Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from Minnesota Birding List > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Wednesday, March 17 at 05:36 PM ET The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Aquatic Warbler,©Jan Wilczur

17 Mar Carver County addition [John Cyrus ] 17 Mar Listen Up! [Alan Stankevitz ] 17 Mar Carver County-Hundreds of Tundra Swans [John Cyrus ] 17 Mar Northern Harrier and Canadian Geese [Melvin C Bennefeld ] 16 Mar Waterfowl afield ["Joel H. Dunnette" ] 16 Mar Halloween Blizzard in reverse [carol schumacher ] 15 Mar Tundra Swans Migrating [Alan Stankevitz ] 15 Mar Spring Birds on Radar Loop [Kirk Mona ] 15 Mar Blackdog Road closed ["R.D. Everhart" ] 15 Mar Tundra Swans Migrating [Alan Stankevitz ] 15 Mar Re: Wood duck- nesting material ["Steve Chesney" ] 15 Mar Re: Too early for osprey [] 15 Mar Too early for osprey [] 15 Mar Snow Goose, Sandhill Crane, and other sightings at Minnesota Valley NWR [David True ] 15 Mar Crow story - link correction [Claudia Egelhoff ] 15 Mar Crows remember their enemies [Claudia Egelhoff ] 15 Mar Re: about the metro ["Warren Woessner" ] 15 Mar about the metro ["Steve Weston" ] 14 Mar Sanhill Cranes ["JOHN M GRUNDHOFER" ] 14 Mar Beatiful day ["Pat Pagel" ] 14 Mar Wood Duck House shavings & other [Mary Platt ] 14 Mar From Fillmore County [Nan ] 14 Mar Re: Wood duck- nesting material [] 14 Mar Re: Vermiculite question ["Bernard P. Friel" ] 14 Mar Carver County [John Cyrus ] 13 Mar Vermiculite question ["Larry Sirvio" ] 13 Mar Re: Wood duck- nesting material [Jon Gorder ] 13 Mar Re: Wood duck- nesting material ["Larry Sirvio" ] 13 Mar Wood duck- nesting material [Mark Palas ] 13 Mar olmstead county birds [james otto ] 13 Mar Signs of spring ["Joel H. Dunnette" ] 12 Mar Signs of Spring [Brian and Cindy Drill ] 12 Mar 61 Bald Eagles, Hwy 26, Houston Co. MN. Poole Slough, IA [fred lesher ] 12 Mar Duluth RBA 3/12/10 ["Jim Lind" ] 11 Mar E. Screech-Owl in Minneapolis [] 11 Mar Northwest Minnesota Birding Report- Thursday, March 11, 2010 ["Jeanie Joppru" ] 10 Mar summary of red tail hawks [sue schreurs ] 10 Mar Rochester Peregrines [Captain Kirk ] 8 Mar Red-shouldered hawk at Bass Ponds? [linda whyte ] 8 Mar loony question [Jim Harkness ] 7 Mar Owl luck ["Joel H. Dunnette" ] 6 Mar saw 5 trumpeters Saturday late afternoon in Albertville [charles ashley ] 6 Mar Re: territory defending time [linda whyte ] 5 Mar territory defending time ["john hamer" ] 5 Mar Live From Freeborn COunty [] 5 Mar Carver County [John Cyrus ] 5 Mar Downy and Hairy woodpeckers ["dan&erika" ] 5 Mar Northern Goshawk, Ramsey, northern Anoka County ["Erika Sitz" ] 5 Mar Trumpeter Swans ["Cherise Robb" ] 5 Mar Birding about the Metro ["Steve Weston" ] 04 Mar Duluth RBA 3/4/10 ["Jim Lind" ] 4 Mar Northwest Minnesota Birding Report- Thursday, March 4, 2010 ["Jeanie Joppru" ] 4 Mar Robin Roost ["Cherise Robb" ] 3 Mar Out and about ["R.D. Everhart" ] 3 Mar back to birds in Winona [carol schumacher ] 3 Mar Re: American White Pelican [linda whyte ] 3 Mar Help with critter leavings ["vansiclenr" ] 3 Mar American White Pelican ["Crownhart, Rachel" ] 3 Mar Re: Fwd: Help ["Sheryl Holland" ] 3 Mar Fwd: Help [Pamela Freeman ] 3 Mar Re: Help ["Liz Stanley" ] 3 Mar Re: Help [linda whyte ] 3 Mar Help [scott henkemeyer ] 2 Mar R-w Blackbirds ["Bruce Baer" ] 2 Mar Spring's coming ["Steve Kreofsky" ] 1 Mar Active Eagle Nest-Freedom Park, Prescott WI [James Shiely ] 1 Mar first day banding ["dan&erika" ] 1 Mar Re: red tail hawks [linda whyte ] 1 Mar Re: White-breasted Nuthatch Cooperative Caching? [linda whyte ] 1 Mar FW: red tail hawks ["Glen Unruh" ] 1 Mar White-breasted Nuthatch Cooperative Caching? [Diana Doyle ] 1 Mar red tail hawks [sue schreurs ] 1 Mar Upcoming Birding Exploritas Program ["Lamberson, Jennifer S" ] 1 Mar green heron [] 28 Feb Re: FW: [wisb] Sax Zim long trip report w/photos [Chad Horsman ] 27 Feb Long-tailed Duck still present-Sauk Rapids [Milton Blomberg ] Subject: Carver County addition From: John Cyrus <cyrus150 AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:48:45 +0000 I meant to post this in the original message but the trail running north from the visitor's center at Rapids Lake MVNWR(just north of the old farm house) along the Minnesota River is flooded. The loop to the south is still water free, but I'm not sure if it will stay that way with the rising water. That also means the Chaska Lake unit is also submerged(easily floods) and will be for quite some time. I'll get to see if it has smelly dead fish on the trail by early summer like past years. Also, I believe that all the Tundra Swan flocks were taking off this morning, as they were all fairly low flocks. Some were so low that they probably took off from just across the river in Louisville Swamp which looked quite flooded this morning. _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail has tools for the New Busy. Search, chat and e-mail from your inbox. http://www.windowslive.com/campaign/thenewbusy?ocid=PID27925::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:WM_HMP:032010_1 _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Listen Up! From: Alan Stankevitz <alan AT iwishicouldfly.com> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:28:32 -0500 It was another fascinating night of listening for migrating birds. Again last night, I heard a few more flocks of Tundra Swans (occasionally calling) flying overhead. But what was more interesting were the migrating ducks. They made no vocalizations at all and the only way to know they were migrating through the area was to listen intently. Every so often I would hear the rhythmic beating of their wings. It wasn't a low-pitch sound, but rather a high-pitched, very weak sound. It was a very fast, repetitive sound that slowly moved from the SE to the NW. There must have been hundreds if not thousands of them and judging by the time it took the sound to travel across the sky, they must of been fairly high in altitude. Alan Stankevitz Mound Prairie Township Houston County, MN _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Carver County-Hundreds of Tundra Swans From: John Cyrus <cyrus150 AT hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:48:15 +0000 This morning at Rapids Lake MVNWR I estimated a total of 650 Tundra Swans flying over the refuge. I counted 470 in multiple flocks between 7:25 and 7:45 