Spring is surely here this week as warming temperatures have brought a flood of migrants into the area. Surprising in their numbers are the hoard of pine siskins being reported. Migrants being reported include some shorebirds , most of the swallows, a few of the fly catching species including eastern phoebe, and least flycatcher, a few woodland thrushes, in some areas an influx of warblers, rose-breasted grosbeak, and Baltimore orioles.

Larry Wilebski found an AMERICAN AVOCET in Kittson County on May 12.

Pat DeWenter in Bemidji, Beltrami County, reported species that typically nest in the boreal forest area nearby, indicating that some , at least , of the migration has bypassed us here in the northwest on the tail of the high south winds. She found VEERY, GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH, SWAINSON’S THRUSH, HERMIT THRUSH, and quite a selection of warblers including BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, NASHVILLE WARBLER, AMERICAN REDSTART, PALM WARBLER, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER, and CANADA WARBLER. LINCOLN’S SPARROW, HARRIS’S SPARROW, and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW were among the sparrow species.

Here in Thief River Falls in Pennington County, a RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD has been peering in my window as I compile this report- checking to see if I include him perhaps.

Bill Blackburn reported 28 WILSON’S PHALAROPES two miles east of Radium in Marshall County this week.

In Polk County, Vanessa Lane reported a WHIMREL briefly at the East Grand Forks WTP on May 12. CHIMNEY SWIFTS, SWAINSON’S THRUSH, and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS were seen at the UMC natural history area in Crookston ; EARED GREBE, HORNED GREBE, LARK SPARROW, VESPER SPARROW, and LINCOLN’S SPARROW on the campus. Bill Blackburn reported that the WHITE-FACED IBIS at the Parnell impoundment along CR 17 are moving around so may take some time to find; GREAT EGRET was seen at the Euclid impoundment. A LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE is being seen near the intersection of CR 68 and CR 23. More than 50 HUDSONIAN GODWITS were seen at the Agassiz Valley impoundment with several other shorebird species. Sandy Aubol reported BROAD-WINGED HAWK, LEAST FLYCATCHER, WARBLING VIREO, SWAINSON’S THRUSH, and a late HOARY REDPOLL among others this week in East Grand Forks. On May 16, she reported RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD, INDIGO BUNTING, and many PINE SISKINS at her feeders in East Grand Forks.

Tim Lamey reported SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, WILLET, HUDSONIAN GODWITS, LEAST SANDPIPERS, SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS, LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, and WILSON’S PHALAROPES in Norman County on May 13.

The MBW birding group found a SAY’S PHOEBE at Felton prairie, in Clay County, on the south side of CR 108 across from the interpretative kiosks on May 12. CHESTNUT-COLLARED LONGSPURS,LAPLAND LONGSPURS, and SMITH’S LONGSPUR were all seen there by the group, and an AMERICAN AVOCET was seen south of Hitterdahl. Bob Ekblad found a WESTERN GREBE and an EARED GREBE at Felton Prairie on May 15. In Clay County, Tim Lamey found AMERICAN BITTERN on May 12, BLUE-HEADED VIREO on May 14, and BOBOLINK on May 15.

In Becker County, the home of the Detroit Lakes Birding Festival, Kelly Blackledge reported a NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD at the temporary office feeders at Tamarac NWR on May 11. Linda Schumann at the Rainbow resort reported COMMON LOON, STILT SANDPIPER, a variety of ducks, RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER, PURPLE MARTIN, and HARRIS’S SPARROW this week. At Tamarac NWR, Steve Midthune observed PINE WARBLER, AMERICAN REDSTART, BAY-BREASTED WARBLER, CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER, PALM WARBLER, and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, and at Lake Park , he saw WILSON’S PHALAROPE. In Detroit Lakes Dave and Betty Hochhalter reported NORTHERN CARDINAL, BALTIMORE ORIOLE, and RUBY-THROATED HUMMINBIRD this week.

Marshall Howe in Hubbard County, also on the fringes of the boreal forest, reported 12 species of warblers including TENNESSEE WARBLER, MAGNOLIA WARBLER, WILSON’S WARBLER, PINE WARBLER, PALM WARBLER, OVENBIRD, CAPE MAY WARBLER, NASHVILLE WARBLER,BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER, and NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH all new this week. Other species seen this week included CASPIAN TERN and EASTERN KINGBIRD.

GREAT EGRETS, BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS, and DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS were seen by Steve Aversano in Fergus Falls on May 14. The first CANADA GOOSE goslings were spotted there also. At the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center this week a few species of warbler were seen on May 14 including CANADA WARBLER and PALM WARBLER. Roland Jordahl reported WHITE-THROATED SPARROW and HARRIS’S SPARROW in Pelican Rapids this week. At Maplewood SP he saw COMMON LOON, TRUMPETER SWAN, SWAINSON’S THRUSH, EASTERN KINGBIRD, and BOBOLINK among many others.

Bob Ekblad found eight WHITE-FACED IBIS at Manston Marsh just west of MN 9 on CR 26 in Wilkin County on May 15.

Thanks to all who sent in sightings this week.

