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-RBA *Minnesota *Minnesota Statewide *August 10, 1995 *MNST9508.10 - Birds mentioned
Hotline: Minnesota Statewide/Twin Cities
Date: August 10, 1995
Sponsor: Minnesota Ornithologists' Union
Reports: (612) 780-8890
Compiler: Tony Hertzel
Transcriber: Mary Alyce Krohnke (kroh0005@gold.tc.umn.edu)
This is the Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday, August 10, sponsored by the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union.
The hot weather punctuated by brief periods of heavy rain has resulted in very few birding reports this past week.
At least one of the two SNOWY EGRETS reported here on previous tapes continues to be seen along the Mississippi River in South St. Paul, Ramsey County. A single bird was seen north of Maxwell Street on August 5 at the location reported previously.
Five AMERICAN AVOCETS were seen roosting on a sandbar on the Mississippi River on the morning of August 10, and they were still present late in the afternoon. This location is near the junction of Hardmann and Carroll Avenues, about a mile and a half north of Interstate 494 in South St. Paul.
Fourteen additional species of shorebirds were found at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge on August 9.
I have a report of four WESTERN SANDPIPERS, three birds reportedly at the Glencoe sewage ponds, and a single bird reportedly near New Germany. At best, the Western Sandpiper is casual in Minnesota, and four individuals on the same day is highly unlikely. It is much more probable that these were Semipalmated Sandpipers. Distinguishing between these two problematic species can be very difficult and care should be taken when a Western Sandpiper is suspected.
And speaking of the Glencoe sewage ponds, public access is no longer permitted. These are private settling ponds and do not belong to the city of Glencoe. No Trespassing signs have now been posted.
Finally WESTERN KINGBIRDS have been noted nesting near West Battle Lake in Ottertail County, and Western Kingbirds are also being seen along U.S. Highway 10 between the towns of Ramsey and Elk River.
The next scheduled update of this tape is Thursday, August 17. If you have birds to report, leave your name, phone number, and a brief but specific message.