and another 180 in 2 flocks at around 8:30. There were also a couple hundred Canada Geese that flew over, 17 Cackling Geese(mixed calling with a small flock of Tundra), 20 Mallard, 6 Common Goldeneye(heading south), and 2 Trumpeter Swans. Otherwise there were a few hundred blackbirds flying over, may have had Rusty mixed in but I only made out Red-winged and Grackle. The Belted Kingfisher was still in the area, and a Flicker was still around as well. I only saw 1 Purple Finch, but I heard a few others. I saw my first Killdeer earlier in the week, but there was 1 at the refuge today as well. Also, I am pretty sure but not positive that I heard a Savannah Sparrow. A female Northern Harrier was hunting in the grassland near the visitor's center. I've been told that they have nested nearby in the past but saw no signs of it last year. Today she landed twice. Soon after she landed the 2nd time the smell of a skunk came my way. She never took off again, so she may have gotten a meal. _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/210850553/direct/01/_______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Northern Harrier and Canadian Geese From: Melvin C Bennefeld <emben1 AT juno.com> Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 06:18:25 -0600 While out checking the Ponderosa Golf Club in Clay County we sighted a female Northern Harrier and 2 flocks of Canadian Geese, the geese were definitely migrating North, must be a good sign that spring is getting real close, also several of small ponds had a pair of Canadian Geese claiming home territory. ____________________________________________________________ Diet Help Cheap Diet Help Tips. Click here. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/c?cp=6oi_0W0d-l1XJeDIWS4y3gAAJ1ByD7hYr3qPPwUcE2PO6CpNAAYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADNAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYQAAAAAA= _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Waterfowl afield From: "Joel H. Dunnette" <jdunnette AT gmail.com> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:25:06 -0500 This evening over 100 swans were in the flooded fields just south of Salem Corners. They were with a similar number of Canada Geese, maybe some cacklers, and a scattering of ducks. Due to low light and rain we did not ID the ducks. I love seeing waterfowl scattered over fields, as if it is their world too. Joel Dunnette Byron / Rochester MN 507-269-7064 _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Halloween Blizzard in reverse From: carol schumacher <birdminn AT yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:10:25 -0700 (PDT) A day before the Halloween Blizzard some years ago Tundra Swans in huge numbers came wave upon wave..heading south. This morning my ears were happy to hear it all happen again coming from the sout. Other recent sightings of interest Peregrine Falcons 2 on a chase. I will never forget their slightly cupped wings as they rounded a blufftop. Eastern Bluebirds are everywhere singing and singing Killdeer heard one in the evening and found a few around the county. Today everywhere. Some Sandhill Cranes seem to be residents and there also migrants heading over. They sound near and are flying in the stratosphere. Pileated Woodpeckers have been migrating the last few weeks. Heard a Redheaded yesterday and a flicker today. Brown Creepers are numerous and singing. American Kestrel One returned 3.2.10 2. a female sat on nearby wire 3.5.10. 3. The next day they sat with an inch apart. 4. And you know the rest. (3.8) Tree Swallows today. Snow Bunting sightings have run their course. Tufted Titmouse singing loudly in several new locations Enjoy. Carol carol schumacher winona,mn on the mississippi Never do I send attachments, photos, or files _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Tundra Swans Migrating From: Alan Stankevitz <astankevitz AT daycreek.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 22:43:23 -0500 Besides the usual coyotes at night, I've been hearing Tundra Swans migrating tonight. So nice to hear them again. Alan Stankevitz Mound Prairie Township Houston County, MN _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Spring Birds on Radar Loop From: Kirk Mona <kirkmona AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:55:53 -0700 (PDT) Hey Everyone, I was able to pull data off the national radar composite for the night of March 4-5th which was the most recently archived data. I animated the images together and have posted them online. There is some pretty dramatic migration moving up out of Texas. You can see the loop at: http://www.twincitiesnaturalist.com/2010/03/spring-migration-on-radar.html ~Kirk -- Twin Cities Naturalist _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Blackdog Road closed From: "R.D. Everhart" <everhart AT black-hole.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 23:11:01 -0500 High water has apparently caused Blackdog Road along the Minnesota River between Cedar Ave. and 35W to be closed. Be careful driving near high water, I'm afraid it's going to get worse before it gets better, Roger Everhart Apple Valley, MN www.ncbo.org _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Tundra Swans Migrating From: Alan Stankevitz <alan AT iwishicouldfly.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 22:34:09 -0500 Besides the usual coyotes at night, I've been hearing Tundra Swans migrating tonight. So nice to hear them again. Alan Stankevitz Mound Prairie Township Houston County, MN _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Re: Wood duck- nesting material From: "Steve Chesney" <lists AT schesney.