Please report bird sightings to Jeanie Joppru by email, no later than Thursday each week, at ajjoppru@mncable.net OR call the Detroit Lakes Chamber’s toll free number: 1-800-542-3992. Detroit Lakes area birders please call 847-9202. Please include the county where the sighting took place. The next scheduled update of this report is Thursday, May 23, 2013

We have been enjoying spring this week in the northwest, and even as far north as Pennington County the sun has caused the lawns to green up and buds are popping on the trees. There goes the hope that warblers might be easier to see this year! We are still at least a week away from the peak of warbler migration in the north.

The ibis story continues. Ron Erpelding found 22 of them in Wilkin County on May 5 at Meadows WPA about 13 miles north of Breckenridge on the south side of CR 26 0.3 mile west of MN 9. Most if not all were WHITE-FACED IBIS. On that day 7 were re-located in Polk County at the Parnell impoundment , but not seen the next day. Another in Polk County was seen on May 3 by Emily Hutchins about a mile east of Fisher. On May 4, Pam Joppru reported 2 WHITE-FACED IBIS along 180th St NE at the northwest corner of Thief River Falls in Pennington County. These were spotted as recently as Monday, but not seen since as far as I know. Eight WHITE-FACED IBIS were seen this week in Kittson County- 3 at St. Vincent between the town and the Red River bridge, 3 on the east side of CR 56 near Lancaster, and 2 more at the Kinney farm about 8 miles east of Lancaster on CR 4.

An AMERICAN WOOD COCK was seen by Ron Erpelding in Wadena County on May 5.

Judith Clayton observed a YELLOW WARBLER in Alexandria, Douglas County on May 9.

In Wilkin County, Ron Erpelding found a HERMIT THRUSH on May 5.

Dan and Sandy Thimgan in Ottertail County on May 4 found RED-NECKED GREBE, BROWN THRASHER on May 6, and ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK and BALTIMORE ORIOLE on May 7.

From Hubbard County, Marshall Howe reported ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK and PINE SISKIN on May 5; and RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD on May 7 at Park Rapids. On Fish Hook Lake, there were 7 HORNED GREBES and 100 BONAPARTE’S GULLS. On May 9, he saw WOOD THRUSH, VEERY, GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH, and a BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER.

46 GREATER PRAIRIE-CHICKENS were counted by Paul Budde at Hamden Slough NWR in Becker County on May 3. At Dunton Locks County Park, Ron Erpelding found COMMON MERGANSER, RED-BREASTED MERGANSER, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER and LINCOLN’S SPARROW on May 5.

Ron’s Clay County sightings included HERRING GULL, MERLIN, and AMERICAN PIPIT. Tim Lamey reported BROAD-WINGED HAWK, MARBLED GODWIT, CLIFF SWALLOW, GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH, and LARK SPARROW at Bluestem prairie on May 5. Sixteen AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS were found there on May 8. Also seen were PALM WARBLER, and BOBOLINK.

A GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE, CACKLING GOOSE, TUNDRA SWANS, WESTERN GREBES, and FORSTER’S TERNS were found at the Mahnomen WTP on May 5 and also seen in the county were LINCOLN’S SPARROW and ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER.

In Polk County Emily Hutchins found a SAY’S PHOEBE at the Glacial Ridge office along MN 32 three miles south of US 2 on April 30. This bird was seen there as recently as May 8. Paul Budde found two WILLETS in Polk County on May 4 – one was along CR 41 just east of US 2, and the other along CR 41 2.8 miles east of MN 32. LARK SPARROWS are back at Agassiz Dunes SNA. A EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE was seen at Euclid on May 4. Bill Blackburn relocated a SNOWY EGRET on May 5 in a field east of 240th Ave NW and 210 St. NW feeding with GREAT EGRETS. A LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE was seen near the intersection of CR 68 and CR 23 on May 4. Sandy Aubol is still reporting a few COMMON REDPOLLS and BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS in East Grand Forks this week, along with many different species of sparrows.

Ron Erpelding found a GRAY JAY at Huot in Red Lake County on May 4 at 17100 200 St. Other species seen in the Huot area included WILLET, OSPREY, and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW.

Ron found HERRING GULL and COMMON LOON in Thief River Falls in Pennington County on May 5.

Bill Blackburn reported BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS in Warren in Marshall County on May 3. An AMERICAN AVOCET and LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER was found by Paul Budde at the Warren WTP on May 4. SEDGE WRENS are back at Agassiz NWR. Cliff Steinhauer who lives near Agassiz NWR saw 15 SHARP-TAILED GROUSE on a lek.

Larry Wilebski saw a NORTHERN HAWK OWL about 7 miles east of US 59 on CR 4 in Kittson County on May 4. A LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE was seen three miles west of his cabin, and a BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON was a half miles west of the water tower. On May 5, he saw COMMON MERGANSERS in the county. Paul Budde found 55 WILSON’S PHALAROPES at the Karlstad WTP On May 8.

Gretchen Mehmel at Norris Camp in Lake of the Woods County reported on May 9 that WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS have arrived there.

Thanks to all who sent in sightings this week.

Please report bird sightings to Jeanie Joppru by email, no later than Thursday each week, at ajjoppru@mncable.net OR call the Detroit Lakes Chamber’s toll free number: 1-800-542-3992. Detroit Lakes area birders please call 847-9202. Please include the county where the sighting took place. The next scheduled update of this report is Thursday, May 16, 2013.

