Economist Palo Alto: 650-949-9590 Tahoe: 530-581-0624 Tucson: 520-760-4935 From dbmartin@skypoint.com Sat Jan 22 23:58:19 2005 From: dbmartin@skypoint.com (Dennis/Barbara Martin) Date: Sat, 22 Jan 2005 17:58:19 -0600 Subject: [mou] Dakota GGOW is back References: <410-220051622185318556@earthlink.net> Message-ID: <002101c500de$405243c0$be2e56c7@oemcomputer> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_001E_01C500AB.F4C53660 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable At 5:00 the owl was in the woods/marsh to the west of the building = easily seen from the parking lot, where you do not have to get out of = the car. Dennis and Barbara Martin dbmartin@skypoint.com ----- Original Message -----=20 From: James Mattsson=20 To: mou-net@cbs.umn.edu=20 Sent: Saturday, January 22, 2005 12:53 PM Subject: [mou] Dakota GGOW is back Jan. 22 - 12:45pm - Dave Cahlander just phoned. He's looking at the = Great Gray Owl which is perched just south of Eagan post office and is = visible from Lexington Ave. Be warned that there is no stopping on = Lexington.=20 Good luck James Mattsson ------=_NextPart_000_001E_01C500AB.F4C53660 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
At 5:00 the owl was in the woods/marsh to the = west of the=20 building easily seen from the parking lot, where you do not have to get = out of=20 the car.
 
Dennis and Barbara Martin
dbmartin@skypoint.com
----- Original Message -----
From:=20 James=20 Mattsson
Sent: Saturday, January 22, = 2005 12:53=20 PM
Subject: [mou] Dakota GGOW is = back

Jan. 22 - 12:45pm - Dave Cahlander just phoned. He's looking = at the=20 Great Gray Owl which is perched just south of Eagan post office and is = visible=20 from Lexington Ave.  Be warned that there is no stopping on=20 Lexington.
 
Good luck
 
James Mattsson
 
 
 

------=_NextPart_000_001E_01C500AB.F4C53660-- From dlpwaters@charter.net Sun Jan 23 00:10:22 2005 From: dlpwaters@charter.net (Debbie Waters) Date: Sat, 22 Jan 2005 18:10:22 -0600 Subject: [mou] Three-toed Woodpecker-- Sax Zim bog Message-ID: Some Iowan friends of mine and I took a trip to Sax Zim today. We found a total of 3 Northern Hawk Owls and 8 Great Gray Owls (GGOW). Seven of the GGOWs were found just south and east of the intersection of 7 and 52 later in the day. One of the GGOWs vocalized numerous times while we were watching it. We drove north on the McDavitt Rd to look for woodpeckers and ran into another group of birders. They had found a male Three-toed Woodpecker (TTWO) and a female Black-backed Woodpecker. Thanks to their directions, we found the male TTWO approximately 2.6 miles north of the Sax Rd on the McDavitt Rd. The bird was in on a snowshoe trail on the west side of the road. (Thanks, anonymous birders!!) Debbie Waters Duluth -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.300 / Virus Database: 265.7.2 - Release Date: 1/21/2005 From Steve Weston" Bill Lane, the foremost owl expert of the north woods will present a program on northern forest owls and his research on Boreal Owls, their nesting and breeding in Minnesota. He will also discuss how we can manage the forest to encourage their survival. Please join us on Thursday, January 27, 2005 at the Minnesota Valley Nat’l Wildlife Refuge Visitor’s Center 3815 American Blvd E, Bloomington, MN. We encourage you to come for the social period with coffee, cookies, ice breakers and committee exhibits beginning at 7:00 p.m., followed by a brief business meeting and the featured speaker at 7:30 p.m. The meeting concludes at 9:00 p.m. From smithville4@charter.net Sun Jan 23 01:13:34 2005 From: smithville4@charter.net (Mike Hendrickson) Date: Sat, 22 Jan 2005 19:13:34 -0600 Subject: [mou] Jan 22 birds & Misc. Message-ID: <000801c500e8$c2e5cd20$46a47044@FAMILYCOMPUTER> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0005_01C500B6.7803F3E0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable I was out today birding with some folks from Missouri and Nebraska. We = started at Sax Zim bog and drove this route: -Along Co. Rd 133 -Along Co. Rd 7 -along Zim Rd. -along McDavitt Rd. -along Arkola Rd. -Along Owl Ave. How many Great Gray Owls we saw??? ZIPPO ! GOOSE EGG! ZILCH. We ran = into other birders we same story. My opinion is that most if not al = Great Gray Owls have left the Sax Zim area. BUTTTT The on last Thursday = 20 were seen and few days before 16 were seen in the "Bog". I would = like to know how many Great Grays were seen this evening? Also our the = Great Greys still in Northern Aitkin Co.? We did manage to find Hawk Owls in good numbers. Also there is a feeder = in Kelsey on Co. Rd 7 that has a cardboard sign that reads "Birdwatchers = park here" I guess the residents are asking people to park along the = shoulder and they are welcome to observe their feeders. The people here = were even kind enough to move one the feeders near the road. This = feeder has a good number of Pine Grosbeaks and and Redpolls. I found or refound one of the Boreal Owls in Two Harbors today. I made = calls to other guides and the word got around so I am sure others got to = see it.=20 Bohemian Waxwings were along 18th Street and 8th Ave on the upper = neighborhood of Two Harbors. We also refound some Hoary Redpolls coming = to a feeder in Two Harbors. The weather warmed up today and I wished I was on McDavitt later in the = day when the winds died down. Tomorrow I will be in Lake Co. I will = report my sightings Sunday night. Michael Hendrickson Duluth, Minnesota Minnesota Birding Treks http://webpages.charter.net/mmhendrickson/ ------=_NextPart_000_0005_01C500B6.7803F3E0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
I was out today birding with = some folks=20 from Missouri and Nebraska.  We started at Sax Zim bog and drove = this=20 route:
-Along Co. Rd = 133
-Along Co. Rd 7
-along Zim Rd.
-along McDavitt = Rd.
-along Arkola = Rd.
-Along Owl Ave.
 
How many Great Gray Owls we = saw??? ZIPPO=20 ! GOOSE EGG! ZILCH.  We ran into other birders we same story. My = opinion is=20 that most if not al Great Gray Owls have left the Sax Zim area.  = BUTTTT The=20 on last Thursday 20 were seen and few days before 16 were seen in the=20 "Bog".  I would like to know how many Great Grays were seen this = evening?=20 Also our the Great Greys still in Northern Aitkin Co.?
 
We did manage to find Hawk = Owls in good=20 numbers.  Also there is a feeder in Kelsey on Co. Rd 7 that has a = cardboard=20 sign that reads "Birdwatchers park here"  I guess the residents are = asking=20 people  to park along the shoulder and they are welcome to observe = their=20 feeders. The people here were even kind enough to move one the = feeders near=20 the road.  This feeder has a good number of Pine Grosbeaks and and=20 Redpolls.
 
I found or refound one of the = Boreal Owls=20 in Two Harbors today.  I made calls to other guides and the word = got around=20 so I am sure others got to see it.
 
Bohemian Waxwings were along = 18th Street=20 and 8th Ave on the upper neighborhood of Two Harbors. We also refound = some Hoary=20 Redpolls coming to a feeder in Two Harbors.
 
The weather warmed up today = and I wished=20 I was on McDavitt later in the day when the winds died down. Tomorrow I = will be=20 in Lake Co. I will report my sightings Sunday night.
 
Michael = Hendrickson
Duluth,=20 Minnesota
Minnesota Birding Treks
http://webpages.chart= er.net/mmhendrickson/
------=_NextPart_000_0005_01C500B6.7803F3E0-- From a_molson@unidial.com Sun Jan 23 01:38:00 2005 From: a_molson@unidial.com (Ann and Manley Olson) Date: Sat, 22 Jan 2005 19:38:00 -0600 Subject: [mou] Falcon Heights Robins Message-ID: <41F2FFF8.7020206@unidial.com> No Varied Thrush or Bohemian Waxwings but there were at least 50 Robins in our neighborhood today. Also Redpolls and Siskins Manley Olson Falcon Heights From david@cahlander.com Sun Jan 23 03:42:08 2005 From: david@cahlander.com (David A. Cahlander) Date: Sat, 22 Jan 2005 21:42:08 -0600 Subject: [mou] Dakota County Great Gray Owl on "recently seen" Message-ID: <000c01c500fd$86cc50b0$0400a8c0@flash> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0009_01C500CB.38ED15F0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable http://www.cbs.umn.edu/~mou/recent.html --- David Cahlander david@cahlander.com Burnsville, MN 952-894-5910 ------=_NextPart_000_0009_01C500CB.38ED15F0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
http://www.cbs.umn.edu/~= mou/recent.html
---
David Cahlander david@cahlander.com Burnsville, = MN=20 952-894-5910
------=_NextPart_000_0009_01C500CB.38ED15F0-- From david@cahlander.com Sun Jan 23 15:29:45 2005 From: david@cahlander.com (David A. Cahlander) Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2005 09:29:45 -0600 Subject: [mou] Recently Seen - Boreal Owl in Lake County Message-ID: <000a01c50160$617c9550$0400a8c0@flash> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0007_01C5012E.139173B0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable http://www.cbs.umn.edu/~mou/recent.html --- David Cahlander david@cahlander.com Burnsville, MN 952-894-5910 ------=_NextPart_000_0007_01C5012E.139173B0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
http://www.cbs.umn.edu/~= mou/recent.html
---
David Cahlander david@cahlander.com Burnsville, = MN=20 952-894-5910
------=_NextPart_000_0007_01C5012E.139173B0-- From sparkystensaas@hotmail.com Sun Jan 23 04:38:23 2005 From: sparkystensaas@hotmail.com (sparky stensaas) Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2005 04:38:23 +0000 Subject: [mou] 40 GGOW Sax-Zim, SNOWY OWL StebnerRd. Message-ID:
Great Gray Owls have not abandoned the Sax-Zim Bog. On Thursday January 20 Pat Valentik (Arkansas) & I found 40 Great Grays in two hours in The Bog. Most (27) were on St.Louis Co 7 between St.Louis Co 52 and Stone Lake Road between 10am and noon. It was a heavy overcast day with light winds.
 
A beautiful male Snowy Owl was seen this evening (Saturday Jan 22, 5:20 pm) from Airport Approach Road (SW of Duluth International Airport) Exit Hwy 53 on Stebner Road, go north just past Airbase Road. The bird was sitting on the perimeter fence of the airport visible to the east.
 
Northern Hawk-Owl on Rice Lake Road just north of Arrowhead Road just south of Snowflake X-C ski center (Duluth).
 
Sparky Stensaas
 
From golfbird@comcast.net Sun Jan 23 16:53:40 2005 From: golfbird@comcast.net (Dave and Linda Felker) Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2005 10:53:40 -0600 Subject: [mou] Great Gray Owl, Dakota Co. Message-ID: <000001c5016c$1bd3faa0$2b192942@daveuam5mdi8ml> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0001_01C50139.D1398AA0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit We observed the owl this morning from about 8:15 to 9:15 in the woods/marsh west of the post office parking lot without ever leaving the car. It was eating a rabbit it had caught which was interesting to witness. Linda Felker Eagan ------=_NextPart_000_0001_01C50139.D1398AA0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Message
We observed the=20 owl this morning from about 8:15 to 9:15 in the woods/marsh west of the = post=20 office parking lot without ever leaving the car.  It was eating a = rabbit it=20 had caught which was interesting to witness.
 
Linda = Felker =20 Eagan 
------=_NextPart_000_0001_01C50139.D1398AA0-- From a_molson@unidial.com, a_molson@unidial.com Sun Jan 23 22:48:12 2005 From: a_molson@unidial.com, a_molson@unidial.com (Ann and Manley Olson) Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2005 16:48:12 -0600 Subject: [mou] Varied Thrush seen in Falcon Heights Message-ID: <41F429AC.80004@unidial.com> I saw it about 3:30 at the yard on Howell & Prior. Last reported there on Jan8. It was feeding in the apple trees with about 15 Robins.There were also about 15 Cedar Waxwings there.No Bohemians.It was seen by several waxwing seekers including an ornithology prof from Yale and by a couple of birders who were looking at a nearby house for sale.There are many Cedar Waxwings in the area.I saw at least 75 today and at least 40 Robins. To reach the area take Roselawn to Prior.Follow Prior as it winds for 5 short blocks until it deadends at Howell.The house is on the Northwest corner of the intersection.The bird is most often seen from Prior.The homeowner is aware of the bird and welcomes birders but does not look for it and may not know if it there. Manley Olson 651 644 2848 From esteb02@frontiernet.net Sun Jan 23 22:51:34 2005 From: esteb02@frontiernet.net (esteb02@frontiernet.net) Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2005 17:51:34 -0500 Subject: [mou] Dakota County Great Gray Owl on "recently seen" Message-ID: <20050123175134.3twkg4okks0sgscw@webmail.frontiernet.net> There are some decent photographers on this list. Both Great grey owl photos by Jim Mattsson and the Northern hawk owl photo by Earl Orf would be very nice framed and matted. The Minnesota Falconers Association has a Game Dinner in April where we have a raffle. Part of the proceeds from the raffle and dinner go to the Raptor Center. These would make nice raffle items! Does anyone on this list sell their photos? I'm thinking that it might be a good fund-raiser for MOU if people wanted to offer photos for sale. Maybe a MOU calendar? Just pondering, Steve Estebo http://www.cbs.umn.edu/~mou/recent.html --- David Cahlander david@cahlander.com Burnsville, MN 952-894-5910 From smithville4@charter.net Sun Jan 23 23:45:07 2005 From: smithville4@charter.net (Mike Hendrickson) Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2005 17:45:07 -0600 Subject: [mou] Jan 23rd birds & other stuff. Message-ID: <000801c501a5$91ffcfe0$46a47044@FAMILYCOMPUTER> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0005_01C50173.471914A0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Here is what I learned about Great Gray Owls in Sax Zim. I was up there = last Saturday and looked very hard for a Great Gray Owl. My group did = not find any nor have any other groups found any. Then on that evening = some of the same birding group went back up to Sax Zim and found nearly = 30 Great Grays. The day was a nice sunny day with some wind but not to = bad. No owls were found then in the evening they came out of the wood = work!=20 Also today was a partly cloudy day with sun and I heard of a group that = found 5 Great Gray Owls. So it might be best to go and look for owls = either on cloudy days or dusk. It is interesting to note that on = previous trips in late December and early January it didn't matter the = sky conditions or winds, the owls were every where hunting during the = day. =20 Birds Today: -No Spruce Grouse (no one reported seeing any as well) Lake Co. * Isabella "Moose Ridge Cafe" Pine Grosbeaks, Evening Grosbeak and lots = of Common Redpolls. As a practice all my groups I led have donated = money for the feed the owner uses to keep the feeders filled. Also no = one in my group found the Boreal Chickadees at the feeders but some = Indiana birders reported to me they saw them. * Boreal Owl in Two Harbors ( seen by several birders ) Same bird as = yesterday. * Hoary Redpoll in Two Harbors. I also got reports from other birders = finding them in in flocks of Common Redpolls on roads and feeders in Sax = Zim. They can be found by searching large flocks of Common Redpolls. -Bohemian Waxwings along Triggs and Toledo Street. (Kim Eckert's = Minnesota Birding Weekend group found them for us) Triggs Ave. is on = the south side of Arrowhead Rd in Duluth. * A Townsend Solitaire was reported by some Indiana birders on 40th Ave. = East and Cooke St. The bird was found at 1pm today right on the corner. = There is a large cedar tree that it was associated with. In the = neighborhood there is several buckthorn bushes that it might be feeding = on.=20 Michael Hendrickson Duluth, Minnesota Minnesota Birding Treks http://webpages.charter.net/mmhendrickson/ ------=_NextPart_000_0005_01C50173.471914A0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
 
 
Here is what I learned about = Great Gray=20 Owls in Sax Zim.  I was up there last Saturday and looked very hard = for a=20 Great Gray Owl. My group did not find any nor have any other groups = found=20 any.  Then on that evening some of the same birding group went back = up to=20 Sax Zim and found nearly 30 Great Grays.  The day was a nice sunny = day with=20 some wind but not to bad. No owls were found then in the evening they = came out=20 of the wood work!
 
Also today was a partly = cloudy day with=20 sun and I heard of a group that found 5 Great Gray Owls. So it might be = best to=20 go and look for owls either on cloudy days or dusk.  It is = interesting to=20 note that on previous trips in late December and early January it didn't = matter=20 the sky conditions or winds, the owls were every where hunting during = the=20 day.  
 
Birds Today:
 
-No Spruce Grouse (no one = reported seeing=20 any as well) Lake Co.
* Isabella "Moose Ridge = Cafe"  Pine=20 Grosbeaks, Evening Grosbeak and lots of Common Redpolls.  As a = practice all=20 my groups I led have donated money for the feed the owner uses to keep = the=20 feeders filled.  Also no one in my group found the Boreal = Chickadees at the=20 feeders but some Indiana birders reported to me they saw = them.
 
* Boreal Owl in Two Harbors ( = seen by=20 several birders ) Same bird as yesterday.
 
* Hoary Redpoll in Two = Harbors. I=20 also got reports from other birders finding them in in flocks of = Common=20 Redpolls on roads and feeders in Sax Zim.  They can be found by = searching=20 large flocks of Common Redpolls.
 
-Bohemian Waxwings along = Triggs and=20 Toledo Street. (Kim Eckert's  Minnesota Birding Weekend group found = them=20 for us)  Triggs Ave. is on the south side of Arrowhead Rd in=20 Duluth.
 
* A Townsend Solitaire was = reported by=20 some Indiana birders on 40th Ave. East and Cooke St.  The bird was = found at=20 1pm today right on the corner. There is a large cedar tree that it was=20 associated with. In the neighborhood there is several buckthorn bushes = that it=20 might be feeding on. 
 
Michael = Hendrickson
Duluth,=20 Minnesota
Minnesota Birding Treks
http://webpages.chart= er.net/mmhendrickson/
------=_NextPart_000_0005_01C50173.471914A0-- From tpulles@gbronline.com Mon Jan 24 00:41:12 2005 From: tpulles@gbronline.com (tpulles) Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2005 18:41:12 -0600 Subject: [mou] Snowy Owl and others, St. Louis & Lake Counties Message-ID: <41f44428.251.5fc.29323@gbronline.com> Today my family and I took a one day trip up to Duluth and Two Harbors. The day started out slow, missing all I had intended for, until I ran into two very kind birders who were also searching for the snowy owl at the Duluth Airport. They told me the boreal owl had been seen in Two Harbors, so we drove back up there and saw the boreal owl in the same location as before (W on 2nd and 4th.) I also found a single hoary redpoll amongst a flock of commons at feeders in an alley between 3rd and 4th avenue (please give me some leeway with Two Harbors street numbers - I'm not too familiar with them.) After we didn't find any harlequin ducks in Agate Bay, we returned to the Duluth Int'l Airport and found the adult male snowy owl. It was at the exact same spot that it was reported from yesterday (on the fence along Airport Approach Rd - thank you, Sparky Stensaas!) Composite List of Species - GREAT GRAY OWL - 1 near the Edna G. Tugboat in Two Harbors NORTHERN HAWK OWL - 1 along Highway 53 in downtown Hermantown (SW side of the road) BOREAL OWL - 1 in Two Harbors SNOWY OWL - 1 at Duluth Int'l Airport HOARY REDPOLL - 1 in Two Harbors BOHEMIAN WAXWING - small flock along Superior Street in outer Duluth Good luck birding everyone! Keith Pulles, Wright County From mikee@cadence.com Mon Jan 24 03:36:31 2005 From: mikee@cadence.com (Michael Engh) Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2005 19:36:31 -0800 Subject: [mou] hoary redpoll? Message-ID: <3EE8ADCDFF4412498098B712CE4B15CF040A1468@exmbx01sj.global.cadence.com> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------_=_NextPart_001_01C501C5.F5D5D00F Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable after 8 years of waiting we finally have had redpolls at our feeders for the past couple of weeks--30+ at times. This morning there was one that was distinctly whiter, very light streaking on sides as compared to the others. pure white breast and rump as far as I could see. couldn't see bill size difference. how unlikely is a hoary in hennepin county near wayzata? in case I see it again, what should I look for to be confident either way?=20 given the descriptions/pictures in Kaufmann, Sibley, Peterson, Golden, and NG (we checked 'em all while watching the bird) it sure could have been a hoary. what makes a "classic" hoary redpoll as some have described? thanks for your help. =20 Mike Engh =20 ------_=_NextPart_001_01C501C5.F5D5D00F Content-Type: text/html; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
after = 8 years of=20 waiting we finally have had redpolls at our feeders for the past couple = of=20 weeks--30+ at times.
This = morning there=20 was one that was distinctly whiter, very light streaking on sides as = compared to=20 the others.
pure = white breast=20 and rump as far as I could see. couldn't see bill size=20 difference.
how = unlikely is a=20 hoary in hennepin county near wayzata?
in = case I see it=20 again, what should I look for to be confident either way? =
given = the=20 descriptions/pictures in Kaufmann, Sibley, Peterson, Golden, and NG (we = checked=20 'em all while watching the bird) it sure could have been a=20 hoary.
what = makes a=20 "classic" hoary redpoll as some have described?
thanks = for your=20 help.
 
