This is the Northwest Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday, May 10, 2012 sponsored by the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce. You may also hear this report by calling (218)847-5743 or 1-800-433-1888.

Finally the warmth and south winds have arrived. Our only fear is that the strong south winds today may have carried the migrants right over us. Many warblers are starting to arrive, most of the sparrows are here, and some of the other bug eaters are slowly arriving. It really feels and smells like spring now.

Beth Siverhus in Roseau County reported GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLER, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, and BALTIMORE ORIOLE on May 6, BARN SWALLOWS, HARRIS’S SPARROWS, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, SONG SPARROW, and AMERICAN TREE SPARROW on May 8 , and SEDGE WREN, YELLOW WARBLER, BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER, and SWAMP SPARROW on May 9. She observed merlin activity in both Roseau and Warroad.

RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD was seen in Lake Bronson in Kittson County by Fred Wilebski on May 9.

Kelly Larson in Clearwater County on May 5 observed RUFFED GROUSE drumming, BROAD-WINGED HAWK, WILSON’S SNIPE, HERMIT THRUSH, OVENBIRD, BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER, GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER , and ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK. Connie Cox reported BALTIMORE ORIOLE on May 6, and RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD on May 8 .

Greg Knutsen at Agassiz NWR on May 3 reported a WILLET at Headquarters Pool , and a pair of AMERICAN AVOCETS, MARBLED GODWITS, BAIRD’S SANDPIPERS, and SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS on Tamarac Pool which is in drawdown and offers great shorebird habitat. Note that a key is necessary to get to this pool. Other species seen at the refuge included FORSTER’S TERNS, BOBOLINKS, and a few warbler species. Bill Blackburn found UPLAND SANDPIPER, BOBOLINK, and more than 8 SHORT-EARED OWLS at the Agassiz impoundment north of the Audubon Sanctuary on May 8. Shelley Steva found MARBLED GODWITS, HUDSONIAN GODWITS, SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, many ducks, and AMERICAN PIPIT there on May 9. Cliff Steinhauer reported RED-HEADED WOODPECKER, and RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD at his place west of the Agassiz NWR on May 10.

In Pennington County at the Goose Lake IBA, Bill Blackburn found AMERICAN BITTERN, SORA, VIRGINIA RAIL, and MARSH WREN on May 8. Here in our yard on May 9 , I saw a PALM WARBLER, and on May 10 there was a HOUSE WREN, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, TENNESSEE WARBLER, and NASHVILLE WARBLER.

Sandy Aubol observed a ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK in East Grand Forks, Polk County, on May 10. On the weekend of May 5, Kim Eckert’s MBW found 15 species of shorebirds at Glacial Ridge in a wetland on the south side of US 2. Russ Wilbur saw nesting TRUMPETER SWANS at Rydell NWR on May 9. On May 8, Bill Blackburn found PEREGRINE FALCON and WILSON’S PHALAROPE at the Euclid impoundment. New warblers at the Aububon Center on May 9 included CAPE MAY WARBLER, BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER , and AMERICAN REDSTART.

In Norman County, Joel Claus saw a single SHARP-TAILED GROUSE dancing with 16 GREATER PRAIRIE-CHICKENS on a lek on CR 28 0.2 miles east of the intersection of CR 28 and CR 33 on May 7.

Dave and Betty Hochhalter reported RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER, EASTERN PHOEBE, WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, and BALTIMORE ORIOLE in Detroit Lakes on May 4. Elsewhere in the county were WILD TURKEY, SANDHILL CRANE, and others. On May 6 they added TURKEY VULTURE,and RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD, and on May 9, ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK.

Marshall Howe in Hubbard County reported OVENBIRD on May 3. Connie Cox at Itasca SP on May 8, observed at Lake Ozawinid WESTERN GREBE and NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH. In and around Itasca SP, she observed BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER, NORTHERN PARULA, CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER, YELLOW WARBLER, BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER, COMMON YELLOWTHROAT and OVENBIRD on May 5.

