[mou] FW: December Waterfowl in MN

Alt, Mark Mark.Alt@bestbuy.com
Tue, 21 Nov 2006 10:02:20 -0600


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MOU member Jim Rataczak set this to a birder from out of state who
wished to see ducks in the winter. It is such a great source of
information, I wanted to share it with the Minnesota Birding community.
Thanks, Jim, great job.

=20

________________________________

From: JAMES RATACZAK [mailto:jimrataczak@msn.com]=20
Sent: Monday, November 20, 2006 5:58 PM
To: jm77@charter.net
Cc: Alt, Mark
Subject: December Waterfowl in MN

=20

Jack,

=20

Mallards should be no problem, they are usually around at any Mpls-St.
Paul area water that is open in early December.  Usually, they're pretty
tame in those places, too, and you could probably fill up on great
Mallard photos without too much trouble  But I suspect you can get
Mallards anywhere out in Maryland pretty easily, so I'll try to direct
to some places that may hold some opportunities for other species.  Most
of the wintering ducks here are Mallards and Goldeneyes, but anything is
possible.  A caveat is that getting close can be tough for non-Mallards
at this time of year.  One possible tactic would be to find a place that
birds are using, and then set up some decoys, maybe do some calling.  I
enjoy doing this kind of thing, and would be happy to help you depending
on our respective schedules.  At the very least I can loan you some
(Mallard) decoys while you're here. The duck season closes Nov 28th, so
hunting will not be an issue for any of these spots.  As far as areas
where people feed the ducks, I don't have any great recommendations.  I
know people do it, but the practice has been discouraged lately because
the ducks, and esp geese, have become a bit of a nuisance.  All in all,
the rivers (esp the Mississippi) will be your best choices for
non-Mallards.

=20

Mpls-St. Paul Metro area:=20

1.	Black Dog lake just south of the MSP airport.  This is usually a
good winter spot for many different birds, but particularly waterfowl
and gulls.  Depending on what kind, if any, ice formation there is,
ducks sometimes hug the shore as they move up and down the river. =20
2.	Mississippi River, especially in south St. Paul where Hwy 494
crosses over it.  This area is near Pig's Eye Lake and Holman Field, and
there are usually Goldeneyes holed up in there throughout the winter.=20
3.	Point of France Hotel at France Ave and Crosstown Highway 62.  I
haven't been here in years, but the pond behind this hotel/condo complex
used to be crazy with Mallards, Canada Geese, and the odd interloper.
Many folks, myself included, saw a hen Oldsquaw...er Long-tailed Duck
there about ten years ago.  This is a small pond, and any duck that's
using the pond will be easily within range of the camera.  People used
to feed the ducks here a lot, but I think that practice has been
discouraged in recent years.=20
4.	Moore Lake, the part in the NE quadrant of the intersection of
Hwy 65 and Hwy 694.  This little lake has an aerator or something that
keeps a portion of it open through the winter, and it's always got ducks
(mostly Mallards, but I have seen Buffleheads there, too) on it.
Depending on where the ducks are sitting, getting close to them may
involve getting a little close to speeding traffic as well.  But the
east side of the lake has places where you could set up.

45-50 Miles of M-SP:

1.	Mississippi River in Monticello, in Wright County NW of MSP.
There is a (nuke) power plan there that keeps the water open, and this
stretch of the river can be loaded with Trumpeter Swans at this time of
year.  Other ducks cruise around randomly, too, and the occasional Bald
Eagle will wing by.  The swans are beautiful, usually pretty tame, and
reliably present all winter.  Mornings, when the mist is coming up off
the water can yield some really dramatic shots of groups of swans.  You
can sit on the shore, maybe cover up with a bedsheet or whatever camo
the conditions dictate, and probably have some good shooting.=20
2.	Weaver Bottoms SE of MSP in Wabasha County near town of Weaver,
along the MN-Wisconsin border.  In November, especially, this place can
be loaded with 1000's of Tundra Swans and usually good numbers of
Canvasbacks and other ducks.  Most of the waterfowl have moved on by
early December, but this year has not been particularly cold yet, and so
some could linger until you're in town.  There are usually lots of
eagles around the river along Hwy 61 at this time of year, too.  If you
go down this way, Lake Pepin in Lake City, along Hwy 61 has lots of
places to view, and could offer some chances at various ducks, possibly
some rarities.