Mike=20 Engh
 
------_=_NextPart_001_01C501C5.F5D5D00F-- From owlman@mindspring.com Mon Jan 24 03:41:27 2005 From: owlman@mindspring.com (Bill Lane) Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2005 21:41:27 -0600 Subject: [mou] Spring Owling Trips Message-ID: <41F46E67.8010807@mindspring.com> Hi all, I would like to announce that for the 5th consecutive spring, I will be leading trips into Minnesota's boreal forest for owl, and other, nocturnal-related adventures. Five trips are scheduled, each within the framework of the springtime breeding season. Coming on the heels of the 2004/05 irruption, the woods may be alive (e.g. 1989), or they may be quiet (e.g. 1996). There is only one way to find out. For more information, please go to: www.mindspring.com/~owlman If you have questions, please feel free to contact me. Respectfully, Bill Lane From wenelson@mlecmn.net Mon Jan 24 03:46:25 2005 From: wenelson@mlecmn.net (Warren Nelson) Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2005 21:46:25 -0600 Subject: [mou] Quick update from Aitkin County Message-ID: <41F46F91.62E0D8FC@mlecmn.net> On Saturday, January 22, I birded around northern Aitkin County. Timing seems to be really important in locating the northern owls. At noon, I went north on C.R.1 to C.R.3, then east on C.R.3 to Highway 169, then north on 169 to C.R.18 and finally east on C.R. 18 to C.R.5. During the middle of the day, I found only 2 GREAT GRAY OWLS and 1 NORTHERN HAWK OWL. However, I headed back to Aitkin following the same route in reverse and from about 4:00 P.M. to 5:15 P.M., I found 79 GREAT GRAY OWLS, 6 NORTHERN HAWK OWLS and 1 BARRED OWL. They seemed to be everywhere. On Sunday, January 23, I only found 14 GREAT GRAY OWLS, 6 NORTHERN HAWK OWLS, 1 BARRED OWL, GRAY JAYS, a few SNOW BUNTINGS. The low numbers of great grays might be do to a very steady wind. Steve Millard reported finding a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK about 2 miles west of Aitkin on highway 210. I also got a report of 2 SHORT-EARED OWLS about 1 mile east of Tamarack along highway 210 ---along with several Graet Gray Owls. Warren Nelson From Steve Weston" Stopped by the post office to look for the Great Gray. It was after 5:30. The sun was down and dark was advanced. A drive around the post office and I was able to locate a parked car whose driver had her binoculars trained on something. With her help I was able to find the owl which was feeding on the ground nearby. It was almost 6:00pm when I left with the bird still tearing apart its large meal. From nature@acegroup.cc Sun Jan 23 23:39:28 2005 From: nature@acegroup.cc (Houston Nature Center) Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2005 17:39:28 -0600 Subject: [mou] Festival of Owls info Message-ID: Dr. James R. Duncan, noted Great Gray Owl authority and author of "Owls of the World: Their Lives, Behavior and Survival", will be discussing Great Gray Owl ecology, including factors that lead to invasions like the one we are experiencing this winter in Manitoba and Minnesota, during his keynote presentation at the 3rd Annual Festival of Owls in Houston, Minnesota. Duncan's presentation will be the kickoff to a full weekend of owl events March 4-6, 2005 in Houston, Minnesota. The Festival of Owls features owl programs with six different species of live owls, owl prowls to call in wild owls, a program about the owls of Harry Potter, owl merchandise, silent auctions, a raffle to benefit the Global Owl Project, owl-themed food, and much more. The Festival began in 2003 as a way to celebrate the "hatchday" of the Houston Nature Center's only live animal, Alice the Great Horned Owl. As such, kids will be able to get their face painted like an owl, learn how to make origami owls, and enjoy free hatchday party snacks. Alice will turn 8 years old at this year's Festival. Cost to attend the bison and Russian hog banquet and keynote presentation with Dr. Duncan is $20 per person, with only 100 tickets being sold. Adults over age 18 need a $2.50 collectable Great Gray Owl button for admission to the rest of the Festival, but there is no charge for those 18 and under. Buttons may be purchased at the door. For more information, contact the Houston Nature Center at 507-896-HOOT (4668), nature@acegroup.cc, or visit the Festival of Owls website at www.houstonmn.com/Nature/owlfestival.htm. ----- Karla Karla Kinstler Director/Naturalist Houston Nature Center 215 W Plum St PO Box 667 Houston, MN 55943 507-896-4668 nature@acegroup.cc http://www.houstonmn.com/Nature/nature2.htm From rongreen@charter.net Mon Jan 24 03:43:21 2005 From: rongreen@charter.net (Ron Green) Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2005 21:43:21 -0600 Subject: [mou] Bald Eagles at Mississippi References: <4F3C90DD5ABC32408C70AC50F47942BDDEB9E4@ds69mail.na.bestbuy.com> Message-ID: <007301c501c6$da021890$6401a8c0@ron> If any interest, I was down by Dock #5 at the Mississippi (MN side) and I counted at least 20 Bald Eagle (2 Jueveniles). Quite a bit of fighting going on with most of the water being frozen and only a few open areas. It is creating a lot of competition. The images I took today can be found at http://www.greensphotoimages.com/gallery/ under the album "New Images". The eagle album is called "Bald Eagles 2". Thanks to everyone who graciously pointed me to this great hotspot. Ron Green http://www.greensphotoimages.com ----- Original Message ----- From: "Alt, Mark" To: ; ; Sent: Thursday, January 20, 2005 10:04 AM Subject: [mnbird] State of the state of MN Owl Irruption 1-20-05 The winter of 2004 and 2005 is still the year of the Owls in Minnesota, and now fro Wisconsin, as well. The Minnesota Ornithologists' Union (MOU) and Audubon Minnesota are working with agency and University biologists to collect data on these Owls. Records of sightings in MN should be emailed to the MOU at mou@cbs.umn.edu. Peder Svingen, MOU Records Committee Chair, has tallied reports thus far of 1715 Great Gray owls (GGOW's), more than 300 Northern Hawk Owls (NHOW's), and more than 400 Boreal Owls (BOOW's) in MN as of 1/17/05. This compares to last year's more typical numbers of 35 GGOW's, 6 NHOW's, and 1 BOOW's for MN and each represents the highest number ever documented in the state in a single winter season. These numbers have been adjusted to account for multiple sightings and are backed up with an Owl census coordinated by Dave Grossheusch and Jim Lind. Kim Eckert, Mike Hendrickson, and Peder Svingen also helped plan and implement this census, which will be repeated at monthly intervals through March. The first survey in early December tallied 167 Owls along randomly selected routes in northern Minnesota, plus an additional 88 owls along non-randomly selected routes. Dave Evans and others at Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve, plus Jim Lind, Dave Grosshuesch, Frank Nicoletti, Denny Meyer and Bill Lane have banded Owls intensively this fall.. Without banding, we would certainly have missed the early Boreal Owl movements this year. 378 BOOW's have been banded this winter, 268 of these by Frank Nicoletti alone. The MN DNR processes dead owls found and reports their freezers are filling up. 171 GGOW's, 25 BOOW's, and 2 NOHW's are logged in already, with more on the way. In the past 2 weeks, BOOW's have been regularly found roosting or feeding in the open along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Normally nocturnal, any Boreal Owl seen in these circumstances is food-stressed. Snow depth and conditions are now affecting prey availability. These factors combined with winds and bitter temperatures are exacerbating the Owls' slide towards starvation. Freezing rain coated northeastern Minnesota with ice just before New Year's Eve. Extreme arctic cold since 1/14/05 coincided with half the dead BOOW's picked up this year. According to Steve Wilson, MN DNR Ecologist, this follows the precedent of 1989, when a similar arctic blast killed off many BOOW's. GGOW's are not surviving very well. Their penchant for sailing in front of passing vehicles adds to their mortality rates caused by other stresses. They are being seen near open farmed areas and in mixed deciduous and conifer forests. The habitat their target prey frequents is grassy open areas that are not too dry in summer. Roadside ditches, meadows, and forest edge habitats are prime vole habitat. Ditches are now packed with hard snow, forcing the owls in more from the roads. They are frequently being seen near farm buildings. NHOW's are still sticking to open, barren field edge environments, and are being seen close to where they were being seen a month ago. NHOW numbers may have stabilized; it will be interesting to see how far their dispersal takes them. David Willard, of the Chicago Field Museum of Natural History, collected GGOW specimens from the invasion year in 1995-1996. Of the 43 GGOW's he studied, 30 were female and were more apt to be in good physical shape (i.e., carrying fat ) while the 13 males were emaciated. Dave and his colleagues theorize that the reason there were more females was that they had territories along roads where people driving by were likely to find them (dead) and where the birds could still find prey, while the males were away from roads with less accessible prey, and less likely to be found when they died. They do not know if this is true--just that it fit the data. Supporting the possibility of the sexes using different habitats was the fact that while both were feeding primarily on Microtus, the only Southern Bog Lemmings and Arctic Shrews were in male stomachs (despite a much smaller sample size for males). Dave is hoping to augment these samples this year and to see if there are similar patterns. Many GGOW specimens will be going his way. If you want to check out specimen information on the owls from the 1995-96 invasion you can find it at their database at http://fm1.fieldmuseum.org/collections/search.cgi?dest=birds. The Minnesota Ornithologists' Union (MOU) is still looking for data on these owls. It is important that as much data is collected as is possible. A good record includes: 1. A correctly identified species 2. Date of observation 3. A specific location 4. Observers' names and contact information These great birds have now dispersed throughout the northern half of the state of MN, common as far south as central Pine and Aitkin Counties. GGOW seen in the south are in good condition, confirmed by banders. Southernmost birds are most active at dawn and after 3:30 PM, actively hunting from prominent perches. GGOW's resident now in the far north are frequently found in poor condition, with fat reserves depleted and body weights very low. Dead Owls should be reported to the local DNR office. Sax-Zim and the north shore of Superior, where large numbers of Owls were first discovered, have far fewer Owls than two weeks ago. Dispersal to the west appears to be limited, perhaps due to the more open prairie and farmlands, but there have been sightings as far west as Kittson, Marshall, Pennington, Polk, and Mahnomen counties within since 1/10/05. A GGOW strayed as far west as Grand Forks in late December, the first confirmed record for North Dakota since the 1960's. Another was found in Southern Iowa this week, only the fifth record for that state. In Minnesota, only a few GGOW's are being seen farther south than central Pine County as of 1/15, yet as many as a 100 are being seen in Wisconsin, so a general southward and eastward dispersal is continuing. FAQ's: Why are they here? Depletion of primary food supply has caused a mass southward movement; Lake Winnipeg forms a Western barrier to Owls from the north, funneling birds to the east of it. Boreal forest in Manitoba gives way to Prairie, so Owls would follow continuous forest SE to progress southward. Lake of the Woods is the next barricade to western dispersal. Owls would then move south to meet Lake Superior, turning SW towards the Superior National Forest and the North Shore of Superior, which we witnessed. Where will they go? We can confirm GGOW's have dispersed South in the past 2 weeks in large numbers to Pine and Aitkin Counties in MN and to the Southeast to Douglas and Burnett Counties in WI. A single GGOW is being reported in Iowa. NHOW and BOOW remain rare and hard to find south of Duluth. A continuation of dispersal trends may move birds deeper into Wisconsin and into Chisago, Anoka, Isanti, Sherburne and Washington Counties in Minnesota, continuing southward and eastward. Birds moving into Wisconsin may be following the continuation of boreal forest east to Crex Meadows and on. A reverse movement north and east along Lake Superior has been noted since 1/14/05. It is not known if this represents a return path to their breeding grounds o merely birds dispersing elsewhere after finding no prey to the south. How many will survive? We are not certain. Mortality rates are higher in Northern MN thus far.. The DNR has to get dead owls reported to them so they may determine cause of death. Birders need to disperse their activities now to report where the birds are and in what densities they are found, both in MN and in WI. Sadly, birders should look for dead owls to report to the DNR, look for their wingtips or tails sticking out of the snow. Every sighting and report is important now; each bird may become the one that stays to attempt breeding. It is a huge area to cover; we need everyone out looking for owls in promising habitat. Please remain vigilant and help us monitor the saga as it plays out. What can I do to help these birds? You that have enjoyed these birds this year should consider giving of your time or money to some of the groups that are coordinating efforts to support these birds. * The MOU is providing services documenting sightings, natural histories and behaviors of these birds. We will be publishing data, observations, and research from this irruption year. A special publication with photos, maps and all the data compiled is planned. http://www.cbs.umn.edu/~mou/ * The MN DNR uses funds from licenses and the "chickadee check-off" to support conservation programs and wildlife and forestry services that impact this area. Carroll Henderson, Head of the DNR Wildlife Division comments "The State is in the process of updating its list of threatened and endangered species, and it would be appropriate to review the status of these three owls to make sure that they are given appropriate consideration for listing. The boreal owl's status should be looked at very closely." Please donate and support them. http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/index.html * Minnesota Audubon is working on Sax-Zim as an IBA (Important Bird Area), and will help coordinate development of habitat management and conservation practices with State and local organizations to ensure alignment and outcomes that are good for the Owls. The MOU and Audubon are also collecting information on birders. Birding as an economic benefit to rural areas can best be documented by tracking where birders are coming from and how much they are spending. To accomplish that we are asking our birding visitors to let us know when they are in the state and how much they spend, and on what (motel, gas, food, etc). Information can be sent to mmartell@audubon.org.http://www.audubon.org/chapter/mn/mn/programs.html * The Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve in Duluth sponsors banding and research; it was their contract bander, Frank Nicoletti, that showed us how many BOOW's were on the move in late fall 2004. http://www.hawkridge.org/ * Bill Lane is a bander and Owl researcher in Tofte, MN that specializes in Boreal Owls. You can volunteer to help him build or hang boxes or sponsor him in his efforts to locate breeding BOOW's and map their abundance. He uses no calls to attract birds; he only listens for actively singing birds. Last year, he heard only three BOOW's in an entire spring season. It is the hard way to do it, but it puts less stress on the birds. http://www.mindspring.com/~owlman/ * The Raptor Center has handled many injured Owls this season - 43 total: GGOW - 39 admitted; 14 survived; 3 released; 25 died NHOW - 2 admitted; 1 survived; 0 released; 1 died BOOW - 2 admitted; 1 survived; 0 released; 1 died These birds had all suffered collisions with cars and blunt trauma injuries with the exception of the Boreal that died, cause of death was starvation. All other Owls were deemed to be in good physical condition prior to their injuries. http://www.theraptorcentor.org Supporting any of these groups by making a donation will ensure your money is put to good use. Joining up as a member can put your time to good use. We all share memberships, partnerships and interests. You should earmark donations for specific use towards Owl conservation and research or it may get applied to other worthy programs. All of our efforts are funded by donations and memberships. Birders and residents have been remarkable stewards this season in Minnesota, consistently favoring decisions that favor the Owls. The outcome of this irruption year may be tough to witness and document, but we will see it through. I look forward to hearing Owls on territory in a couple of months, the booming hoots of a Great Gray or the hollow toots of the Boreal mixed in with the steady calling of Saw-Whets. Good Birding, go find some Owls for us, please. This essay is the product of all listed here and many more, Mark Alt President, Minnesota Ornithologists' Union markfalcon@comcast.net (Cell) 612-803-9085 Brooklyn Center, MN _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird@lists.mnbird.net http://www.mnbird.net/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/mnbird From Chris.Fagyal@udlp.com Mon Jan 24 14:08:24 2005 From: Chris.Fagyal@udlp.com (Chris Fagyal) Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2005 08:08:24 -0600 Subject: [mou] Quick update from Aitkin County Message-ID: --=_AD8D1470.D4B5C962 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit On Sunday I was in Aitkin from 9am to 12:30pm, leaving early because of the steady wind and also because of the complete lack of Owls I was seeing. I figured with the wind it wouldn't get much better and I suppose I was right. I travelled the following route: 169 to Cty 18 to Hwy 10 to Hwy 200 back to Hwy 169, down to Cty 18, over the Cty5, down to Palisade, back over to 169, back up to Cty 18, and up and down Cty 18 a few more times. I also travelled on that forest road (whose name I can't recall. Starts with a P... P Creek Forest Road) that is off of 18 just west of Hwy 10. Went all the way to the end and back. Looked like a pretty nice road to bird, but I didn't see anything. Could be quite interesting in the spring for migrants i'd bet. I found a grand total of 1 Great Grey Owl and 0 Northern Hawk Owls. Pileated Woodpeckers on the way up in Millacs and Aitkin counties (both flyovers across 169). Rough-legged Hawk in Sherburne County just south of Cty Rd 9 I believe it is (The one that goes west to Sherburne NWR). A Gray Jay along Hwy 10, and an enormous flock of 150+ Common Redpolls along Cty 18. Chris Fagyal Senior Software Engineer United Defense, L.P. ASD Fridley, MN (763) 572-5320 chris.fagyal@udlp.com >>> Warren Nelson 01/23/2005 21:46:25 PM >>> On Saturday, January 22, I birded around northern Aitkin County. Timing seems to be really important in locating the northern owls. At noon, I went north on C.R.1 to C.R.3, then east on C.R.3 to Highway 169, then north on 169 to C.R.18 and finally east on C.R. 18 to C.R.5. During the middle of the day, I found only 2 GREAT GRAY OWLS and 1 NORTHERN HAWK OWL. However, I headed back to Aitkin following the same route in reverse and from about 4:00 P.M. to 5:15 P.M., I found 79 GREAT GRAY OWLS, 6 NORTHERN HAWK OWLS and 1 BARRED OWL. They seemed to be everywhere. On Sunday, January 23, I only found 14 GREAT GRAY OWLS, 6 NORTHERN HAWK OWLS, 1 BARRED OWL, GRAY JAYS, a few SNOW BUNTINGS. The low numbers of great grays might be do to a very steady wind. Steve Millard reported finding a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK about 2 miles west of Aitkin on highway 210. I also got a report of 2 SHORT-EARED OWLS about 1 mile east of Tamarack along highway 210 ---along with several Graet Gray Owls. Warren Nelson _______________________________________________ mou-net mailing list mou-net@cbs.umn.edu http://cbs.umn.edu/mailman/listinfo/mou-net --=_AD8D1470.D4B5C962 Content-Type: text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit
On Sunday I was in Aitkin from 9am to 12:30pm, leaving early because of the steady wind and also because of the complete lack of Owls I was seeing.  I figured with the wind it wouldn't get much better and I suppose I was right.
 
I travelled the following route:  169 to Cty 18 to Hwy 10 to Hwy 200 back to Hwy 169, down to Cty 18, over the Cty5, down to Palisade, back over to 169, back up to Cty 18, and up and down Cty 18 a few more times.  I also travelled on that forest road (whose name I can't recall.  Starts with a P... P<something> Creek Forest Road) that is off of 18 just west of Hwy 10.  Went all the way to the end and back.  Looked like a pretty nice road to bird, but I didn't see anything.  Could be quite interesting in the spring for migrants i'd bet.
 
I found a grand total of 1 Great Grey Owl and 0 Northern Hawk Owls.  Pileated Woodpeckers on the way up in Millacs and Aitkin counties (both flyovers across 169).  Rough-legged Hawk in Sherburne County just south of Cty Rd 9 I believe it is (The one that goes west to Sherburne NWR).  A Gray Jay along Hwy 10, and an enormous flock of 150+ Common Redpolls along Cty 18.
 
 
 
 
Chris Fagyal
Senior Software Engineer
United Defense, L.P. ASD
Fridley, MN
(763) 572-5320
chris.fagyal@udlp.com

>>> Warren Nelson <wenelson@mlecmn.net> 01/23/2005 21:46:25 PM >>>
   On Saturday, January 22, I birded around northern Aitkin County.
Timing seems to be really important in locating the northern owls.  At
noon, I went north on C.R.1 to C.R.3, then east on C.R.3 to Highway 169,
then north on 169 to C.R.18 and finally east on C.R. 18 to C.R.5.
During the middle of the day, I found only 2 GREAT GRAY OWLS and 1
NORTHERN HAWK OWL.  However, I headed back to Aitkin following the same
route in reverse and from about 4:00 P.M. to 5:15 P.M., I found 79 GREAT
GRAY OWLS, 6 NORTHERN HAWK OWLS  and 1 BARRED OWL. They seemed to be
everywhere.
    On Sunday, January 23, I only found 14 GREAT GRAY OWLS, 6 NORTHERN
HAWK OWLS, 1 BARRED OWL, GRAY JAYS, a few SNOW BUNTINGS.  The low
numbers of great grays might be do to a very steady wind.  Steve Millard
reported finding a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK  about 2 miles west of Aitkin on
highway 210.  I also got a report of 2 SHORT-EARED OWLS about 1 mile
east of Tamarack along highway 210 ---along with several Graet Gray
Owls.   Warren Nelson

_______________________________________________
mou-net mailing list
mou-net@cbs.umn.edu
http://cbs.umn.edu/mailman/listinfo/mou-net
--=_AD8D1470.D4B5C962-- From cruzcolibri@yahoo.com Mon Jan 24 04:59:51 2005 From: cruzcolibri@yahoo.com (Alex Cruz) Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2005 20:59:51 -0800 (PST) Subject: [mou] Surfbirds sketchbook Message-ID: <20050124045951.21210.qmail@web53507.mail.yahoo.com> Hola Birders, I submitted some of my drawings and scribblings from my sketchbook of the owl invasion to Surfbirds.com. If you fancy, check it out at: http://www.surfbirds.com/Sketchbook%20/cruz0105.html If you're unfamiliar with Surfbirds, it's a great site for all kinds of birdy information. Best, Alex Cruz Crystal, MN __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From two-jays@att.net Mon Jan 24 17:33:06 2005 From: two-jays@att.net (Jim Williams) Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2005 11:33:06 -0600 Subject: [mou] owls moving into Wisconsin Message-ID: <023B5D8D-6E2E-11D9-B3B3-000D934C33C2@att.net> Forward by Jim Williams, Wayzata Begin forwarded message: From: Andy P Date: January 24, 2005 10:25:40 AM CST To: "Wisconsin Birding Network" Subject: [wisb] Douglas County/Burnett County Owls, etc. Hi Folks, A group of us ventured north on Friday to do some owling. We ended up seeing 16 Great Gray Owls, 3 Northern Hawk Owls, and a bunch of other cool birds. Here is the breakdown: Great Gray Locations: - 1 mile east of HWY 35 and Pioneer Road - 5 GGOW in on HWY 35 in and around the Chaffey/Belden Swamp area (seen in a driving snowstorm even) - 2 GGOW east of HWY 2/53 on HWY 13. This road is very productive for GGOW. - 3 GGOW along HWY 2/53 east of WI Point. - 3 GGOW at Landfill and WI Point - 1 GGOW at JCT of W and C near railroad tracks (missed GGOWs along rest of W/C/105 but probably not driven at correct time of day) - 1 GGOW in Burnett County!!! at JCT of U and Lake Road sitting at the entrace to Fort Folle Avoine! This is 1/2 mile from my cabin as the crow flies. Hawk Owl Locations: - 1 NHOW on Cty Road T west of Cozy Corner approx. 1 mile. - 1 NHOW west of Ashland on HWY 2 just east of HWY 137. Sitting atop a tree watching a sheriff pull over a speeder! - 1 NHOW at the house just east of the airport on HWY 112/K/Sanborn. Other "good" birds seen included a Northern Shrike along HWY 35 in Douglas County. Red-bellied Woodpecker, Siskins, 40+ Redpolls at the Lookout Bar/Restaurant. Sharp-tailed Grouse in a tree on W just north of JCT with BB in Douglas County. 3 Sharp-tailed Grouse in the Namekagon Barrens along Town Line Road. Red Crossbill singing (and recorded) along Cty Road P just south of Stone Chimney Road along Brule River. Lots of Redpolls at feeders and scattered flocks of Pine Grosbeaks along BB and W. Pine Grosbeaks seemed to be a little more local than earlier in the year. We also had one flyover Northern Goshawk at a private feeder east of Superior. A Superior birder had 35 GGOwls in one day on Thursday, other good roads include Conner's Point in Duluth, CTY Road E north of Solon Springs, CTY Road A, etc. You can't miss em'. There is also supposed to be a Hawk Owl on Pioneer Road and on L NW of Solon Springs. This same birder also had Bohemian Waxwings along 28th ST in Superior and there are also Bohemians in and around Grantsburg. To see GGOWs stay off of the real dry Jack Pine/Oak areas and focus on northern Douglas County and Western Douglas County. I suspect that more will be pouring into Burnett County from MN as food supplies dwindle. Good birdin' Andy Paulios Janesville, WI __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ############################## This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list . To UNSUBSCRIBE, E-mail to To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to Send administrative QUERIES, E-mail to From two-jays@att.net Mon Jan 24 18:32:45 2005 From: two-jays@att.net (Jim Williams) Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2005 12:32:45 -0600 Subject: [mou] meetings Message-ID: <5741BEF6-6E36-11D9-B3B3-000D934C33C2@att.net> The Raptor Research Foundation will hold its 2005 annual meeting in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Oct. 12-16. Meeting details will be posted at http://biology.boisestate.edu/raptor. The 20th Trumpeter Swan Society Conference will be held in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Oct. 20-22. For information, contact Madeleine Link, ttss@threeriversparkdistrict.org. Jim Williams, Wayzata, Minnesota From chickadee@lauraerickson.com Mon Jan 24 23:00:49 2005 From: chickadee@lauraerickson.com (Laura Erickson) Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2005 17:00:49 -0600 Subject: [mou] Bohemian Waxwings and Great Gray Owls Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20050124165729.0107fc28@smtp.lauraerickson.com> On the Scenic Highway between Duluth and Two Harbors, I had a small flock of about 30 Bohemian Waxwings at McQuade Road, and a larger flock of about 150 at Knife River. Both were easy to see from the road, and courteously at places where I could safely pull over to scan them, but I couldn't detect any Cedar Waxwings. I had one Great Gray Owl at Brighton Beach (where there was also a lone Canada Goose and a Red-breasted Merganser), one near the lighthouse in Two Harbors (where I found the Harlequin Duck along with several Buffleheads and Goldeneyes), and one in my backyard when I returned home. Laura Erickson Duluth, MN Producer, "For the Birds" radio program There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of birds. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature--the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter. --Rachel Carson From wieber64@comcast.net Tue Jan 25 02:53:08 2005 From: wieber64@comcast.net (Gail Wieberdink) Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2005 20:53:08 -0600 Subject: [mou] Southern Pine County GGOs Message-ID: <000501c50289$008023a0$d87c7618@comcast.net> We found 40 great gray owls in southern Pine County today. (Monday) The best spots were between Cloverdale and Bruno -- County Road 21 N out of Cloverdale to CR 32 and CR 22 to Bruno. The very best spot was County Road 30 between CR 21 and CR 22. This area is east of Hinckley off I 35. The owls were often bunched in one general area -- about 5 at the most in one area. They were much more visible and much more active after 4:00. We did drive as far north as County Line Road in the northern part of Pine County but saw just a couple in the northern part. The bigger numbers were in the southern part of the county. Gail Wieberdink wieber64@comcast.net From markfalcon@comcast.net Tue Jan 25 12:32:48 2005 From: markfalcon@comcast.net (markfalcon@comcast.net) Date: Tue, 25 Jan 2005 12:32:48 +0000 Subject: [mou] FW: Owls you are seeing Message-ID: <012520051232.12096.41F63C6F000DC96700002F40220074567202010C040E00059D0E03@comcast.net> --NextPart_Webmail_9m3u9jl4l_12096_1106656368_0 Content-Type: text/plain Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit FYI. Less Owls than usual in Alberta reported. I guess these had to come from somewhere? -------------- Forwarded Message: -------------- From: Barb Beck To: markfalcon@comcast.net Subject: Owls you are seeing Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2005 19:21:51 +0000 Your messsage: [Owling] State of the state of MN Owl Irruption 1-20-0 was forwarded to our listserver, albertabirds. Just thought I would make a couple comments. How about having your volunteers age these things at least first year birds and older. Actually with a little help they can do much better. Hawks and Great Grays east to age - the crescents vs chevrons on the tails of the Hawk owls are a dead give away even for people who do not look at these birds much and the brown feathers with the light tips signal birds over a year old. Can often easily be seen with bions.(I band but am not getting into the hy ahy stuff - by one year old I mean it in real terms) There is interesting information to be gained by knowing the age of what is coming down. If anybody is unsure down there scan the tail or wings of the dead owls coming in and either of the guys below can age them instantly. For better information on ageing these guys contact Gord Court gord.court@gov.ab.ca or Ray Cromie. rayshirley@telus.net Poor ray has had a tough year hearing about all the owls your way and not being able to band down there. The area around Ft. Vermilllion and High Level at the top of Alberta is usually a Hawk and GGOW hot spot. As you might guess when a group recently travelled up their they nothing in the usual owl hot spot. They had a 2000+ km trip with little to show for it except a bunch of hawk owls banded much farther south than the prime area. Edmonton area has more owls than usual. We have a reasonable number of GGOWs in this area and a Lot of Hawk owls down. Ray has banded I think a couple hundred of them this year. Had many boreals down for the CBC. While we usually find one or two each year our owlers found 8 this year. Another are the number of Pygmy Owls popping up out of their normal range this year. Cheers Hope some of our birds manage to find their way back north. . Barb Beck Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Barb.Beck@ualberta.ca --NextPart_Webmail_9m3u9jl4l_12096_1106656368_0 Content-Type: text/html Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit
FYI.  Less Owls than usual in Alberta reported. I guess these had to come from somewhere?
 
-------------- Forwarded Message: --------------
From: Barb Beck <barb@birdnut.obtuse.com>
To: markfalcon@comcast.net
Subject: Owls you are seeing
Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2005 19:21:51 +0000


Your messsage:

[Owling] State of the state of MN Owl Irruption 1-20-0

was forwarded to our listserver, albertabirds. Just thought I would make a
couple comments.


How about having your volunteers age these things at least first year
birds and older. Actually with a little help they can do much better.
Hawks and Great Grays east to age - the crescents vs chevrons on the
tails of the Hawk owls are a dead give away even for people who do not
look at these birds much and the brown feathers with the light tips
signal birds over a year old. Can often easily be seen with bions.(I
band but am not getting into the hy ahy stuff - by one year old I mean
it in real terms)

There is interesting information to be gained by knowing the age of what
is coming down. If anybody is unsure down there scan the tail or wings
of the dead owls coming in and either of the guys below can age them
instantly.

For better information on ageing these guys contact Gord Court
gord.court@gov.ab.ca or Ray Cromie. rayshirley@telus.net
Poor ray has had a tough year hearing about all the owls your way and
not being able to band down there.

The area around Ft. Vermilllion and High Level at the top of Alberta is
usually a Hawk and GGOW hot spot. As you might guess when a group
recently travelled up their they nothing in the usual owl hot spot.
They had a 2000+ km trip with little to show for it except a bunch of
hawk owls banded much farther south than the prime area. Edmonton area
has more owls than usual. We have a reasonable number of GGOWs in this
area and a Lot of Hawk owls down. Ray has banded I think a couple
hundred of them this year. Had many boreals down for the CBC. While we
usually find one or two each year our owlers found 8 this year. Another
are the number of Pygmy Owls popping up out of their normal range this year.

Cheers
Hope some of our birds manage to find their way back north. .

Barb Beck
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Barb.Beck@ualberta.ca
--NextPart_Webmail_9m3u9jl4l_12096_1106656368_0-- From EgretCMan@aol.com Tue Jan 25 13:46:07 2005 From: EgretCMan@aol.com (EgretCMan@aol.com) Date: Tue, 25 Jan 2005 08:46:07 EST Subject: [mou] MRVAC - Southeast Minnesota - Field Trip Report - 1/24/05 Message-ID: -------------------------------1106660767 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit 1/24/05 Minnesota River Valley Audubon Chapter Southeast Minnesota Field Trip Report 9 - participants 31 - species observed Spring was in the air in Southern Minnesota on Monday. We observed small flocks of Horned Larks in several locations in Fillmore and Houston County's, plus 3 Eastern Bluebirds along Houston CR 5 about 5 miles East of town of Caledonia. Northern Cardinals, Black-capped Chickadee's and Tufted Titmice were in full song. Including one Tufted Titmouse seen and heard near a large feeding station along Houston CR 5, about 5 miles East of the town of Caledonia. We missed on our try for the Varied Thrush reported in Rochester. We were there between 8:00 and 8:30am. We were also unsuccessful in our search for Golden Eagles along Houston CR 5. Here are some of the species observed by our group: @ Wild Turkey - 3:00 - 4:30pm - Houston CR 5 - Several flocks were observed between CR 23 & CR 31. @ Rough-legged Hawk - 5 or 6 birds were seen in scattered locations in Olmsted, Fillmore and Houston Counties. Including one Dark Morph bird in Rochester near the intersection of S. Broadway and 16th Ave. SW. @ Northern Flicker - observed by a small portion of the group at the top of a bluff near the feeding station on Houston CR 5. @ Horned Lark @ Tufted Titmouse @ Eastern Bluebird @ Purple Finch @ Pine Siskin -------------------------------1106660767 Content-Type: text/html; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
1/24/05
 
Minnesota River Valley Audubon Chapter
Southeast Minnesota
Field Trip Report
 
9 - participants
31 - species observed
 
Spring was in the air in Southern Minnesota on Monday.  We=20 observed small flocks of Horned Larks in several locations in Fillmore and=20 Houston County's, plus 3 Eastern Bluebirds along Houston CR 5 about 5 m= iles=20 East of town of Caledonia.  Northern Cardinals, Black-capped Chickadee'= s=20 and Tufted Titmice were in full song.  Including one Tufted Titmouse se= en=20 and heard near a large feeding station along Houston CR 5, about 5 miles Eas= t of=20 the town of Caledonia. 
 