Brad and Dee Ehlers reported a BARRED OWL a mile south of Ottertail, and a RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD, and a SCARLET TANAGER in Fergus Falls, Otter Tail County on May 8.

Thanks to all the folks 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 17, 2011.

This is the Northwest Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday, May 3, 2012 sponsored by the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce. You may also hear this report by calling (218)847-5743 or 1-800-433-1888.

A little rain and some warmer humid weather has turned the northwest a vivid green and leaves are coming out all over. You need to be quick if you are to see the warblers before the trees are fully leafed out. Migration has been spotty in the last week, but new species continue to turn up every day.

Steve Midthune reported SWAINSON’S THRUSH and OVENBIRD at Tamarac NWR in Becker County on May 2.

Heidi Hughes in Polk County found LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE at the intersection of CR 68 and 23 on April 28. Other species seen in the area included ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, SWAINSON’S HAWK, COOPER’S HAWK, MARBLED GODWIT, HERMIT THRUSH, and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER. Leon and Donna Thoreson saw a EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE in Climax on April 29. Other species they saw included WOOD DUCK, GREAT EGRET, BELTED KINGFISHER, and PALM WARBLER. On April 29, Sandy Aubol saw a LINCOLN’S SPARROW, and on April 30, 6 HARRIS’S SPARROWS, 5 WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS, and 12 WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS in her East Grand Forks yard. On May 1, there was a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW, and on May 2, a YELLOW WARBLER. On May 3, Leon and Donna Thoreson saw an EASTERN TOWHEE in their yard near Climax.

Tonight in our yard in Pennington County, I saw a SWAINSON’S THRUSH, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, and ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER.

At Agassiz NWR in Marshall County , Gregg Knutsen saw a MARSH WREN on April 23, Maggie Anderson found a VIRGINIA RAIL there on April 23, Lynda Knutsen reported a YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD at headquarters on April 25, and HARRIS’S SPARROWS arrived on May 1. Casey Skaggs found four AMERICAN AVOCETS on Tamarac Pool on May 2. Cliff Steinhauer found three SHARP-TAILED GROUSE leks in Marshall County on May 2 – two were in Excel township. One of those was a half mile east from 150th Ave on 250th St. There was another in East Valley Township. He also found a GREATER PRAIRIE-CHICKEN lek with 4 birds. He also reported 4 TURKEY VULTURES feasting on carrion in the Thief River. A CANADA GOOSE with 6 goslings was spotted on May 2.

Paul Clay saw a TURKEY VULTURE at the south edge of Hallock in Kittson County on April 27.

Beth Siverhus in Warroad , Roseau County, reported RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET and WHITE-THROATED SPARROW on April 26. On the 29th, she saw CLIFF SWALLOWS and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS, and on May 2 , EVENING GROSBEAKS near a feeder in Warroad. Other species seen in the area included COMMON GOLDENEYE, RUFFED GROUSE, SPOTTED SANDPIPER, TRE SWALLOW, SWAMP SPARROW and YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD.

In Lake of the Woods County , Beth saw a ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK south of Baudette on April 22.

Thanks to all the folks 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,10 2012.

This is the Northwest Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday, April 26, 2012 sponsored by the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce. You may also hear this report by calling (218)847-5743 or 1-800-433-1888.

The record temperatures have disappeared, but migration goes on, and we are still above normal. Most of the sparrows have arrived, and now we are starting to see some of the other passerines. Flowers are also starting to be seen, including the first dandelions.

Shelley Steva and I found a COMMON RAVEN’S nest in Black River Township , Pennington County, with two three-quarters grown young on April 21. Other species seen there included SANDHILL CRANE, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, HERMIT THRUSH, ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, and in our yard in Thief River Falls, there were several WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS. Gary Tischer saw a BROWN CREEPER in his yard , also in Thief River Falls.

