This is the Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday, July 6, sponsored by the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union. With the coming of July, even as many species are just beginning to nest, fall shorebird migration has already begun. Oscar Johnson found three LESSER YELLOWLEGS on June 30 along Hennepin County Road 13, north of County Road 44. Tony Hertzel reports two LESSER YELLOWLEGS in Ramsey County on July 2 along with several SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS, LEAST SANDPIPERS and a LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER. Ken La Fond found several LESSER YELLOWLEGS, LEAST SANDPIPERS and a single BAIRD'S SANDPIPER at Carlos Avery Refuge in Anoka County. Ray Glassel found a STILT SANDPIPER and LEAST SANDPIPER at the Sherbourne National Wildlife Refuge on July 3. Ray also found LARK SPARROWS in Isanti County at Cedar Creek.
WHIP-POOR-WILLS were in Afton State Park, Washington County, on July 2.
In Dakota County, a SWAINSON'S HAWK was reported by Steve Weston on July 4. The bird was near Pine Bend just west of Minnesota Highway 55.
PURPLE MARTINS are beginning to gather in large numbers along Black Dog Road in Burnsville. Up to 100 individuals were observed on the evening of July 2.
The YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER first reported on May 18 at Sibley State Park in Kandiyohi County was still present as late as June 28. A NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH has been heard singing at Carlos Avery Refuge since May 20. It was seen as recently as July 4 in the northwest portion of the refuge, just north of the cemetery. This is rather far south for this species.
The YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT was seen again several times over the weekend in Rice County. This bird is in the Cannon River Wilderness Park about a mile down the main trail that begins 2.7 miles south of State Highway 3 on County Road 20.
The next schedule update of this tape is Thursday, July 13. If you have birds to report, please leave your name, phone number and a brief, but specific message.
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