We missed on our try for the Varied Thrush reported in Rochester. = We=20 were there between 8:00 and 8:30am.  We were also unsuccessful in our=20 search for Golden Eagles along Houston CR 5.  Here are some of the spec= ies=20 observed by our group:
 
@ Wild Turkey - 3:00 - 4:30pm - Houston CR 5 - Several flocks were obse= rved=20 between CR 23 & CR 31.
@ Rough-legged Hawk - 5 or 6 birds were seen in scattered locations in=20 Olmsted, Fillmore and Houston Counties.  Including one Dark Morph bird=20= in=20 Rochester near the intersection of S. Broadway and 16th Ave. SW.
@ Northern Flicker - observed by a small portion of the group at the to= p of=20 a bluff near the feeding station on Houston CR 5.
@ Horned Lark
@ Tufted Titmouse
@ Eastern Bluebird
@ Purple Finch
@ Pine Siskin
 
 -------------------------------1106660767-- From PastorAl@PrincetonFreeChurch.net Tue Jan 25 15:22:57 2005 From: PastorAl@PrincetonFreeChurch.net (Pastor Al) Date: Tue, 25 Jan 2005 09:22:57 -0600 Subject: [mou] North for Owls & others Message-ID: <000001c502f3$114a2ef0$0c01a8c0@PastorAl> Nathan & I headed north yesterday, covering portions of Duluth, Two Harbors, Sax-Zim, Aitkin County and Kathio State Park (briefly). Highlights included a Boreal Owl, Northern Hawk Owls (7), Great Gray Owls (32), Northern Goshawk and Black-billed (American?) Magpie (two life birds for Nathan, lifer and two state birds for me). Also significant were the misses: Boreal Chickadee, Harlequin Ducks (in Agate Bay the night before and early AM, according to observers), Evening Grosbeaks, either Crossbill, more common owls. Only heard a single Pine Grosbeak (despite checking numerous feeders), saw one Gray Jay. Uniquely, my year list includes Boreal - Northern Hawk - Great Gray - Saw-whet Owls, but no Great Horned or Eastern Screech. Interestingly, saw more Great Grays than any other bird except Redpolls (which were mobbing most feeder areas). Thanks to Peder Svingen & the Cooks (sp?) for their assistance in Two Harbors. Good birding to all! Al & Nathan Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties From MMARTELL@audubon.org Tue Jan 25 16:05:57 2005 From: MMARTELL@audubon.org (MARTELL, Mark) Date: Tue, 25 Jan 2005 11:05:57 -0500 Subject: [mou] Injured Northern Owls Message-ID: I am posting this at the request of Gail Buhl and the injured owls she = is receiving. As all of you know this winter the northland (and now some parts south) = are seeing an enormous influx of Great Gray owls. I have treated and = moved 17 owls to the Raptor Center so far this winter. Where I am in = Silver Bay we are not seeing them as much now as people are in the = Duluth area. The rehabilitator in Duluth that was assisting in moving = injured owls to the Raptor Center or to Wild and Free will no longer be = doing it. I had utilized her as well as many wonderful volunteers to = help me move injured birds. Because most of the great grays are in = Duluth, when they are injured they are now going to Dave Evans, a bird = bander in Duluth. He is wonderful to hold them, but we need help moving = them to where they can be cared for. This is where you come in! (I bet = you were wondering weren't you!?!)=20 I would like you to print this page. If you or anyone you know will be = coming up the Duluth way and would be willing to transport an owl or two = please call the numbers below and let us know. Dave has given me = permission to give out his phone number so please call him. If he = doesn't have any owls, he will tell you but if he does we will be very = grateful for the help! I would like you to think about helping through = March/April for the great gray owls. Of course we are always getting = injured birds so if you want to call us anytime during the year that's = good too!=20 Dave Evans (Duluth): 218-724-0261=20 Gail Buhl=20 home: 218-353-0396=20 work: 218-353-7414 ext 193.=20 Thank you very much again. If you have questions please email or call = me!=20 email: bradgail@lakenet.com =20 mail@wolf-ridge.org (put Gail in the = subject line--I check this email once/twice per week)=20 Gail Mark Martell Director of Bird Conservation Audubon Minnesota 2357 Ventura Drive #106 St. Paul, MN 55125 651-739-9332 651-731-1330 (FAX) From cbutler@lcp2.net Tue Jan 25 16:19:39 2005 From: cbutler@lcp2.net (Cindy Butler) Date: Tue, 25 Jan 2005 10:19:39 -0600 Subject: [mou] Quick update from Aitkin County In-Reply-To: Message-ID: <3.0.1.32.20050125101939.012ed138@mail.lcp2.net> Hello All, I was guiding birders/photographers in Aitkin County yesterday and, contrary to Chris's experience on his windy Sunday, the number of Great Gray Owls in Aitkin County continues to rise. Daily counts of Great Gray Owls between our house and Tamarack are now in the middle teens. Yesterday I saw 14 about 8:00 AM and Cindy saw 10 when she went into town about 9:00 AM. Daily counts on some of the side roads north and east of McGregor are numbering in the low 20's. Cindy saw 25 yesterday on her run to town and my count (covering much less territory than Cindy) was 18. Yesterday, while guiding Stan & Don from Iowa, we covered northcentral Aitkin County. Our route was McGregor to Palisade, County Road 3 to the Dump Road, west to County 1, north to County 29, east on County 68 to Highway 169, south to County 3 and east to Palisade for lunch. Our afternoon route was County 10 south to Dump Road, West to County 1, north to County 29, east on County 68 to its end, north on 169 to County 18 east to County 10, back to County 5 then SW back to the intersection of County 1 and the dump road. We finished back in McGregor near 5:00 PM. (With a quick stop to pick up a mortally injured Great Gray Owl on highway 65). Our total count of Great Gray Owls for the day was 118 EXCLUDING any potential duplicates. We also found nine Northern Hawk Owls, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Pine Grosbeak, Gray Jay, Bald Eagle, Northern Shrike, and Snow Bunting. The Great Grays seem to be much more difficult to find during the mid-day hours. We saw only a few in the hours between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM. The 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM time frame can be almost magical with the number of owls found seemingly endless. The areas east and north of McGregor and north of Palisade continue to hold huge numbers of Great Gray Owls. I just hope that they can continue to find sufficient food with our increased snow depth. At our bird feeders we continue to host a huge number of Common Redpolls, Evening Grosbeaks on a near daily basis, and an intermittent group of Pine Grosbeaks. from snow covered & Great Gray Owl-filled Aitkin County, Kim & Cindy Risen Tamarack, MN At 08:08 AM 1/24/2005 -0600, Chris Fagyal wrote: > On Sunday I was in Aitkin from 9am to 12:30pm, leaving early because of the steady wind and also because of the complete lack of Owls I was seeing. I figured with the wind it wouldn't get much better and I suppose I was right. I travelled the following route: 169 to Cty 18 to Hwy 10 to Hwy 200 back to Hwy 169, down to Cty 18, over the Cty5, down to Palisade, back over to 169, back up to Cty 18, and up and down Cty 18 a few more times. I also travelled on that forest road (whose name I can't recall. Starts with a P... P Creek Forest Road) that is off of 18 just west of Hwy 10. Went all the way to the end and back. Looked like a pretty nice road to bird, but I didn't see anything. Could be quite interesting in the spring for migrants i'd bet. I found a grand total of 1 Great Grey Owl and 0 Northern Hawk Owls. Pileated Woodpeckers on the way up in Millacs and Aitkin counties (both flyovers across 169). Rough-legged Hawk in Sherburne County just south of Cty Rd 9 I believe it is (The one that goes west to Sherburne NWR). A Gray Jay along Hwy 10, and an enormous flock of 150+ Common Redpolls along Cty 18. Chris Fagyal From kreckert@cpinternet.com Tue Jan 25 20:39:38 2005 From: kreckert@cpinternet.com (Kim R Eckert) Date: Tue, 25 Jan 2005 14:39:38 -0600 Subject: [mou] Duluth area update Message-ID: <3B2B7362-6F11-11D9-93F2-000A95E02230@cpinternet.com> As of this morning, 25 Jan, here are some of the more significant=20 sightings I'm aware of from the past few days. My apologies for=20 duplicating any information already posted by others. - Kim Eckert Gadwall - male presumably still overwintering with the Mallard/Am Black=20= Duck flock along the Lakewalk just N of Canal Park (though I haven't=20 looked since last week's cold wave). Harlequin Duck - pair still present in Two Harbors; usually seen along=20= the main breakwater at Agate Bay. Spruce Grouse - no sightings I'm aware of in the past few days, but=20 seen several times earlier in Jan along Minn Hwy 1 between mile markers=20= 306-301 (=3D 5-10 mi NW of Co Rd 2); only a couple of reports all winter=20= in the usual area along Co Rd 2. Sharp-tailed Grouse - few if any reported recently in Sax-Zim; probably=20= best looked for now in Aitkin Co =96 e.g., seen last week along Co Rd = 16,=20 0.5 - 1.0 mi S of Tamarack. (Yellow-billed Loon - to my knowledge, not seen since Jan 11) Gyrfalcon - Ryan Brady of Ashland WI send the following report last=20 weekend of a Gyr which had been seen somewhat consistently in Dec: "The=20= adult gray Gyrfalcon in Ashland was seen on Sat Jan 15 chasing pigeons=20= at the power plant along the lakefront at 1:30 pm. The bird was seen=20 (and photographed) again today (Fri Jan 21) from 2:30 to 4:30 pm on the=20= oredock in Ashland." Nothing consistent in Minn, with possible reports=20= (mostly unconfirmed & second-hand) from Two Harbors and the Duluth=20 airport. Note there have been a Peregrine and Red-tailed Hawks recently=20= in the Duluth-Superior harbor area, and these are have been mistaken=20 for Gyrs in the past. Also note that Gyrfalcon is currently classified=20= as a Casual Minn species, with documentation needed for all sightings. gulls - still possible to see fly-by Glaucous and Thayer's (adult seen=20= last week) from the road outside the Superior landfill gate (no recent=20= Iceland Gull reports I'm aware of); again, as previously reported,=20 birders are no longer allowed to drive or walk into the landfill since=20= a litigious birder fell there a few weeks ago and threatened to sue. Snowy Owl - two individuals probably still present in the Duluth=20 airport area =96 e.g., male seen at dusk on 22 Jan perched on the fence=20= at the W end of the runway along Stebner Rd across from the Federal=20 Prison Camp. Stebner Rd turns E from U S Hwy 53 at the first stoplight=20= N of Arrowhead Rd; also scan the runway from the parking lots at the=20 old airport terminal and at Cirrus Design along Stebner, and from the=20 observation windows on the second level of the main airport terminal.=20 And if you see the wing-tagged female, please try to see & report the=20 number. (No reports recently from the Proctor railroad yards or the=20 Duluth-Superior harbor.) Great Gray / N Hawk Owls - as others have reported, Great Grays now=20 easiest to find in Aitkin Co, but N Hawk Owls are still easily seen in=20= Sax-Zim, especially along Arkola Rd / Co Rd 52 a few miles W of Co Rd=20 7, and along Co Rd 7 between Arkola Rd and Zim. Boreal Owl - most recent sightings have been in Two Harbors, especially=20= on the E side of town between 4th & South Avenues. If you find one, be=20= sure to approach quietly and not too closely to avoid unduly stressing=20= the bird; also do not pass on specific locations to other birders=20 unless you are sure they will exercise similar caution. Am Three-toed Woodpecker - male relocated on 22 and 24 Jan (too windy=20 on 23 Jan) along the W side of McDavitt Rd in Sax-Zim; look especially=20= along the trail through the snow which goes into the woods opposite the=20= red post/blue ribbon, 2.3 mi N of Sax Rd. Black-backed Woodpecker - also seen at this same spot, plus additional=20= Black-backeds last week another 3/4 mi N, near the N end of the=20 tamarack bog. (Clark's Nutcracker - to my knowledge, not seen after it was initially=20= reported on 15 Jan) Boreal Chickadee - difficult to find recently in Sax-Zim. Warren Nelson=20= recommends the Rabey Tree Farm on Hwy 200 in Aitkin Co; one is still=20 coming to the suet feeders in Isabella in Lake Co across from the cafe. Bohemian Waxwing - flocks still elusive & unpredictable, but still=20 present today on the W side of Two Harbors: the flock around 18th-20th=20= St along 7th Ave moved farther W to just S of the T-intersection at the=20= end of 7th. Also seen at 4 locations over the weekend in Duluth: corner=20= of Triggs & Toledo (i.e., N of St Scholastica / W of Kenwood Ave / S of=20= Arrowhead Rd); along Jean Duluth Rd at Riley Rd; farther N on Jean=20 Duluth at Strand Rd; and at jct of Hwy 61 and Homestead Rd. Snow Bunting - still scarce; most recent sightings along Co Rd 7=20 between Sax and Zim, and in Aitkin Co just S of Tamarack. crossbills - both species still scarce; White-wingeds seen last week in=20= Sax-Zim along Blue Spruce Rd just N of Co Rd 133, and Reds seen last=20 week near Meadowlands on Co Rd 29 just S of 133. Hoary Redpoll - more than usual this winter among redpoll flocks at=20 feeders and along roadsides. As others have reported, first ask=20 permission before viewing any feeders in Sax-Zim =96 but do not ask or=20= stop at the feeder on Co Rd 7, 1 mi N of Arkola, since the residents=20 yesterday asked birders not to stop there. And, as previously reported,=20= do not stop to bird on any paved roads in Sax-Zim unless they have a=20 full-width shoulder =96 with so many birders, some local residents have=20= lost patience with cars stopped partially in the road. Evening Grosbeak - still scarce; seen recently at a few feeders in St=20 Louis & Lake Co's, but none consistently. Probably best looked for at=20 feeders in Aitkin Co. From gbauer@carleton.edu Tue Jan 25 22:39:07 2005 From: gbauer@carleton.edu (Gene Bauer) Date: Tue, 25 Jan 2005 16:39:07 -0600 Subject: [mou] Golden Eagle in Rice County Message-ID: I was birding Rice County on Sunday with Lyle Myers who spotted a first year Golden Eagle. It was perched when first seen, but then flew as if hunting, working both sides of Falls Trail (County Road 61) about midway between 120th and 130th St. W. This area is about 3 miles directly west of Circle Lake. We do get Goldens in Rice County, but reports are few and far between. This is pretty old news, but simply couldn't get to posting it before now. Gene Bauer From writers2@comcast.net Wed Jan 26 01:33:16 2005 From: writers2@comcast.net (Val/Roger) Date: Tue, 25 Jan 2005 19:33:16 -0600 Subject: [mou] Tuesday great gray owls Message-ID: Hello, fellow bird people: Today (Jan. 25), Kim Gordon and I, inspired by Gail Wieberdink's post from last night, set out for Pine County to see owls. Gail had seen 40 great gray owls within a fairly small area in the southern part of the county on Monday, and we wanted in. Set out from St. Paul around 2 p.m., took a right onto CR 48 at Hinckley, and the owls started to happen: 1 on CR 21 just north of Cloverdale 8 on CR 30 between CR 21 and CR 22 2 on CR 22 7 on CR 32 between CR 22 and CR 21 2 on CR 123 south of Askov 5 on CR 22 south of CR 30 3 on CR 48 between CR 22 and CR 21 For a total of 28 owls in about an hour and a half, between 3:55 and 5:25 p.m. Several of the great grays were actively hunting, and all were actively watching for prey. What spectacular birds! Hope they all make it through the winter, Val Cunningham St. Paul, Minn. From crossbill7200@yahoo.com Wed Jan 26 01:42:10 2005 From: crossbill7200@yahoo.com (Shelley Steva) Date: Tue, 25 Jan 2005 17:42:10 -0800 (PST) Subject: [mou] Pennington Co. Great Gray Owl Message-ID: <20050126014210.61655.qmail@web30501.mail.mud.yahoo.com> All winter I have been envious of all the great gray owl reports- but no longer! Tonight at 4:48 PM, just one mile north of the intersection of Pennington Co. 3 and US Highway 59 in a wildlife area seven miles south of downtown Thief River Falls, there was a great gray owl. He was flying through the wildlife area. My first thought was- eagle- for great grays are large birds. But oh no- it was a large and beautiful great gray. I believe that this is my first great gray- ever- in Pennington Co! Oh- I also saw 20 snow buntings one mile north of that. That was one beautiful bird! Shelley Steva Thief River Falls __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Helps protect you from nasty viruses. http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail From smithville4@charter.net Wed Jan 26 01:48:33 2005 From: smithville4@charter.net (Mike Hendrickson) Date: Tue, 25 Jan 2005 19:48:33 -0600 Subject: [mou] Jan 25th Birds Message-ID: <000a01c50349$252c66d0$46a47044@FAMILYCOMPUTER> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0007_01C50316.DA519270 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Hello: I was out birding today with a birder from Arizona. The weather was = overcast and the winds calm. At Sax Zim area the Great Gray Owls were = scattered all along Co. Rd. 7. We also saw a few Hawk Owls. On McDavitt Rd we did not see or hear any woodpeckers but there is = areally nice hiking trail that birders made in the snow. With so much = excitement with the woodpeckers a series of trails were made in the snow = and the snow is packed nicely to give a nice walkway into the bog. The = birder I was with wore running shoes and the trail into the bog was so = nice he didn't bother to wear boots. The trail is on McDavitt Rd. = opposite of the red/white post. (the trails are on the west side of = McDavitt) The sub adult male Snowy Owl is was seen today on top of a telephone = pole on the main road that takes you along the south side of the prison = yard. Mike H. Michael Hendrickson Duluth, Minnesota Minnesota Birding Treks http://webpages.charter.net/mmhendrickson/ ------=_NextPart_000_0007_01C50316.DA519270 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Hello:
 
I was out birding today with = a birder=20 from Arizona. The weather was overcast and the winds calm.  At Sax = Zim area=20 the Great Gray Owls were scattered all along Co. Rd. 7.  We also = saw a few=20 Hawk Owls.
 
On McDavitt Rd we did not see = or hear any=20 woodpeckers but there is areally nice hiking trail that birders made in = the=20 snow.  With so much excitement with the woodpeckers a series of = trails were=20 made in the snow and the snow is packed nicely to give a nice walkway = into the=20 bog. The birder I was with wore running shoes and the trail into the bog = was so=20 nice he didn't bother to wear boots.  The trail is on McDavitt Rd. = opposite=20 of the red/white post. (the trails are on the west side of=20 McDavitt)
 
The sub adult male Snowy Owl = is was seen=20 today on top of a telephone pole on the main road that takes you along = the south=20 side of the prison yard.
 
Mike H.
Michael = Hendrickson
Duluth,=20 Minnesota
Minnesota Birding Treks
http://webpages.chart= er.net/mmhendrickson/
------=_NextPart_000_0007_01C50316.DA519270-- From dbmartin@skypoint.com Wed Jan 26 02:12:11 2005 From: dbmartin@skypoint.com (Dennis/Barbara Martin) Date: Tue, 25 Jan 2005 20:12:11 -0600 Subject: [mou] Hawk Owls moving south Message-ID: <001d01c5034c$72ed9da0$202e56c7@oemcomputer> Had two hawk owls late this afternoon further south than I have heard of so far this year. The two birds were only about 4 1/2 miles apart in a direct line. I do not believe that they are the same bird as I found them only 10 minutes apart and I had driven almost directly between the two spots and the wind (fairly strong late this PM) was blowing against the first bird moving to the second spot. Kanabec County-northeast corner of intersection of County Roads 3 and 20 Pine County- 1.3 miles west of County Road 13 on Pokegama Creek Road (this is close to the Kanabec line north of Corner Brook on State Hwy 23) Also spent most of the day in Mille Lacs and Kanabec Counties without finding any Great Gray Owls. Dennis Martin dbmartin@skypoint.com From Steve Weston" I neglected to mention the location of the Eagan Great Gray Owl as so many others had reported its location. It is being seen at the main Eagan post office which is one block south of Lone Oak Road and Lexington Avenue in Eagan. Steve From sparkystensaas@hotmail.com Wed Jan 26 02:01:38 2005 From: sparkystensaas@hotmail.com (sparky stensaas) Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2005 02:01:38 +0000 Subject: [mou] Townsend's Solitaire-In Duluth since Nov. Message-ID:
The Townsend's Solitaire found by the Indiana group in Lakeside (Duluth) at 40th Ave E and Cooke was still present as of Monday afternoon. It is a very active bird...vocalizing...and fluttering at the windows of three different houses. It has been at the brushy yard at the SE corner and at the cedar at the NE corner house. The owner of the NE corner house came out and asked what kind of bird it was. He said it has been there for two months! It roosts in his garage eave. Sounds like it may stay around the rest of the winter.
 
Sparky Stensaas
From rerpeldi@tds.net Wed Jan 26 04:53:31 2005 From: rerpeldi@tds.net (Ronald Erpelding) Date: Tue, 25 Jan 2005 22:53:31 -0600 Subject: [mou] NW MN Great Gray Owls Message-ID: <200501260453.j0Q4rVmO003815@outbound3.mail.tds.net> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0006_01C50330.B211C630 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable =20 I spent Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, January 23-25, 2005 birding in Northwestern MN. Common Redpolls and Snow Buntings were seen in most of = the 9 counties I visited. Saw one Northern Hawk Owl and total of 6 Great = Gray Owls in four counties. =20 Norman County Refound Northern Hawk Owl @ 4:59 p.m., 4 miles north of Twin Valley, MN, Sunday, January 23, 2005 Directions: Perched in tree in SW corner of intersection of MN Highways = 200 & 32 and Co Rd 23 =20 Marshall County Refound one Great Gray Owl @ 10:28 a.m., perched in tree on west side of = Co Rd 12, Monday, January 24, 2005 Directions: 1 and =BD miles south of the intersections of Co Rd 12 and = Co Rd 7 ( same general area as previously reported =96 west of Agassiz NWR) =20 Red Lake County Saw one Great Gray Owl (probable new sighting) @ 12:33 p.m., perched on power pole on west side of 173rd Avenue SW, Monday, January 24, 2005 Directions: Two tenths of a mile north of the Huot Store in Huot, MN on 173rd Avenue SW in Western Red Lake County =20 Clearwater County Refound one Great Gray Owl @ 4:59 p.m., NE of Clearbrook, MN, perched in = a hayfield first in a single sapling, then in a group of saplings and = finally on a piece of farm equipment probably a haybine, Monday, Monday, January = 24, 2005. Directions: From the intersection of Co Rds 4 & 5 on the north edge of Clearbrook, MN: one mile east on Co Rd. 4 and 2 miles north on 179th = Avenue =20 Kittson County Found three Great Gray Owls (possibly new sightings), between 10:20 and 10:28 a.m., all three were along MN Highway 11, Tuesday, January 25, = 2005 The owls were located 2.4 miles, 3.0 miles and 3.2 miles west of the Intersections of Highways 59 and 11 in Karlstad, MN The first one at 2.4 miles was perched in a small tree approximately 35 yards south of Hwy 11 The second one at 3.0 miles was perched in a tree approximately 70 yards north of Hwy 11 The third one at 3.2 miles was perched on a fence post on the north = side, adjacent to Hwy 11 All three owls were at the same locations two hours later @ 12:20 to = 12:22 p.m. =20 Other findings of interest: =20 Norman County =96 north edge of Twin Valley, West side of Hwy 32 Bohemian Waxwings =20 Clearwater County =96 east of where the Great Gray Owl was seen Northern Goshawk =20 Roseau County =96 Greenbush, MN, Tuesday, January 25, 2005 Pine Grosbeaks, White-winged Crossbills, and Bohemian Waxwings =20 Kittson County =96 Co Rd 20, 3 to 4 miles north of MN Hwy 11 Sharp-tailed Grouse =20 Ron Erpelding Willmar, MN Kandiyohi County =20 ------=_NextPart_000_0006_01C50330.B211C630 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable

 

I spent Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, January 23-25, = 2005 birding in Northwestern = MN.=A0 Common Redpolls and Snow = Buntings were seen in most of the 9 counties I visited.=A0 Saw one Northern Hawk Owl = and total of 6 Great Gray Owls in four counties.

 

Norman = County=

Refound Northern Hawk Owl @ 4:59 p.m., 4 miles north of Twin Valley, MN, Sunday, January 23, 2005

Directions:=A0 Perched in tree in SW corner of = intersection of MN Highways 200 & 32 and Co Rd 23

 

Marshall = County=

Refound one Great Gray Owl @ 10:28 a.m., perched in tree on west = side of Co Rd 12, Monday, January 24, 2005

Directions:=A0 1 and =BD miles south of the = intersections of Co Rd 12 and Co Rd 7 ( same general area as previously reported – = west of Agassiz NWR)

 

Red = Lake County

Saw one Great = Gray Owl (probable new sighting) @ 12:33 p.m., perched on power pole on = west side of 173rd Avenue = SW, Monday, January 24, 2005

Directions:=A0 Two tenths of a mile north of the Huot = Store in Huot, MN on 173rd Avenue SW in Western Red Lake = County

 

Clearwater = County

Refound one Great = Gray Owl @ 4:59 p.m., NE of Clearbrook, MN, perched in a hayfield = first in a single sapling, then in a group of saplings and finally on a piece of = farm equipment probably a haybine, Monday, Monday, January 24, = 2005.

Directions:=A0 From the intersection of Co Rds 4 = & 5 on the north edge of Clearbrook, MN:=A0 one mile east on = Co Rd. 4 and 2 miles north on 179th Avenue

 

Kittson = County=

Found three Great = Gray Owls (possibly new sightings), between 10:20 and 10:28 a.m., = all three were along MN Highway 11, Tuesday, January 25, = 2005

The owls were located 2.4 miles, 3.0 miles and 3.2 = miles west of the Intersections of Highways 59 and 11 in Karlstad, MN

The first one at 2.4 miles was perched in a small = tree approximately 35 yards south of Hwy 11

The second one at 3.0 miles was perched in a tree = approximately 70 yards north of Hwy 11

The third one at 3.2 miles was perched on a fence = post on the north side, adjacent to Hwy 11

All three owls were at the same locations two hours = later @ 12:20 to 12:22 p.m.

