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-RBA *Minnesota *Minnesota Statewide *November 23, 1995 *MNST9511.23 -Birds mentioned
Hotline: Minnesota Statewide/Twin Cities
Date: November 23, 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 November 23rd sponsored by the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union.
HARLEQUIN DUCKS are being seen near the town of Two Harbors in Cook County. Up to three birds were found as recently as the 21st in the main harbor there. Two SURF SCOTERS were seen November 19th at Lake City, Wabasha County, by Joann Trom. The birds were in with a flock of Goldeneyes on Lake Pepin.
Jon Peterson reports that numerous WILD TURKEYS can be seen near his home in Wabasha County. The birds frequent the open area around the driveway that begins 1.5 miles west of Reads Landing on county road 77.
A possible GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL was seen Wednesday the 22nd at Black Dog Lake in Dakota County, and a GLAUCOUS GULL was there on the 19th and it was still present on the 22nd.
A NORTHERN HAWK OWL was seen briefly by Donna Compton at the Baker Park Reserve in western Hennepin County. The bird was seen early on the morning of November 17th, but it was gone when the observer returned later in the day. Though this area has been checked by a few birders since then, the owl has not been relocated. Another HAWK OWL was seen by Mark Johnson on November 17th, 1/2 mile south of mile post 223 on Interstate 35 in Carlton County. Unfortunately, this bird also has not been refound. A third HAWK OWL was reportedly seen near county roads 45 and 47 near Grand Marais, though I have only second-hand information on this sighting. A SNOWY OWL was in Duluth on the 20th. The bird was seen near the recreation area of Park Point on the harbor Ice. For reports in and around the Duluth area, you can call 218-525-5952. A SAW-WHET OWL was reported by Ned Winters on the 19th. The bird was at the traditional roost at the Issac Walton League property along Auto Club Road in Bloomington. There may also be a LONG- EARED OWL in the area. A GREAT GRAY OWL was seen seven miles north of Waskish in Beltrami County. The specific location of this bird, however, was unclear.
A VARIED THRUSH continues to visit the yard and feeders of Shelly Steva in Thief River Falls in north central Pennington County. It has been a regular there since the 3rd. Another VARIED THRUSH showed up in the town of Credit River, Scott County. The bird was seen by Paul Wise on the 19th of November.
Very far north is the NORTHERN CARDINAL reported by Doug Johnson. The bird was at a feeder near the town of Solway in Beltrami County.
COMMON REDPOLLS are making their way into the state in excellent numbers. They have been reported from virtually every part of the state. Additional finches are also being reported from a few areas, including PINE GROSBEAKS, WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS and PINE SISKINS.
Finally, I have had several calls reporting BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT- HERONS, mostly from the Minneapolis area. Night-Herons migrate out of the state from September through late November, and sightings of these birds at this time of year is not unusual. However, if sightings persist into December, I would certainly appreciate a report.
The next scheduled update of this tape is Thursday, November 30th. If you have birds to report, please leave your name, phone number and a brief but specific message.