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:31:03 -0500 I use cedar wood shavings sold for dog bedding. (Last batch from Fleet Farm). -----Original Message----- From: mnbird-bounces AT lists.mnbird.net [mailto:mnbird-bounces AT lists.mnbird.net] On Behalf Of Mark Palas Sent: Saturday, March 13, 2010 4:52 PM To: mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net Subject: [mnbird] Wood duck- nesting material I'm looking to put some wood shavings in a couple of wood duck houses I built, And don't have a source for such. I know that some people use their chain saws to rip firewood length wise, but have concerns about bar oil contaminating the shavings. Any suggestions? Mark Palas _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s _______________________________________________________ Unlimited Disk, Data Transfer, PHP/MySQL Domain Hosting http://www.doteasy.com _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Re: Too early for osprey From: davemoquinimages AT izoom.net Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:17:54 -0500 (CDT) > Ok I looked out my backyard towards a marshy area near some nearby houses. > (I wushed I lived there) saw a huge bird with a bright white chest land > in a cottonwood. My binocs seemed to show me an osprey. Impossible? > -------------------------- > Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld > _______________________________________________ > mnbird mailing list > mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net > http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird > Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s > There's a pair nesting on Monson Lake in Crex Meadows in Grantsburg, WI as of 3.14.10. Dave Moquin Zimmerman,MN www.davemoquinimages.com _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Too early for osprey From: <Brad.Abendroth AT emerson.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:42:57 -0500 Ok I looked out my backyard towards a marshy area near some nearby houses. (I wushed I lived there) saw a huge bird with a bright white chest land in a cottonwood. My binocs seemed to show me an osprey. Impossible? -------------------------- Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Snow Goose, Sandhill Crane, and other sightings at Minnesota Valley NWR From: David True <davidttrue AT hotmail.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:34:17 -0400 Bird migration is at full swing in the area. I went to four units of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge this weekend: This included: Saturday-Black Dog and Long Meadow (Bloomington Visitor Center area); Sunday-Rapids Lake and Wilkie. I observed approximately 45 species over the last two days at the refuge. Here are some of the highlights: Ring-billed Gulls and Herring Gulls back in decent numbers at Black Dog on 3/13 Sandhill Crane - one in flight over Bloomington Visitor Center at Long Meadow on 3/13; also some were calling near Rapids Lake Visitor Center on 3/14. Snow Goose - three blue phase geese in flight over North Hunter Lot at Rapids Lake on 3/14. Northern Harrier - several over by North Hunter Lot at Rapids Lake on 3/14. Killdeer - birds in flight near Rapids Lake Visitor Center on 3/14. In addition, large blackbird flocks are forming (Red-winged Blackbirds and Common Grackles) and decent numbers of Horned Larks are being observed and heard on the road to the visitor center. Northern Shrike - one perched in trees near main parking area at Wilkie on 3/14. Cedar Waxwing - eight birds in trees near Blue Lake at Wilkie on 3/14. Many ducks including a few of these species in the Blue Lake section of the Wilkie unit and looking through the fence of the water treatment plant on 3/14: Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, American Black Duck (appeared like pure black ducks, not mallard-black duck mixtures), Northern Shoveler, Canvasback, Redhead, Bufflehead and both Hooded and Common Merganser among the throngs of Mallards, Gadwall, Ring-necked Ducks, Common Goldeneye, and American Coots. (Please note that some areas of the Wilkie unit is closed due to a heron rookery) And finally there are many, many Bald Eagles in the area! Because of melting snow and high water, some of these areas of the refuge may become increasingly hard to get to over the next few weeks, so be careful if birding. _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft’s powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/210850552/direct/01/_______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Crow story - link correction From: Claudia Egelhoff <cegelhoff AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:42:13 -0500 Here is the correct link: http://www.minnpost.com/ -- Claudia Egelhoff_______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Crows remember their enemies From: Claudia Egelhoff <cegelhoff AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:13:40 -0500 There is an interesting story in today's online MinnPost about research involving crows and their ability to remember both their friends and their enemies, but especially the latter. See: https://mail.google.com/mail/?shva=1#inbox/12762755694f1546 and scroll down to "Scientific Agenda". -- Claudia Egelhoff Minneapolis, MN_______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Re: about the metro From: "Warren Woessner" <WWoessner AT slwip.com> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:02:08 -0500 I found a Great Horned Owl yesterday at Wood Lake nature center in a pine near the south entrance, in what used to be the "trail for the blind" area. It was being harassed by crows. There were at least four Cackling Geese with the Canadas at the E. end of Black Dog Lake yesterday as well. Only ducks of interest were two Buffleheads. Warren Woessner From: mnbird-bounces AT lists.mnbird.net [mailto:mnbird-bounces AT lists.mnbird.net] On Behalf Of Steve Weston Sent: Monday, March 15, 2010 9:48 AM To: mnbird; Mou-net Subject: [mnbird] about the metro Ah, spring..... Bare ground and birds singing, but drowned out by a noisy pair of honkers that have arrived on the lake to carve out their fiefdom. A pair of Mallards have arrived and apparantly have found a small patch of open water across the lake. A muskrat popped up along the shore. This morning a Crow was carrying a twig as it flew across the lake. I will try to find its construction project. In Carver County yesterday near Rapids Lake I found swans in a flooded field: two very dark Trumpeters and a Mute Swan. I suspect that the Mute Swan is the same one that was around last summer in that area. In the fields to the west of this area I saw a Richardson's Ground Squirrel, aka flicker-tail. I have definitely noticed an increase of road kill, possums, squirrels, and a fine looking, but squashed Mink in Eden Prairie. I have been looking for Great Horned Owls on nests with only minimal success. The two I have seen so far have both been along the freeways: 1) Mendota Hgts: I-494 NW of Dodd; 2) Eden Prairie: I-494 NE of Valleyview. Both have been seen at highway speed, but are not