 

Other findings of = interest:

 

Norman County – north edge of = Twin Valley, West side of Hwy 32

Bohemian Waxwings

 

Clearwater = County – east of where the Great Gray Owl was = seen

Northern Goshawk

 

Roseau County – = Greenbush, MN, Tuesday, January 25, 2005

Pine Grosbeaks, White-winged Crossbills, and Bohemian Waxwings

 

Kittson County – Co Rd 20, 3 = to 4 miles north of MN = Hwy 11

Sharp-tailed = Grouse

 

Ron Erpelding

Willmar, MN

Kandiyohi County

 

------=_NextPart_000_0006_01C50330.B211C630-- From thimgan@digitaljam.com Wed Jan 26 13:41:15 2005 From: thimgan@digitaljam.com (Dan & Sandy Thimgan) Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2005 07:41:15 -0600 Subject: [mou] Aitkin Co. Owls Message-ID: We spent three hours -- between noon and 3:00 pm (probably not the optimal time for owl viewing) -- looking for owls in northern Aitkin County on Tuesday (1/25). We saw a total of 12 Great Gray Owls and 4 Northern Hawk Owls, most of whom were seen from noon to 1:00pm right along Hwy 169 between the town of Aitkin and the junction of CR 18. CR 18 between Hwy 169 and CR 5 was very quiet. We enjoyed frolicking Ravens, but struck out on Boreal Chickadee (at Rabey's Tree Farm) and Sharp-tailed Grouse, but the unusually warm day allowed us to bird the entire time without coats (in January!). Dan & Sandy Thimgan Battle Lake, MN From smithville4@charter.net Wed Jan 26 15:42:42 2005 From: smithville4@charter.net (Mike Hendrickson) Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2005 09:42:42 -0600 Subject: [mou] Snowy Owl/Isabella feeder directions Message-ID: <001701c503bd$acbae940$46a47044@FAMILYCOMPUTER> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0014_01C5038B.61D1BD00 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Mark Alt has requested that I post directions to the Snowy Owl location = at the Duluth International airport and to the Moose Ridge Cafe in = Isabella, Mn. Mark mentioned that he is swamped with requests for = directions to these locations. If you are a birder that is planning on = visiting Duluth and the surrounding areas, please feel free to email me = for directions to the above locations and other places mentioned in NE = Minnesota. Mark Alt is not that familiar with NE Minnesota and I can = probably help you out in planning your trip up to northern Minnesota. Snowy Owl: >From I-35 coming from Minneapolis- * Drive I-35 to Duluth * Get off on 21st ave West/Hwy 53 exit * Drive Hwy 53 to the "T" stoplights. There is a Perkins Restaurant on = your left and a Hardees in front of you. * Take a left at the stoplights * Follow Hwy 53 to Stebner Rd. stoplights. There is a dome/Skyline = Bowling Lanes on your left and Gordy's Farm Market on your right. * Take a right and go pass Gordy's Farm Market. * You'll come to stop sign and now you are on Airport Approach Rd (?)=20 * Watch for Snowy Owls on the fence line to your right and look on top = of telephone poles * You can also drive down and go pass the Federal Express store and = drive into the parking area at the flight tower. Scan across the runways = and look on top of the orangish red/white strip utility building and = other structures along the run way. * Drive along the east side of the prison and look on top of the = buildings and ect. This road will come to the NRRI building and back to = Hwy 53. - Best time to look for the owls are either at dawn or early am hours = and 4:30 pm to dark Moose Ridge Cafe feeders: Drive along I-35 all the way to 26th Ave East. Get on the right lane and = onto London Rd. Follow London Rd. thru lakeside neighborhood of Duluth = and cross over the Lester River. =20 London Rd ends and drive on the 4-laner Highway 61 to Two Harbors. Drive = thru the town of Two Harbors and stay on highway 61. Stay on 61 past = Beaver Bay, East Beaver Bay and Silver Bay. As you drive past Silver = Bay watch for highway signs for Hwy 1. Take a left onto Highway 1. Stay on Highway 1 past the towns of Finland and Murphy City. When you = come to Isabella the very first cafe on your left is Moose Ridge Cafe. = there is a Mobil sign located here. Across from the Cafe our the = feeders. Donate $$ to the patrons of the cafe for the feed they supply = to this feeder. (your option to do so). IF you were to go to look for Spruce Grouse first then the feeders = second, then from Two Harbors take a left at the last set of stop lights = on the east side of Two Harbors. There is a Holiday gas Station on the = NE corner. You are on Lake Co. Rd 2. Drive 40-45 miles along Lake Co. = Rd 2. There is a pull out for the Sand River on your right. Slow down = and drive the remaining 3-4 miles and look for grouse on the road. You = have to be early before traffic picks up! Also no doubt there will be = other birders there as well. Share your sightings. When you come to the = end of Lake Co. Rd 2 you come to a "t" and highway 1. You go right to = Isabella for 14-15 miles and if you take a left drive to mile marker 305 = and drive slow to mile marker 300. ( good for grouse) There are no = shoulders or places to pull off to look at the grouse! There are many = quick turns and valleys and cars coming behind may not see you! So be = careful and use common sense or you could get slammed into by a car = along this stretch of road!! Any more directions please email Michael Hendrickson Duluth, Minnesota Minnesota Birding Treks http://webpages.charter.net/mmhendrickson/ ------=_NextPart_000_0014_01C5038B.61D1BD00 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Mark Alt has requested that I = post=20 directions to the Snowy Owl location at the Duluth International airport = and to=20 the Moose Ridge Cafe in Isabella, Mn.  Mark mentioned that he is = swamped=20 with requests for directions to these locations.  If you are a = birder that=20 is planning on visiting Duluth and the surrounding areas, please feel = free to=20 email me for directions to the above locations and other places = mentioned in NE=20 Minnesota. Mark Alt is not that familiar with NE Minnesota and I can = probably=20 help you out in planning your trip up to northern = Minnesota.
 
Snowy Owl:
 
From I-35 coming from=20 Minneapolis-
* Drive I-35 to = Duluth
* Get off on 21st ave = West/Hwy 53=20 exit
* Drive Hwy 53 to the "T"=20 stoplights. There is a Perkins Restaurant on your left and a = Hardees in=20 front of you.
* Take a left at the=20 stoplights
* Follow Hwy 53 to Stebner = Rd.=20 stoplights. There is a dome/Skyline Bowling Lanes on your left and = Gordy's Farm=20 Market on your right.
* Take a right and go pass = Gordy's Farm=20 Market.
* You'll come to stop sign = and now you=20 are on Airport Approach Rd (?)
* Watch for Snowy Owls on the = fence line=20 to your right and look on top of telephone poles
* You can also drive down and = go pass the=20 Federal Express store and drive into the parking area at the flight = tower. Scan=20 across the runways and look on top of the orangish red/white strip = utility=20 building and other structures along the run way.
* Drive along the east side = of the prison=20 and look on top of the buildings and ect. This road will come to the = NRRI=20 building and back to Hwy 53.
 
- Best time to look for the = owls are=20 either at dawn or early am hours and 4:30 pm to dark
 
Moose Ridge Cafe = feeders:
 
Drive along I-35 all the way = to 26th Ave=20 East. Get on the right lane and onto London Rd. Follow London Rd. thru = lakeside=20 neighborhood of Duluth and cross over the Lester River.  =
 
London Rd ends and drive on = the 4-laner=20 Highway 61 to Two Harbors. Drive thru the town of Two Harbors and stay = on=20 highway 61. Stay on 61 past Beaver Bay, East Beaver Bay and Silver = Bay.  As=20 you drive past Silver Bay watch for highway signs for Hwy 1.  Take = a left=20 onto Highway 1.
 
Stay on Highway 1 past the = towns of=20 Finland and Murphy City.  When you come to Isabella the very first = cafe on=20 your left is Moose Ridge Cafe. there is a Mobil sign located here.  = Across=20 from the Cafe our the feeders.   Donate $$ to the patrons of = the cafe=20 for the feed they supply to this feeder.  (your option to do=20 so).
 
IF you were to go to look for = Spruce=20 Grouse first then the feeders second, then from Two Harbors take a left = at the=20 last set of stop lights on the east side of Two Harbors. There is  = a=20 Holiday gas Station on the NE corner.  You are on Lake Co. Rd 2. = Drive=20 40-45 miles along Lake Co. Rd 2. There is a pull out for the Sand River = on your=20 right. Slow down and drive the remaining 3-4 miles and look for grouse = on the=20 road.  You have to be early before traffic picks up!  Also no = doubt=20 there will be other birders there as well. Share your sightings.  = When you=20 come to the end of Lake Co. Rd 2 you come to a "t" and highway 1. You go = right=20 to Isabella for 14-15 miles and if you take a left drive to mile marker = 305 and=20 drive slow to mile marker 300. ( good for grouse)  There are no = shoulders=20 or places to pull off to look at the grouse!  There are many quick = turns=20 and valleys and cars coming behind may not see you! So be careful and = use common=20 sense or you could get slammed into by a car along this stretch of=20 road!!
 
Any more directions please=20 email
 
Michael = Hendrickson
Duluth,=20 Minnesota
Minnesota Birding Treks
http://webpages.chart= er.net/mmhendrickson/
------=_NextPart_000_0014_01C5038B.61D1BD00-- From chetmeyers@visi.com Wed Jan 26 21:24:50 2005 From: chetmeyers@visi.com (chetmeyers@visi.com) Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2005 15:24:50 -0600 Subject: [mou] Carolina Wren still present Message-ID: <1106774690.41f80aa2a181c@my.visi.com> Chet Meyers Writes: Nancy Jackson and I found the Caroina Wren at about 12:20 p.m. today (Jan. 26) across the road from the Garden Center on the road to old Cedar Ave. bridge. It did take us about 40 minutes to find the bird after walking up and down the hill a couple of times. Chet Meyers, Hennepin County From valwrites@comcast.net Wed Jan 26 13:52:24 2005 From: valwrites@comcast.net (Valerie Cunningham) Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2005 07:52:24 -0600 Subject: [mou] What's the situation in Duluth? In-Reply-To: <003301c502ee$da95ce90$5326f018@S0029399352> Message-ID: > This message is in MIME format. Since your mail reader does not understand this format, some or all of this message may not be legible. --MS_Mac_OE_3189570744_260223_MIME_Part Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit Hello, fellow bird people: Would those of you in and near Duluth please drop Bob a line about where he might go to see owls this Thursday? Thanks much, Val Cunningham St. Paul, Minn. ---------- From: "Bob Hallam" Date: Tue, 25 Jan 2005 09:02:13 -0600 To: Subject: Hi, about owls We are thinking of driving up to Duluth this Thursday to see the owls. Are they still around? Plan on spending the night in a motel then head back to Madison of Friday. Plan on going to Wisconsin Point. Any other areas that might be good? Thanks for your help, Bob and Vicki Hallam --MS_Mac_OE_3189570744_260223_MIME_Part Content-type: text/html; charset="US-ASCII" Content-transfer-encoding: quoted-printable What's the situation in Duluth? Hello, fellow bird people:
Would those of you in and near Duluth please drop Bob a line about where he= might go to see owls this Thursday?
Thanks much,
Val Cunningham
St. Paul, Minn.
----------
From: "Bob Hallam" <rhallam@charter.net>
Date: Tue, 25 Jan 2005 09:02:13 -0600
To: <valwrites@comcast.net>
Subject: Hi, about owls

We are thinking of driving up to Duluth t= his Thursday to see the owls. Are they still around? Plan on spending the ni= ght in a motel then head back to Madison of Friday. Plan on going to Wiscons= in Point. Any other areas that might be good?

Thanks for your help,

Bob and Vicki Hallam

--MS_Mac_OE_3189570744_260223_MIME_Part-- From mattjim@earthlink.net Thu Jan 27 00:06:43 2005 From: mattjim@earthlink.net (James Mattsson) Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2005 18:06:43 -0600 Subject: [mou] Eagan owl and Request Message-ID: <410-2200514270643500@earthlink.net> ------=_NextPart_84815C5ABAF209EF376268C8 Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII The Eagan post office Great Gray Owl was a no-show tonight (26th). But it may still be around as it's done this before. Also, a few of us have been asked by the Post Office management to NOT drive or park in the employees parking area (west and south of building) for safety and security reasons. Birders are welcome to park in the main, public parking lot on the east side of the building adjacent to Lexington Ave. You can then walk around in the employees parking lot or on the sidewalk. The bird is not bothered at all by people in these areas. Thanks and good birding. James Mattsson ------=_NextPart_84815C5ABAF209EF376268C8 Content-Type: text/html; charset=US-ASCII

The Eagan post office Great Gray Owl was a no-show tonight (26th). But it may still be around as it's done this before.
 
Also, a few of us have been asked by the Post Office management to NOT drive or park in the employees parking area (west and south of building) for safety and security reasons. Birders are welcome to park in the main, public parking lot on the east side of the building adjacent to Lexington Ave.  You can then walk around in the employees parking lot or on the sidewalk. The bird is not bothered at all by people in these areas. Thanks and good birding.
 
James Mattsson
 
 
 

------=_NextPart_84815C5ABAF209EF376268C8-- From fieldfare21@hotmail.com Thu Jan 27 02:33:45 2005 From: fieldfare21@hotmail.com (Benjamin Fritchman) Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2005 20:33:45 -0600 Subject: [mou] Mahnomen Great Grays Message-ID: Calculus 2, long and boring, but when my professor let us out early this afternoon, there was only one thing on my mind, so I sped up to Mahnomen County to look for a Great Gray. I got there just around 4:30, the beginning of the "magical hour." I arrived at MN 200 where the Great Gray Owl was found 3.7 miles west of CR 4. There was no Great Gray around, so I drove another mile where I finally found the owl. At least I thought it was the owl, but the next few minutes led to several Great Grays in the surrounding area. It was magical, I only expected to see one, but the next 11 miles led to 9 Great Gray Owls, the last three being just inside Clearwater County. I also ran into a Great Horned Owl perched near the road. I know adults always describe Great Gray Owls as enchanting, graceful, and beautiful, and yes they are, but as a kid, I can say what no adult dared, and I know it's what everyone is thinking........Great Grays are cool....... Hope your January is as cool as mine, Ben Fritchman NDSU, Fargo ND From blanich@emily.net Thu Jan 27 02:49:51 2005 From: blanich@emily.net (Steve & Jo Blanich) Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2005 20:49:51 -0600 Subject: [mou] Crow Wing County Great Gray Owls` Message-ID: <006801c5041b$00d34100$9c4d5a40@hppav> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0065_01C503E8.94A27D20 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Great Gray Owl observations in Crow Wing County 1/26/05 1 @ intersection of Co. Rd. 31 & Co. Rd. 30 , north of Cuyuna - also = there yesterday 1 @ 1/2 mi. south of Co. Rd. 12 on Tower Rd., south of Ironton, Mn. = " " 1 @ 23005 Agate Shores Rd., Deerwood, Jo & Steve Blanich yard bird ------=_NextPart_000_0065_01C503E8.94A27D20 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Great Gray Owl observations in Crow = Wing=20 County   1/26/05
  1 @ intersection of Co. Rd. 31 = & Co. Rd.=20 30 , north of Cuyuna -  also there yesterday
   1 @ 1/2 mi. south of Co. = Rd. 12 on=20 Tower Rd., south of Ironton, Mn.    =20 "         "
  1 @ 23005 Agate Shores Rd., = Deerwood, Jo=20 & Steve Blanich yard bird
------=_NextPart_000_0065_01C503E8.94A27D20-- From golfbird@comcast.net Thu Jan 27 12:50:05 2005 From: golfbird@comcast.net (Dave and Linda Felker) Date: Thu, 27 Jan 2005 06:50:05 -0600 Subject: [mou] Banded bird report Message-ID: <005201c5046e$bdd5b460$2b192942@daveuam5mdi8ml> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0053_01C5043C.733E51A0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Could someone please email me with the information on reporting a banded bird? I saw a banded Ruddy Turnstone (not in Minnesota). Thank you. Linda Felker golfbird@comcast.net ------=_NextPart_000_0053_01C5043C.733E51A0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Message
Could = someone please=20 email me with the information on reporting a banded bird?  I = saw a=20 banded Ruddy Turnstone (not in Minnesota).   Thank=20 you.
 
Linda=20 Felker   golfbird@comcast.net
 
 
------=_NextPart_000_0053_01C5043C.733E51A0-- From mattjim@earthlink.net Thu Jan 27 14:53:49 2005 From: mattjim@earthlink.net (James Mattsson) Date: Thu, 27 Jan 2005 08:53:49 -0600 Subject: [mou] Banded bird report Message-ID: <410-220051427145349734@earthlink.net> ------=_NextPart_84815C5ABAF209EF376268C8 Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Bird bands, including neck bands and wing markers, can be reported on-line at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center's Bird Banding Laboratory website: http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl/ Once at the site, scroll down and click "How to Report a Bird Band" Jim Mattsson ----- Original Message ----- From: Dave and Linda Felker To: MOU report Sent: 1/27/2005 6:50:02 AM Subject: [mou] Banded bird report Could someone please email me with the information on reporting a banded bird? I saw a banded Ruddy Turnstone (not in Minnesota). Thank you. Linda Felker golfbird@comcast.net ------=_NextPart_84815C5ABAF209EF376268C8 Content-Type: text/html; charset=US-ASCII Message
Bird bands, including neck bands and wing markers, can be reported on-line at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center's Bird Banding Laboratory website:
 
 
Once at the site, scroll down and click "How to Report a  Bird Band"
 
Jim Mattsson
 
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: 1/27/2005 6:50:02 AM
Subject: [mou] Banded bird report

Could someone please email me with the information on reporting a banded bird?  I saw a banded Ruddy Turnstone (not in Minnesota).   Thank you.
 
Linda Felker   golfbird@comcast.net
 
 
------=_NextPart_84815C5ABAF209EF376268C8-- From writers2@comcast.net Thu Jan 27 16:09:17 2005 From: writers2@comcast.net (Val/Roger) Date: Thu, 27 Jan 2005 10:09:17 -0600 Subject: [mou] Could we have updates on Duluth and environs? Message-ID: Hello, bird people: I've heard requests from a number of folks who are planning to travel to Duluth this weekend and would appreciate an update on where to go to see the various species of owls (snowy, great gray, northern hawk), and any other birds, too. Can some of you Duluthians help out? A quick post with locations to this message board would really help! I haven't been up to the area since November and besides, you residents know all the twists and turns and highways and byways. Thanks much, many will appreciate this, Val Cunningham St. Paul, Minn. From Wayne_Brininger@fws.gov Thu Jan 27 21:31:18 2005 From: Wayne_Brininger@fws.gov (Wayne_Brininger@fws.gov) Date: Thu, 27 Jan 2005 15:31:18 -0600 Subject: [mou] More Great Gray Owls in Becker Co. Message-ID: The following is a list of additional great gray owl sightings in Becker Co. within the last week organized by date: 1/26 Tamarac NWR - near X-country skiing parking lot along Co Rd 29 ( about 2-1/2 miles south of Refuge headquarters) 1/26 1-1/2 mile north of Jct of Co Rd 54 & Co Rd 29 (north of Frazee) along east side side of 29 1/26 Jct of Becker Co.37 & 35 (this bird was previously seen on Jan 20) 1/21 1 mile west of Tamarac NWR along Co Rd 26 (about 3 miles west of Refuge headquarters) 1/21 1/2 mile north of Tamarac NWR headquarters along east side of Flat Lake 1/20 Along Co Rd 110 (Goat Ranch Rd) just north of Richwood (exact location not known but nice picture from Detroit Lakes newspaper can be cited) It seems that there was a slight influx of great gray owls during the middle of last week just prior to snowstorm about the same time birds were being noted in Wisconsin. The great grays in Becker Co. seem to change locations frequently, so repetitive sightings at these same locations have not been common throughout the last 10 days. Wayne Brininger Wildlife Biologist U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge 35704 Co Rd 26 Rochert, MN 56578 (218) 847-2641 email: Wayne_Brininger@fws.gov From ajjoppru@wiktel.com Fri Jan 28 02:11:09 2005 From: ajjoppru@wiktel.com (Jeanie Joppru) Date: Thu, 27 Jan 2005 20:11:09 -0600 Subject: [mou] Northwest Minnesota Birding Report- Friday, January 28, 2005 Message-ID: <000701c504de$a8c91b50$27d4aec6@main> This is the Northwest Minnesota Birding Report for Friday, January 28, 2005 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. This has been a milder week in the northwest, but not yet melting the snow. The icy conditions have improved somewhat on the more traveled highways, but caution is still advised. All should be aware that in some areas, freezing rain has occurred several times in a spotty pattern, leaving unexpected patches of black ice. Snow covered roads are improving, but don't look for minimum maintenance roads to be plowed until spring now. Major highways are mostly bare and dry- note that there aren't many of those in the northwest! Owls are moving into the area and more reports are coming in daily. This week I have reports of northern owls in Marshall, Mahnomen, Polk, Pennington, Clearwater, Red Lake, Becker, Hubbard, Kittson, Clay, and Cass Counties. Greatest concentrations of northern owls have been reported recently from the area where Hubbard, Cass, Clearwater, and Mahnomen Counties come together along MN Highways 200, 113, 64, and 87.=20 Ron Erpelding was in Roseau County on January 25th, where he found Bohemian waxwings, pine grosbeaks, and white-winged crossbills in Greenbush. In Kittson County, Ron found three great gray owls along CR 20, three to four miles north of MN 11. Also in Kittson County he saw sharp-tailed grouse. Alice Sather reported a great gray owl at the end of her drive along CR 113 in Marshall County north of Viking. The several great gray owls previously reported near the intersection of CR 7 and CR 12 near the west entrance to Agassiz NWR continue to be refound occasionally by different observers. Cliff Steinhauer who lives in that area sees them from time to time, and he also reported 15 sharp-tailed grouse, black-billed magpies, Bohemian waxwings, and common redpolls in his yard. Shelley Steva saw a great gray owl in Pennington County on January 25th one mile north of the intersection of CR 3 and US 59. The one previously reported by Sue Braastad east of Thief River Falls was relocated less than a quarter mile west of the previous location along 150th St. NE on January 26th. Shelley Steva also reported seeing snow buntings in Pennington County. On January 25th, a sharp-shinned hawk briefly visited our yard near Thief River Falls. A great gray owl was found in Red Lake County by Ron Erpelding 0.2 mile north of the Huot Store along CR 104. Bruce Flaig reported a great gray owl along Polk CR 12 north of Fertile on January 24th. Matt Mecklenburg was in Clearwater County on January 22nd where he discovered five great gray owls. Three were along MN 200 within 1 1/2 miles of mile marker 71 between Roy Lake and Zerkel, one was just west of Lake Itasca, and one was at the east entrance to Itasca State Park. In addition to these, he saw a northern goshawk along MN 113, and a red-breasted nuthatch at the Itasca State Park feeders. Ron Erpelding refound the great gray owl previously reported from Eden Township of Clearwater County, and east of that location was a northern goshawk. In Hubbard and Cass Counties along MN 64 and MN 87 in the area where the two highways run together, Matt Mecklenburg located twelve great gray owls, and two barred owls. On January 23rd, Ron Erpelding refound the northern hawk owl south of Gary in Norman County where MN 200 and MN 32 are one, and in Twin Valley he saw Bohemian waxwings. In Mahnomen County, along MN 200, Ben Fritchman located 6 great gray owls, and also a great horned owl. Both Matt Mecklenburg, and Wayne Brininger reported great gray owls in Becker County, most in and around Tamarac NWR along CR 29 and CR 26. Wayne reported that the owls were seldom seen again in the same location first reported indicating that they are moving around quite a lot. Karol Pearson called in a report of two snowy owls one mile north and one mile east of Georgetown in Clay County on January 19th. Thanks to Cliff Steinhauer, Bruce Flaig, Ron Erpelding, Alice Sather, Shelley Steva, Matt Mecklenburg, Karol Pearson, Ben Fritchman, and Wayne Brininger for their reports. Please report bird sightings to Jeanie Joppru by email, no later than Thursday each week, at ajjoppru@wiktel.com 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. When reporting by email please put "NW Bird Report" in the subject line of your message. The next scheduled update of this report is Friday, February 4,2005. From axhertzel@sihope.com Fri Jan 28 02:34:16 2005 From: axhertzel@sihope.com (Anthony X. Hertzel) Date: Thu, 27 Jan 2005 20:34:16 -0600 Subject: [mou] MOU RBA 27 January 2005 Message-ID: --============_-1105242833==_ma============ Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" ; format="flowed" This is the Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday, January 27th. The irruption of northern owls continues in Minnesota, as GREAT GRAY OWLS are now being reported moving south in large numbers into Carlton, Pine, Itasca, Aitkin, and Crow Wing counties. A Great Gray is being seen at the Eagan post office, one block south of Lone Oak Road and Lexington Avenue. Another was in Chisago County on the 27th, near the junction of county road 67 and 420th Street east of North Branch. On the 22nd, Tom Bloom reported a SHORT-EARED OWL in Apple Valley, in a parking lot at the junction of Galaxy Avenue and Dakota County 42. Two HARLEQUIN DUCKS are still present in Two Harbors, Lake County, and are usually seen along the main breakwater at Agate Bay. An AMERICAN THREE-TOED WOODPECKER and a BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER were relocated on the 24th along the west side of McDavitt Road in the Sax-Zim bog, 2.3 miles north of Sax Road. The CAROLINA WREN was relocated on the 26th at the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge area of Bloomington, Hennepin County. It is seen most often at the top of the access road across from the garden center. On the 26th, a TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE was found in east Duluth at 40th Ave East and Cooke Street. It has been at the brushy yard at the southeast corner and in the cedar tree at the northeast corner. On the 21st, the Townsend's Solitaire was still at the Ann Lake campground in Sherburne County at the 1.5 mile mark of the access road. In Waseca County, Arlin Krassin of Waseca reported a VARIED THRUSH at his home on the 26th. Coming into the town of Waseca from the east on U.S. Highway 14, turn left onto highway 4. Go about a mile and a half south to county road 9. Go west on county road 9 four miles and turn south on the curve. The home will be the first house on the right at fire call 707. And a Varied Thrush can still be seen in Falcon Heights, Ramsey County. To reach the area take Roselawn Avenue to Prior Avenue. Go five blocks to Howell. The house is on the northwest corner of the intersection. Finally, many people are reporting NORTHERN SHRIKES recently. This species seems to be making a good showing in the eastern half of the state with reports from Carlton County south to Rice. 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 . 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 report is Thursday February 3rd. -- Anthony X. Hertzel -- axhertzel@sihope.com --============_-1105242833==_ma============ Content-Type: text/html; charset="us-ascii" MOU RBA 27 January 2005
This is the Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday, January 27th.

The irruption of northern owls continues in Minnesota, as GREAT GRAY OWLS are now being reported moving south in large numbers into Carlton, Pine, Itasca, Aitkin, and Crow Wing counties. A Great Gray is being seen at the Eagan post office, one block south of Lone Oak Road and Lexington Avenue. Another was in Chisago County on the 27th, near the junction of county road 67 and 420th Street east of North Branch.

On the 22nd, Tom Bloom reported a SHORT-EARED OWL in Apple Valley, in a parking lot at the junction of Galaxy Avenue and Dakota County 42.

Two HARLEQUIN DUCKS are still present in Two Harbors, Lake County, and are usually seen along the main breakwater at Agate Bay.

An AMERICAN THREE-TOED WOODPECKER and a BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER were relocated on the 24th along the west side of McDavitt Road in the Sax-Zim bog, 2.3 miles north of Sax Road.

The CAROLINA WREN was relocated on the 26th at the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge area of Bloomington, Hennepin County. It is seen most often at the top of the access road across from the garden center.

On the 26th, a TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE was found in east Duluth at 40th Ave East and Cooke Street. It has been at the brushy yard at the southeast corner and in the cedar tree at the northeast corner. On the 21st, the Townsend's Solitaire was still at the Ann Lake campground in Sherburne County at the 1.5 mile mark of the access road.

In Waseca County, Arlin Krassin of Waseca reported a VARIED THRUSH at his home on the 26th. Coming into the town of Waseca from the east on U.S. Highway 14, turn left onto highway 4. Go about a mile and a half south to county road 9. Go west on county road 9 four miles and turn south on the curve. The home will be the first house on the right at fire call 707. And a Varied Thrush can still be seen in  Falcon Heights, Ramsey County. To reach the area take Roselawn Avenue to Prior Avenue. Go five blocks to Howell. The house is on the northwest corner of the intersection.

Finally, many people are reporting NORTHERN SHRIKES recently. This species seems to be making a good showing in the eastern half of the state with reports from Carlton County south to Rice.
 
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 report is Thursday February 3rd.