After a couple of warm windy days, nearly all the snow has gone in the northwest. Migration has exploded with large migrations of common loons and grebes which apparently were trapped by icebound conditions that are now not a problem. Migrant species reported by most observers included all the common ducks, swans, COMMON LOONS, all the grebes, RED-TAILED HAWKS, NORTHERN HARRIERS, AMERICAN KESTRELS, MERLINS, NORTHERN FLICKERS, YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS, GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, AMERICAN TREE SPARROW, CHIPPING SPARROW, VESPER SPARROW, SAVANNAH SPARROW, FOX SPARROW, SONG SPARROW, SWAMP SPARROW, WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, DARK-EYED JUNCO, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD, WESTERN MEADOWLARK, COMMON GRACKLE, and PURPLE FINCH.

WHITE-FACED IBIS and/or GLOSSY IBIS were reported in five counties of the northwest this week. Two of the ibis reported in Becker County last week northeast of Lake Park and later seen along MN 32, were relocated a half mile east of US 59 on 330 St. on April 28. Bill Blackburn observed two WHITE-FACED IBIS at the Euclid East Watershed impoundment about two miles east of Euclid in Polk County on April 25. Another in Polk County was seen near the Erskine WMA at the intersection of 110th St. SE and 210 Ave. SE. Scott Wockenfuss and Dave Myhrer reported several on Lower CCC Pool at Agassiz NWR in Marshall County on 5-02. Karen Colson saw a WHITE-FACED IBIS at the Northwest Angle of Lake of the Woods in Lake of the Woods County on April 26 along CR 49 about as far north as you can get in US . May 1, Larry Wilebski saw 3 WHITE-FACED IBIS in northwestern Kittson County between St Vincent and the Red River bridge. If you see one of these birds, please document as well as you can so we can definitely determine the species.

Teri Horner saw a GREAT GRAY OWL in Lake of the Woods County along CR 2 at 60th St NW two miles south of Long Point on April 27.

Beth Siverhus reported TURKEY VULTURE, GREAT EGRET, SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, EASTERN PHOEBE, PALM WARBLER, and YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD among many others in Roseau County on May 1.

Larry Wilebski found a EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE in Lancaster, Kittson County, on May 2.

From Clearwater County, Kelly Larson reported 20 species of waterfowl at the rice paddies along the Clearwater River on April 28. Other species seen in the county included a LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE at her Bagley farm. On May 1, she reported 2 GOLDEN EAGLES, 3 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, 60-70 RED-NECKED GREBES, a PEREGRINE FALCON, RUSTY BLACKBIRD, and YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD at the rice paddies.

Many species of waterfowl can be seen at the Agassiz Impoundment in Marshall County north of the Audubon Center. Bill Blackburn observed a large flock of LAPLAND LONGSPURS on 240 St north of MN 1. A LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE was found along CR 7 east of the ANWR headquarters on April 28. A GREAT HORNED OWL nest was seen at headquarters with at least one owlet in it. Many species of water birds are back at Agassiz NWR now, including AMERICAN BITTERN seen by Sean Lofgren on April 29. Three MARBLED GODWITS were seen this week along CR 7 . An OSPREY was seen at the northeast corner of the refuge on May 2. Bill Blackburn reported a GREAT HORNED OWL and an EASTERN PHOEBE along the Snake River in Warren on April 29.

In Thief River Falls in Pennington County, the big news has been 11 COMMON LOONS, 150 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS, 10 HORNED GREBES, 6 FORSTER’S TERNS, four WESTERN GREBES and several species of ducks at the confluence of the Red Lake and Thief Rivers both yesterday and today. Also a large flock of AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS was there for a brief period. Across from our yard east of the city an OSPREY has been seen several days this week.

Polk County sightings by Emily Hutchins included dancing GREATER PRAIRIE-CHICKENS in the Glacial Ridge NWR. She also saw HERMIT THRUSH, and ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER on April 26. Sandy Aubol reported BROAD-WINGED HAWK, and LINCOLN’S SPARROW on April 27. She still is reporting up to 200 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS in her area of East Grand Forks.

Kristy May in Mahnomen County reported TREE SWALLOWS, and NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOWS on May 2.

Kristy May saw DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS, TURKEY VULTURES, and WILSON’S SNIPE in Clay County on April 28. At Gooseberry Park in Moorhead, Tim Lamey saw WINTER WREN, BROWN CREEPER , HERMIT THRUSH, BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER, and NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH among others that day. At Bluestem Prairie, there were SWAINSON’S HAWK, GREATER PRAIRIE-CHICKENS, UPLAND SANDPIPERS, and LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE on May 2.

Mark Otnes reported COMMON LOONS, WESTERN GREBES, 2 WILLETS, and large numbers of waterfowl at Hamden Slough NWR in Becker County on April 28. Linda Schumann at Rainbow Resort observed that an EVENING GROSBEAK is still occasionally coming to the feeders there. Steve Midthune reported a WESTERN TANAGER at Big Sugar Bush Lake on April 30.

Species seen this week in Hubbard County included BLUE-HEADED VIREO, HERMIT THRUSH, LINCOLN’S SPARROW, and ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER on May 1. Marshall Howe in Hubbard County reported that 10 RED CROSSBILLS were seen near Dorset on April 28. Roland Jordahl reported TREE SWALLOW and EASTERN BLUEBIRD in Hubbard County on May 2.