in areas affording easy viewing. It seems awefully early for spring. Steve Weston on Quiggley Lake in Eagan, MN sweston2 AT comcast.net _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: about the metro From: "Steve Weston" <sweston2 AT comcast.net> Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:48:25 -0500 Ah, spring..... Bare ground and birds singing, but drowned out by a noisy pair of honkers that have arrived on the lake to carve out their fiefdom. A pair of Mallards have arrived and apparantly have found a small patch of open water across the lake. A muskrat popped up along the shore. This morning a Crow was carrying a twig as it flew across the lake. I will try to find its construction project. In Carver County yesterday near Rapids Lake I found swans in a flooded field: two very dark Trumpeters and a Mute Swan. I suspect that the Mute Swan is the same one that was around last summer in that area. In the fields to the west of this area I saw a Richardson's Ground Squirrel, aka flicker-tail. I have definitely noticed an increase of road kill, possums, squirrels, and a fine looking, but squashed Mink in Eden Prairie. I have been looking for Great Horned Owls on nests with only minimal success. The two I have seen so far have both been along the freeways: 1) Mendota Hgts: I-494 NW of Dodd; 2) Eden Prairie: I-494 NE of Valleyview. Both have been seen at highway speed, but are not in areas affording easy viewing. It seems awefully early for spring. Steve Weston on Quiggley Lake in Eagan, MN sweston2 AT comcast.net _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Sanhill Cranes From: "JOHN M GRUNDHOFER" <rexgrundhofer AT msn.com> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:30:17 -0600 About noon today my husband heard Sandhill Cranes flying over. He heard them 2 minutes later south of the us. Connie Grundhofer Lino Lakes, Anoka county MN_______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Beatiful day From: "Pat Pagel" <jppagel AT wdemail.com> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:16:17 -0500 While sitting on my deck this morning, a Sandhill Crane flew over calling all the way. Later, found a Bluebird on the Sand Prairie (Nature conservancy land) Pat Pagel Wabasha, MN in the bluffs along the Mississippi river_______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Wood Duck House shavings & other From: Mary Platt <mplatt41 AT comcast.net> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 17:09:40 -0500 I get bags of very nice shavings just for Wood Duck houses at the Wild Bird Stores in the metro area. You could also find shavings at Pet Smart or other pet stores - they sell some for guinea pigs & similar pets. I would prefer natural materials to vermiculite. I am quite sure I had a red-shafted flicker at our suet feeder last week - could that be possible? I have also seen the yellow shafted also. Mary Platt Edina_______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: From Fillmore County From: Nan <bigwoods AT centurytel.net> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:57:33 -0500 We had the first robin in our yard yesterday. This morning there were Red-winged Blackbirds on a nearby trail and this afternoon on another nearby trail Eastern Bluebirds, a Killdeer and two Red-tailed Hawks engaging in aerial acrobatics. Temp in the 50s. Nancy Nancy Overcott, Preston Fillmore County, SE MN _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Re: Wood duck- nesting material From: bluebill AT surfbest.net Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:22:41 -0000 >The Wild Bird Store in Minnetonka (and I suspect others as well) sells shavings for use in wood duck boxes at a reasonable price. I purchase some each year for the boxes I have in Grant County as well as for the box in my yard in Minnetonka. Don Grussing > > >---- Original Message ---- >From: jngorder AT yahoo.com >To: mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net >Subject: Re: [mnbird] Wood duck- nesting material >Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 19:23:25 -0800 (PST) > >> >> >>      We've been using cedar chips that can be purchased at any pet >supply store (Hamster nesting). Water resistant for good drainage and >they don't rot. Have had sporadic success but about half of the years >we've had either Woodies or Mergansers. >> >>                                                            Jon and >Lisa >>                                                                St. >Paul >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Re: Vermiculite question From: "Bernard P. Friel" <wampy AT att.net> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:04:09 -0500 I too use cedar shavings from the pet store, and for the last 8 years all 5 of my boxes have been used by woodies. On 3/14/10 12:06 AM, "Larry Sirvio" wrote: > The info I have says that once upon a time some of the vermiculite was > contaminated with asbestos. Now production is apparently controlled to exclude > asbestos. I can't imagine gardening stores being allowed to sell anything for > consumers that might contain asbestos. > >> >> ----- Original Message ----- >> >> From: Jim Edlhuber >> >> To: Larry Sirvio >> >> Sent: Saturday, March 13, 2010 9:09 PM >> >> Subject: Re: [mnbird] Wood duck- nesting material >> >> >> I heard vermiculite contains some asbestos, that is just what I heard. >> >> Jim E >> >> >> On Sat, Mar 13, 2010 at 6:34 PM, Larry Sirvio wrote: >> >>> If you can get some vermiculite it should work fine. It doesn't stay wet - >>> provides insulation. Usually found in packing material. I think garden >>> stores sell it for mixing with soil. That might be the easiest to do. >>> >>> Larry S >>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mark Palas" >>> To: >>> Sent: Saturday, March 13, 2010 4:51 PM >>> Subject: [mnbird] Wood duck- nesting material >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>>> >>>> >>>> I'm looking to put some wood shavings in a couple of wood duck houses I >>>> built, And don't have a source for >>>> such. I know that some people use their chain saws to rip firewood length >>>> wise, but have concerns about bar >>>> oil contaminating the shavings. Any suggestions? >>>> >>>> Mark Palas >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> mnbird mailing list >>>> mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net >>>> http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird >>>> Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> mnbird mailing list >>> mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net >>> http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird >>> Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s >> > > > _______________________________________________ > mnbird mailing list > mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net > http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird > Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s -- Bernard P. Friel Web Pages - http://www.wampy.com ; http://www.wampy.com/bn Owl Gallery http://www.wampy.com/bn2 Songbirds http://www.wampy.com/GalapagosGallery http://myloupe.com/home/found_photographer.php?photographer=1113 _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Carver County From: John Cyrus <cyrus150 AT hotmail.com> Date: Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:03:58 +0000 The first American Woodcock of the season was also calling and displaying at Carver Park early this morning. The only other migrants at the park were a few more Robins and 34 Red-winged Blackbird. A few of the swampy areas of Carver Park have thawed, but there was nothing in them. All the trails are still snow/ice covered and quite slick. Chevalle Wetlands in Chaska is partially thawed, and this morning there were Canada, Cackling Geese, Trumpeter Swan, Mallard, Common Goldeneye, and Hooded Merganser increasing from just a few Canada Geese and Mallard the past couple days. On Friday I saw my first Belted Kingfisher of the season(near the location of one of the ice jams on the Minnesota River), but there wasn't a whole lot else. The American Tree Sparrows that had been at the refuge all winter had left, and there was a significant increase in the number of Goldfinches. _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft’s powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/210850552/direct/01/_______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Vermiculite question From: "Larry Sirvio" <lmsirvio AT comcast.net> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 23:06:58 -0600 The info I have says that once upon a time some of the vermiculite was contaminated with asbestos. Now production is apparently controlled to exclude asbestos. I can't imagine gardening stores being allowed to sell anything for consumers that might contain asbestos. ----- Original Message ----- From: Jim Edlhuber To: Larry Sirvio Sent: Saturday, March 13, 2010 9:09 PM Subject: Re: [mnbird] Wood duck- nesting material I heard vermiculite contains some asbestos, that is just what I heard. Jim E On Sat, Mar 13, 2010 at 6:34 PM, Larry Sirvio wrote: If you can get some vermiculite it should work fine. It doesn't stay wet - provides insulation. Usually found in packing material. I think garden stores sell it for mixing with soil. That might be the easiest to do. Larry S ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mark Palas" To: Sent: Saturday, March 13, 2010 4:51 PM Subject: [mnbird] Wood duck- nesting material I'm looking to put some wood shavings in a couple of wood duck houses I built, And don't have a source for such. I know that some people use their chain saws to rip firewood length wise, but have concerns about bar oil contaminating the shavings. Any suggestions? Mark Palas _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Re: Wood duck- nesting material From: Jon Gorder <jngorder AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 19:23:25 -0800 (PST)       We've been using cedar chips that can be purchased at any pet supply store (Hamster nesting). Water resistant for good drainage and they don't rot. Have had sporadic success but about half of the years we've had either Woodies or Mergansers.                                                             Jon and Lisa                                                                 St. Paul _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Re: Wood duck- nesting material From: "Larry Sirvio" <lmsirvio AT comcast.net> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:34:42 -0600 If you can get some vermiculite it should work fine. It doesn't stay wet - provides insulation. Usually found in packing material. I think garden stores sell it for mixing with soil. That might be the easiest to do. Larry S ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mark Palas" To: Sent: Saturday, March 13, 2010 4:51 PM Subject: [mnbird] Wood duck- nesting material > > > I'm looking to put some wood shavings in a couple of wood duck houses I > built, And don't have a source for > such. I know that some people use their chain saws to rip firewood > length wise, but have concerns about bar > oil contaminating the shavings. Any suggestions? > > Mark Palas > _______________________________________________ > mnbird mailing list > mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net > http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird > Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Wood duck- nesting material From: Mark Palas <markpalas AT earthlink.net> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:51:45 -0600 I'm looking to put some wood shavings in a couple of wood duck houses I built, And don't have a source for such. I know that some people use their chain saws to rip firewood length wise, but have concerns about bar oil contaminating the shavings. Any suggestions? Mark Palas _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: olmstead county birds From: james otto <jlotto1 AT msn.com> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:16:15 -0600 Traveled down to Rochester with Dave Harbot and Melissa Polous to bird with John Hockema. On the way down Dave and Melissa saw a raptor in a tree along the highway. I turned around and went back, good thing we did, Red-shoulder Hawk was perched in the tree. In Rochester farmlands we saw Ross's Goose, White-fronted Geese, Gadwall, Northern Pintail, Common Goldeneye Killdeer,and Eastern Bluebird . Thanks to John for his help. Jim Otto _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft’s powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/210850552/direct/01/_______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Signs of spring From: "Joel H. Dunnette" <jdunnette AT