Phainopepla in St. Louis County
2022-10-30

'Accidental' in Minnesota - Five or fewer records in St. Louis County for the Fall season

Another image of this first state record found yesterday morning (29 October) by Michael Sack and Molly Misfeldt; it was still present late this afternoon at the same location near the McQuade Small Craft Harbor just beyond the Duluth city limits (46.882279, -91.918654). Directions: park in the gravel parking area on the east side of McQuade Rd, walk east to the driveway of the now-vacant Beachway Motel & Cabins, and look in the wooded/shrubby area between the driveway and the property next door (5127 North Shore Dr). (Because the Beachway is vacant and not posted, it has apparently been OK to walk up this driveway. However, the house at 5127 is occupied, and birders should not enter this property without permission.) This afternoon, it was often seen in or near the dead spruce tree, either flycatching from the spruce or feeding on buckthorn berries at the base of this tree.

Kim R. Eckert; "digiscope" image with 25-60x Swarovski spotting scope.