Dan and Sandy Thimgan in Otter Tail County saw 85 COMMON LOONS on April 30 north of the town of Ottertail. On May 1 they reported HERRING GULL, BONAPARTE’S GULL, and CLIFF SWALLOW. Two CATTLE EGRETS were seen south of Fergus Falls on May 1. Steve Aversano reported GREATER YELLOWLEGS, PURPLE MARTIN, and YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD in Otter Tail County on May 1. Alma Ronningen saw BROWN THRASHER on April 28.

The MBW lead by Kim Eckert saw a SMITH’S LONGSPUR along Wilkin CR 15 on April 27. Another highlight were three GRAY PARTRIDGE west of Rothsay. In Grant County, the group saw two CATTLE EGRETS in Grant County by the Wendall elevators.

In Douglas County, Judith Clayton observed 43 COMMON LOONS, and an OSPREY at Lake Winona in Alexandria on April 30.

Thanks to all who sent in sightings this week.

Please report bird sightings to Jeanie Joppru by email, no later than Thursday each week, at ajjoppru@mncable.net OR call the Detroit Lakes Chamber’s toll free number: 1-800-542-3992. Detroit Lakes area birders please call 847-9202. Please include the county where the sighting took place. The next scheduled update of this report is Thursday, May 9, 2013.

This has been an interesting week in the northwest . With cool nights and slowing warming days, the snow is going at a leisurely pace, lessening the threat of flooding. Migration is proceeding, and as more and more open water in melt water ponds appears, so too do the waterfowl. All areas are reporting some waterfowl this week. At the feeders the numbers of DARK-EYED JUNCOS is increasing as the redpolls decrease. Even the waterfowl at any given area change every day now.

Steve and Cheryl Aversano reported TRUMPETER SWANS, GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, CANVASBACKS, RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS and LESSER SCAUP north of Elbow Lake in Grant County along US 59 on April 24.

In Otter Tail County, they saw HARRIS’S SPARROW, BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD, and RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD on April 19 in Fergus Falls. Several species of waterfowl were seen on the Otter Tail River including several AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS. Brad and Dee Ehlers reported a BROWN CREEPER in their yard on April 24.

Marshall Howe observed a HOARY REDPOLL still in Dorset in Hubbard County on April 19.

Steve Midthune observed a WHITE-FACED IBIS in Becker County north of Lake Park on April 19. Two were later seen on May 20 by Tim Lamey along MN 32 two miles south of Hitterdahl. Other species spotted by Tim included NORTHERN SHOVELER, NORTHERN PINTAIL, COMMON GOLDENEYE, HOODED MERGANSER, RING-BILLED GULL, TREE SWALLOW, and COMMON GRACKLE. On April 23, Steve Midthune found 5 LESSER YELLOWLEGS north of Lake Park, and two MARBLED GODWITS along CR 12.

In Clay County on April 20, Tim Lamey found 75 GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE, COMMON MERGANSER, 5 BALD EAGLES, AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS, RING-BILLED GULLS, and a flock of SNOW BUNTINGS, at Hitterdahl and/or at Buffalo River State Park. Kathy Bresee reported NORTHERN CARDINAL and BROWN CREEPER in Moorhead on April 25.

Bill Blackburn reported WESTERN MEADOWLARK and COMMON GRACKLE at the Audubon Center in Polk County on April 25, and Shelley Steve observed the same two species in Oklee in Red Lake County today.

Shelley Steva visited the area of the Greenwood Bridge in Thief River Falls , Pennington County, on April 25 where she saw 20 HOODED MERGANSERS, 2 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 6 COMMON GOLDENEYE, one PIED-BILLED GREBE, two BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS, and a BELTED KINGFISHER. Interesting was the fact that on April 20, we had about 75 PIED-BILLED GREBES there and at least 50 HOODED MERGANSERS, and more than 10 COMMON GOLDENEYE and an OSPREY. Maggie Anderson reported one RED CROSSBILL at her feeder in Thief River Falls on April 24. On the 25th, Gary Tischer saw a single YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER in Thief River Falls. At our feeder , there were several PURPLE FINCHES this morning.

In Marshall County, a large flock of LAPLAND LONGSPURS and 20 SNOW BUNTINGS were seen west of the impoundment near Radium on April 19. Lynda Knutsen reported on the returning species at Agassiz NWR this week, including RING-BILLED GULL on April 19 seen by Gregg Knutsen. A MARBLED GODWIT was seen along CR 7 west of the refuge this week, and other returning species included BLUE-WINGED TEAL, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, COMMON MERGANSER, NORTHERN PINTAIL, TRUMPETER SWAN, RING-NECKED DUCK, AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN, and 5 YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS seen at headquarters. Gary Tischer saw two TURKEY VULTURES south of Newfolden on April 25.

Diana Morkassel reported 2 WILD TURKEYS in Clearwater County on April 18 at the intersection of CR4 with Cr 14.

One GLOSSY IBIS and 7 WHITE-FACED IBIS were reported along CR 4 about 12 miles east of Lancaster in Kittson County on April 24.

Heidi Hughes reported 9 ROUGH-LEGGEDHAWKS, 6 NORTHERN HARRIERS, HORNED LARKS and 8 WESTERN MEADOWLARKS in Roseau County on April 25.

Thanks to all who sent in their sightings this week.