Bruce Flaig in southern Polk County reported several SWAINSON’S THRUSHES in his yard on April 20. Sandy Aubol reported HERMIT THRUSH, YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER, FOX SPARROW, SONG SPARROW, and SWAMP SPARROW in the Greenway at East Grand Forks that day. Scott Berge with a group from Grand Forks saw WOOD DUCKS, GREATER PRAIRIE-CHICKENS, NORTHERN HARRIERS, SHORT-EARED OWL, and AMERICAN KESTRELS in the area of Glacial Ridge NWR on April 20. Russ Wilbur saw TREE SWALLOWS in East Grand Forks on April 24. On April 26, Gary Tischer saw 20 SANDHILL CRANES near the intersection of MN 32 and US 2 on April 26.

Rick Holbrook reported a SANDHILL CRANE in southern Clay County south of 90th Ave on April 24. Other species seen in the area included GREATER PRAIRIE-CHICKENS, BALD EAGLE, and YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD.

Brad and Dee Ehlers in Otter Tail County on April 24 saw WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, and reported an OSPREY on a nest at Weetown on CR 1. They saw 180 GREAT EGRETS and 20 D0UBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS on Grotto Lake in Fergus Falls across from the Dairy Queen. A RED-BREASTED MERGANSER was seen on the river in Fergus Falls.

In southwestern Cass County, Marshall Howe reported a WHIMBREL just south of the short stretch of MN 64 that jogs east-west between Hubbard and Cass Counties on April 23.

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 4, 2012.

This is the Northwest Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday, April 19, 2012 sponsored by the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce. You may also hear this report by calling (218)847-5743 or 1-800-433-1888.

Migration continues in the northwest, but we are eagerly awaiting the bulk of the passerines, and are very jealous of those of you who are able to report most sparrows and some warblers already.

John Ellis in Douglas County saw an AMERICAN BITTERN on April 13, and on Lake Osakis , BONAPARTE’S GULLS and WESTERN GREBES.
Brad and Dee Ehlers in Otter Tail County reported a YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER on April 13. Alma Ronningen observed a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW on April 18 and on the 19th,RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, CHIPPING SPARROW, BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD, and PURPLE FINCHES.

Rod and Carol Mitchell found two pairs of EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVES in their yard in Detroit Lakes , Becker County, on April 17.

Mel Bennefeld reported confirmation of two active BALD EAGLE nests in Clay County this week.

Sandy Aubol in East Grand Forks in Polk County this reported the return of YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS to the area. Other species she saw this week included EASTERN TOWHEE, HARRIS’S SPARROWS, AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, FOX SPARROWS, and PURPLE FINCH.

A MARBLED GODWIT was spotted by Gary Tischer along Red Lake County 11 near the turn off to Old Treaty Crossing State wayside.

In Pennington County, Maggie Anderson saw 6 EARED GREBES on the Red Lake River in Thief River Falls on April 18. In the southwestern part of the county I found AMERICAN WOODCOCKS displaying at the Higginbotham WMA west of St. Hilaire on April 14. Other species seen and heard in that area included RUFFED GROUSE, NORTHERN HARRIER, SANDHILL CRANE, and WILSON’S SNIPE. Here at home near Thief River Falls, there was EASTERN PHOEBE, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, EASTERN BLUEBIRD, SONG SPARROW, CHIPPING SPARROW, VESPER SPARROW, and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER.

Bill Blackburn reported a WILD TURKEY in Marshall County along MN 1 between Warren and Thief River Falls. Many waterfowl and some shorebirds are using the water control impoundments in Marshall and Polk Counties. Greg Knutsen saw a GREAT EGRET in the western part of Agassiz NWR on April 13. An EASTERN BLUEBIRD was seen at his house one miles east of Middle River on April 17. Lynda Knutsen saw two MARBLED GODWITS along CR 12 two miles southeast of Middle River on April 19.

Beth Siverhus in Roseau County reported EASTERN PHOEBE and FOX SPARROW on April 12.

Thanks to Alma Ronningen, Beth Siverhus, Bill Blackburn, Brad and Dee Ehlers, Gary Tischer, Greg Knutsen, John Ellis, Lynda Knutsen, Maggie Anderson, Mel Bennefeld, Rod and Carol Mitchell, and Sandy Aubol 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, April 26, 2012.

This is the Northwest Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday, March 29, 2012 sponsored by the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce. You may also hear this report by calling (218)847-5743 or 1-800-433-1888.