--
Anthony X. Hertzel -- axhertzel@sihope.com
--============_-1105242833==_ma============-- From dbmartin@skypoint.com Fri Jan 28 03:03:03 2005 From: dbmartin@skypoint.com (Dennis/Barbara Martin) Date: Thu, 27 Jan 2005 21:03:03 -0600 Subject: [mou] Owls, etc Message-ID: <002f01c504e5$e284c0e0$3b2f56c7@oemcomputer> The hawk owls I posted about on Tuesday were still present in Kanebec and southern Pine Counties. Also found a Great Gray Owl in northern Chisago County. The bird was 1/10 of a mile south of the intersection of 420th and Keystone Avenue about 5:00 PM today. Keystone is also called Cty Rd 67 and goes north from State Highway 95 about 4 miles east of North Branch. I had spent a couple of hours in northern Chisago so these birds are not common this far south. Stumbled across a Boreal Owl out in the open hunting in Kroschel Township of Kanabec county. No point in stating the exact location as the bird was not near any conifers and moved on as it was actively looking for mice. If you want to look for it the whole township has possibilities. Later on there were two wolves in the same area as the owl. Dennis Martin dbmartin@skypoint.com From drbenson@cpinternet.com Fri Jan 28 03:56:03 2005 From: drbenson@cpinternet.com (David Benson) Date: Thu, 27 Jan 2005 21:56:03 -0600 Subject: [mou] Duluth RBA 1/27/05 Message-ID: <87CA7DA3-70E0-11D9-907F-000A95AC3AF2@cpinternet.com> This is the Duluth Birding Report for Thursday, January 27, 2005, sponsored by the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union. As recently as Monday, a TOWNSENDS' SOLITAIRE was present at 40th and Cooke. Two SNOWY OWLS have been seen at the Duluth International Airport; some observers have seen them from the observation area inside the terminal; others have succeeded in seeing the owls from Stebner Rd. However, today a birder was confronted by law enforcement and asked to leave this area. It might be best to try the terminal first, and if you do try Stebner Rd, stay by your vehicle. GREAT GRAY OWLS continue to be abundant throughout Northeastern and East Central Minnesota. Good roads to try include Cty Rd 7 in Sax-Zim and Cty Rd 4 in Carlton Cty. Great Grays were seen in Duluth this week on the beach at Minnesota Pt. near the recreation area, along E. 7th St., near Ordean School on 40th Ave East and Superior St., and at Brighton Beach. Two Harbors is probably the best spot to search for Boreal Owls and Bohemian Waxwings. A NORTHERN HAWK OWL has been consistent along Rice Lake Rd just north of Arrowhead Rd. This is near the entrance to Snowflake Ski Center. BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKERS were seen again this week along McDavitt Rd in Sax-Zim 2.6 miles north of the Sax Rd. An AMERICAN THREE-TOED WOODPECKER was seen on the trail that heads west from near this point (opposite a red-and-white post). HOARY REDPOLLS are being seen at a feeder along Cty Rd 9 just west of Two Harbors and at a feeder in the town of Isabella along Hwy 1 in Lake Cty, across from the Moose Ridge Cafe. A BOREAL CHICKADEE has been coming to suet feeders here. Two HARLEQUIN DUCKS continue to be seen at Agate Bay in Two Harbors, and Peder Svingen reported 2 LONG-TAILED DUCKS there on Monday. Warren Nelson reported two SHORT-EARED OWLS a mile east of Tamarack in Aitkin Cty along Hwy 210. Steve Millard found a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK 2 miles west of Aitkin on 210. The next scheduled update of this report will be on Thursday, February 3. The telephone number of the Duluth Rare Bird Alert is 218-728-5030. 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 to mou@cbs.umn.edu, or visit the MOU web site at mou.mn.org. From BobHoltz1933@aol.com Fri Jan 28 05:12:31 2005 From: BobHoltz1933@aol.com (BobHoltz1933@aol.com) Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2005 00:12:31 EST Subject: [mou] Owls in Pine County Message-ID: <1a9.3049b31e.2f2b23bf@aol.com> -------------------------------1106889151 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Matt Hanan and I toured Pine County from 2:50 - 4:45 today. We found 23 Great Gray Owls, one Northern Hawk Owl, two Northern Shrikes and two Bald eagles. The Northern Hawk Owl was found along #48 1/4 mile west of mile marker 17. It was in a dead tree about 200 feet north of the highway. Most of the Great Gray Owls were seen in areas reported yesterday, five were in different areas. One was about 100 yards south of #48 on the road into St. Croix State Park. One was along #173 about 200 feet south of #25. One was about1/4 mile south of #30 along #24. One was seen along #30 about two miles west of #21. The fifth was seen along #48 1/2 mile east of the Hinckley casino. Our most productive areas were along #30 between 22 and 21 and along # 21 between 30 and 48. We were in these areas between 4:00 and 4:45. Who knows, had we been elsewhere during those 45 minutes, they may have been our most productive areas. The last hour before sunset is definitely the time the owls are most active. Bob Holtz If you are too busy to go birding, you are too busy. -------------------------------1106889151 Content-Type: text/html; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Matt Hanan and I toured Pine County from 2:50 - 4:45 today. We found 23= Great Gray Owls, one Northern Hawk Owl, two Northern Shrikes and two Bald e= agles.
The Northern Hawk Owl was found along #48 1/4 mile west of mile marker=20= 17. It was in a dead tree about 200 feet north of the highway.
 
Most of the Great Gray Owls were seen in areas reported yesterday, five= were in different areas.
One was about 100 yards south of #48 on the road into St. Croix State P= ark.
One was along #173 about 200 feet south of #25.
One was about1/4 mile south of #30 along #24.
One was seen along #30 about two miles west of #21.
The fifth was seen along #48 1/2 mile east of the Hinckley casino.
 
Our most productive areas were along #30 between 22 and 21 and along #=20= 21 between 30 and 48. We were in these areas between 4:00 and 4:45. Who know= s, had we been elsewhere during those 45 minutes, they may have been our mos= t productive areas. The last hour before sunset is definitely the time the o= wls are most active.
 
Bob Holtz
 
 
If you are too busy to go birding, you are too busy.
-------------------------------1106889151-- From fieldfare21@hotmail.com Thu Jan 27 03:15:14 2005 From: fieldfare21@hotmail.com (Benjamin Fritchman) Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2005 21:15:14 -0600 Subject: [mou] Todd County Hawk Owl Message-ID: How can I be in two places at once? I wasn't, I'm not that good, but anyway my mom called me to let me know that she refound the Hawk Owl in Morrison County in the same place earlier posted, 6.3 miles west of the Little Falls population sign on HWY 27. Then later today, possibly the same Hawk Owl was seen along HWY 27 just west of the Morrison/Todd border near the Circle R horse ranch in Todd County. I'm guessing this bird might be moving around a bit, but my mom said she will look for it tomorrow to see if it sticks around. P.S. I didn't refind the Norman County Hawk Owl today after two passes of the area. I think it might have left the area. Ben Fritchman From fredericksonr@willmar.k12.mn.us Fri Jan 28 16:16:24 2005 From: fredericksonr@willmar.k12.mn.us (Randy Frederickson) Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2005 10:16:24 -0600 Subject: [mou] Reminder for help Message-ID: A thank you and friendly reminder (it isn't nagging until I've asked three or more times:-) to ALL BIRDERS in/visiting Minnesota to please consider submitting expenditures to the MOU conservation committee of ANY AND ALL bird related activities. Inclusive dates are Oct. 1, 2004 to Feb. 28, 2005. We are requesting a breakdown into several general categories: - food - lodging - travel - guide fees - misc What state are you from? Were you birding alone or with a group? Thus far, I have received numerous replies from out of state birders. I hope this good will and assistance continues. I have, however, NOT HEARD from many Minnesota birders. If you are waiting to submit all your expenses at once, that is terrific. Do not overlook travel to and from CBC's, travel and food for all you owl survey people, etc. I am working with Roger Schroeder to get total mileage for this year's CBC's. Replies can be sent directly to me at this e-mail address. As many of you have requested, final data will be made available. THANK YOU to all respondents; your help is GREATLY appreciated. Randy Frederickson MOU conservation committee From SnoEowl@aol.com Fri Jan 28 14:50:16 2005 From: SnoEowl@aol.com (SnoEowl@aol.com) Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2005 09:50:16 EST Subject: [mou] Nedwspaper article on the economic impact of owls--long Message-ID: <1e0.3460a319.2f2bab28@aol.com> -------------------------------1106923816 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Language: en Timberjay News Tower.Ely.Orr Friday, January 28, 2005 Volume 16, Issue 5 Owlers bring in surprising influx of dollars By Steve Foss Owls flew in from Canada, and dollar bills floated down from their feathers= .=20 =20 The timing couldn=E2=80=99t have been better. =20 The by-now-well-known record influx of great gray and northern hawk owls =20 began as early as October and swelled in earnest in November, bringing with=20= it =20 birders from all across the United States and some foreign countries to witn= ess=20 the spectacle. =20 And they injected money into an economy that traditionally falters in early=20= =20 winter, a time between the finish of hunting season and the snowy season of=20= =20 snowmobiles. =20 It=E2=80=99s hard to put even a ballpark dollar figure on what that influx o= f birders=20 has meant to communities such as Eveleth, Cotton and others, but businesses= =20 that cater to travelers and are within striking distance of the so-called=20= =E2=80=9C owl alley=E2=80=9D of St. Louis County Road 7 have plenty to say about bird= ing traffic.=20 =20 =E2=80=9CAbout three weeks ago we put out a guest book,=E2=80=9D said Sandy=20= Simek, owner of =20 the Wilbert Cafe in Cotton. =E2=80=9CWe have about 15 pages of people=E2=80= =9D from New=20 Jersey, Florida, Ohio, Texas. =20 Simek said that the traditional business dead zone of December and early =20 January actually brought July- and August-level business, and she attributes= =20 most of that to birders. =20 =E2=80=9CIt=E2=80=99s been huge,=E2=80=9D she said. =E2=80=9CWithout it, it= =E2=80=99s tough to make a go in=20 January. You have to depend on the (leftover) summer and deer season money.= =E2=80=9D =20 Simek said the birding crowd is a generally friendly one, and the waitresses= =20 tend to strike up temporary friendships with groups that are birding for=20 several days in a row, inquiring about their success and wishing them good=20= luck. =20 =E2=80=9CThese people are so friendly,=E2=80=9D she said. =E2=80=9CThey come= from all parts of the =20 country. They come from places like Washington, D.C., and our prices probabl= y =20 look pretty good to them.=E2=80=9D =20 Bill Aho echoes those sentiments. =20 Aho, owner/manager of the Super 8 Motel in Eveleth, declined to discuss in =20 detail the boost in business birders have brought, but said =E2=80=9Cit=E2= =80=99s been a good =20 business for us. To me, it=E2=80=99s an untapped market that we don=E2=80= =99t realize we=20 have. I=E2=80=99m excited about that.=E2=80=9D =20 Aho said it=E2=80=99s simply a matter of good fortune that the Sax-Zim bog o= wl alley =20 area is only about 10 miles from his motel. He said he makes it a point as a= =20 motel manager to strike up conversations with guests whenever possible, and=20 that the level of excitement shown by birders over the owls, as well as a g= ood=20 number of hawk species, is high. =20 =E2=80=9CThe people are just excited,=E2=80=9D he said. =E2=80=9CThey are ve= ry avid.=E2=80=9D =20 =E2=80=9CHe=E2=80=99s got a great facility,=E2=80=9D said Tom Rusch, the Min= nesota Department of =20 Natural Resources area wildlife supervisor stationed in Tower. Rusch said mo= st =20 people coming to the bog to bird stay in Duluth motels until word of mouth =20 reaches them about motels such as Aho=E2=80=99s. =20 =E2=80=9CHe=E2=80=99s getting out ahead of the curve,=E2=80=9D Rusch said. =20 Rusch, who traveled to the bog last weekend for a look around, said the firs= t=20 three people he saw were from Cleveland, Kansas City and San Diego, proof o= f=20 just how far people are traveling to see the owls. =20 But locals are just as busy. =20 Bill Tefft, a Vermilion Community College instructor and Ely birding guide,=20= =20 took one large group of 15 to the bog on an owling outing in December, and h= as=20 guided several smaller groups since then. =20 While some were locals, others were from outside the area. And though the =20 prime owling area is 60 miles from Ely, many find their way to the town anyw= ay, =20 Tefft said. =20 =E2=80=9COne small group I met in Eveleth later went up the North Shore and=20= =20 eventually ended up in Ely, and a group of New Jersey birders after owls sta= yed in=20 Ely,=E2=80=9D he said, adding that he saw one group he=E2=80=99d recognized=20= around town and =20 realized they=E2=80=99d been staying at an Ely bed and breakfast. =20 Tefft said that people who travel to the area to bird tend not just to be =20 after owl species, but others in the area as well, such as three-toed =20 woodpeckers. =20 =E2=80=9CWhen they come, they come with a long list of things to see besides= owls, =20 and they search out those areas,=E2=80=9D he said. =E2=80=9CIt=E2=80=99s exc= iting to think of all the =20 people who are in town. What=E2=80=99s good for the region is good for the t= own, and =20 vice versa.=E2=80=9D =20 _____________________________________________ =20 Good birding, =20 Al Batt -------------------------------1106923816 Content-Type: text/html; charset="UTF-8" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Language: en

Owlers bring in surprising influx of dollars
By Steve Foss

Owls flew in f= rom=20 Canada, and dollar bills floated down from their feathers.=20

The timing couldn=E2=80=99t have been better.=20

The by-now-well-known record influx of great gray and northern hawk owls=20 began as early as October and swelled in earnest in November, bringing with=20= it=20 birders from all across the United States and some foreign countries to witn= ess=20 the spectacle.=20

And they injected money into an economy that traditionally falters in ear= ly=20 winter, a time between the finish of hunting season and the snowy season of=20 snowmobiles.=20

It=E2=80=99s hard to put even a ballpark dollar figure on what that influ= x of birders=20 has meant to communities such as Eveleth, Cotton and others, but businesses=20= that=20 cater to travelers and are within striking distance of the so-called =E2=80= =9Cowl alley=E2=80=9D=20 of St. Louis County Road 7 have plenty to say about birding traffic.=20

=E2=80=9CAbout three weeks ago we put out a guest book,=E2=80=9D said San= dy Simek, owner of=20 the Wilbert Cafe in Cotton. =E2=80=9CWe have about 15 pages of people=E2=80= =9D from New Jersey,=20 Florida, Ohio, Texas.=20

Simek said that the traditional business dead zone of December and early=20 January actually brought July- and August-level business, and she attributes= =20 most of that to birders.=20

=E2=80=9CIt=E2=80=99s been huge,=E2=80=9D she said. =E2=80=9CWithout it,=20= it=E2=80=99s tough to make a go in January.=20 You have to depend on the (leftover) summer and deer season money.=E2=80=9D=20

Simek said the birding crowd is a generally friendly one, and the waitres= ses=20 tend to strike up temporary friendships with groups that are birding for sev= eral=20 days in a row, inquiring about their success and wishing them good luck.=20

=E2=80=9CThese people are so friendly,=E2=80=9D she said. =E2=80=9CThey c= ome from all parts of the=20 country. They come from places like Washington, D.C., and our prices probabl= y=20 look pretty good to them.=E2=80=9D=20

Bill Aho echoes those sentiments.=20

Aho, owner/manager of the Super 8 Motel in Eveleth, declined to discuss i= n=20 detail the boost in business birders have brought, but said =E2=80=9Cit=E2= =80=99s been a good=20 business for us. To me, it=E2=80=99s an untapped market that we don=E2=80= =99t realize we have.=20 I=E2=80=99m excited about that.=E2=80=9D=20

Aho said it=E2=80=99s simply a matter of good fortune that the Sax-Zim bo= g owl alley=20 area is only about 10 miles from his motel. He said he makes it a point as a= =20 motel manager to strike up conversations with guests whenever possible, and=20= that=20 the level of excitement shown by birders over the owls, as well as a good nu= mber=20 of hawk species, is high.=20

=E2=80=9CThe people are just excited,=E2=80=9D he said. =E2=80=9CThey are= very avid.=E2=80=9D=20

=E2=80=9CHe=E2=80=99s got a great facility,=E2=80=9D said Tom Rusch, the=20= Minnesota Department of=20 Natural Resources area wildlife supervisor stationed in Tower. Rusch said mo= st=20 people coming to the bog to bird stay in Duluth motels until word of mouth=20 reaches them about motels such as Aho=E2=80=99s.=20

=E2=80=9CHe=E2=80=99s getting out ahead of the curve,=E2=80=9D Rusch said= .=20

Rusch, who traveled to the bog last weekend for a look around, said the f= irst=20 three people he saw were from Cleveland, Kansas City and San Diego, proof of= =20 just how far people are traveling to see the owls.=20

But locals are just as busy.=20

Bill Tefft, a Vermilion Community College instructor and Ely birding guid= e,=20 took one large group of 15 to the bog on an owling outing in December, and h= as=20 guided several smaller groups since then.=20

While some were locals, others were from outside the area. And though the= =20 prime owling area is 60 miles from Ely, many find their way to the town anyw= ay,=20 Tefft said.=20

=E2=80=9COne small group I met in Eveleth later went up the North Shore a= nd=20 eventually ended up in Ely, and a group of New Jersey birders after owls sta= yed=20 in Ely,=E2=80=9D he said, adding that he saw one group he=E2=80=99d recogniz= ed around town and=20 realized they=E2=80=99d been staying at an Ely bed and breakfast.=20

Tefft said that people who travel to the area to bird tend not just to be= =20 after owl species, but others in the area as well, such as three-toed=20 woodpeckers.=20

=E2=80=9CWhen they come, they come with a long list of things to see besi= des owls,=20 and they search out those areas,=E2=80=9D he said. =E2=80=9CIt=E2=80=99s exc= iting to think of all the=20 people who are in town. What=E2=80=99s good for the region is good for the t= own, and=20 vice versa.=E2=80=9D=20

_____________________________________________=20

Good birding,=20

Al Batt

 -------------------------------1106923816-- From drbenson@cpinternet.com Fri Jan 28 18:14:54 2005 From: drbenson@cpinternet.com (David Benson) Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2005 12:14:54 -0600 Subject: [mou] Three-toed Woodpecker seen 1/28/05 Message-ID: <82C9260A-7158-11D9-907F-000A95AC3AF2@cpinternet.com> The Three-toed Woodpecker was refound around 9:00 am by a group from Indiana. (McDavitt Rd, 2.6 miles north of the Sax Rd. Follow the footpath into the bog on the west side of the road, opposite a red and white post. Several Great Gray and Northern Hawk Owls along Cty Rd 7 (although several birders at the woodpecker spot said they had seen none, which points up that birds move around, choose to hunt or roost at various times. Beyond saying that it isn't like early in the irruption, when owls were out hunting all day, it seems hard to draw conclusions.) Snow Buntings (flock of 75) on Cty Rd 7 just north of the Sax Rd. Dave Benson Duluth From fieldfare21@hotmail.com Sat Jan 29 03:59:03 2005 From: fieldfare21@hotmail.com (Benjamin Fritchman) Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2005 21:59:03 -0600 Subject: [mou] Wadena County Great Gray Message-ID: Today, January 28th, I drove around Todd and Wadena County looking for Great Grays. I didn't expect to find any, and Todd definetely lived up to its expectations. Wadena County actually produced one Great Gray though. It was seen around 3:30. I found it in the small town of Nimrod. It was along 227 just east of the river that runs through town. It was about 20 feet up in a tree fairly close to the road. Anyway, I'll find one in Todd, you can count on that, I'll search forever if need be, basically until the day I die. Having a cool January wherever I am, Ben Fritchman From tomthomsen2@msn.com Fri Jan 28 21:15:56 2005 From: tomthomsen2@msn.com (Tom Thomsen) Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2005 15:15:56 -0600 Subject: [mou] Re: [mnbird] Nedwspaper article on the economic impact of owls--long References: <1e0.3460a319.2f2bab28@aol.com> Message-ID: This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_001D_01C5054C.43D58FD0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Those business owners might want to put bird feeders near their place of = business (outside restaurant windows, on motel premises, near gas = stations, grocery stores, etc.). I bet a lot of birders would spend = their money there. ----- Original Message -----=20 From: SnoEowl@aol.com=20 To: mnbird@lists.mnbird.net ; = mou-net@cbs.umn.edu=20 Sent: Friday, January 28, 2005 8:50 AM Subject: [mnbird] Nedwspaper article on the economic impact of = owls--long Timberjay News Tower.Ely.Orr Friday, January 28, 2005 Volume = 16, Issue 5=20 Owlers bring in surprising influx of dollars By Steve Foss Owls flew in from Canada, and dollar bills floated down from their = feathers.=20 The timing couldn=E2=80=99t have been better.=20 The by-now-well-known record influx of great gray and northern hawk = owls began as early as October and swelled in earnest in November, = bringing with it birders from all across the United States and some = foreign countries to witness the spectacle.=20 And they injected money into an economy that traditionally falters in = early winter, a time between the finish of hunting season and the snowy = season of snowmobiles.=20 It=E2=80=99s hard to put even a ballpark dollar figure on what that = influx of birders has meant to communities such as Eveleth, Cotton and = others, but businesses that cater to travelers and are within striking = distance of the so-called =E2=80=9Cowl alley=E2=80=9D of St. Louis = County Road 7 have plenty to say about birding traffic.=20 =E2=80=9CAbout three weeks ago we put out a guest book,=E2=80=9D said = Sandy Simek, owner of the Wilbert Cafe in Cotton. =E2=80=9CWe have about = 15 pages of people=E2=80=9D from New Jersey, Florida, Ohio, Texas.=20 Simek said that the traditional business dead zone of December and = early January actually brought July- and August-level business, and she = attributes most of that to birders.=20 =E2=80=9CIt=E2=80=99s been huge,=E2=80=9D she said. =E2=80=9CWithout = it, it=E2=80=99s tough to make a go in January. You have to depend on = the (leftover) summer and deer season money.=E2=80=9D=20 Simek said the birding crowd is a generally friendly one, and the = waitresses tend to strike up temporary friendships with groups that are = birding for several days in a row, inquiring about their success and = wishing them good luck.=20 =E2=80=9CThese people are so friendly,=E2=80=9D she said. = =E2=80=9CThey come from all parts of the country. They come from places = like Washington, D.C., and our prices probably look pretty good to = them.=E2=80=9D=20 Bill Aho echoes those sentiments.=20 Aho, owner/manager of the Super 8 Motel in Eveleth, declined to = discuss in detail the boost in business birders have brought, but said = =E2=80=9Cit=E2=80=99s been a good business for us. To me, it=E2=80=99s = an untapped market that we don=E2=80=99t realize we have. I=E2=80=99m = excited about that.=E2=80=9D=20 Aho said it=E2=80=99s simply a matter of good fortune that the Sax-Zim = bog owl alley area is only about 10 miles from his motel. He said he = makes it a point as a motel manager to strike up conversations with = guests whenever possible, and that the level of excitement shown by = birders over the owls, as well as a good number of hawk species, is = high.=20 =E2=80=9CThe people are just excited,=E2=80=9D he said. =E2=80=9CThey = are very avid.=E2=80=9D=20 =E2=80=9CHe=E2=80=99s got a great facility,=E2=80=9D said Tom Rusch, = the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources area wildlife supervisor = stationed in Tower. Rusch said most people coming to the bog to bird = stay in Duluth motels until word of mouth reaches them about motels such = as Aho=E2=80=99s.=20 =E2=80=9CHe=E2=80=99s getting out ahead of the curve,=E2=80=9D Rusch = said.=20 Rusch, who traveled to the bog last weekend for a look around, said = the first three people he saw were from Cleveland, Kansas City and San = Diego, proof of just how far people are traveling to see the owls.=20 But locals are just as busy.=20 Bill Tefft, a Vermilion Community College instructor and Ely birding = guide, took one large group of 15 to the bog on an owling outing in = December, and has guided several smaller groups since then.=20 While some were locals, others were from outside the area. And though = the prime owling area is 60 miles from Ely, many find their way to the = town anyway, Tefft said.=20 =E2=80=9COne small group I met in Eveleth later went up the North = Shore and eventually ended up in Ely, and a group of New Jersey birders = after owls stayed in Ely,=E2=80=9D he said, adding that he saw one group = he=E2=80=99d recognized around town and realized they=E2=80=99d been = staying at an Ely bed and breakfast.=20 Tefft said that people who travel to the area to bird tend not just to = be after owl species, but others in the area as well, such as three-toed = woodpeckers.=20 =E2=80=9CWhen they come, they come with a long list of things to see = besides owls, and they search out those areas,=E2=80=9D he said. = =E2=80=9CIt=E2=80=99s exciting to think of all the people who are in = town. What=E2=80=99s good for the region is good for the town, and vice = versa.=E2=80=9D=20 _____________________________________________=20 Good birding,=20 Al Batt ------=_NextPart_000_001D_01C5054C.43D58FD0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="UTF-8" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable =EF=BB=BF
Those business owners might want to put bird feeders near = their place=20 of business (outside restaurant windows, on motel premises, near gas = stations,=20 grocery stores, etc.). I bet a lot of birders would spend their money=20 there.
----- Original Message -----
To: mnbird@lists.mnbird.net ; = mou-net@cbs.umn.edu
Sent: Friday, January 28, 2005 = 8:50=20 AM
Subject: [mnbird] Nedwspaper = article on=20 the economic impact of owls--long

Timberjay News Tower.Ely.Orr  Fri= day,=20 January 28, 2005 Volume 16, Issue 5
Timberjay News = Tower.Ely.Orr  Friday,=20 January 28, 2005 Volume 16, Issue=20 5

Owlers bring in = surprising=20 influx of dollars
By Steve=20 Foss

Owls flew in from Canada, and = dollar bills=20 floated down from their feathers.=20

The timing couldn=E2=80=99t have been better.=20

The by-now-well-known record influx of great gray and northern hawk = owls=20 began as early as October and swelled in earnest in November, bringing = with it=20 birders from all across the United States and some foreign countries = to=20 witness the spectacle.=20

And they injected money into an economy that traditionally falters = in early=20 winter, a time between the finish of hunting season and the snowy = season of=20 snowmobiles.=20

It=E2=80=99s hard to put even a ballpark dollar figure on what that = influx of=20 birders has meant to communities such as Eveleth, Cotton and others, = but=20 businesses that cater to travelers and are within striking distance of = the=20 so-called =E2=80=9Cowl alley=E2=80=9D of St. Louis County Road 7 have = plenty to say about=20 birding traffic.=20

=E2=80=9CAbout three weeks ago we put out a guest book,=E2=80=9D = said Sandy Simek, owner of=20 the Wilbert Cafe in Cotton. =E2=80=9CWe have about 15 pages of = people=E2=80=9D from New=20 Jersey, Florida, Ohio, Texas.=20

Simek said that the traditional business dead zone of December and = early=20 January actually brought July- and August-level business, and she = attributes=20 most of that to birders.=20

=E2=80=9CIt=E2=80=99s been huge,=E2=80=9D she said. = =E2=80=9CWithout it, it=E2=80=99s tough to make a go in=20 January. You have to depend on the (leftover) summer and deer season = money.=E2=80=9D=20

Simek said the birding crowd is a generally friendly one, and the=20 waitresses tend to strike up temporary friendships with groups that = are=20 birding for several days in a row, inquiring about their success and = wishing=20 them good luck.=20

=E2=80=9CThese people are so friendly,=E2=80=9D she said. = =E2=80=9CThey come from all parts of the=20 country. They come from places like Washington, D.C., and our prices = probably=20 look pretty good to them.=E2=80=9D=20

Bill Aho echoes those sentiments.=20

Aho, owner/manager of the Super 8 Motel in Eveleth, declined to = discuss in=20 detail the boost in business birders have brought, but said = =E2=80=9Cit=E2=80=99s been a good=20 business for us. To me, it=E2=80=99s an untapped market that we = don=E2=80=99t realize we have.=20 I=E2=80=99m excited about that.=E2=80=9D=20