150 Miles north of M-SP:

1.	Canal Park/Duluth Harbor in Duluth.  The north shore of Lake
Superior is THE place to find cool winter waterfowl.  Getting close
enough for good photos may be tough, but it just depends on luck and
where the ice has formd.=20
2.	Grand Marais Harbor in Grand Marais.  Further up Hwy 61 from
Duluth, along the north shore of L. Superior.  Same deal as Duluth, and
the drive between these two great towns is well worth the price of
admission at any time of year.  Check along the lake shore at every
place you can poke your nose into on this drive, one never knows what
will be in store!  There's just some great birding to be had in this
region of Minnesota in the winter, and so if you're not limited to
ducks, you won't be sorry to choose this area.  Some real possibilities
for things like Great Gray Owls (which are absurdly photograph-able if
you find one), winter finches, and maybe a Black-backed Woodpecker or
some Spruce Grouse.

This should get you started, and you'll want to pick up a map and,
possibly, two very worthwhile books: Kim Eckert's "A Birder's Guide to
Minnesota" is loaded with good directions and maps, and Carrol
Henderson's "Traveler's Guide to Watching Wildlife in Minnesota" is a
good easy-to-use reference. Both of these books have all the spots I
listed and will direct you to the places pretty easily.

 =20

Good luck, and let me know if I can be of any other help.  In the
meantime, I'll keep my ear to the ground for any reports of birds that
may be of help to you.

=20

JIM


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<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dnavy face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>MOU member <st1:PersonName =
w:st=3D"on">Jim
 Rataczak</st1:PersonName> set this to a birder from out of state who =
wished to
see ducks in the winter. It is such a great source of information, I =
wanted to
share it with the Minnesota Birding community. Thanks, Jim, great =
job.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dnavy face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

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<div class=3DMsoNormal align=3Dcenter style=3D'text-align:center'><font =
size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>

<hr size=3D2 width=3D"100%" align=3Dcenter tabindex=3D-1>

</span></font></div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><b><font size=3D2 face=3DTahoma><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Tahoma;font-weight:bold'>From:</span></font></b><font =
size=3D2
face=3DTahoma><span style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma'> JAMES =
RATACZAK
[mailto:jimrataczak@msn.com] <br>
<b><span style=3D'font-weight:bold'>Sent:</span></b> Monday, November =
20, 2006
5:58 PM<br>
<b><span style=3D'font-weight:bold'>To:</span></b> jm77@charter.net<br>
<b><span style=3D'font-weight:bold'>Cc:</span></b> Alt, Mark<br>
<b><span style=3D'font-weight:bold'>Subject:</span></b> December =
Waterfowl in MN</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>

</div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></font></p>

<div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack face=3DVerdana><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;color:black'>Jack,<o:p></o:=
p></span></font></p>

</div>

<div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack face=3DVerdana><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;color:black'>&nbsp;<o:p></o=
:p></span></font></p>

</div>

<div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack face=3DVerdana><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;color:black'>Mallards =
should be no
problem, they are usually around at any Mpls-St. Paul area water that is =
open
in early December.&nbsp; Usually, they're pretty tame in those places, =
too, and
you could probably fill up on great Mallard photos without too much
trouble&nbsp; But I suspect you can get Mallards anywhere out in =
Maryland
pretty easily, so I'll try to direct to some places that may hold some
opportunities for other species.&nbsp; Most of the wintering ducks here =
are
Mallards and Goldeneyes, but anything is possible.&nbsp; A caveat is =
that
getting close can be tough for non-Mallards at this time of year.&nbsp; =
One
possible tactic would be to find a place that birds are using, =
and&nbsp;then
set up some decoys, maybe do some calling.&nbsp; I enjoy doing this kind =
of thing,
and would be happy to help you depending on our respective =
schedules.&nbsp; At
the very least I can loan you some (Mallard)&nbsp;decoys while you're =
here. The
duck season closes Nov 28th, so hunting will not be an issue for any of =
these
spots.&nbsp; As far as areas where people feed the ducks, I don't have =
any
great recommendations.&nbsp; I know people do it, but the practice has =
been
discouraged lately because the ducks, and esp geese, have become a bit =
of a
nuisance.&nbsp; All in all, the rivers (esp the <st1:State =
w:st=3D"on"><st1:place
 w:st=3D"on">Mississippi</st1:place></st1:State>)&nbsp;will be your best =
choices
for non-Mallards.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

</div>

<div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack face=3DVerdana><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;color:black'>&nbsp;<o:p></o=
:p></span></font></p>

</div>

<div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><u><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack =
face=3DVerdana><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;color:black'>Mpls-St. Paul =
Metro
area: </span></font></u><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack =
face=3DVerdana><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;color:black'><o:p></o:p></s=
pan></font></p>