gmail.com> Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 10:02:50 -0600 Yesterday as I left home, I saw my first Robin and Common Grackle within the first half mile of my house in rural Olmsted county. They seem to arrive about as soon as there is significant open ground. And the many Horned Larks who had been along many of the rural roads are no longer in evidence. Whether they have moved north or just out into the newly snow-free fields I cannot say. Just a few signs of the beginning of an exciting season. Joel Dunnette Byron / Rochester MN 507-269-7064 _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Signs of Spring From: Brian and Cindy Drill <bcdrill AT charter.net> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:20:50 -0600 Good afternoon--when you need it the most, comes some sure signs of Spring. I returned home from the grocery store this morning to find a chipmunk sitting on the steps to the house. This afternoon I saw a female cardinal land in the apple tree in front of the kitchen window. At first I thought she had a long piece of yarn and was gathering for a nest, when she dropped her object: it turned out to be a very large earth worm! That is a good sign that the ground is thawing quickly. Cindy in North Mankato _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: 61 Bald Eagles, Hwy 26, Houston Co. MN. Poole Slough, IA From: fred lesher <corax6330 AT yahoo.com> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 07:07:23 -0800 (PST) Wednesday, March 10, I counted 61 Bald Eagles along Hwy 26 between LaCrescent, MN & the IA/MN state line: 37 immature and 24 adults. At Poole Slough on the IA/MN state line there were 15 Am. White Pelicans and 6 Sandhill Cranes. Fred Lesher LaCrosse, WI _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Duluth RBA 3/12/10 From: "Jim Lind" <jslind AT frontiernet.net> Date: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:57:03 -0600 This is the Duluth Birding Report for Friday, March 12th, 2010 sponsored by the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union. The NORTHERN HAWK OWL along Lake County Road 3, 0.4 mile north of MN Highway 61 was relocated on the 7th. Dee Kuder saw a NORTHERN HAWK OWL on the 7th just south of Cook on US Highway 53. Norma Malinowski saw BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS on the 10th in Ely near the sewage treatment plant. Mike Hendrickson reported the first RING-BILLED GULLS of the spring along with several GLAUCOUS GULLS on the 10th at the Superior landfill. Mike also saw 22 LONG-TAILED DUCKS on the 10th at Agate Bay in Two Harbors. Jan and John Green saw a MERLIN on the 7th along 1st Street in Two Harbors. Ron Erpelding and Herb Dingmann saw 9 SHARP-TAILED GROUSE in Koochiching County on the 6th along CR 83, 3 miles from MN Highway 11. They also saw a NORTHERN HAWK OWL along US Highway 71 near Margie. Unless something unusual is reported, the next scheduled update of this report will be in two weeks on Thursday, March 25th. The telephone number of the Duluth Rare Bird Alert is 218-834-2858. Information about bird sightings may be left following the recorded message. The Duluth Birding Report is sponsored and funded by the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union (MOU) as a service to its members. For more information on the MOU, either write us c/o the Bell Museum, e-mail us at mou AT moumn.org, or visit the MOU web site at moumn.org. __________________________________________________ There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness." Dave Barry _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: E. Screech-Owl in Minneapolis From: rewaldrop AT aol.com Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:27:15 -0500 Hello all, Where is the best place to hear/see an E. Screech Owl in the Mpls. area? I am visiting from TN and working on my MN bird list this weekend. I also need Long-eared Owl. Thanks. Rick Waldrop Cleveland, TN _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Northwest Minnesota Birding Report- Thursday, March 11, 2010 From: "Jeanie Joppru" <ajjoppru AT q.com> Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:56:46 -0600 This is the Northwest Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday, March 11 , 2010 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 seems to be coming in gently, but that might change at any moment. Temperatures in the northwest have been downright balmy for this time of year with highs in the high thirties, low forties and lows just tickling the freezing mark. Snow is melting fast and brown spots are starting to get larger in the fields. There are reports of some birds returning and the resident ones are starting to sing their spring songs. Brad and Dee Ehlers reported RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS at the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center south of Fergus Falls in Otter Tail County on March 8. Several AMERICAN ROBINS and many HORNED LARKS were seen in the county this week. Ron Erpelding and Herb Dingmann found RED CROSSBILLS on the weekend in Hubbard County two miles south of the Beltrami County border. Sandy Aubol in Polk County reported an adult BALD EAGLE on the nest in East Grand Forks on March 11. Maggie Anderson at Agassiz NWR in Marshall County observed a BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE carrying nesting material on March 11. In Beltrami County, Ron Erpelding and Herb Dingmann found 3 NORTHERN HAWK OWLS on the north side of Shoreline Drive which runs along the north side of Upper Red Lake last weekend, and a NORTHERN SHRIKE was also seen there. Two BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKERS were seen on the west side of MN 72 a quarter mile north of mile marker 43 while a BOREAL CHICKADEE and a BROWN CREEPER were seen on the east side of MN 72 near mile marker 42. From Kittson County, Larry Wilebski reported another NORTHERN HAWK OWL two miles east of his cabin northwest of Lancaster on March 6, and he mentioned that the NORTHERN HAWK OWL was still at St Vincent adjacent to the Red River. Gretchen Mehmel reported that several GRAY PARTRIDGE were seen roosting in a barn north of Wannaska in Roseau County this week. Gene Knutson in Roosevelt has a VARIED THRUSH in his yard this week. In Lake of the Woods County Gretchen Mehmel reported that 14 SHARP-TAILED GROUSE were