Aho said it=E2=80=99s simply a matter of good fortune that the = Sax-Zim bog owl=20 alley area is only about 10 miles from his motel. He said he makes it = a point=20 as a motel manager to strike up conversations with guests whenever = possible,=20 and that the level of excitement shown by birders over the owls, as = well as a=20 good number of hawk species, is high.=20

=E2=80=9CThe people are just excited,=E2=80=9D he said. = =E2=80=9CThey are very avid.=E2=80=9D=20

=E2=80=9CHe=E2=80=99s got a great facility,=E2=80=9D said Tom = Rusch, the Minnesota Department of=20 Natural Resources area wildlife supervisor stationed in Tower. Rusch = said most=20 people coming to the bog to bird stay in Duluth motels until word of = mouth=20 reaches them about motels such as Aho=E2=80=99s.=20

=E2=80=9CHe=E2=80=99s getting out ahead of the curve,=E2=80=9D = Rusch said.=20

Rusch, who traveled to the bog last weekend for a look around, said = the=20 first three people he saw were from Cleveland, Kansas City and San = Diego,=20 proof of just how far people are traveling to see the owls.=20

But locals are just as busy.=20

Bill Tefft, a Vermilion Community College instructor and Ely = birding guide,=20 took one large group of 15 to the bog on an owling outing in December, = and has=20 guided several smaller groups since then.=20

While some were locals, others were from outside the area. And = though the=20 prime owling area is 60 miles from Ely, many find their way to the = town=20 anyway, Tefft said.=20

=E2=80=9COne small group I met in Eveleth later went up the North = Shore and=20 eventually ended up in Ely, and a group of New Jersey birders after = owls=20 stayed in Ely,=E2=80=9D he said, adding that he saw one group = he=E2=80=99d recognized around=20 town and realized they=E2=80=99d been staying at an Ely bed and = breakfast.=20

Tefft said that people who travel to the area to bird tend not just = to be=20 after owl species, but others in the area as well, such as three-toed=20 woodpeckers.=20

=E2=80=9CWhen they come, they come with a long list of things to = see besides owls,=20 and they search out those areas,=E2=80=9D he said. = =E2=80=9CIt=E2=80=99s exciting to think of all the=20 people who are in town. What=E2=80=99s good for the region is good for = the town, and=20 vice versa.=E2=80=9D=20

_____________________________________________=20

Good birding,=20

Al=20 Batt

<= /HTML> ------=_NextPart_000_001D_01C5054C.43D58FD0-- From bluejay@lauraerickson.com Sat Jan 29 14:16:12 2005 From: bluejay@lauraerickson.com (Laura Erickson) Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2005 08:16:12 -0600 Subject: [mou] professional guides for this year's owling Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20050129081307.01079e20@smtp.lauraerickson.com> I'm working on a page about finding owls this year, and want it to be as complete as possible. If you are or know of a guide who would like to be included in the guide directory, please let me know--I asked Kim Eckert, and took the liberty of linking to Mike Hendrickson's page, but want to include everyone who is taking people out. Also, if there is any other information I should be including, or if you notice any errors, please let me know. Laura Erickson Duluth, MN Producer, "For the Birds" radio program There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of birds. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature--the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter. --Rachel Carson From psvingen@d.umn.edu Sat Jan 29 14:33:02 2005 From: psvingen@d.umn.edu (psvingen@d.umn.edu) Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2005 08:33:02 -0600 Subject: [mou] more urban Great Gray Owls In-Reply-To: <5.2.1.1.2.20050129081307.01079e20@smtp.lauraerickson.com> References: <5.2.1.1.2.20050129081307.01079e20@smtp.lauraerickson.com> Message-ID: <1107009182.5e0659cd9637e@wm3.d.umn.edu> This morning at 8:00 AM, I had another Great Gray in my yard at 26th Ave E and 4th St in Duluth. It flew across 4th St and continued north with crows in hot pursuit. Earlier this week, I saw one flying up Central Entrance in Duluth, near Pecan Ave in the general vicinity of Central High School. I am now at work and watching from my office window... Peder -- Peder H. Svingen - psvingen@d.umn.edu - Duluth, MN From Jbaines317@aol.com Sat Jan 29 14:55:42 2005 From: Jbaines317@aol.com (Jbaines317@aol.com) Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2005 09:55:42 EST Subject: [mou] Snowy Owl & Airport Law Enforcement Message-ID: <1ef.34601bc9.2f2cfdee@aol.com> -------------------------------1107010542 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit 8:55 am Saturday I just got a call about the Snowy Owl at the Duluth Airport. Another pair of birders were stopped by the police this morning while looking at the Snowy Owl. They were asked pass along the message to not stop in the area. I don't know all the details, but they were not at the terminal and had followed Mike's posted directions to where the owl actually was this morning. Jen -------------------------------1107010542 Content-Type: text/html; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
8:55 am Saturday 
 
I just got a call about the Snowy Owl at the Duluth Airport.
Another pair of birders were stopped by the police this morning while l= ooking at the Snowy Owl. They were asked pass along the message to not stop=20= in the area. I don't know all the details, but they were not at the terminal= and had followed Mike's posted directions to where the owl actually wa= s this morning.
 
Jen
-------------------------------1107010542-- From herbdingmann@astound.net Sat Jan 29 17:44:53 2005 From: herbdingmann@astound.net (Herb Dingmann) Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2005 11:44:53 -0600 Subject: [mou] Great Gray Owl in Benton County Message-ID: <000501c5062a$40c4ce80$6401a8c0@D452T311> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0006_01C505F7.F62CA870 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit This morning at 10:45 I found a Great Gray Owl in Benton County along County Road 2 about 2.5 miles east of Rice. It was initially right next to the bridge which crosses the creek in that area, and then moved further west along the road. Other birds seen this morning included Pine Siskins, Purple Finches, Brown Creeper, and Red-headed Woodpecker. What a great morning! Herb Dingmann St. Cloud ------=_NextPart_000_0006_01C505F7.F62CA870 Content-Type: text/html; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable

This morning at 10:45 I found a Great Gray Owl in Benton = County along County Road 2 about 2.5 miles east of Rice.  It was initially right next to = the bridge which crosses the creek in that area, and then moved further west along = the road.

 

Other birds seen this morning included Pine Siskins, Purple Finches, Brown Creeper, and = Red-headed Woodpecker.  What a great = morning!

 

Herb = Dingmann

St. = Cloud

 

------=_NextPart_000_0006_01C505F7.F62CA870-- From fredericksonr@willmar.k12.mn.us Sat Jan 29 19:05:48 2005 From: fredericksonr@willmar.k12.mn.us (Randy Frederickson) Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2005 13:05:48 -0600 Subject: [mou] Hoary redpoll- Kandiyohi co. Message-ID: Twice this week I came home from work to find my finch feeders and tray feeder empty. I have a lot of feeders and was wondering how the heck... This morning I witnessed the onslaught. Ron Erpelding and I counted over 200 redpolls in my yard and estimated the flock to be easily over 300 birds. Add in the 40+ siskins, 35+ house finches, and hand full of goldfinches and it was a spectacle I have never witnessed before. So I went outside and spread finch feed all over the deck railings and deck, (so the birds would be more spread out) and started looking for a hoary. It took about 45 minutes before I found one. I have not seen many hoaries, and am thankful it was not one of those "maybe" birds. This gorgeous little guy had NO barring on the flanks. He had a soft, very muted pink wash on much of his belly, rump patch was white. The feather margins were also whiter than the other birds, even on the back. He had a noticeably longer tail, and something I did not see in any of the 7 books I looked at, the feathers on his legs came down farther towards the feet. I tried my best to make the beak "more stubby looking" but it seemed there was always food in it or hanging from it, so am thankful I did not need that trait as a clincher. A delicious bird! Second county record (only because some Janssen character found one last week). I saw it three more times in the next two hours. Randy Frederickson 416 19th St. NW Willmar 320 231-1291 P.s. And I cannot find a great gray owl in the county to save my soul! From aajensen1@hotmail.com Sat Jan 29 23:54:13 2005 From: aajensen1@hotmail.com (Allison Jensen) Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2005 17:54:13 -0600 Subject: [mou] FW: Looking for photos of Salt Lake WMA Message-ID: >From: "Susan Binkley" >To: >Subject: Looking for photos of Salt Lake WMA >Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2005 10:15:03 -0600 > >Hi, >The Volunteer magazine is featuring a profile of Salt Lake WMA. We are >seeking a great photo that shows 1) the scenery, especially the >mineralized shoreline or 2) the birds that frequent this area. > >Is there a way you can help me get the word out to MOU members? I spoke >with Ken Larson recently and he recommended I try this. I am already >working through DNR channels and while I have come up with a few >mediocre options, I would really like to feature a birder's >perspective--especially a bird. > >We are working toward a Tuesday, Feb 1 deadline but we have a little >leeway if something turns up. Thank you. Let me know if you can help us >out. --Susan > >Susan Kaneko Binkley >Art Director >Minnesota Conservation Volunteer magazine >651-296-6201 >500 Lafayette Rd >St. Paul, MN 55155-4046 _________________________________________________________________ Is your PC infected? Get a FREE online computer virus scan from McAfee® Security. http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963 From everhart@black-hole.com Sun Jan 30 00:24:29 2005 From: everhart@black-hole.com (Roger Everhart) Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2005 18:24:29 -0600 Subject: [mou] Odd pair at a feeder Message-ID: Hello everyone- I was out at the Near Wilderness Settlement at Baker Park near Medina, MN (just west of Minneapolis) with a group of students for an overnight trip on Thursday. While I was watching the feeders outside the lodge among the many birds I saw 2 Common Redpolls and a Northern Flicker (beautiful male who looked in good shape) on the same feeder. I know neither are unusual but I never thought I'd see them together at the same time. My students also found a couple of mice cached on thorns though we didn't see the shrike. That's the stuff they don't forget. Good Birding! Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN From sparkystensaas@hotmail.com Sun Jan 30 00:27:34 2005 From: sparkystensaas@hotmail.com (sparky stensaas) Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2005 00:27:34 +0000 Subject: [mou] Jan 29 birds-Sax-Zim/TwoHarbors Message-ID:
Great day of birding with a great group from Joliet, Illinois!
 
Sax-Zim Bog
25 Great Gray Owls-Most on St. Louis Co Rd 7 N. of Co Rd 52.
 
6 N Hawk-Owls-Several on Co Rd 7 N. of 52. Most cooperative was the one at the farm on McDavitt (see below)

1   Black-billed Magpie-McDavitt Rd 1.5 miles N of Sax Rd

20 White-winged Crossbills-Farm on McDavitt Rd about 1 mile N of Sax Rd on right (At the farm where the N Hawk Owl has been for two months)
 
1 Black-backed Woodpecker (female)-On west side of McDavitt Rd, 2.3 miles N of Sax Rd...Along the "Woodpecker Trail." We did not find the Am 3-toed...I hope others did.

Duluth
2 Townsend's Solitaires flew in to the NE yard together (40th Ave E & Cook Street) Tom Auer had one 19 blocks east recently...is one of these that bird? ...or are there 3 in Lakeside?
 
Two Harbors
1 Saw-whet Owl found by a couple birders from Illinois at Lighthouse Pt/Agate Bay. Take the trail east past where the trail turns inland and goes above the small cliff/bowl. Just beyond this there is a well traveled side trail that goes off to the left (west). 20 yards in the bird was sleeping in a large spruce 12 feet up.
 
1 Glaucous Gull
 
2 Harlequin Ducks--Seen by several groups near the outer breakwall. Very dangerous & icy walk.
 
Happy Birding!
Sparky Stensaas
From smithville4@charter.net Sun Jan 30 02:11:41 2005 From: smithville4@charter.net (Mike Hendrickson) Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2005 20:11:41 -0600 Subject: [mou] Jan.27-29 Birds Message-ID: <000801c50671$0a0de100$46a47044@FAMILYCOMPUTER> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0005_01C5063E.BF082C10 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Jan 27th Highlights -Black-backed Woodpecker (McDavitt Rd) -Townsend Solitaire (40th Ave. East and Cooke St.) -Hoary Redpoll Jan 28th Highlights -Boreal Chickadee (feeding at the suet feeder in Isabella) -Red Crossbills (feeding on Hwy. 1 near Spruce Rd.) -Goshawk (fly over along Lax Lake Rd. Lake Co.) -Bohemian Waxwings (near the greenhouses along main drag in Two Harbors, = Mn) -Snowy Owls=20 1) Female type Snowy Owl along fence line north of Swan Lake Rd. = (Airport area) 2) Male Snowy Owl on UHAUL sign north of Haine Rd. intersection along = Hwy. 53.=20 * I don't understand why security forces are asking birders to leave the = shoulders from Stebner Rd east of Hwy 53. This is a public road that = borders the south side of the prison yard. This maybe the reason but it = doesn't make sense to me. Stebner road changes its name to Airport = Approach Rd after you cross Swan Lake Rd. Airport Approach road leads = you to several business like Federal Express, Cirrus Design and a few = others. Do not drive down the road that leads you to the air traffic = control tower. The parking area is private and maybe birders are getting = booted from this road?. I feel its okay or should be okay to bird from = the parking lot of Federal Express and along the shoulder of Swan Lake = Rd. or Airport Approach Rd. I was there one night and while the shift = change was occurring at Cirrus Design, workers were stopping along the = shoulder to view the male snowy owl on top of the telephone pole. We = were not the only ones looking at the owl. Unless I hear differently = these roads are public roads unless the prison officials have issues = with birders with scopes near their property (?) Jan 29 -Black-backed Woodpecker (McDavitt Rd) * Some birder hung a large red = onion bag filled with suet across the snow shoe trail on McDavitt along = the clear cut on east side of the road. Saw a mink feeding on it.=20 -Sharp-tailed Grouse (Co. Rd 7 one mile north of Co. Rd 52 in Sax Zim = Bog area on west side of road) -Glaucous Gull & Thayers Gulls Other birds: Common Redpolls, Pine Grosbeaks, Northern Shrike, Great Gray owls, Hawk = Owls, Barred Owl, Harlequin Ducks, Pine Siskins, Robins, Bald Eagles, = Gray Jays and other winter residents. Michael Hendrickson Duluth, Minnesota Minnesota Birding Treks http://webpages.charter.net/mmhendrickson/ ------=_NextPart_000_0005_01C5063E.BF082C10 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Jan 27th = Highlights
-Black-backed Woodpecker = (McDavitt=20 Rd)
-Townsend Solitaire (40th = Ave. East and=20 Cooke St.)
-Hoary Redpoll
 
Jan 28th = Highlights
-Boreal Chickadee (feeding at = the suet=20 feeder in Isabella)
-Red Crossbills (feeding on = Hwy. 1 near=20 Spruce Rd.)
-Goshawk (fly over along Lax = Lake Rd.=20 Lake Co.)
-Bohemian Waxwings (near the = greenhouses=20 along main drag in Two Harbors, Mn)
-Snowy Owls
1) Female type Snowy Owl = along fence line=20 north of Swan Lake Rd. (Airport area)
2) Male Snowy Owl on UHAUL = sign north of=20 Haine Rd. intersection along Hwy. 53.
* I don't understand why = security forces=20 are asking birders to leave the shoulders from Stebner Rd east of Hwy = 53. This=20 is a public road that borders the south side of the prison yard.  = This=20 maybe the reason but it doesn't make sense to me.  Stebner road = changes its=20 name to Airport Approach Rd after you cross Swan Lake Rd.  Airport = Approach=20 road leads you to several business like Federal Express, Cirrus Design = and a few=20 others.  Do not drive down the road that leads you to the air = traffic=20 control tower. The parking area is private and maybe birders are getting = booted=20 from this road?.  I feel its okay or should be okay to bird from = the=20 parking lot of Federal Express and along the shoulder of Swan Lake Rd. = or=20 Airport Approach Rd.  I was there one night and while the shift = change was=20 occurring at Cirrus Design, workers were stopping along the = shoulder to=20 view the male snowy owl on top of the telephone pole. We were not the = only ones=20 looking at the owl.  Unless I hear differently these roads are = public=20 roads unless the prison officials have issues with birders with = scopes near=20 their property (?)
 
Jan 29
-Black-backed Woodpecker = (McDavitt Rd) *=20 Some birder hung a large red onion bag filled with suet across = the snow=20 shoe trail on McDavitt along the clear cut on east side = of the=20 road. Saw a mink feeding on it. 
-Sharp-tailed Grouse (Co. Rd = 7 one mile=20 north of Co. Rd 52 in Sax Zim Bog area on west side of = road)
-Glaucous Gull & Thayers=20 Gulls
 
Other birds:
Common Redpolls, Pine = Grosbeaks, Northern=20 Shrike, Great Gray owls, Hawk Owls, Barred Owl, Harlequin Ducks, Pine = Siskins,=20 Robins, Bald Eagles, Gray Jays and other winter residents.
 
Michael = Hendrickson
Duluth,=20 Minnesota
Minnesota Birding Treks
http://webpages.chart= er.net/mmhendrickson/
------=_NextPart_000_0005_01C5063E.BF082C10-- From tomanelson@msn.com Sun Jan 30 02:50:34 2005 From: tomanelson@msn.com (TOM A NELSON) Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2005 20:50:34 -0600 Subject: [mou] Northern Hawk-Owl--Chisago County Message-ID: I saw a Northern Hawk-Owl alongside County Road 7 in Chisago County about 5:30pm this evening (Sat 1/29). A local farmer said that he had also seen this owl in the same location the previous evening. The bird was about 1.7 miles west of the point where County Road 7 crosses over Highway 35. From the Highway 35 exit, head east about 1/4 mile, then go right (south) to the T. At the T, again go right (west). You are now on County Road 7. If you continue west on County Road 7 from this point, you should cross over Highway 35 in about a mile, and the Hawk Owl location is another 1.7 miles to the west. Tom Nelson Ramsey County tomanelson@msn.com From fieldfare21@hotmail.com Sun Jan 30 02:54:25 2005 From: fieldfare21@hotmail.com (Benjamin Fritchman) Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2005 20:54:25 -0600 Subject: [mou] Mille Lacs County Hawk Owl Message-ID: Went to look for northern owls today in Mille Lacs, Kanabec, and Pine Counties. Pine County: It held its usual owls everywhere, but we did have 2 Hawk Owls on CR 28, one 1/2 mile east of the Kanabec/Pine line, and one just east of where CR 17 goes south. Kanabec: I think the owls are moving in here, we had several, and we weren't here in the afternoon when they are most active. 3 Hawk Owls: 1 previously reported by Denny Martin still present. 1 in the far NE corner by the intersection of CR 20 & 30 1 on 270 Ave about 1/2 mile east of CR 5 Great Grays were in a lot of places, best looked for around Kroschel Township Mille Lacs: Best bird of the day was a Hawk Owl between Isle and Wahkon on Hwy. 27. It was in the SE corner of the intersection with 40th Ave, near a cemetery. Also had 50 Bohemian Waxwings in Morrison County on Hwy. 27 near Lastrup. Ben Fritchman Fargo, ND From ajjoppru@wiktel.com Sun Jan 30 02:55:59 2005 From: ajjoppru@wiktel.com (Jeanie Joppru) Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2005 20:55:59 -0600 Subject: [mou] Kittson /Roseau County GGOWs Message-ID: <000201c50677$3f600760$ecb391ce@main> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0003_01C50644.F4CA5250 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Shelley Steva , Zeann Linder, and I drove north into Kittson County this afternoon in search of owls.On the way we found one Great Gray Owl in Roseau County along MN 32 about two miles south of Greenbush. We only were in Roseau County a few minutes, thus the low number of owls. We are sure there are many more in that county to the north and east. In Kittson County, after driving back and forth across the county, we tallied no less than 15 Great Gray Owls in the aspen parkland.They were along MN 11, CR 62, CR14, CR15, CR4 and also along an unnamed county road a mile south of and parallel to MN 11 west of Karlstad. In two places there were two owls visible at once, and two were found hunting from the ground in an open field. Most were perched on power poles or short signs near the road. All of these were seen between 3:00 and 5:15pm. We did not attempt to cover the entire county - perhaps another time we can check out the rest of eastern and northern Kittson. We did relocate at least one of the owls that Ron Erpelding found last week. Jeanie Joppru Pennington County ------=_NextPart_000_0003_01C50644.F4CA5250 Content-Type: application/ms-tnef; name="winmail.dat" Content-Transfer-Encoding: base64 Content-Disposition: attachment; filename="winmail.dat" eJ8+IggCAQaQCAAEAAAAAAABAAEAAQeQBgAIAAAA5AQAAAAAAADoAAEIgAcAGAAAAElQTS5NaWNy b3NvZnQgTWFpbC5Ob3RlADEIAQ2ABAACAAAAAgACAAEGgAMADgAAANUHAQAdABQANwAAAAYASwEB A5AGAOQHAAAmAAAACwACAAEAAAALACMAAAAAAAMAJgAAAAAACwApAAAAAAADADYAAAAAAB4AcAAB AAAAHQAAAEtpdHRzb24gL1Jvc2VhdSBDb3VudHkgR0dPV3MAAAAAAgFxAAEAAAAWAAAAAcUGdyO7 Nq98HOvHRGWXIf7nEGfmNwAAAgEdDAEAAAAZAAAAU01UUDpBSkpPUFBSVUBXSUtURUwuQ09NAAAA AAsAAQ4AAAAAQAAGDgAamhZ3BsUBAgEKDgEAAAAYAAAAAAAAAISPyeava0RBlU5bdw79fHrCgAAA AwAUDgAAAAALAB8OAQAAAAIBCRABAAAAzQMAAMkDAABVBQAATFpGderPfn0DAAoAcmNwZzEyNRYy APgLYG4OEDAzM08B9wKkA+MCAGNoCsBzQGV0MCBGcgBwa4JsC4AgR290aA3g4CBEZW1pAoMAUAPV vxF/EoYOUAPVBxMCgH0KgJ0AACoJsAnwBJBhdAWxGlIN4GgJgAHQIDUuADQwLjExLjIykw9AAoBc dgiQd2sLgHRkNAxgYwBQCwMLtDRDBgAXYGxsZXkGAHQAZXZhICwgWmV7AHADoEwZAQSQG0AAcGQQ IEkgZANgdmUgMm4JEWggC4AW8CBL6mkCQHMCICAIUQIwGsDbEiEEIGEBgASRbx4BE/FHESAKwBDg IG9mICB3cGxzLk8DoBIgHOB3+mEawHcc4AIQHlAcYAIgvRzgRwlwFuAiISExTyBwdx+CCAAfwXUe JgdAAiBnYQXQTiAzMhwwBuB1+QVAdHcdkBKQGqAEIB3wDyUgIBMiMQnwYnVzaNguIFcc4AIgbCFC CXDfIx8cMCGAB9ESkG4lIAeQ/xtAEiAm4CDTCQAH4CmQBtDfBJAgJyciCsAc4HMIcBzg/yDhJ9Es AgOBGsAEYCfUEiD/ImEFoB5UHZAg4h0EHEIbcLhzdC4KogqECoBJA6BvHbwcIR8CHJFpGLAkYWL9 ANBrHDMCEC9TBQAjYCo0/y5UG0AhYQGQGpAIkBxgHQDPKoAHkCoyA5ExNSItBCDTLdMr4XNwCfAg CrET0PkcQS5UF2AnlSQ3GBAbQCBDUiA2MjpyMTT9OuM1OnIaQBxCB0Ad8CQl8wORHlBuYQeAHGAu VQNg/mE8ISWDJegcQgqxNVEagN8usjojIVEv8CAiSwrAIIC/AZA5ABxwIMElYQtRYweR7yyUJ7Ml UiBiIBiwAJACYPsr4UDxbkKAHCQlUiezIZT/KhACMDKyA1Ig0wnAIaMT8VUDkW84UmYIkGxBsU1/ I2AFQCezOFAf8TWRHgFw/yBgKxFKMCWyBbEm8AkRH7D8aWcGMRawCsEg4j4SJxD+QRqQICIg4REg J6QRIDhhxysAJVBOAjM6MBFQHEIkNTo2kHBtJxNkae81ogVAFuAa8G0FMR2BBaC/HNBMFAnwRnAn 0S5VLUly/RDwcB7RUEEsoR6QB3EhUv5jA5EXUTMRJRNMQkDVL9L/BJIcQh0DBJIdtU+3CXAJAP9U UBrwRHIaoC/hIeNNFEOk5y4DCAADoEVyOFBIoEaD5yGjC2BJA2VrMBsZhUCgnkobcQiQXdBIIHBy DHD3FREwNF2xUAnwAwAPIBbwXx4WXrgZljAzFiEAYkAAAAADAN4/n04AAAMACVkDAAAAAwBAZQAA AAALABOACCAGAAAAAADAAAAAAAAARgAAAAADhQAAAAAAAAMAF4AIIAYAAAAAAMAAAAAAAABGAAAA AFKFAADjkAEAHgAYgAggBgAAAAAAwAAAAAAAAEYAAAAAVIUAAAEAAAAFAAAAMTAuMAAAAAALABmA CCAGAAAAAADAAAAAAAAARgAAAAAGhQAAAAAAAAMAGoAIIAYAAAAAAMAAAAAAAABGAAAAAAGFAAAA AAAACwAjgAggBgAAAAAAwAAAAAAAAEYAAAAADoUAAAAAAAADACSACCAGAAAAAADAAAAAAAAARgAA AAAQhQAAAAAAAAMAKIAIIAYAAAAAAMAAAAAAAABGAAAAABiFAAAAAAAACwBCgAggBgAAAAAAwAAA AAAAAEYAAAAAgoUAAAAAAAACAfgPAQAAABAAAACEj8nmr2tEQZVOW3cO/Xx6AgH6DwEAAAAQAAAA hI/J5q9rREGVTlt3Dv18egIB+w8BAAAAkwAAAAAAAAA4obsQBeUQGqG7CAArKlbCAABtc3BzdC5k bGwAAAAAAE5JVEH5v7gBAKoAN9luAAAAQzpcRG9jdW1lbnRzIGFuZCBTZXR0aW5nc1xPd25lclxM b2NhbCBTZXR0aW5nc1xBcHBsaWNhdGlvbiBEYXRhXE1pY3Jvc29mdFxPdXRsb29rXE91dGxvb2su cHN0AAADAP4PBQAAAAMADTT9NwIAAgEUNAEAAAAQAAAATklUQfm/uAEAqgA32W4AAAIBfwABAAAA MQAAADAwMDAwMDAwODQ4RkM5RTZBRjZCNDQ0MTk1NEU1Qjc3MEVGRDdDN0E4NDlFMkMwMAAAAAAD AAYQRC/migMABxBgAwAAAwAQEAAAAAADABEQAAAAAB4ACBABAAAAZQAAAFNIRUxMRVlTVEVWQSxa RUFOTkxJTkRFUixBTkRJRFJPVkVOT1JUSElOVE9LSVRUU09OQ09VTlRZVEhJU0FGVEVSTk9PTklO U0VBUkNIT0ZPV0xTT05USEVXQVlXRUZPVU5ET04AAAAA1fU= ------=_NextPart_000_0003_01C50644.F4CA5250-- From ekblad@millcomm.com Sun Jan 30 03:07:00 2005 From: ekblad@millcomm.com (Bob Ekblad) Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2005 21:07:00 -0600 Subject: [mou] Chisago, Pine and Kanabek Owls Message-ID: <41FC4F54.6000500@millcomm.com> Diane and I went for a drive today in Chisago, Pine and Kanabec counties looking for owls. The first one we encountered was a Great Gray Owl in southern Pine county just a half mile north of the Chisago county line and right along the eastern most road just a short distance from the St Croix. The location is 2-1/2 miles south of the intersection of 70 and Cty 3. It was on a power pole on the west side of the road. Our first Northern Hawk Owl was perch on a tree in a very open area on 108 just a short distance from the intersection of 70 and 361. This is due south of Pine City and about a mile east of I35. The bird flew to the south after we had watched it for a while. We headed up to Kanabec county to see if we could re-find the Northern Hawk Owl that Denny Martin had reported. We didn't find it on our first couple of passes through the intersection of 3 and 20 (eastern Kanabec - west of Hinkley), but in our wanderings in the area we did find a Great Gray Owl 1/2 mile south of 290th Ave along Teal road. To get to this location go one mile south of the 3 & 20 intersection and then right (west) on 290th for a mile and then south on Teal for a half mile. The bird was on the west side of the road. There was also another Great Gray Owl a mile to the west of the intersection of Teal and 290th. We then went back up to the 3 & 20 intersection and found another Great Gray on the power line just to the west of the 3 & 20 intersection and then found the Hawk Owl in the area to the south and west of the intersection (both in view at the same time). We then headed west on 3 and found a 4th Great Gray in Kanabec about a mile down the road from the one that was across the road from the Hawk Owl. On our way home we went through the area in Chisago County where Denny had reported a Great Gray near 420th on 69 (4 miles east of North Branch on 95 and then north to 420th). We were skunked on our way north in mid morning, but this time we found one west of 69 on 420th working the power line corridor and then found a second one a mile south of 420th right next to the road on 69. We had a great day of birding. -- Bob Ekblad Olmsted County in SE Minnesota http://home.rconnect.com/~ekblad/ From dbmartin@skypoint.com Sun Jan 30 03:06:06 2005 From: dbmartin@skypoint.com (Dennis/Barbara Martin) Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2005 21:06:06 -0600 Subject: [mou] Owls, etc Message-ID: <008f01c50678$a4336140$042e56c7@oemcomputer> The two of us co-lead an owl trip for the All Seasons Wild Bird Store with Amber Burnett to northeastern Kanabec County and central Pine County today. With a 50 passenger bus as transportation we were still able to see 51 Great Gray Owls, 4 Northern Hawk-owls, and 1 Barred Owl. Also present were many Northern Shrikes and lots of Common Redpolls. Redpolls are at most feeders in this area and the feeders at the Banning Junction restaurent were especially full of them. Three Bald Eagles were in the area with two of them attending to a nest that they will soon use. One adult Northern Goshawk was seen. Most of the Hawk-owls were on Pine Cty 28, with one previously reported in Kanabec County. The Great grays were all over where ever there was open space for them to hunt. Pine County Roads 18, 22, 28, and 30 were especially productive. Dennis and Barbara Martin dbmartin@skypoint.com From cbutler@lcp2.net Sun Jan 30 03:31:44 2005 From: cbutler@lcp2.net (Cindy Butler Risen) Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2005 21:31:44 -0600 Subject: [mou] Boreal Owl Pine County Message-ID: <3.0.1.32.20050129213144.01429718@mail.lcp2.net> Hi Today I got a call from a visiting birder from Ohio, after leaving my area in Aitkin Co they headed south to Pine County and found a Boreal Owl on CR 21 also known as Cloverdale Road about 200 yards north of the intersection with Koland Road. This is between CR 32 east of Askov and CR 30 east of Sandstone. I was out with the Crosby/Brainerd bird club and once again we found an incredible number of Great Gray Owls in northern Aitkin County. Lots of fun and many birders out that way looking at all the owls. We also saw a flock of Bohemian Waxwings, Northern Hawk Owls, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Bald Eagle and Northern Shrike. Cindy Butler Risen Tamarack, Aitkin Co. MN From rongreen@charter.net Sun Jan 30 03:40:19 2005 From: rongreen@charter.net (Ron Green) Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2005 21:40:19 -0600 Subject: [mou] New Eagle Images Message-ID: <045701c5067d$6bdb73f0$6401a8c0@ron> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0454_01C5064B.20F26EC0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable For those interested, I have taken quite a few new Bald Eagle images = from Alma and Fountain Wisconsin, as well as some close-ups at the = National Eagle Center in Wabaha, MN. The images are located in the "New = Images" folder with dates of 1/27 and 1/29. On the 27th, I counted close = to 40 Bald Eagles along the river from Fountain to Alma, Wisconsin. On = the 29th, many were along the river sitting in trees or on the ice, but = very few flying. If any one needs more specifics on locations, = questions, or comments, please feel free to email me at = rongreen@charter.net. Ron Green http://www.greensphotoimages.com/gallery ------=_NextPart_000_0454_01C5064B.20F26EC0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
For those interested, I have taken = quite a few new=20 Bald Eagle images from Alma and Fountain Wisconsin, as well as some = close-ups at=20 the  National Eagle Center in Wabaha, MN. The images are located in = the=20 "New Images" folder with dates of 1/27 and 1/29. On the 27th, I counted = close to=20 40 Bald Eagles along the river from Fountain to Alma, Wisconsin. On the = 29th,=20 many were along the river sitting in trees or on the ice, but very few = flying.=20 If any one needs more specifics on locations, questions, or comments, = please=20 feel free to email me at rongreen@charter.net.
 