</div>

<ol start=3D1 type=3D1>
 <li class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:
     auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><u><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack =
face=3DVerdana><span
     style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana'>Black Dog =
</span></font></u><font
     size=3D2 face=3DVerdana><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana'>lake
     just south of the MSP airport.&nbsp; This is usually a good winter =
spot
     for many different birds, but particularly waterfowl and =
gulls.&nbsp; Depending
     on what kind, if any, ice formation there is, ducks sometimes hug =
the
     shore as they move up and down the river.&nbsp; =
<o:p></o:p></span></font></li>
 <li class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:
     auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><u><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack =
face=3DVerdana><span
     style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana'>Mississippi =
River</span></font></u><font
     size=3D2 face=3DVerdana><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana'>,
     especially in <st1:City w:st=3D"on"><st1:place w:st=3D"on">south =
St. Paul</st1:place></st1:City>
     where Hwy 494 crosses over it.&nbsp; This area is near <u>Pig's Eye =
Lake</u>
     and <u>Holman Field</u>, and there are usually Goldeneyes holed up =
in
     there throughout the winter. <o:p></o:p></span></font></li>
 <li class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:
     auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><u><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack =
face=3DVerdana><span
     style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana'>Point of France =
Hotel </span></font></u><font
     size=3D2 face=3DVerdana><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana'>at <st1:Street
     w:st=3D"on"><st1:address w:st=3D"on">France =
Ave</st1:address></st1:Street> and
     Crosstown Highway 62.&nbsp; I haven't been here in years, but the =
pond
     behind this hotel/condo complex used to be crazy with Mallards, =
Canada
     Geese, and the odd interloper.&nbsp; Many folks, myself included, =
saw a
     hen Oldsquaw...er Long-tailed Duck there about ten years ago.&nbsp; =
This
     is a small pond, and any duck that's using the pond will be easily =
within
     range of the camera.&nbsp; People used to feed the ducks here a =
lot, but I
     think that practice has been discouraged in recent years. =
<o:p></o:p></span></font></li>
 <li class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:
     auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceName =
w:st=3D"on"><u><font
       size=3D2 color=3Dblack face=3DVerdana><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;
       =
font-family:Verdana'>Moore</span></font></u></st1:PlaceName><u><font
      size=3D2 face=3DVerdana><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana'> <st1:PlaceType
      =
w:st=3D"on">Lake</st1:PlaceType></span></font></u></st1:place><u><font
     size=3D2 face=3DVerdana><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana'>,</span></font></u><font
     size=3D2 face=3DVerdana><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana'>
     the part&nbsp;in the NE quadrant of the intersection of Hwy 65
     and&nbsp;Hwy 694.&nbsp; This little lake has an aerator or =
something that
     keeps a portion of it open through the winter, and it's always got =
ducks
     (mostly Mallards, but I have seen Buffleheads there, too) on =
it.&nbsp;
     Depending on where the ducks are sitting, getting close to them may
     involve getting a little close to speeding traffic as well.&nbsp; =
But the
     east side of the lake has places where you could set =
up.<o:p></o:p></span></font></li>
</ol>

<div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><u><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack =
face=3DVerdana><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;color:black'>45-50 Miles =
of M-SP:</span></font></u><font
size=3D2 color=3Dblack face=3DVerdana><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;
color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

</div>

<ol start=3D1 type=3D1>
 <li class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:
     auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><u><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack =
face=3DVerdana><span
     style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana'>Mississippi River =
</span></font></u><font
     size=3D2 face=3DVerdana><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana'>in <st1:State
     w:st=3D"on">Monticello</st1:State>, in <st1:place =
w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceName
      w:st=3D"on">Wright</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType =
w:st=3D"on">County</st1:PlaceType>
      <st1:PlaceName w:st=3D"on">NW</st1:PlaceName></st1:place> of =
MSP.&nbsp;
     There is a (nuke) power plan there that keeps the water open, and =
this
     stretch of the river can be loaded with Trumpeter Swans at this =
time of
     year.&nbsp; Other ducks cruise around randomly, too, and the =
occasional
     Bald Eagle will wing by.&nbsp; The swans are beautiful, usually =
pretty
     tame, and reliably present all winter.&nbsp; Mornings, when the =
mist is
     coming up off the water can yield some really dramatic shots of =
groups of
     swans.&nbsp; You can sit on the shore, maybe cover up with a =
bedsheet or
     whatever camo the conditions dictate, and probably have some good
     shooting. <o:p></o:p></span></font></li>
 <li class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:
     auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><u><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack =
face=3DVerdana><span
     style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana'>Weaver Bottoms =
</span></font></u><font
     size=3D2 face=3DVerdana><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana'>SE
     of MSP in <st1:PlaceName w:st=3D"on">Wabasha</st1:PlaceName> =
<st1:PlaceType
     w:st=3D"on">County</st1:PlaceType> near town of <st1:City =
w:st=3D"on"><st1:place
      w:st=3D"on">Weaver</st1:place></st1:City>, along the MN-Wisconsin =
border.&nbsp;
     In November, especially, this place can be loaded with 1000's of =
Tundra
     Swans and usually good numbers of Canvasbacks and other =
ducks.&nbsp; Most
     of the waterfowl have moved on by early December, but this year has =
not
     been particularly cold yet, and so some could linger until you're =
in
     town.&nbsp; There are usually lots of eagles around the river along =
Hwy 61
     at this time of year, too.&nbsp; If you go down this way, Lake =
Pepin in
     Lake City, along Hwy 61 has lots of places to view, and could offer =
some
     chances at various ducks, possibly some =
rarities.<o:p></o:p></span></font></li>
</ol>