How different from last week the weather has been, but still above normal temperatures, although very chilly. Migration seems to have stalled somewhat, but waterfowl continue to come north.

Beth Siverhus in Roseau County reported that the RING-BILLED GULLS returned this week , along with many ducks. MERLINS are being seen in both Warroad and Roseau.

In Clearwater County, Connie Cox observed NORTHERN FLICKER on March 29.

Lynda Knutsen at Agassiz NWR in Marshall County reported that Jim Graham saw 75 CANVASBACKS on Headquarters Pool on March 28, and WOOD DUCKS are being seen in the interior of the refuge. Increasing numbers of RED-TAILED HAWKS, AMERICAN KESTRELS, and some NORTHERN FLICKERS are being seen. Lisa Newton in Grygla reported WESTERN MEADOWLARKS, and HOUSE FINCH.

Here in Pennington County, several pairs of WOOD DUCKS and HOODED MERGANSERS are in the Red Lake River by our house daily. Lynda Knutsen saw a GREAT BLUE HERON south of Thief River Falls along US 59 on March 23.

Heidi Hughes reported hundreds of TUNDRA SWANS south of Warren, and 5 SHORT-EARED OWLS along 190th St NW and 300th Ave NW on March 23. EASTERN PHOEBE was observed by Bruce Flaig in southern Polk County on March 27. Sandy Aubol in East Grand Forks, saw AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, FOX SPARROWS, and COOPER’S HAWK on March 26. The EASTERN TOWHEE that spent the winter in her neighborhood reappeared on March 24.

Dave and Betty Hochhalter in Becker County observed KILLDEER, MOURNING DOVE, RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER, PILEATED WOODPECKER, RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH, EASTERN BLUEBIRD, SONG SPARROW, and PURPLE FINCH in and around Detroit Lakes this week. Beau Shroyer saw AMERICAN TREE SPARROWS, and 50-100 LAPLAND LONGSPURS in the industrial park north on CR 21 in Detroit Lakes.

Hubbard County sightings by Marshall Howe included COMMON LOON on March 25, BARRED OWL on March 28, and FOX SPARROWS and PINE SISKINS on March 29. Connie Cox at Itasca State Park reported that there are SANDHILL CRANES at the park. CEDAR WAXWINGS were observed in Park Rapids on March 26.

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, April 5, 2012.

This is the Northwest Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday, March 22, 2012 sponsored by the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce. You may also hear this report by calling (218)847-5743 or 1-800-433-1888.

Spring proceeds in the northwest, and now it begins to look as if the coldest and snowiest of weather may be over for this winter. That does not mean that the weather gods may not yet play a trick on us, but it sure looks good for the next week or so.

The first big wave of migrants is in with reported sightings of TUNDRA SWANS, CANADA GOOSE, CACKLING GOOSE, many duck species, GREAT BLUE HERON, BALD EAGLES, RED-TAILED HAWK, NORTHERN HARRIER, SANDHILL CRANES, KILLDEER, MOURNING DOVES, EASTERN BLUEBIRDS, AMERICAN ROBINS, SONG SPARROW, DARK-EYED JUNCO, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, COMMON GRACKLES, and PURPLE FINCH from many observers throughout the area.

In Wilkin County, Ron Erpelding and Herb Dingmann reported GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE, LAPLAND LONGSPUR, and AMERICAN WOODCOCK among the many species they found there on March 20.

Alma Ronningen reported SANDHILL CRANES in Otter Tail County on March 16. TUNDRA SWANS, RED-TAILED HAWK, KILLDEER, SONG SPARROW were among the species reported by Teresa Jaskiewicz this week.

HOODED MERGANSERS were seen by Marshall Howe in Hubbard County on March 15, and on March 18, he saw KILLDEER, COMMON MERGANSER, RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, and RING-BILLED GULL. Connie Cox at Itasca State Park reported TUNDRA SWAN, WILD TURKEY, RED-TAILED HAWK, GREAT BLUE HERON, AMERICAN WOODCOCK, WOOD DUCK, WINTER WREN, AMERICAN TREE SPARROW , and EVENING GROSBEAK in Hubbard County on March 21.