seen south of Cecil's Landing on the Roosevelt Road on March 7 ; and on March 11 two males and a female SPRUCE GROUSE were seen about two miles east of Norris Camp along the Roosevelt Road. A NORTHERN HAWK OWL is still working the shear area east of East Hiwood Road. Ron Erpelding and Herb Dingmann found 8-10 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS, two WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS, a PINE GROSBEAK, and a male NORTHERN CARDINAL in Baudette on the weekend, and a BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER on the Faunce Forest Road. Thanks to Brad and Dee Ehlers, Gretchen Mehmel, Larry Wilebski, Maggie Anderson, Ron Erpelding, Herb Dingmann, and Sandy Aubol for their reports. Please report bird sightings to Jeanie Joppru by email, no later than Thursday each week, at ajjoppru AT q.com 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 18, 2010 Jeanie Joppru Pennington County, MN _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: summary of red tail hawks From: sue schreurs <sueschreurs AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:56:11 -0800 (PST) The consensus is that the red tail hawks were probably locked in a mating ritual and didn't see the vehicle that hit them. At first I thought the one had been eaten, but perhaps it had been smashed when it got hit. The other one was in great condition. It is still so sad. I bet the driver feels awful. Sure hope so anyway. I am sure it was unavoidable. On a happier note, I walked the back waters on the Mississippi last weekend and all 3 eagles' nests I saw had eagles perched on the rims. Thanks for all the responses. Sue Schreurs _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Rochester Peregrines From: Captain Kirk <b.j.borealis AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:57:42 -0600 A peregrine was seen in the Guggenheim nest box yesterday. Kirk Severson Olmsted County -- "We had the sky up there, all speckled with stars, and we used to lay on our backs and look up at them, and discuss about whether they was made or only just happened." - Huck Finn_______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Red-shouldered hawk at Bass Ponds? From: linda whyte <birds AT moosewoods.us> Date: Mon, 8 Mar 2010 21:35:57 -0600 Has anyone else seen a Red-shouldered Hawk at Bass Ponds or Old Cedar recently? I couldn't get a proper "fix" on a hawk seen there this afternoon, but I think it was a Red-shouldered. Linda Whyte _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: loony question From: Jim Harkness <jimharkness AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 8 Mar 2010 10:45:01 -0800 (PST) I have friends of friends coming to town this summer from England, and they are extremely keen to watch loons. I kind of take them for granted (loons, not the friends of friends), so I initially just told them that almost any reasonably deep lake in N MN, especially without too much boat traffic, should have a pair. But they would really like a specific lake recommendation, a place with dependable from-shore loon-watching, and ideally options for cabin rental. Theirs is a short visit, so something closer to the Twin cities would be best. Suggestions? Thanks Jim Harkness _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Owl luck From: "Joel H. Dunnette" <jdunnette AT gmail.com> Date: Sun, 7 Mar 2010 18:42:06 -0600 After having a good day at the International Owl Festival in Houston MN yesterday, at dusk this evening we had a Barred Owl perch in the snag 30' from our living room window. We had not seen one here in around 5 years. Perhaps I made some good owl luck? Joel Dunnette Byron / Rochester MN 507-269-7064 _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: saw 5 trumpeters Saturday late afternoon in Albertville From: charles ashley <puckster55pics AT yahoo.com> Date: Sat, 6 Mar 2010 22:31:36 -0800 (PST) Hi There, While my wife was shopping AT the Albertville outlet stores I was outside waiting for her when I saw 5 Trumpeter swans fly right over me heading East parallel 94. I was wondering if ayone knows where they may be heading to? Just wanted to let ya know,tomorrow I plan to check the tree AT Hyland lake to see if the Great Horned owl is once again rearing it's young from the same tree for the I think the 6th year in a row.If they are I'll let you all know & if I get any pics I'll send you a link to view them LaterShalom Sincerely Chuck Ashley Please check out my photo's AT http://www.puckster55pics.smugmug.com http://www.flickr.com/photos/puckster55pics/ _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Re: territory defending time From: linda whyte <birds AT moosewoods.us> Date: Sat, 6 Mar 2010 07:08:38 -0600 Now we have to wonder how many other such tales of mortality remain untold. (I used to think hummingbirds were just amiable little honey-suckers, before getting into birding.) Linda Whyte On Fri, Mar 5, 2010 at 11:18 PM, john hamer wrote: > The red tails may have been locked in a fight and died together.  One spring > I had a male cardinal, Baltimore orioe and cardinal all converge right in > the middle of my back yard.  Blue and Red feathers were floating down as > they left but no orange feathers. > > John Hamer > _______________________________________________ > mnbird mailing list > mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net > http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird > Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s > > _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: territory defending time From: "john hamer" <johndhamer AT frontiernet.net> Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 23:18:30 -0600 The red tails may have been locked in a fight and died together. One spring I had a male cardinal, Baltimore orioe and cardinal all converge right in the middle of my back yard. Blue and Red feathers were floating down as they left but no orange feathers. John Hamer_______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Live From Freeborn COunty From: SnoEowl AT aol.com Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 21:12:36 EST I saw a few flocks of male red-winged blackbirds from Lyon County west on a long Monday drive. I spotted a beautiful rough-legged hawk near Brooking, SD. I haven't seen many of these "Christmas hawks" this winter. This one was a dark morph. I