Please report bird sightings to Jeanie Joppru by email, no later than Thursday each week, at ajjoppru@mncable.net OR call the Detroit Lakes Chamber’s toll free number: 1-800-542-3992. Detroit Lakes area birders please call 847-9202. Please include the county where the sighting took place. The next scheduled update of this report is Thursday, May 2, 2013.

In spite of the snow and wintry weather, migration has been proceeding in the northwest, although some species must surely be suffering. Migrants mentioned in the area this week included CANADA GOOSE, TRUMPETER SWAN, TUNDRA SWAN, WOOD DUCK, MALLARD, NORTHERN SHOVELER, REDHEAD, RING-NECKED DUCK, LESSER SCAUP, BUFFLEHEAD, COMMON GOLDENEYE, HOODED MERGANSER, RUDDY DUCK, PIED-BILLED GREBE, GREAT BLUE HERON, SANDHILL CRANE, COOPER’S HAWK, SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, AMERICAN ROBIN, and COMMON GRACKLE in addition to those mentioned below. Please note that bare ground is hard to find in the northwest and open water is very scarce.

In Lake of the Woods County, Gary Tischer observed 3 HERRING GULLS on Lake of the Woods on April 10. Two GREAT GRAY OWS were seen along the Long Point Road leading from Williams to the Long Point Resort.

On April 11, Bill Blackburn reported 2 GRAY PARTRIDGE, 5 KILLDEER, and some SNOW BUNTINGS at the Agassiz Impoundment in Marshall County. Cliff Steinhauer saw a BALD EAGLE take an AMERICAN CROW out of a flock of 20 on April 17. At Agassiz NWR, Lynda Knutsen reported that the waterfowl are starting to come back, but open water areas are limited; Gregg Knutsen saw a HERRING GULL on the west side of the refuge on April 15 and Sean Lofgren saw an AMERICAN BLACK DUCK west of the refuge along CR 7.

In Pennington County, on April 11, Shelley Steva saw 200 CEDAR WAXWINGS, 50 AMERICAN ROBINS, and five CACKLING GEESE among the CANADA GEESE in Thief River Falls. On the 17th, she reported 6 PIED-BILLED GREBES, 5 COMMON GOLDENEYE, BUFFLEHEAD, 30 HOODED MERGANSERS, and one RING-BILLED GULL below the dam in Thief River Falls. The NORTHERN SHRIKE reported last week was seen again along US 59 south of town. On April 14, Gary Tischer reported 10 TURKEY VULTURES circling over the town.

Shelley Steva observed a RING-NECKED DUCK near Oklee in Red Lake County on April 18. Bill Blackburn reported TRUMPETER SWANS near the Goose Lake IBA in Polk County, and 12 GRAY PARTRIDGES were also there. Sandy Aubol reported TURKEY VULTURES and many BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS in East Grand Forks on April 15. At the Audubon Center near Warren, Heidi Hughes reported EASTERN PHOEBE and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER on April 16.

Kristy May mentioned AMERICAN KESTREL, SANDHILL CRANES, DARK-EYED JUNCOS, COMMON GRACKLE, and RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD in Mahnomen County on April 18.

Kathy Bresee in Moorhead in Clay County saw a YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER there on April 18 along with many other migrants.

In Becker County, Steve Midthune reported TUNDRA SWANS , NORTHERN SHRIKE , and a WILSON’S SNIPE north and east of Lake Park on April 17. Kristy May saw 5 TURKEY VULTURES south of Ogema and a possible LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE on April 17.

Marshall Howe in Hubbard County saw an OSPREY there on April 7. On April 13, he saw a PURPLE FINCH, on April 14, a YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, and on April 17, a NORTHERN SHRIKE. Connie Cox reported 11 WILD TURKEYS, DARK-EYED JUNCOS, and EVENING GROSBEAKS at Itasca State Park on April 17.

Brad and Dee Ehlers in Otter Tail County reported TURKEY VULTURES, FOX SPARROW, DARK-EYED JUNCOS, and RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS in Fergus Falls on April 17. Steve Aversano observed BROWN CREEPER on April 12, PEREGRINE FALCON and HERMIT THRUSH on April 14, and FOX SPARROW on April 18. DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT was seen on the Ottertail River on April 12, and elsewhere in the county this week, AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN. Judy Doll observed GREAT BLUE HERON and RING-BILLED GULL, while Alma Ronningen added SHARP-SHINNED HAWK and OSPREY in the county this week.

Judith Clayton saw 10 WOOD DUCKS and some RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS in Douglas County on April 17. Benjamin Eckhoff reported that waterfowl are streaming into Douglas County this week. He mentioned most of the duck species, both swans, and SNOW GOOSE among others. A WESTERN MEADOWLARK was seen on April 14, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER on April 16, TREE SWALLOW and BARN SWALLOW on April 17, and FOX SPARROW and SONG SPARROW on April 18. On the 16th, an AMERICAN WOODCOCK was seen at Lake Carlos State Park.

Thanks to all the folks who sent in sightings this week. Please understand that , with so many, only the highlights could be individually mentioned, but keep sending those sightings in. They are much appreciated and will be recorded.

Please report bird sightings to Jeanie Joppru by email, no later than Thursday each week, at ajjoppru@mncable.net OR call the Detroit Lakes Chamber’s toll free number: 1-800-542-3992. Detroit Lakes area birders please call 847-9202. Please include the county where the sighting took place. The next scheduled update of this report is Thursday, April 25, 2013.