Steve Midthune reported three LESSER YELLOWLEGS at Bisson Lake in Becker County on March 20, along with COMMON MERGANSER, BUFFLEHEAD,and SANDHILL CRANES; on March 21, he added WILSON’S SNIPE, and EASTERN PHOEBE. Ron Erpelding and Herb Dingmann found GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE, SNOW GOOSE, BROWN CREEPER, LAPLAND LONGSPUR, and RUSTY BLACKBIRD in the county on March 20.

Rick Gjervold reported SNOW GOOSE, and GREATER PRAIRIE-CHICKEN among the species he found in southern Clay County on March 17.

Pastor Kristy reported three EASTERN BLUEBIRDS in Norman County on March 22.

Heidi Hughes in Polk County heard a LONG-EARED OWL hooting at the Aububon Center on March 22. She also reported GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE, SANDHILL CRANE, and FOX SPARROW in Polk County on March 22. Sandy Aubol in East Grand Forks observed PURPLE FINCH and HOUSE FINCH.

Shelley Steva saw an EASTERN BLUEBIRD in Thief River Falls , Pennington County , on March 18. Here along the Red Lake River, COMMON GOLDENEYE, HOODED MERGANSERS , and WOOD DUCKS have been seen this week.

Lynda Knutsen at Agassiz NWR in Marshall County reported RED-BREASTED MERGANSER on Headquarters Pool, RED-TAILED HAWK, and NORTHERN FLICKER on the refuge this week. At the Eckvoll camping area at the east edge of the refuge a NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL was seen on March 21. I found two FOX SPARROWS in headquarters woods on Sunday.

Katie Haws reported that the rice paddies in eastern Clearwater County are filling up , and many hundreds of waterfowl were already there on March 16.

In Beltrami County on March 16, Katie reported AMERICAN BLACK DUCK, COMMON MERGANSER, and AMERICAN COOT.

In Roseau County, Beth Siverhus observed RUFFED GROUSE, and GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET, and on March 19, MERLIN, KILLDEER, and PURPLE FINCH.

Lake of the Woods County sightings by Jeff Birchem included RUFFED GROUSE, and TRUMPETER SWANS in the Beltrami Island State Forest on March 19.

Thanks to all the folks who sent in their sightings this week. Sorry I could not get all of them into the report.

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 29, 2012.

This is the Northwest Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday, March 15, 2012 sponsored by the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce. You may also hear this report by calling (218)847-5743 or 1-800-433-1888.

Spring weather has come to the northwest, even for those of us in the most northerly part. Temperatures have hovered around the high 50′s all week, and tonight when I came home I was treated to a loud chorus of robins, geese, and blackbirds in the yard.

Most of the reports have included AMERICAN KESTREL, NORTHERN HARRIER, several species of ducks, KILLDEER, AMERICAN ROBIN, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD, and COMMON GRACKLE present in some numbers in all of the northwest counties.

Larry Wilebski in Kittson County reported that a NORTHERN CARDINAL has been at his cabin since September, and on March 14, he saw a NORTHERN GOSHAWK near the cabin.

On March 10, Heidi Hughes saw a GOLDEN EAGLE along MN 1 eight miles east of Warren in Marshall County.Other species seen that day included 18 SHARP-TAILED GROUSE, two NORTHERN HARRIERS, 4 ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS, and a BALD EAGLE. Today, Heidi reported that the Agassiz Valley Impoundment is filling up and with the water have come many species of waterfowl including 100 CACKLING GEESE, and many species of ducks. This impoundment is immediately north of the Sanctuary and is partly in both Polk and Marshall Counties. Lynda Knutsen at Agassiz NWR reported the same species mix but also three TRUMPETER SWANS, MERLIN, a RING-BILLED GULL at South Pool, and a WESTERN MEADOWLARK south of the refuge. At headquarters there was KILLDEER, HARRIS’S SPARROW, and DARK-EYED JUNCO. Lisa Newton reported an AMERICAN KESTREL near Viking on March 12.