Ron Green
http://www.greensphotoi= mages.com/gallery
------=_NextPart_000_0454_01C5064B.20F26EC0-- From smithville4@charter.net Sun Jan 30 03:46:15 2005 From: smithville4@charter.net (Mike Hendrickson) Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2005 21:46:15 -0600 Subject: [mou] Snowy Owl Wing tag # Message-ID: <000801c5067e$3fd38580$46a47044@FAMILYCOMPUTER> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0005_01C5064B.F4E35460 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable I forgot to add that the female snowy owl wing tag is a gree nwing tag = with the numbers of 02 on it. If there is a number beofre 0 we did not = see it but it looked to us it read just 02. This number might mean = something to Dave Evans who has been banding snowy owls for many years = in Duluth. Michael Hendrickson Duluth, Minnesota Minnesota Birding Treks http://webpages.charter.net/mmhendrickson/ ------=_NextPart_000_0005_01C5064B.F4E35460 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
I forgot to add that the = female snowy owl=20 wing tag is a gree nwing tag with the numbers of 02 on it. If there is a = number=20 beofre 0 we did not see it but it looked to us it read just = 02. This number=20 might mean something to Dave Evans who has been banding snowy owls for = many=20 years in Duluth.
 
Michael = Hendrickson
Duluth,=20 Minnesota
Minnesota Birding Treks
http://webpages.chart= er.net/mmhendrickson/
------=_NextPart_000_0005_01C5064B.F4E35460-- From htucker@rconnect.com Sun Jan 30 06:30:56 2005 From: htucker@rconnect.com (Helen Tucker) Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2005 23:30:56 -0700 Subject: [mou] Jan.27-29 Birds In-Reply-To: <000801c50671$0a0de100$46a47044@FAMILYCOMPUTER> Message-ID: This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0098_01C5065A.95394970 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Mike and other birders, Here in AZ one prison we drive by is posted NO STOPPING - they are afraid you are there to pick up a fleeing prisoner. We saw a special bird in the yard and did stop. Immediately two guards came out. I walked to meet them, and told them we were birders..... the upshot is that they DO NOT WANT CARS STOPPING ANYWHERE NEAR THE PRISON. Could be the same reason you're being asked to move on near the prison in Duluth. Helen Tucker ----- i ginal Message--[Helen Tucker] o --- From: mou-net-admin@cbs.umn.edu [mailto:mou-net-admin@cbs.umn.edu]On Behalf Of Mike Hendrickson Sent: Saturday, January 29, 2005 7:12 PM To: MOU-Net Subject: [mou] Jan.27-29 Birds Jan 27th Highlights -Black-backed Woodpecker (McDavitt Rd) -Townsend Solitaire (40th Ave. East and Cooke St.) -Hoary Redpoll Jan 28th Highlights -Boreal Chickadee (feeding at the suet feeder in Isabella) -Red Crossbills (feeding on Hwy. 1 near Spruce Rd.) -Goshawk (fly over along Lax Lake Rd. Lake Co.) -Bohemian Waxwings (near the greenhouses along main drag in Two Harbors, Mn) -Snowy Owls 1) Female type Snowy Owl along fence line north of Swan Lake Rd. (Airport area) 2) Male Snowy Owl on UHAUL sign north of Haine Rd. intersection along Hwy. 53. * I don't understand why security forces are asking birders to leave the shoulders from Stebner Rd east of Hwy 53. This is a public road that borders the south side of the prison yard. This maybe the reason but it doesn't make sense to me. Stebner road changes its name to Airport Approach Rd after you cross Swan Lake Rd. Airport Approach road leads you to several business like Federal Express, Cirrus Design and a few others. Do not drive down the road that leads you to the air traffic control tower. The parking area is private and maybe birders are getting booted from this road?. I feel its okay or should be okay to bird from the parking lot of Federal Express and along the shoulder of Swan Lake Rd. or Airport Approach Rd. I was there one night and while the shift change was occurring at Cirrus Design, workers were stopping along the shoulder to view the male snowy owl on top of the telephone pole. We were not the only ones looking at the owl. Unless I hear differently these roads are public roads unless the prison officials have issues with birders with scopes near their property (?) Jan 29 -Black-backed Woodpecker (McDavitt Rd) * Some birder hung a large red onion bag filled with suet across the snow shoe trail on McDavitt along the clear cut on east side of the road. Saw a mink feeding on it. -Sharp-tailed Grouse (Co. Rd 7 one mile north of Co. Rd 52 in Sax Zim Bog area on west side of road) -Glaucous Gull & Thayers Gulls Other birds: Common Redpolls, Pine Grosbeaks, Northern Shrike, Great Gray owls, Hawk Owls, Barred Owl, Harlequin Ducks, Pine Siskins, Robins, Bald Eagles, Gray Jays and other winter residents. Michael Hendrickson Duluth, Minnesota Minnesota Birding Treks http://webpages.charter.net/mmhendrickson/ ------=_NextPart_000_0098_01C5065A.95394970 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Mike=20 and other birders,
 
Here=20 in AZ one prison we drive by is posted NO STOPPING - they are afraid you = are=20 there to pick up a fleeing prisoner.  We saw a special bird in the = yard and=20 did stop.  Immediately two guards came out.  I walked to meet = them,=20 and told them we were birders..... the upshot is that they DO NOT WANT = CARS=20 STOPPING ANYWHERE NEAR THE PRISON.  Could be the same reason you're = being=20 asked to move on near the prison in Duluth.
 
Helen=20 Tucker
----- i ginal Message--[Helen=20 Tucker] o ---
From:=20 mou-net-admin@cbs.umn.edu [mailto:mou-net-admin@cbs.umn.edu]On = Behalf Of=20 Mike Hendrickson
Sent: Saturday, January 29, 2005 7:12=20 PM
To: MOU-Net
Subject: [mou] Jan.27-29=20 Birds

Jan 27th = Highlights
-Black-backed Woodpecker = (McDavitt=20 Rd)
-Townsend Solitaire (40th = Ave. East and=20 Cooke St.)
-Hoary Redpoll
 
Jan 28th = Highlights
-Boreal Chickadee (feeding = at the suet=20 feeder in Isabella)
-Red Crossbills (feeding on = Hwy. 1 near=20 Spruce Rd.)
-Goshawk (fly over along = Lax Lake Rd.=20 Lake Co.)
-Bohemian Waxwings (near = the=20 greenhouses along main drag in Two Harbors, Mn)
-Snowy Owls
1) Female type Snowy Owl = along fence=20 line north of Swan Lake Rd. (Airport area)
2) Male Snowy Owl on UHAUL = sign north=20 of Haine Rd. intersection along Hwy. 53.
* I don't understand why = security=20 forces are asking birders to leave the shoulders from Stebner Rd east = of Hwy=20 53. This is a public road that borders the south side of the prison=20 yard.  This maybe the reason but it doesn't make sense to = me. =20 Stebner road changes its name to Airport Approach Rd after you cross = Swan Lake=20 Rd.  Airport Approach road leads you to several business like = Federal=20 Express, Cirrus Design and a few others.  Do not drive down the = road that=20 leads you to the air traffic control tower. The parking area is = private and=20 maybe birders are getting booted from this road?.  I feel its = okay or=20 should be okay to bird from the parking lot of Federal Express and = along the=20 shoulder of Swan Lake Rd. or Airport Approach Rd.  I was there = one night=20 and while the shift change was occurring at Cirrus = Design, workers were=20 stopping along the shoulder to view the male snowy owl on top of the = telephone=20 pole. We were not the only ones looking at the owl.  Unless = I hear=20 differently these roads are public roads unless the prison officials = have=20 issues with birders with scopes near their property = (?)
 
Jan 29
-Black-backed Woodpecker = (McDavitt Rd)=20 * Some birder hung a large red onion bag filled with suet across = the snow=20 shoe trail on McDavitt along the clear cut on east side = of the=20 road. Saw a mink feeding on it. 
-Sharp-tailed Grouse (Co. = Rd 7 one mile=20 north of Co. Rd 52 in Sax Zim Bog area on west side of = road)
-Glaucous Gull & = Thayers=20 Gulls
 
Other birds:
Common Redpolls, Pine = Grosbeaks,=20 Northern Shrike, Great Gray owls, Hawk Owls, Barred Owl, Harlequin = Ducks, Pine=20 Siskins, Robins, Bald Eagles, Gray Jays and other winter=20 residents.
 
Michael = Hendrickson
Duluth,=20 Minnesota
Minnesota Birding Treks
http://webpages.chart= er.net/mmhendrickson/
------=_NextPart_000_0098_01C5065A.95394970-- From watsup@boreal.org Sun Jan 30 19:34:11 2005 From: watsup@boreal.org (Steve and Sherry Watson) Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2005 11:34:11 -0800 Subject: [mou] trip to sax zim and duluth airport Message-ID: <000501c50702$ad8c28a0$340f46d8@m7z0w8> Hello All, My dad and I took a trip yesterday morning to Sax Zim in hopes of picking up a couple good birds to start off my year. We saw several great grays but I do not remember the county. We also had four hawk owls. Two of the hawk owls were along 52, one was about three miles north of Cotton and the other was right at the intersection of 133. The other two were in Sax Zim, one along McDavitts road and I forget where the other was. We had a female black-backed woodpecker found by Sparky Stensaas but failed to locate the three-toed. One sharp-tailed grouse in a bush along 7 less than a mile north of Arkola Rd right were 7 curves on the left. We had the nice male Snowy Owl at the airport on top of one of the several large snow piles across from the FedEx building. Very nice bird, I had no troubles with anyone taking photos. Good birding, Josh Watson Grand Marais -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.300 / Virus Database: 265.8.2 - Release Date: 1/28/05 From rdunlap@gac.edu Sun Jan 30 19:05:26 2005 From: rdunlap@gac.edu (rdunlap@gac.edu) Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2005 13:05:26 -0600 Subject: [mou] Trumpeter Swan, Scott County Message-ID: <20050130130526.ron4044w0ww8g4wk@webmail.gac.edu> Around noon today there was an adult Trumpeter Swan at the Mill Pond behind Dangerfield's restaurant in Shakopee, Scott County. The bird appeared to have some sort of orange tag on its left wing. This is the first time I have checked this area this year, so I don't know whether others have seen this bird. Other than the swan, there were hundreds of Canada Geese present (but no apparent Cackling), a good number of Mallards, and a few Gadwalls. There was also an interesting domestic duck that was a uniform glossy black color. -Bob Dunlap, back in Carver County until Feb. 6 From sandyrog@brainerd.net Sun Jan 30 19:25:39 2005 From: sandyrog@brainerd.net (Sandy Roggenkamp) Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2005 13:25:39 -0600 Subject: [mou] Great Gray Owls in Cass, Wadena and Hubbard Co. Message-ID: <000001c50701$7ba638e0$b7c3a8c0@MARCH2002> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0001_01C506CF.310E12D0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable This morning, I found a total of 11 Great Gray Owls. 7 were found in western Cass Co., 1 in northeast Wadena Co. and 3 in southeast Hubbard = Co. =20 In addition to the owls, I found 2 Northern Shrikes, and along CR 24 in = Cass Co. there were 3 flocks of Snow Buntings. =20 My route was north on TH 64, to TH 87 west to Wadena Co. 25 then back = over to TH 64 and Cass Co. 24 to Cass Co. 1. If anyone would like more = specific locations, send me an e-mail. =20 Sandy Roggenkamp Pillager=20 ------=_NextPart_000_0001_01C506CF.310E12D0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable

This morning, I found a total of 11 Great Gray Owls.  7 were found in = western Cass Co., 1 in northeast Wadena Co. and 3 in southeast Hubbard = Co.

 

In addition to the owls, I found 2 Northern Shrikes, and along CR 24 in = Cass Co. there were 3 flocks of Snow Buntings.

 

My route was north on TH 64, to TH 87 west to Wadena Co. 25 then back over = to TH 64 and Cass Co. 24 to Cass Co. 1.  If anyone would like more = specific locations, send me an e-mail.

 

Sandy Roggenkamp

Pillager

------=_NextPart_000_0001_01C506CF.310E12D0-- From gunder@usfamily.net Sun Jan 30 23:42:49 2005 From: gunder@usfamily.net (Paul and JoAnn Gunderson) Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2005 17:42:49 -0600 Subject: [mou] Sherburne, Wright Co. Message-ID: --Apple-Mail-2--27649202 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Type: text/plain; charset=WINDOWS-1252; format=flowed Hi Birders, Some sightings from this weekend. Nothing unusual other than possibly=20 the time of year for some of the birds. Northern Shrike in a tree near the Elk River Sr. High School (Sherburne=20= Co.) parking lot on Friday afternoon In addition to hundreds of Trumpeter Swans and hundreds of Canada Geese=20= and Mallards at Mississippi Drive Park in Monticello (Wright Co.), we=20 spotted a lone drake Wood Duck and two American Coots on Saturday, 1/29. A drive up Sherburne County Road 5 through SNWR netted a Rought-legged=20= Hawk. Also on the 29th, a female Belted Kingfisher was observed perched in a=20= tree overhanging the St Francis River just south of the intersection of=20= Sherburne County Roads 1 and 42 at the south end of Elk Lake where the=20= river flows out of the lake. There was plenty of open water in the=20 river. A Bale Eagle was perched in the same area. Sunday 1/30, a Merlin shot through our yard in Big Lake Township=20 (Sherburne Co.) and knocked down a Common Redpoll. The Merlin landed=20 high in a neighbor=92s oak. I was able to get the scope on it for a=20 minute or so before it took off like a rocket. It made no attempt to=20 return to pick up the dead Redpoll. Paul and JoAnn Gunderson= --- http://USFamily.Net/dialup.html - $8.25/mo! -- http://www.usfamily.net/dsl.html - $19.99/mo! --- --Apple-Mail-2--27649202 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Type: text/enriched; charset=WINDOWS-1252 Hi Birders, Some sightings from this weekend. Nothing unusual other than possibly the time of year for some of the birds. Northern Shrike in a tree near the Elk River Sr. High School (Sherburne Co.) parking lot on Friday afternoon In addition to hundreds of Trumpeter Swans and hundreds of Canada Geese and Mallards at Mississippi Drive Park in Monticello (Wright Co.), we spotted a lone drake Wood Duck and two American Coots on Saturday, 1/29. =20 A drive up Sherburne County Road 5 through SNWR netted a Rought-legged Hawk. Also on the 29th, a female Belted Kingfisher was observed perched in a tree overhanging the St Francis River just south of the intersection of Sherburne County Roads 1 and 42 at the south end of Elk Lake where the river flows out of the lake. There was plenty of open water in the river. A Bale Eagle was perched in the same area. Sunday 1/30, a Merlin shot through our yard in Big Lake Township (Sherburne Co.) and knocked down a Common Redpoll. The Merlin landed high in a neighbor=92s oak. I was able to get the scope on it for a minute or so before it took off like a rocket. It made no attempt to return to pick up the dead Redpoll. Paul and JoAnn Gunderson= --Apple-Mail-2--27649202-- From bluejay@lauraerickson.com Mon Jan 31 03:12:54 2005 From: bluejay@lauraerickson.com (Laura Erickson) Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2005 21:12:54 -0600 Subject: [mou] Possible dipper on St. Louis River Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20050130211213.037ddec8@smtp.lauraerickson.com> Yesterday afternoon and today I was birding with a couple from the state of Washington. Tonight she mentioned that on their way into Duluth yesterday, going north on I-35, crossing a bridge (over the St. Louis River?) she looked out at the ice and saw a North American Dipper. Being from the mountains in Washington, this didn't strike her as unusual until tonight when she was reading Kim Eckert's book. But I've spent enough time with her to know she's got a keen eye and is quite good at recognition. Unfortunately, because she didn't realize the unlikelihood of a dipper around here, she didn't pay close attention to exactly where they were when she saw it. But we should certainly be keeping a close watch. She said this bird was on the ice, and noted that she sees many dippers feeding from the ice in Washington. Laura Erickson Duluth, MN Producer, "For the Birds" radio program There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of birds. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature--the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter. --Rachel Carson From chickadee@lauraerickson.com Mon Jan 31 03:08:14 2005 From: chickadee@lauraerickson.com (Laura Erickson) Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2005 21:08:14 -0600 Subject: [mou] Possible St. Louis River Dipper Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20050130210324.037b8e38@smtp.lauraerickson.com> Yesterday afternoon and today I was birding with a couple from the state of Washington. Tonight she mentioned that on their way into Duluth yesterday, going north on I-35, crossing a bridge (over the St. Louis River?) she looked out at the ice and saw a North American Dipper. Being from the mountains in Washington, this didn't strike her as unusual until tonight when she was reading Kim Eckert's book. But I've spent enough time with her to know she's got a keen eye and is quite good at recognition. Unfortunately, because she didn't realize the unlikelihood of a dipper around here, she didn't pay close attention to exactly where they were when she saw it. But we should certainly be keeping a close watch. She said this bird was on the ice, and noted that she sees many dippers feeding from the ice in Washington. Laura Erickson Duluth, MN Producer, "For the Birds" radio program There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of birds. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature--the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter. --Rachel Carson From esitz@goldengate.net Mon Jan 31 04:32:21 2005 From: esitz@goldengate.net (Erika Sitz) Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2005 22:32:21 -0600 Subject: [mou] Great Gray Owl, Hubbard County Message-ID: <00d801c5074d$db974f90$6601a8c0@dirac4> Passing along a report from the family - Greg and Julie Sitz of Park Rapids saw a Great Gray Owl along CR4 about 3 mi north of Emmaville on Sat, 1/29, around 5pm. It was originally on a power pole along the road. They watched it for a few minutes as it flew twice between nearby trees along the road - it appeared to them to be hunting. Erika Sitz Ramsey, north Anoka County From smithville4@charter.net Mon Jan 31 03:56:36 2005 From: smithville4@charter.net (Mike Hendrickson) Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2005 21:56:36 -0600 Subject: [mou] Snowy Owl/Sharp-tailed Grouse pics Message-ID: <000b01c50748$dcb11640$46a47044@FAMILYCOMPUTER> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0008_01C50716.917954D0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable I added the male Snowy Owl and a Sax Zim Sharp-tailed Grouse to my = photos on my web site. So if you interested in seeing what this snowy = owl looks like take a peek. =20 PS: I'll be checking out that Dipper sighting as soon as the kids get on = the school bus. Michael Hendrickson Duluth, Minnesota Minnesota Birding Treks http://webpages.charter.net/mmhendrickson/ ------=_NextPart_000_0008_01C50716.917954D0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
I added the male Snowy Owl = and a Sax Zim=20 Sharp-tailed Grouse to my photos on my web site. So if you interested in = seeing=20 what this snowy owl looks like take a peek. 
 
PS: I'll be checking out that = Dipper=20 sighting as soon as the kids get on the school bus.
 