We have returned to late winter this week, and all are disappointed in the delay of returning warm weather. Snow blankets even the northern parts of the area with even more to our south with the latest winter storm. Still the migrants stream north and many will suffer with the cold weather. I continue to get reports of GREAT GRAY OWLS from Roseau and Lake of the Woods counties, but numbers are, of course, down from their peak. Waterfowl are scarce in the northern part of the region, but where some open water has appeared, some of them have returned. Several folks reported large numbers of COMMON REDPOLLS still hanging around feeders from Fergus Falls to East Grand Forks. BALD EAGLES are being reported by most in the area. Shelley Steva reported that there was a large flight of RED-TAILED HAWKS and ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS between Thief River Falls and Oklee on April 8.

From Lake Carlos SP in Douglas County on April 9, Benjamin Eckhoff reported SHARP-SHINNED HAWK. On April 10th , it was RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, NORTHERN HARRIER, and SANDHILL CRANES, and on the 11th, FOX SPARROW and AMERICAN TREE SPARROW.

On April 10, Steve Aversano observed RED-TAILED HAWK, LONG-EARED OWL, YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, COMMON GRACKLE and COMMON REDPOLL in his yard in Fergus Falls in Otter Tail County. Gary and Marion Otnes birded in Otter Tail and Wilkin Counties on April 10th where they found 7 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS, GREAT BLUE HERON, BROAD-WINGED HAWK, BELTED KINGFISHER, and CHIPPING SPARROW.

In Wilkin County, Gary and Marion found 11 EURASIAN COLLARED-D0VES at Rothsay on April 10.

Connie Cox reported from Itasca SP on April 9 where there were TRUMPETER SWANS, SHARP-SHINNED HAWK, MOURNING DOVE, BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER, AMERICAN ROBIN, PURPLE FINCH, RED CROSSBILLS, COMMON REDPOLLS, and AMERICAN GOLDFINCH.

Cleone Stewart saw MOURNING DOVES south of Frazee in Becker County on April 4, many AMERICAN ROBINS on April 8, and RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS on April 9. Dave and Betty Hochhalter reported RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER in their yard in Detroit Lakes on the weekend. Steve Midthune saw WESTERN MEADOWLARK and BREWER’S BLACKBIRD at Hamden Slough NWR on April 10. At Richwood, he saw PIED-BILLED GREBE, AMERICAN COOT, and HOODED MERGANSER; SNOW BUNTINGS and ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS were also seen.

Kathy Bresee in Moorhead in Clay County reported many migrants on April 10 including AMERICAN ROBIN , DARK-EYED JUNCO , PURPLE FINCH, and COMMON GRACKLE. The VARIED THRUSH that she has reported for most of the winter still continues to visit her yard.

In Polk County, Sandy Aubol reported on April 5 that there were 800 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS and 300 COMMON REDPOLLS visiting the area of her yard in East Grand Forks. At the time a COMMON GRACKLE, and 11 CEDAR WAXWINGS were also seen. On April 10, a flock of 25 TUNDRA SWANS were observed flying over.

In southern Pennington County, Shelley Steva saw a NORTHERN SHRIKE four miles south of Thief River Falls along US 59 on April 8. Ten SNOW BUNTINGS and a pair of SANDHILL CRANES were also seen.

Benjamin Eckhoff saw six GREAT GRAY OWLS over a stretch of seven miles of MN 72 south of Baudette in Lake of the Woods County on April 5. In Roseau county another was seen northeast of Swift, and 5 SHARP-TAILED GROUSE were seen just north of Roosevelt on April 6.

Thanks to all who sent in their sightings this week.

Please report bird sightings to Jeanie Joppru by email, no later than Thursday each week, at ajjoppru@mncable.net OR call the Detroit Lakes Chamber’s toll free number: 1-800-542-3992. Detroit Lakes area birders please call 847-9202. Please include the county where the sighting took place. The next scheduled update of this report is Thursday, April 20, 2013.

The first big wave of migrants has arrived. I have reports from nearly all of the northwest counties of CANADA GEESE, BALD EAGLES nesting, RED-TAILED HAWK, ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, NORTHERN HARRIER, GREAT BLUE HERONS, SANDHILL CRANES, KILLDEER, MOURNING DOVES, AMERICAN KESTRELS, MERLINS, HORNED LARKS, AMERICAN ROBINS, DARK-EYED JUNCOS and the first AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS and several WESTERN MEADOWLARKS. SHARP-TAILED GROUSE seem to be everywhere starting to form groups on the leks. Spring is in the air but there is little if any open water in the northern part of the region.

Beth Siverhus reported four NORTHERN HAWK OWLS along MN 72 on March 30 in Lake of the Woods County.

In Roseau County, Beth reported one GREAT GRAY OWL still to be found east of Roseau, and a MERLIN in Roseau on March 30.

NORTHERN HAWK OWL and one GREAT GRAY OWL were seen along MN 72 in Beltrami County on March 30.

Kelly Larson reported that a few ducks have found their way to the Clearwater River in Clearwater County as she found COMMON MERGANSER, HOODED MERGANSER, and COMMON GOLDENEYE there on March 29.

