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-RBA *Minnesota *Duluth/North Shore *August 15, 1996 *MNDU9608.15 -Birds mentioned
Hotline: Minnesota Duluth/North Shore
Date: August 15, 1996
Sponsor: Minnesota Ornithologists' Union (MOU)
Reports: (218) 525-5952
Compiler: Kim Eckert
Transcriber: Sr. Beverly Raway braway@fac1.css.edu
This is the Duluth birding report for Thursday, August 15th sponsored by the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union.
The most significant birding news this week has to do with migrating shore birds. First of all a RED KNOT was seen for one day only on August 10th by Dan Versa (sp?) at Knife River in Lake County. And, although nothing else out of the ordinary was found, it is news that the 40th Avenue West Erie Pier area mud flats are again attracting shorebirds now that the water levels there are receding a bit. On both August 12 and 13th between 200 and 400 shorebirds were present, including at least 8 species. Foremost among them were no fewer than about 60 STILT SANDPIPERS on the 13th which may well be the largest number of this species ever seen in this part of Minnesota. Also present the same day were SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER, LESSER YELLOWLEGS, SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, PECTORAL, BAIRD'S, SEMIPALMATED, and LEAST SANDPIPERS. HOODED MERGANSER, BUFFLEHEAD, MERLIN, and COMMON TERN have also been seen there this week. Again yesterday, Rick Schroeder saw an immature BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON there as well. For those unfamiliar with this location take the 40th Avenue West exit off of Interstate 35. Cross over to the bay side of the freeway and park by the yellow gate just beyond the frontage road and then hike down the gravel road which leads to the water impoundment.
The annual COMMON NIGHTHAWK migration through Duluth is showing signs of getting underway this week. On August 12th various observers noted a small flight of perhaps 50 individuals or so between 6:30 and 7:00 PM over the East end of Duluth, and it is quite possible the biggest movement will take place this evening or this weekend. Each year in mid to late August thousands of nighthawks migrate through Duluth with most of them usually flying over during the early evening hours. The heaviest flight ever recorded in Duluth was an amazing 43,000 plus recorded in about a 3-hour period at the Lakewood Pumping Station on August 26th, 1990.
Other birds of note seen this week include WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS which continue to be seen at various locations in northeastern Minnesota and a good variety of migrating warblers and other passerines which are now starting to pass through Duluth. Among these were a SCARLET TANAGER in Terry Wiens' yard on August 12th and for some reason MOURNING WARBLERS seem to be migrating through Duluth in good numbers this week.
Finally, as mentioned on last week's tape, there will again be a count of non-raptors this Fall as they migrate past the Lakewood Pumping Station. This systematic census is scheduled to start August 21st and if you would like to assist in the counting, please give me a call at 525-6930. Both beginning and advanced birders would be welcome to participate. Also note that it is not too early to plan to attend our Annual Hawk Weekend activities scheduled for September 13th, 14th, and 15th. And for more information about that weekend you could also give me a call.
Unless something unusual is seen in the meantime, which needs to be reported on immediately, the next scheduled update of this tape will be on Thursday, August 22nd, and as always, if you have birds to report you may leave a message after the tone...... beep.