In Thief River Falls, Pennington County, on March 14 Zeann Linder reported a MERLIN calling near her home. A love triangle of three RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS greeted me in the yard when I returned home from work on March 14.

In Red Lake County, Shelley Steva reported two leks of SHARP-TAILED GROUSE along CR 1 between US 59 and CR 5 on March 9, and 20 SNOW BUNTINGS along CR 1.

Heidi Hughes reported a GREAT HORNED OWL at the Audubon Center near Warren on March 10. An AMERICAN KESTREL appeared there on March 11. She also had a report from her neighbor of more than 40 BALD EAGLES two miles east of the Audubon Center on March 14. Sandy Aubol reported 3 BALD EAGLES circling over East Grand Forks on March 14. A MERLIN and a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK were also in the area.Bruce Flaig reported that TRUMPETER SWANS are back in southern Polk County.

Kathy Bresee in Moorhead , Clay County, reported AMERICAN ROBIN on March 11.

Beau Shroyer observed EASTERN BLUEBIRD, AMERICAN ROBIN, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD, and COMMON GRACKLE in Detroit Lakes, Becker County, on March 12. A NORTHERN CARDINAL is still visiting his yard. COMMON MERGANSERS were seen on the lake. Marshall Howe saw a NORTHERN SHRIKE at Snellman on March 8.

In Hubbard County, Marshall Howe reported RED-TAILED HAWK, ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, and RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS at Dorset on March 11, and COMMON GOLDENEYE at Park Rapids on March 15. A PINE SISKIN was seen at Dorset on March 15.

Otter Tail County sightings by Gary and Marion Otnes on March 11 included MOURNING DOVE, RED-TAILED HAWK, and meadowlark sp. On March 14,they added KILLDEER, EASTERN BLUEBIRD, SONG SPARROW, CHIPPING SPARROW, and COMMON GRACKLE. Alma Ronningen at Dent reported that a HARRIS’S SPARROW over-wintered there. Other species seen on March 15 included AMERICAN TREE SPARROW, and DARK-EYED JUNCO.

Thanks to all who sent in sightings this week. Keep up the good work.

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 22, 2012.

This is the Northwest Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday, March 8, 2012 sponsored by the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce. You may also hear this report by calling (218)847-5743 or 1-800-433-1888.

This week the birds seem to be just waiting for the first real warmth, and that is promised for next week. Those of us ” up north” are envious of those wonderful early reports of migrants from the southern part of the state.

Rick Gjervold was near Rothsay in Wilkin County on March 1 where he saw several RING-NECKED PHEASANTS, two ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS, HORNED LARKS, and a NORTHERN SHRIKE.

From Hubbard County, Marshall Howe reported 8 DARK-EYED JUNCOS on March 2, and a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK in Dorset on March 5.

Sandy Aubol in East Grand Forks , Polk County, is still reporting an EASTERN TOWHEE, two HARRIS’S SPARROWS, and a NORTHERN CARDINAL. Other species seen there this week included MERLIN, and SHARP-SHINNED HAWK.

Zeann Linder and Shelley Steva saw two AMERICAN ROBINS in Thief River Falls, Pennington County on March 3.

Thanks to Marshall Howe, Rick Gjervold, and Sandy Aubol 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 15, 2012.

This is the Northwest Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday, March 1, 2012 sponsored by the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce. You may also hear this report by calling (218)847-5743 or 1-800-433-1888.

As far as birds go, it has been a quiet week, and as for the storm, only the southern part of this area got that. Not many birds were reported this week, but the HORNED LARKS are becoming more obvious. Now is the time to look for the grouse species as , with a little snow cover, they are much more obvious when they come out in the mild weather.

Shelley Steva and I went on a short road trip north on February 25. We saw NORTHERN SHRIKES in Lake of the Woods, Roseau , and Beltrami Counties for a total of about 8 in all. A very pale NORTHERN SHRIKE was seen along Dick’s Parkway between Hiwood Road and the northern edge of the County.