Beth Siverhus was surprised to find several HOARY REDPOLLS in western Itasca County on the weekend.

In Marshall County, Heidi Hughes reported a NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL roosting in an evergreen near Radium on April 4.

Gary Tischer called this evening to report a BARRED OWL calling tonight about three miles east of Thief River Falls in Pennington County near the Red Lake River.

From Polk County, Emily Hutchins observed a NORTHERN SHRIKE along CR 45 west of MN 32 on March 28. Sandy Aubol saw a PEREGRINE FALCON on the East Grand Forks water tower on April 3. AMERICAN WHITE PELICANS were seen near Fisher on April 3- wonder where they would find water. Sandy Aubol also saw a TURKEY VULTURE and COOPER’S HAWK near East Grand Forks on April 3.

At Tamarac NWR in Becker County, Kelly Blackledge reported the first YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER and a BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD on March 27. At Rainbow Resort, Linda Schumann reported that 12 EVENING GROSBEAKS showed up again at the feeder on April 4. Among the other species seen there were NORTHERN CARDINAL and NORTHERN SHRIKE. Cleone Stewart reported that the OSPREY has returned to the nest site along MN 10 in Becker County.

Hubbard County sightings by Marshall Howe included 4 RED CROSSBILLS near Dorset on March 25.

Teresa Jaskiewicz in Otter Tail County sent in observations of AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, and RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS this week at the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center near Fergus Falls. Gary and Marion Otnes observed LESSER SCAUP, BUFFLEHEAD, WILD TURKEYS, TURKEY VULTURES, COMMON GRACKLE, and WESTERN MEADOWLARK in Otter Tail County on April 2. AMERICAN GOOT and GREAT BLUE HERON were mentioned by Judy Doll.

John Ellis saw a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK at Lake Carlos SP in Douglas County on March 30. Benjamin Eckhoff saw a HOODED MERGANSER on the Long Prairie River on March 30, and on March 31, flocks of AMERICAN ROBINS in the area. EASTERN BLUEBIRD was seen on April 2.

Thanks to all, too numerous to name, who sent in sightings this week. Your sightings will all go into the record even if they could not be mentioned here.

Please report bird sightings to Jeanie Joppru by email, no later than Thursday each week, at ajjoppru@mncable.net OR call the Detroit Lakes Chamber’s toll free number: 1-800-542-3992. Detroit Lakes area birders please call 847-9202. Please include the county where the sighting took place. The next scheduled update of this report is Thursday, April 11, 2013

With the coming of warmer weather, the migrants are starting to return to the northwest this week. The snow is starting to erode and a few patches of brown are coming into view.

Brad and Dee Ehlers reported COMMON MERGANSERS in the Ottertail River in Fergus Falls, Otter Tail County on March 23. On the 24th, they observed BALD EAGLES feeding young on the west end of Brown Lake along CR 1; MERLINS and MOURNING DOVES were seen south of Fergus Falls on March 28.

Joel Arndt saw a SNOWY OWL and a NORTHERN CARDINAL in Becker County on March 26. CANADA GOOSE, BALD EAGLE and SNOW GOOSE were spotted by Kristy May along US 59 on March 27.

A BOREAL OWL was seen by Rick Gjervold south of Felton Prairie in Clay County on March 23. Brad and Dee Ehlers reported a BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE at the intersection of I-94 and CR 10 east of Moorhead on March 23.

Kristy May found RING-NECKED PHEASANTS east of Flom on CR 113 in Norman County on March 24. On the 28th she saw a NORTHERN HARRIER on the same road.

A PINE GROSBEAK was seen in Waubun, Mahnomen County, on March 25, and on the 28th Kristy May found six SANDHILL CRANES southwest of Mahnomen.

From Polk County, Heidi Hughes reported a GOLDEN EAGLE working on a deer carcass at the edge of the Audubon Center prairie on March 24. There were many HORNED LARKS and 7 GRAY PARTRIDGE also in the area. Donna and Leon Thoreson reported 150 SNOW BUNTINGS and 75 COMMON REDPOLLS still feeding in their yard near Climax on March 23. Also there were three GRAY PARTRIDGE. Sandy Aubol reported two MERLINS in East Grand Forks, along with NORTHERN SHRIKE , and 100 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS on March 26. Cory and Angie Floden observed two SNOW BUNTINGS and one LAPLAND LONGSPUR in their yard near Euclid on March 28.

Here in Pennington County, Maggie Anderson saw a NORTHERN SHRIKE in eastern Thief River Falls on March 22, and I saw one tonight, March 28 along Barzen Ave, on the west side of the city.

From Marshall County, at Agassiz NWR, Jim Graham saw a BOREAL OWL in a tree at headquarters on March 24. On March 22, a GREAT GRAY OWL was seen by Gregg Knutsen along CR 7 four miles west of headquarters, and a CANADA GOOSE was reported by Dave Myhrer at Parker Pool on March 27. Several BALD EAGLES were seen in the county this week including the pair at Parker Pool, one two miles east of Middle River, and one seen by Jennifer Audette near Viking.

Beth Siverhus reported a NORTHERN HAWK OWL a few miles south of the Lake of the Woods border in Beltrami County along MN 72 on March 23.

