Return to Home Page
-RBA *Minnesota *Minnesota Statewide *October 5, 1995 *MNST9510.05 -Birds mentioned
Hotline: Minnesota Statewide/Twin Cities
Date: October 5, 1995
Sponsor: Minnesota Ornithologists' Union (MOU)
Reports: (612) 780-8890
Compiler: Anthony Hertzel
Transcriber: Anthony Hertzel (tony@mill2.MillComm.COM)
This is the Minnesota birding report for Thursday, October 5th sponsored by the Minnesota Ornithologists Union.
With birds such as Lesser-black-backed Gull, Sabine's Gull and the Northern Wheatear from earlier in the week, October continues its tradition as one of the better months for vagrants.
The Northern Wheatear, first reported last week from the Erie Pier area in Duluth, had been seen as recently as Monday of this week. Though drizzle and high winds over the past several days have made searching difficult, it is certainly possible that the bird may yet still be in the area. I will keep this hotline updated with any new information if it becomes available.
That Pacific Loon, first reported on September 21st, continues to be seen at Stoney Point, north of Duluth. It has been reported as recently as October 4th.
As they often are at this time of year, American White Pelicans have been seen in increasingly large numbers as they disperse from their traditional breeding areas in the western and northern parts of the state. Large flocks have been reported at Black Dog Lake recently, as well as in Shakopee, and Anoka County.
A probable Jaeger of unknown species was seen briefly over Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis the morning of October 5th. Though the bird has not been seen since, it may still be around, and birders are well advised to keep an eye out for this most unusual possibility.
Snow Geese are being seen with some regularity in Apple Valley near Galaxy and 160th.
A Lesser Black-backed Gull has been seen recently at Black Dog Lake in Dakota County. David Cahlandar first reported the bird on October 1st, and it was seen again as late as October 5th.
Mike Hendrickson had good looks at a Sabine's Gull on October 5th at the Park Point recreation area in Duluth. The bird has been flying to and from the Superior entry. For further updates on this and other birds from the Duluth area, you can call 218-525-5952.
A flock of 25 American Pipits was found by Tom Bell on September 29th in Cottage Grove. The birds were between 100 and 110th streets along Lehigh Avenue. Lehigh is just north of the junction of U.S. highway 61 and Minnesota Highway 95.
Unusual is the report of a Boreal Chickadee by David Ross from Cottage Grove. The bird is apparently coming to a feeder there. This is very far south for this normally northern species.
A male Black-throated Blue Warbler has been reported from the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge for the past ten days. Another Black-throated Blue Warbler was discovered on October 3rd at Robert's Sanctuary in Minneapolis. The bird was seen just west of the feeder.
Other migrants showing up around mostly the southern half of the state include Grey-cheeked, Swainson's and Hermit Thrush, Fox, Harris' Sparrow, LeConte's and White-crowned Sparrow and Dark-eyed Junco.
It is not only the report of new birds that make this hotline a success, but the continual updates that follow as well. I would especially like to thank Paul Budde, David Cahlendar, Barb Martin, and Mark Ochs for their updates of birds already reported.
The next scheduled update of this tape is Thursday, October 12th. If you have birds to report, please leave your name, phone number and a brief but specific message.