<div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><u><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack =
face=3DVerdana><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;color:black'>150 Miles =
north of
M-SP:</span></font></u><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack face=3DVerdana><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;color:black'><o:p></o:p></s=
pan></font></p>

</div>

<ol start=3D1 type=3D1>
 <li class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:
     auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'><u><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack =
face=3DVerdana><span
     style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana'>Canal Park/Duluth
     Harbor&nbsp;in <st1:City w:st=3D"on"><st1:place =
w:st=3D"on">Duluth</st1:place></st1:City></span></font></u><font
     size=3D2 face=3DVerdana><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana'>.&nbsp;
     The north <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceType =
w:st=3D"on">shore</st1:PlaceType>
      of <st1:PlaceName w:st=3D"on">Lake =
Superior</st1:PlaceName></st1:place> is
     THE place to find cool winter waterfowl.&nbsp; Getting close enough =
for
     good photos may be tough, but it just depends on luck and where the =
ice
     has formd. <o:p></o:p></span></font></li>
 <li class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:
     auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'><st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceName =
w:st=3D"on"><u><font
       size=3D2 color=3Dblack face=3DVerdana><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;
       =
font-family:Verdana'>Grand</span></font></u></st1:PlaceName><u><font
      size=3D2 face=3DVerdana><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana'> <st1:PlaceName
      w:st=3D"on">Marais</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType =
w:st=3D"on">Harbor</st1:PlaceType></span></font></u></st1:place><u><font
     size=3D2 face=3DVerdana><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana'> in
     Grand Marais</span></font></u><font size=3D2 face=3DVerdana><span
     style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana'>.&nbsp; Further up =
Hwy 61
     from <st1:City w:st=3D"on">Duluth</st1:City>, along the north =
<st1:place
     w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceType w:st=3D"on">shore</st1:PlaceType> of =
<st1:PlaceName
      w:st=3D"on">L. Superior</st1:PlaceName></st1:place>.&nbsp; Same =
deal as <st1:City
     w:st=3D"on"><st1:place w:st=3D"on">Duluth</st1:place></st1:City>, =
and the
     drive between these two great towns is well worth the price of =
admission
     at any time of year.&nbsp; Check along the lake shore at every =
place you
     can poke your nose into on this drive, one never knows what will be =
in
     store!&nbsp; There's just some great birding to be had in this =
region of <st1:State
     w:st=3D"on"><st1:place =
w:st=3D"on">Minnesota</st1:place></st1:State> in the
     winter, and so if you're not limited to ducks, you won't be sorry =
to
     choose this area.&nbsp; Some real possibilities for things like =
Great Gray
     Owls (which are absurdly photograph-able if you find one), winter =
finches,
     and maybe a Black-backed Woodpecker or some Spruce =
Grouse.<o:p></o:p></span></font></li>
</ol>

<div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack face=3DVerdana><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;color:black'>This should =
get you
started, and you'll want to pick up a map and, possibly, two very =
worthwhile
books: Kim Eckert's &quot;A Birder's Guide to <st1:State =
w:st=3D"on">Minnesota</st1:State>&quot;
is loaded with good directions and maps, and Carrol Henderson's
&quot;Traveler's Guide to Watching Wildlife in <st1:State =
w:st=3D"on"><st1:place
 w:st=3D"on">Minnesota</st1:place></st1:State>&quot; is a good =
easy-to-use reference.
Both of these books have all the spots I listed and will direct you to =
the
places pretty easily.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

</div>

<div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack face=3DVerdana><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;color:black'>&nbsp;&nbsp;</=
span></font><font
size=3D2 color=3Dnavy face=3DVerdana><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;
color:navy'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

</div>

<div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack face=3DVerdana><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;color:black'>Good luck, =
and let me
know if I can be of any other help.&nbsp; In the meantime, I'll keep my =
ear to
the ground for any reports of birds that may be of help to =
you.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>

</div>

<div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack face=3DVerdana><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;color:black'>&nbsp;<o:p></o=
:p></span></font></p>

</div>

<div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblack face=3DVerdana><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Verdana;color:black'>JIM<o:p></o:p>=
</span></font></p>

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