In Roseau County there is a secondhand report of a BOREAL OWL hanging around bird feeders in Roseau this week. GREAT GRAYOWL sightings are greatly decreased this week as only two have been reported in Roseau County this week by Beth Siverhus. A NORTHERN HAWK OWL has been hanging around the area of the Hay Creek Bridge east of the intersection of MN 11 and CR 9 near Salol. The first CANADA GOOSE was seen on March 28.

In Lake of the Woods County, Beth Siverhus reported four NORTHERN HAWK OWLS this week , most along MN 72. A GREAT GRAY OWL was seen along MN 72 eight miles south of Baudette on March 23.

Thanks to all who sent in reports this week.

Please report bird sightings to Jeanie Joppru by email, no later than Thursday each week, at ajjoppru@mncable.net OR call the Detroit Lakes Chamber’s toll free number: 1-800-542-3992. Detroit Lakes area birders please call 847-9202. Please include the county where the sighting took place. The next scheduled update of this report is Thursday, April 4, 2013.

This has been a cold week in the northwest, a real return to winter conditions including the blizzard early in the week. Now that the snow blowers are quiet again, and temperatures are warming slowly, we dare to hope that the worst is over. Birds are returning to the feeders and birders are getting out and about again.

Pat and Ray Roth reported many TUNDRA SWANS at the Red Lake River outlet on the Reservation in Clearwater County near Red Lake on March 13.

In Pennington County, Gary Tischer reported seeing the MERLINS back in Thief River Falls this week.

Shelley Steva commented that more than usual numbers of GRAY PARTRIDGES are being seen this year. On March 15 , she saw two flocks in Red Lake County – one flock two miles north of Oklee, and one nine miles north of Oklee . They have also been see along MN 92.

Cory Floden saw a SNOWY OWL near Euclid in Polk County on March 19. COMMON RAVENS were also seen in Polk County last week. Sandy Aubol reported that the numbers of COMMON REDPOLLS at her feeders has increased greatly to more than 250 as they feed heavily in the cold weather.

From Hubbard County, Marshall Howe reported on March 20 that he still had COMMON REDPOLLS , and one HOARY REDPOLL at his feeders near Dorset. A GRAY JAY was seen across the lake. A NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen last week.

Cleone Stewart saw 6 TRUMPETER SWANS flying south of Frazee on Otter Tail County on March 19.

Thanks to Cleone Stewart, Cory Floden, Gary Tischer, Marshall Howe, Pat and Ray Roth, Sandy Aubol, and Shelley Steva for their reports.

Please report bird sightings to Jeanie Joppru by email, no later than Thursday each week, at ajjoppru@mncable.net OR call the Detroit Lakes Chamber’s toll free number: 1-800-542-3992. Detroit Lakes area birders please call 847-9202. Please include the county where the sighting took place. The next scheduled update of this report is Thursday, March 28, 2013.

It has been a pleasant week in the northwest, cool at night and warmed by the sun most days to near freezing. It’s little cooler than normal, and some roads are having problems with snow blowing over and icing up the surface. Owls are still being seen in the area, but those and other northern species are starting to go north again.

Larry and Maggie Anderson saw LAPLAND LONGSPURS near Gully in Polk County on March 10.

In Red Lake County, Shelley Steva saw a NORTHERN HAWK OWL four miles north of Oklee on March 13. On the 9th, she reported several flocks of SNOW BUNTINGS, two groups of SHARP-TAILED GROUSE, WILD TURKEYS near Oklee, COMMON RAVEN, and a single GREATER PRAIRIE-CHICKEN near the Pennington County line. Three flocks of HORNED LARKS were also seen in the county.

In Pennington County, Shelley found a NORTHERN HAWK OWL in a tree near the Heritage Center in downtown Thief River Falls on March 13. South of the city she found several flocks of SNOW BUNTINGS and three groups of SHARP-TAILED GROUSE that day . Larry and Maggie Anderson reported AMERICAN CROW, REDBELLIED WOODPECKER, and several AMERICAN ROBINS in the city of Thief River Falls.

Gregg Knutsen at Agassiz NWR in Marshall County reported that the BALD EAGLES are still at the nest site on Parker Pool. In Middle River he observed a MERLIN, and 10 GRAY PARTRIDGE were seen a mile east of Middle River on March 13.

On March 14, Jeff Siverhus reported that Mike Vettleson saw two adult SNOWY OWLS between Donaldson and Robbin in Kittson County on MN 11.

In Roseau County, Jeff Siverhus saw nine GREAT GRAY OWLS northwest of Warroad on March 9; the same day, Kris Guggisberg found many in the fields west of MN 310. By March 11, there were still owls, but fewer were seen. SHARP-TAILED GROUSE were observed on a frontage road along MN 11 in Roseau County.

Gretchen Mehmel saw two NORTHERN HAWK OWLS along MN 72 about 5 miles apart north of the Beltrami County line on March 8. These two are probably two of those previously reported on the highway.

Thanks to Gregg and Lynda Knutsen, Gretchen Mehmel, Jeff Siverhus, Larry and Maggie Anderson, Mike Vettleson , and Shelley Steva for their reports.

Please report bird sightings to Jeanie Joppru by email, no later than Thursday each week, at ajjoppru@mncable.net OR call the Detroit Lakes Chamber’s toll free number: 1-800-542-3992. Detroit Lakes area birders please call 847-9202. Please include the county where the sighting took place. The next scheduled update of this report is Thursday, March 21, 2013