 
Michael = Hendrickson
Duluth,=20 Minnesota
Minnesota Birding Treks
http://webpages.chart= er.net/mmhendrickson/
------=_NextPart_000_0008_01C50716.917954D0-- From Timmerman@southwestmsu.edu Mon Jan 31 15:23:10 2005 From: Timmerman@southwestmsu.edu (Timmerman, Janet) Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2005 09:23:10 -0600 Subject: [mou] Snowy Owl Murray/Lyon County line Message-ID: This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------_=_NextPart_001_01C507A8.C5BE8240 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable On my drive from Lake Wilson to Marshall this morning I came across a = Snowy Owl on the side of Highway 91 around the 54 mile mark. It would be = just into Lyon County. The owl flew up to sit atop a No Passing Sign = (the triangular ones) and kept sliding down so then flew to the West = side of the road in the ditch. Didn't fly away or very high so not sure = if it had something it was eating or if in a weakened state. Looked like = an immature one as it had quite a bit of coloring on it.=20 Sure was cool seeing it loom out of the fog. Janet Timmerman Murray County ------_=_NextPart_001_01C507A8.C5BE8240 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
On my = drive from=20 Lake Wilson to Marshall this morning I came across a Snowy Owl = on the=20 side of Highway 91 around the 54 mile mark. It would be just into Lyon = County.=20 The owl flew up to sit atop a No Passing Sign (the triangular ones) and = kept=20 sliding down so then flew to the West side of the road in the ditch. = Didn't fly=20 away or very high so not sure if it had something it was eating or if in = a=20 weakened state. Looked like an immature one as it had quite a bit of = coloring on=20 it.
Sure = was cool seeing=20 it loom out of the fog.
Janet=20 Timmerman
Murray = County
------_=_NextPart_001_01C507A8.C5BE8240-- From deut0039@umn.edu Mon Jan 31 00:00:10 2005 From: deut0039@umn.edu (Dan Deutsch) Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2005 18:00:10 -0600 Subject: [mou] Duluth Snowy Message-ID: <41FD750A.7030600@umn.edu> I was one of the persons stopped by not just the local police, but also by military police on 29th. We had followed Mike Hendrickson's directions and found the owl with no problems. We found it on top of the snow piles near the FedEx building. The reason why we were asked to not be in the area and to spread the word to other birders is for security reasons - i.e. the up and coming Iraq elections and all the issues after September 11. They just didn't want pictures taken of the airport and with the jail near by I would think of that too. Also for those that do not know there is a military base on the airport, and of all the people the military, regardless if they are in Baghdad, have had a high security status since 9/11. Plus all of the business that are on the airport probably get a security screen themselves. From dplattes@crmc.sisunet.org Mon Jan 31 15:01:57 2005 From: dplattes@crmc.sisunet.org (Plattes, David R.) Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2005 09:01:57 -0600 Subject: [mou] great grey owl Message-ID: <76106748C0677A4E90C221ADC9046993646592@mail01.sisunet.org> I have spotted a great grey along state highway 84, 3 miles south of = Longville, 23 miles north of Pine River. Last friday, 1-28 04, was the = most recent sighting.Very cool!!! david DISCLAIMER: The information in this message is confidential and may be legally privileged. Access to this message by anyone other than the intended recipient is unauthorized. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, or distribution of the message, or any action taken or omission of action by you in reliance upon it, is prohibited and may be unlawful. Please immediately notify the sender by reply e-mail and permanently delete all copies of the message if you have received this message in error. Please Note: E-mail transmitted over the internet is not secure and may be accessed by unauthorized individuals. Thank you. From Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com Mon Jan 31 15:49:44 2005 From: Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com (Alt, Mark) Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2005 09:49:44 -0600 Subject: [mou] NW Chisago County - not much there Message-ID: <4F3C90DD5ABC32408C70AC50F47942BDDEBAB6@ds69mail.na.bestbuy.com> I spent all day Saturday traveling the roads of northern Chisago and NE Anoka County west of HWY 35, seeing very little. I am convinced that the swarm of Great Grays is not yet in this region, but the good news is there is tremendous habitat here for them, especially north of Hwy 22 heading west from Wyoming. There is a loop that goes north on CR 75 around Ryan Lake Road that looks very much like the area around Oak Lake in Pine County where there have been so many seen in the last month. In Pine County the leading edge of the Owls seems to have moved south about 25 miles a week since December, so they may make it to Wyoming by, let's see, Mid February? This is all conjecture on my part, but they have been remarkably predictable and consistent so far. The one Hawk Owl seen in Chisago is also consistent with the sightings in Pine County, where Hawk Owls showed up several weeks ahead of the front line of the invasion. We need people to keep on checking the areas where they aren't and reporting, for it is as important as where they are seen right now. I did find a Great Horned Owl, 5 Northern Shrikes and two Rough-Legged Hawks. There are many swampy areas, some Tamarack and many areas of mixed pine and aspen, as well as jack pine. Good Birding. Mark Alt=20 Brooklyn Center, MN=20 mark.alt@bestbuy.com=20 "I recalled that I had read somewhere that in the Middle Ages Hell was envisioned as a place without birds." Jim Harrison=20 From deut0039@umn.edu Mon Jan 31 16:04:11 2005 From: deut0039@umn.edu (Dan Deutsch) Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2005 10:04:11 -0600 Subject: [mou] GGOW Pine County Message-ID: <41FE56FB.8020801@umn.edu> For those that are looking for some nearby GGOW's, I was traveling just east of Hinckley yesterday on Hwy 48 and then north on county road 173 which goes through a state forest and counted 20 GGOW and 1 Northern Hawk Owl. Prior the day before I was traveling along HWY 7 in Sax-Zim and counted 20 GGOW and 3 Norther Hawk Owls, plus some Bohemian Waxwings just north of 133 on Hwy 7 on a nearby bird feeder. The same day, I made a trip up to Two Harbors to find the boreal owl, and had no luck. I did find a Saw-whet roosting in a tree by the lighthouse, and a Barred owl which was in the alleyway by the high school. From Wjflowers@aol.com Mon Jan 31 16:46:31 2005 From: Wjflowers@aol.com (Wjflowers@aol.com) Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2005 11:46:31 EST Subject: [mou] Chisago County Owls Message-ID: <66.4fc3f932.2f2fbae7@aol.com> -------------------------------1107189991 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit At 5:00 PM Sunday afternoon refound the Northern Hawk Owl on the powerline on the south side of Chisago County Rd. 7, 1.7 miles west of I-35. This is the same owl, at the same spot, previously reported by Tom Nelson on 29 Jan. This area is near Rush City and right off I-35. This owl has now been seen on three late afternoons in a row. At 5:30 PM refound the Great Gray Owl 1.9 miles north of the intersection of Cty Rd. 67 (Keystone Ave.) and MN 95. This is probably the owl previously reported by Dennis Martin on 27 Jan., but was a little farther south than the location reported by him. This owl was spotted hunting in a field just to the west of Co. Rd. 67. Also found a Northern Harrier on Chisago 67 and another a little further north on Chisago 9 This area is northeast of North Branch. Both of these locations are not far off of I-35 and only an hour or so from Rosedale Shopping Center. Be careful at the Northern Hawk Owl site, no shoulder, and a fair amount of traffic. A good route to follow in terms of habitat is to follow Chisago County 9 between the two sites. Just remember to shave a little distance off of the 1.7 miles west of I-35 for the Northern Hawk Owl site if you take the County 9 route from the North Branch site. My three times-a-week check at Carlos Avery and the adjacent Boot Lake SNA on Saturday found a Great Horned Owl near the northwest corner of Carlos Avery, eighty yards south of the east-west road. Bill and Diane Flowers Forest Lake -------------------------------1107189991 Content-Type: text/html; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
At 5:00 PM Sunday afternoon refound the Northern Hawk Owl on the=20 powerline on the south side of Chisago County Rd. 7, 1.7 miles west of I-35.= =20 This is the same owl, at the same spot, previously reported by Tom Nelson on= 29=20 Jan. This area is near Rush City and right off I-35.  This owl has= now=20 been seen on three late afternoons in a row.
 
At 5:30 PM refound the Great Gray Owl 1.9 miles north of the=20 intersection of Cty Rd. 67 (Keystone Ave.) and MN 95.  This i= s=20 probably the owl previously reported by Dennis Martin on 27 Jan., but was a=20 little farther south than the location reported by him.  This owl was=20 spotted hunting in a field just to the west of Co. Rd. 67.  Also f= ound=20 a Northern Harrier on Chisago 67 and another a little further nort= h on=20 Chisago 9   This area is northeast of North Branch.
 
Both of these locations are not far off of I-35 and only an hour or so=20= from=20 Rosedale Shopping Center.  Be careful at the Northern Hawk Owl site, no= =20 shoulder, and a fair amount of traffic.
 
A good route to follow in terms of habitat is to follow Chisago Co= unty=20 9 between the two sites. Just remember to shave a little distance off of the= 1.7=20 miles west of I-35 for the Northern Hawk Owl site if you take the County 9 r= oute=20 from the North Branch site.
 
My three times-a-week check at Carlos Avery and the adjacent Boot=20= Lake=20 SNA on Saturday found a Great Horned Owl near the northwest corner of=20 Carlos Avery, eighty yards south of the east-west road.
 
Bill and Diane Flowers
Forest Lake
 -------------------------------1107189991-- From a_molson@unidial.com, a_molson@unidial.com Mon Jan 31 17:39:05 2005 From: a_molson@unidial.com, a_molson@unidial.com (Ann and Manley Olson) Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2005 11:39:05 -0600 Subject: [mou] Falcon Heights birds Message-ID: <41FE6D39.5030608@unidial.com> I have had several calls and emails about the Varied Thrush and Bohemian Waxwings.The Bohemians were seen only on Jan 20 in a mixed flock.There have been 50 or more Cedars every day for the past 10 days.Yesterday there were at least 150 and today there were over 100.They are sometime in small groups but the past two days have been in a large flock.They have been all over the neighborhood but the most reliable places are the yard at Howell and Prior and a block to the south on Garden. The Varied Thrush surived the snowfall and was seen for several days but has not been reported since Wednesday.I saw it three times at the Howell site and I have four other reports.All were brief,the bird was shy and was not consistently there.There have been from 20 to 50 Robins around.I saw about 25 at the Howell site this morning,some were singing.There were also singing Cardinals and Chickadees.Sounded like Spring. The Howell yard apple trees have been pretty well cleared of their fruit,however there are many other apple trees and some Mountain Ash with fruit nearby so the birds could well stay around. Manley Olson 651 644 2848 From schag003@tc.umn.edu Mon Jan 31 17:08:53 2005 From: schag003@tc.umn.edu (Gwen L Schagrin) Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2005 11:08:53 -0600 (CST) Subject: [mou] Great Gray Owl sightings Message-ID: January 28, 2005, Hwy 23 at Kerrick MN Pine County (just south of Los Lobos bar). 2 great grays in flight above road, tangle claws and one flies off, 2nd flies to tree on W. side of road. Owl sits there while snowmobiler drives right under. Allows our approach with camera and binocs but when train comes on east side of road, flies off tree west into wooded area. Area where owl was perched is right by houses, bar; observed for 10 minutes. Do have photo (not attached). About 4 p.m., cloudy, high 20s, no wind. January 28, 2005, Hwy 23 Duluth, St. Louis County, around 80th street or so. Owl perched on brushy branches, east side of road. Brushy field in midst of populated area. Around 4:40 p.m. (January 29: possible owl flight and vocalization at night - around 8 p.m.-to island in bay behind 24th street on Park Point, Duluth) January 30, 2005, Park Point, Duluth, St. Louis County. Owl in trees on lake side of the main road running down Park Point, between 23 and 24th (cross streets). Owl sat for over 20 minutes, then flew to land on snowcovered dune briefly then flew again towards Canal Park. 11:30 a.m., 32 degrees, cloudy, no wind. January 30, 2005, Carlton County, Highway 23 near intersection of 4. Owl on east side of road flying low over open field with legs outstretched (did not seem to catch anything), flew to high bare tree, then flew again over field low, hovered briefly with legs outstretched and then back to tree. Did not seem to have prey. Cloudy, about 2:45 p.m., 32 degrees, no wind. January 30, 2005, Pine County, Highway 23, south of Kerrick. Saw 2 different owls on trees on east side of road within about 5 miles of each other (could these have been the same two we saw tangling in air on 28th?) Cloudy, about 3:15 p.m., 32 degrees, no wind. Gwen Schagrin and Dale Kennedy schag003@umn.edu From jwbarrett10@msn.com Mon Jan 31 18:11:54 2005 From: jwbarrett10@msn.com (Jim Barrett) Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2005 12:11:54 -0600 Subject: [mou] Looked for Dipper (Duluth). No, but..... Message-ID: <000301c507c0$5a202ae0$de6e9f04@Primary> I looked this morning, without success, for the possible American Dipper reported yesterday. After corresponding with Laura Erickson about the original report, it seemed likely the St. Louis River was, in fact, the probable location. Access to the river in this locale is difficult. Easiest is the parking lot behind the River Inn, at the Scanlon/MN 45 exit. If you stand on top of the plowed snowbank on the perimeter of the parking lot you can get a decent view of the river downstream. There are a couple open pools/rapids that you can scan by spotting scope. The best one, however, is below the I-35 bridge, and it extends beyond your view from this access point. Probably best (and this is yet to be determined) would be to park along Hwy. 45 (I need to check w/ the State Patrol about the legality) and to snowshoe in to the rapids below the I-35 bridge). I'll try to check it out later today, or tomorrow. There was a N. Shrike that zipped across the parking lot of the River Inn while I was there, and perched atop a fir tree nearby. So I had that going for me! Jim Barrett Duluth From bafall@umn.edu Mon Jan 31 18:14:15 2005 From: bafall@umn.edu (Bruce Fall) Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2005 12:14:15 -0600 Subject: [mou] Great Black-backed Gull, Black Dog L. Message-ID: A 1st winter Great Black-backed Gull was with 18 Herring Gulls at the east end of Black Dog Lake (Dakota Co.) late Sunday afternoon, Jan. 30. This is presumably the same individual reported sporadically here since Dec. and is apparently overwintering. I also saw it two weeks ago (16 Jan.) at Prescott, WI. Bruce A. Fall Minneapolis From Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com Mon Jan 31 20:06:12 2005 From: Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com (Alt, Mark) Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2005 14:06:12 -0600 Subject: [mou] FW: Great Gray Owls Message-ID: <4F3C90DD5ABC32408C70AC50F47942BDDEBAC7@ds69mail.na.bestbuy.com> Some interesting facts from a very knowledgeable source. FYI. Mark Alt=20 Sr. Project Manager=20 Entertainment Software Supply Chain=20 Project Resources Group (PRG)=20 Best Buy Co., Inc.=20 Mark.Alt@BestBuy.com=20 (W) 612-291-6717=20 (Cell) 612-803-9085 -----Original Message----- From: Gord Court [mailto:Gord.Court@gov.ab.ca]=20 Sent: Monday, January 31, 2005 12:46 PM To: 'Alt, Mark' Subject: RE: Great Gray Owls Hello Mark: Good to hear from you and good to hear you are having a super Great Gray Owl year. We are very interested in hearing of any banding activities for gray owls or hawk owls in Minnesota this year. Banders in Alberta have probably banded between 500 and 700 great grays and nearly as many hawk owls in the last decade. We have had returns of great grays over 400 miles away and have a hawk owl that was banded in central Alberta recovered in Alaska. It is not inconceivable that your banders may be running into a few birds from out our way. As you will know, significant steps in sexing and aging great gray owls (up to 4 years) have been made in the last 10 years or so. Using these techniques, any birds that are captured should certainly be aged/sexed. We are very interested in the relative proportion of certain age/sex classes during irruptive events like the one you are now witnessing. In our last super winter, we noted that over 70% of the birds in the irruption were in their second winter of life (i.e. about 18 months old at Christmas of the irruption winter). These birds are made obvious by retaining virtually all juvenile (gray tipped) primary and secondary feathers except for primary 5 (and occasionally 6) which will be adult (shorter, wider, with no gray tip). Many of these events are also dominated by female birds, so it will be very interesting to hear of the sex of the birds captured or found dead in Minnesota this year. I summarized some of our observations on great gray irruptions in a popular article in Natural History (February 1998 Vol. 107:50-56); it may be of interest to you. As for northern hawk owl, we have also had a super year. My banding colleague, Ray Cromie has captured more than 150 individuals since the middle of October. We get wintering hawk owls in most years near Edmonton, but they are most often juveniles. This year, adult and sub-adult (second year) birds are dominating, something that suggests that rodent populations in the boreal regions have really tanked out this year. I am sure you will really enjoy the rest of the irruption - I would appreciate hearing any and all news of this event. Best of luck. Cheers Gordon Court =20 > Gordon Court, Ph.D. > Provincial Wildlife Status Biologist > Fish and Wildlife Division, SRD > 2nd Floor, Great West Life Building > 9920-108 St., Edmonton, Alberta > Canada T5K 2M4 =20 > Species at Risk Program web site:=20 > http://www3.gov.ab.ca/srd/fw/speciesatrisk/ >=20 -----Original Message----- From: Alt, Mark [mailto:Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com] Sent: Thursday, January 27, 2005 7:46 AM To: gord.court@gov.ab.ca; rayshirley@telus.net Subject: Great Gray Owls Barb Beck gave me your contact info. I am the president of the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union and as you probably know, we have some of your owls down here. I do not know your areas of expertise and am interested in all aspects of Owl biology and behavior. What are your areas of specialty and what are your observations about these birds this winter? What questions ought we be asking this year? Any comments, advice, etc. will be shared by me with our scientific community ( our researchers and banders ) and/or our public list server, depending on the content. Please fee free to share your comments. Thank you. Mark Alt=20 President,=20 Minnesota Ornithologists Union J. F. Bell Museum of Natural History University of Minnesota 10 Church Street SE Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104 MOU.mn.org mark.alt@bestbuy.com Cell: 612-803-9085 This communication is intended for the use of the recipient to which it is addressed, and may contain confidential, personal and or privileged information. Please contact us immediately if you are not the intended recipient of this communication, and do not copy, distribute, or take action relying on it. Any communication received in error, or subsequent reply, should be deleted or destroyed. From bluejay@lauraerickson.com Mon Jan 31 20:09:04 2005 From: bluejay@lauraerickson.com (Laura Erickson) Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2005 14:09:04 -0600 Subject: [mou] Bohemian Waxwings--Lakeside, Duluth Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20050131140746.02ced008@smtp.lauraerickson.com> I saw a flock of about 30 Bohemian Waxwings coming down somewhere around 45th Avenue East and Oneida Street today at about 12:30 pm. Laura Erickson Duluth, MN Producer, "For the Birds" radio program There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of birds. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature--the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter. --Rachel Carson From golfbird@comcast.net Mon Jan 31 20:35:14 2005 From: golfbird@comcast.net (Dave and Linda Felker) Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2005 14:35:14 -0600 Subject: [mou] Carlton and Crow Wing Co. Great Gray Owls Message-ID: <003501c507d4$62b75390$2b192942@daveuam5mdi8ml> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0036_01C507A2.181CE390 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit We just returned from a 2 1/2 day trip for winter birds. I have listed locations not reported this weekend. Jan. 30th, Carlton Co., 9 Great Gray Owls 2:00 -2:45 PM >From MN 210 on CR 7 south - 1 by Bob Lake Rd. 1-on CR 4 about 11/2 miles west of CR 7 1-CR 4 about 1/2 mile west of CR 157 2-MN 73 just north of CR 123 (E. Four Corners Rd.) 1-MN 73 just north of CR 123 by Eagle Lake 1-MN 73 by Kingsley Rd. 2-MN 210 about 3 miles west of Cromwell 1-MN 210 1/2 mile east of Wright Jan. 31st, Crow Wing Co., 13 Great Gray Owls 7:30-8:15 AM 1-.3 miles west of Aitkin Co. line on MN 210 3-1.1 miles-1.3 miles north of MN 210 on CR 32 1-junction of CR 32 and CR 30 Heading west on CR 30 from Cr 32 - 1-.3 miles west of CR 32, 1-1 mile west, 1-1.2 miles west, 1-1.3 miles west, 1-1.8 miles west, 1-3.8 miles west 1-MN 210 about 2.5 miles west of Crosby 1- CR 128 about .5 miles north of MN 210 Barred Owl - 9:45 AM First seen hunting by an open field perched on a telephone wire, then flew to telephone pole to resume hunting on Mail Route Road south of MN 18. Mille Lacs Co. Rough-legged Hawk on CR 19 by Mille Lacs State Wildlife Management Area. Linda Felker Eagan, MN ------=_NextPart_000_0036_01C507A2.181CE390 Content-Type: text/html; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Message
We = just returned=20 from a 2 1/2 day trip for winter birds.  I have listed = locations not=20 reported this weekend.
 
Jan. = 30th, Carlton=20 Co., 9 Great Gray Owls 2:00 -2:45 PM
 
From = MN 210 on CR 7=20 south - 1 by Bob Lake Rd.
1-on = CR 4 about 11/2=20 miles west of CR 7
1-CR 4 = about 1/2=20 mile west of CR 157
2-MN = 73 just north=20 of CR 123 (E. Four Corners Rd.)
1-MN = 73 just north=20 of CR 123 by Eagle Lake
1-MN = 73 by Kingsley=20 Rd.
2-MN = 210 about 3=20 miles west of Cromwell
1-MN = 210 1/2=20 mile east of Wright
 
Jan. = 31st, Crow Wing=20 Co., 13 Great Gray Owls 7:30-8:15 AM
 
1-.3 = miles west of=20 Aitkin Co. line on MN 210
3-1.1=20 miles-1.3 miles north of MN 210 on CR 32
1-junction of CR 32=20 and CR 30
Heading west on CR=20 30 from Cr 32 -  1-.3 miles west of CR 32, 1-1 mile west, 1-1.2 = miles west,=20 1-1.3 miles west, 1-1.8 miles west, 1-3.8 miles west
1-MN = 210 about 2.5=20 miles west of Crosby
1- CR = 128 about .5=20 miles north of MN 210
Barred = Owl - 9:45=20 AM  First seen hunting by an open field perched on a telephone = wire,=20 then flew to telephone pole to resume hunting on  Mail Route = Road=20 south of MN 18.
 
Mille = Lacs Co. =20 Rough-legged Hawk on CR 19 by Mille Lacs State Wildlife Management=20 Area.
 
Linda = Felker =20 Eagan, MN     
 
------=_NextPart_000_0036_01C507A2.181CE390-- From Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com Mon Jan 31 20:54:39 2005 From: Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com (Alt, Mark) Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2005 14:54:39 -0600 Subject: [mou] Please join the MOU Message-ID: <4F3C90DD5ABC32408C70AC50F47942BDDEBACA@ds69mail.na.bestbuy.com> Whether you are from Minnesota or checking in from out of state, we = invite you to join over 1,000 eager and dedicated birders who belong=20 to the MOU. In coming months, we will be publishing data, observations, and=20 research from the very unusual owl irruption year we are witnessing as=20 you read this. Members will be the first to see these publications.=20 Donations are welcome, too, and you may earmark your contribution=20 specifically for owl conservation and research if you desire (or give = without restrictions)=20 One thing MOU members are doing this winter is construction and = placement of Boreal Owl nesting boxes in the Superior National Forest. = We hope to stem the disturbing slide of nesting Boreals in Minnesota. We = think that loss of appropriate nesting trees is a reason. =A0As a member of the MOU, you will receive our bimonthly newsletter=20 (Minnesota Birding) and our quarterly journal, (The Loon). You will be=20 invited to join MOU field trips to the state's best birding areas at=20 the best times of the year led by our best birders. Do you know that=20 Northern MN has the highest count of breeding species of any area in=20 the US? Come and find out for yourself in May and June. The bugs really=20 aren't that bad, and you can help us find all the Great Gray Owls,=20 Northern Hawk Owls, and Boreal Owls that might well stay here to breed=20 in the coming season.=A0 Please join us. Current membership dues are: =A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0$25 Individual =A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0$35 Family =A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0$75 Supporting =A0 Please include your name, address, and a check for payment addressed to=20 "MOU". Mail this to the attention of: "Membership Secretary" at:=A0 =A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0MOU =A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0J. F. Bell Museum of Natural History =A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0University of Minnesota =A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A010 Church Street SE =A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104=A0 Thank you for coming to Minnesota to enjoy what has been for us, too,=20 an extraordinary winter for birds.=A0Please come back. We all look=20 forward to meeting you at one of our outings or field trips. Good=20 Birding. Mark Alt President, MOU =A0 =A0 =A0 =A0 =A0 On Jan 31, 2005, at 11:44 AM, Alt, Mark wrote: From jwbarrett10@msn.com Mon Jan 31 21:48:44 2005 From: jwbarrett10@msn.com (Jim Barrett) Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2005 15:48:44 -0600 Subject: [mou] 2nd search: Dipper nf Message-ID: <000301c507de$a4274ba0$18089f04@Primary> I went back to the St. Louis River/I-35 area this afternoon and, after getting permission from the State Patrol, parked along Hwy. 45 and snowshoed in to a point below the rapids visible from I-35. I was able, from here, to get a pretty good look upstream at the open water. There was no sign of a dipper. I'll try to check out the area tomorrow, just in case, but it's probably a long shot. Jim Barrett Duluth From Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com Mon Jan 31 22:05:34 2005 From: Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com (Alt, Mark) Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2005 16:05:34 -0600 Subject: [mou] FW: Great Gray Owls in Chisago County Message-ID: <4F3C90DD5ABC32408C70AC50F47942BDDEBAD1@ds69mail.na.bestbuy.com> FYI. Just because I didn't see them doesn't mean they weren't there. It appears the Owls are now moving into Chisago County, not yet in huge numbers, but who knows? It at least appears the southward movement is continuing for the leading edge of the irruption. Are there fewer Owls being seen up north still? Pine County still has a density where you can see more than 30 in a single day rather easily. Mark Alt=20 Brooklyn Center, MN=20 mark.alt@bestbuy.com=20 "I recalled that I had read somewhere that in the Middle Ages Hell was envisioned as a place without birds." Jim Harrison=20 -----Original Message----- From: Melissa Hein [mailto:melissa.hein@emid6067.net]=20 Sent: Monday, January 31, 2005 3:54 PM To: Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com Subject: Great Gray Owls in Chisago County I've been following the dialog on the Great Grays in Chisago and Pine counties, and have some information to add. Last evening (Sun., Jan. 30) I saw 3 Great Grays hunting in the area north of 420th and CR 67 between 4:45 and 5:20 pm. They were all visible at the same time, and all 3 were observed hunting. A fourth Great Gray was perched on a road sign just east of the intersection of Hwy 95 and CR 67 at about 5:30 pm as I was on my way out of the area. Melissa Hein North Branch, MN ma_hein@msn.com This message and its attachments are intended for the addressees listed. If you receive this message by mistake, please delete it and notify the sender of the error. All information in this message is considered confidential and any unauthorized use, copying or dissemination is prohibited. Thank you. From b.pomeroy@mchsi.com Mon Jan 31 22:13:34 2005 From: b.pomeroy@mchsi.com (b.pomeroy) Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2005 16:13:34 -0600 Subject: [mou] FW: Great Gray Owls in Chisago County References: <4F3C90DD5ABC32408C70AC50F47942BDDEBAD1@ds69mail.na.bestbuy.com> Message-ID: <001701c507e2$1b4d6ef0$6742d60c@wildthing> As far as in Carlton county, two weeks ago I was out counting the GGOWs and had 50 on Sunday and 48 on Monday...well, I went out yesterday at dusk and on the exact same route as I had taken earlier, I found just one GGOW. Last Wednesday I went on the same route also, and found none, so they have been moving... Bruce "I care to live, only to entice people to look at Nature's loveliness." -- John Muir ----- Original Message ----- From: "Alt, Mark" To: ; Sent: Monday, January 31, 2005 4:05 PM Subject: [mou] FW: Great Gray Owls in Chisago County FYI. Just because I didn't see them doesn't mean they weren't there. It appears the Owls are now moving into Chisago County, not yet in huge numbers, but who knows? It at least appears the southward movement is continuing for the leading edge of the irruption. Are there fewer Owls being seen up north still? Pine County still has a density where you can see more than 30 in a single day rather easily. Mark Alt Brooklyn Center, MN mark.alt@bestbuy.com "I recalled that I had read somewhere that in the Middle Ages Hell was envisioned as a place without birds." Jim Harrison -----Original Message----- From: Melissa Hein [mailto:melissa.hein@emid6067.net] Sent: Monday, January 31, 2005 3:54 PM To: Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com Subject: Great Gray Owls in Chisago County I've been following the dialog on the Great Grays in Chisago and Pine counties, and have some information to add. Last evening (Sun., Jan. 30) I saw 3 Great Grays hunting in the area north of 420th and CR 67 between 4:45 and 5:20 pm. They were all visible at the same time, and all 3 were observed hunting. A fourth Great Gray was perched on a road sign just east of the intersection of Hwy 95 and CR 67 at about 5:30 pm as I was on my way out of the area. Melissa Hein North Branch, MN ma_hein@msn.com This message and its attachments are intended for the addressees listed. If you receive this message by mistake, please delete it and notify the sender of the error. All information in this message is considered confidential and any unauthorized use, copying or dissemination is prohibited. Thank you. _______________________________________________ mou-net mailing list mou-net@cbs.umn.edu http://cbs.umn.edu/mailman/listinfo/mou-net From everhart@black-hole.com Mon Jan 31 22:10:45 2005 From: everhart@black-hole.com (Roger Everhart) Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2005 16:10:45 -0600 Subject: [mou] Inver Grove Heights/Eagan Great Gray Owl Message-ID: Hey everyone- I just got back from looking at a Great Gray Owl along Highway 3 on the border of Inver Grove Heights and Eagan. A former student of mine stopped by to let me know the owl was at this spot. It is sitting in a dead tree on the east edge of a pond across from the intersection of Highway 3 and Alaureate Tr. This is appox. .9 miles north of Diffley Road and .3 miles north of the intersection of Highway 3 and Highway 149. There are two ponds at this spot, the owl is sitting by the pond on the west side of the road. It is actually below the level of the road but can be seen as you drive past. The owl is very calm but might have an injured eye. The left eye looks normal but the right eye is closed and appears to be damaged. CAUTION: There is no good place to stop at this location in order to look at the owl. If you go to check it out please be careful. Good Luck! Roger Everhart North Central Bird Observatory Apple Valley Dakota County Minnesota From jlotto1@msn.com Mon Jan 31 23:51:13 2005 From: jlotto1@msn.com (james otto) Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2005 17:51:13 -0600 Subject: [mou] falcon heights varied thrush Message-ID: This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0038_01C507BD.7481BC80 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable I refound the Varied Thrush today at 1:05 pm at the Howell and Prior = address, where it has=20 previously been reported. Also there were 36 Cedar Waxwings but no = Bohemian Waxwings. Jim Otto ------=_NextPart_000_0038_01C507BD.7481BC80 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
I refound the Varied Thrush today at 1:05  pm at the Howell = and Prior=20 address, where it has
previously been reported. Also there were 36 Cedar Waxwings but no = Bohemian=20 Waxwings.
 
           &n= bsp;           &nb= sp;      =20 Jim Otto
 
 
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