Beth Siverhus had a visit from a pair of PILEATED WOODPECKERS in Warroad, Roseau County, on February 25. She also reported NORTHERN SHRIKE and ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK. Shelley Steva and I found five adult BALD EAGLES in a field on the southeast corner of the intersection of MN 11 and CR 9. Other species seen in the county included GRAY JAY and COMMON RAVEN.

In Marshall County, Cliff Steinhauer reported a large flock of BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS at his place near the west entrance to Agassiz NWR on February 25. On the 24th, he had 15 PINE GROSBEAKS in his fruit trees. A flock of 75 COMMON REDPOLLS has been visiting his yard also. Lynda Knutsen at Agassiz NWR reported a pair of BALD EAGLES at the Parker Pool nest and ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS still in the area this week.

In Beltrami County, Shelley Steva and I saw both RUFFED GROUSE and SHARP-TAILED GROUSE. Several NORTHERN SHRIKES and a ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK were also seen.

Shelley and I saw several HORNED LARKS, and COMMON RAVEN, AMERICAN CROW, and BLACK-BILLED MAGPIES in eastern Pennington County on February 25.

On February 25, Sandy Aubol in East Grand Forks, Polk County, reported SHARP-SHINNED HAWK and PILEATED WOODPECKER. On March 1, she reported that the EASTERN TOWHEE, two HARRIS’S SPARROWS, and the NORTHERN CARDINAL made it through the winter to the spring season. COMMON REDPOLLS and one HOARY REDPOLL have also been seen in the area.

Marshall Howe found ten HORNED LARKS in Dorset, Hubbard County on February 28.

Thanks to Beth Siverhus, Cliff Steinhauer, Lynda Knutsen, Marshall Howe, and Sandy Aubol 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 8, 2012

This is the Northwest Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday, February 23, 2012 sponsored by the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce. You may also hear this report by calling (218)847-5743 or 1-800-433-1888.

Here in the northwest we are having a little taste of winter, though not what we are used to having. We got a few inches of snow earlier this week, but every day the mild temperatures erode a bit of it. More is forecast for late in the weekend.

From Otter Tail County, Wayne Ronningen reported 30 TRUMPETER SWANS in Pelican Rapids on February 22.

Marshall Howe in Hubbard County saw 250 TRUMPETER SWANS in a corn field near the town of Hubbard on February 23. Other species seen in the county included COMMON REDPOLLS and two PINE SISKINS. Ron Erpelding and Herb Dingmann found some WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS in Hubbard County, and GRAY JAYS on the north side of CR 93 west of MN 64 and also along CR 95 a quarter mile east of CR 4 on February 19.

Heidi Hughes observed a TOWNSEND’S SOLITAIRE in the parking lot at the Agassiz Audubon Center in Polk County near Warren on February 18. Other species seen there that day included COMMON REDPOLL, and HOARY REDPOLL. Shelley Steva saw two small flocks of HORNED LARKS along CR 252 on February 19. The NORTHERN CARDINAL and two HARRIS’S SPARROWS continue to be seen in East Grand Forks at Sandy Aubol’s feeder.

In Marshall County , Jim Graham saw 5 PINE GROSBEAKS at the headquarters area at Agassiz NWR on February 16. Heidi Hughes saw some GREATER PRAIRIE-CHICKENS in a tree near the Agassiz Valley Flood Control Impoundment southeast of Warren on February 21. A GOLDEN EAGLE was seen by Ron Erpelding and Herb Dingmann along CR 3, a half mile south of CR 20. Also seen in Marshall County was a NORTHERN SHRIKE.

In Kittson County on February 18 and 19, Ron and Herb saw a female NORTHERN CARDINAL at Larry Wilebski’s cabin and BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS in Lake Bronson. 13 SHARP-TAILED GROUSE were seen on the north side of CR 8 east of US 59.

BLACK-BILLED MAGPIES, COMMON RAVENS , and SHARP-TAILED GROUSE were seen in Polk, Marshall, and Kittson Counties on the weekend.

Thanks to Heidi Hughes, Jim Graham, Marshall Howe, Herb Dingmann, Ron Erpelding, 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 1, 2012.