had the pleasure of the company of a similar bird that I transported to the Raptor Center. It was an incredibly handsome. It made Brad Pitt look like Alfred E. Neuman. Had a common redpoll at my feeders yesterday. It made for an uncommonly good day. I saw three American kestrels balancing on utility wires on that glorious day that will forever be known as Thursday past. I saw another covey of gray partridges this morning. I've been seeing flocks of this bird quite regularly this winter and in checking my records, I found that this is the highest number of this species I have seen since 1990. I saw many dead partridges after that terrible ice storm of 1991. This partridge is believed to be the one in the Twelve Days of Christmas. It's good to see them. A number of callers have reported seeing gray partridges. The cycle is with them. A few callers/emailers from Iowa report the company of bluebirds. Al Batt Freeborn County_______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Carver County From: John Cyrus <cyrus150 AT hotmail.com> Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 22:02:42 +0000 While I wait impatiently for the thick crust of snow to melt off, I checked out a few spots in the area this morning with no big surprises. At Rapids Lake MVNWR there were a few Northern Flicker about and a couple Purple Finch have returned. I presume they are returning, since I haven't seen any in the area since early December. An adult Bald Eagle was soaring over Carver Park and some Horned Larks were at the frozen Chevalle wetland area. A Snow Bunting was near the same area as the Horned Larks yesterday. _________________________________________________________________ Your E-mail and More On-the-Go. Get Windows Live Hotmail Free. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469229/direct/01/_______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Downy and Hairy woodpeckers From: "dan&erika" <danerika AT gmail.com> Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 15:53:18 -0600 Hi All--I just posted a note on more than you probably would ever want to know about Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers http://dantallmansbirdblog.blogspot.com/ check it out if you think you might be interested. dan -- Dan or Erika Tallman Northfield, Minnesota http://sites.google.com/site/tallmanorum http://picasaweb.google.com/danerika danerika AT gmail.com ".... the best shod travel with wet feet" "Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes ...."--Thoreau_______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Northern Goshawk, Ramsey, northern Anoka County From: "Erika Sitz" <esitz AT goldengate.net> Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 15:14:12 -0600 I'm more than 90% sure I had a Northern Goshawk in my yard an hour or so ago. My brother, who was in the kitchen and grabbed the binoculars, called out "Cooper's Hawk on the beam". I immediately looked out the bedroom window and saw it on the cedar beam where several of my feeders sit or hang. Right away I thought "or maybe, Goshawk?", and tried to see head markings as best I could (no binocs in that room, grrr). I saw it perched for only a few seconds, before it flew, past the window but angling away a little bit. I just could not see the head well, but I did get a look at a grey breast. My brother is a somewhat new birder, less enthusiastic about it, but knowing how much I enjoy them, he does his best to help. Cooper's Hawk is the only one within his experience, but when I showed him the picture in the NGS, he said, "No, it looked much more like that one; I saw a grey front, and it just looked bigger". I called Steve Weston, and he asked me some questions, breast color, but also, "Did it look thinner or stockier like a red-tailed", to which my answer was the latter, and my brother concurred. I also note that a Goshawk is not unprecedented in the yard - many years ago, I got great looks with binoculars at one which cooperatively perched for several minutes and was able to confirm the black and white markings on the head. So I'm confident enough to report it. If anyone can shed any more light on any distinguishing marks I can try to remember or to look for if it shows up again, I welcome them eagerly. Erika Sitz _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Trumpeter Swans From: "Cherise Robb" <rcrobb AT msn.com> Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 10:56:39 -0600 This morning as I was preparing to leave home, I heard a couple of trumpeters fly overhead. This is only the second time since I've lived here that I've heard swans fly by. The first time it was tundra swans. I am struck with a sense of their grace and beauty somehow even though I can't see them. I just felt so impressed. Cherise Robb, St. Cloud _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Birding about the Metro From: "Steve Weston" <sweston2 AT comcast.net> Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 01:54:09 -0600 Spring is coming. Last Saturday I stepped out of the house and heard a Mourning Dove calling. On Sunday, while driving around Dakota County I found flocks of Horned Larks on all of the rural gravel roads. Three out four Bald Eagle nests had an eagle standing vigil. I found a Great Horned Owl at Dodd Road and I-494 in Mendota Heights. The location is not very approachable, but easily seen from Dodd Road. Today (Thursday) I found my first Red-winged Blackbird on territory as I drove the cloverleaf at I-394 and Highway 100. The most interesting sighting was some cloud formations on the cool late morning on Monday. The sky was mostly clear, but the few small clouds had what appeared to be snow streaming down from them. The clouds looked remarkably like flying jellyfish. They were such small clouds to be have streaming tentacles of snow hanging below. Steve Weston on Quiggley Lake in Eagan, MN sweston2 AT comcast.net_______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Duluth RBA 3/4/10 From: "Jim Lind" <jslind AT frontiernet.net> Date: Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:36:44 -0600 This is the Duluth Birding Report for Thursday, March 4th, 2010 sponsored by the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union. Five SPRUCE GROUSE were found by Sparky Stensaas on the 26th along the Stony River Forest Road, 7 miles south of MN Highway 1. He also saw a flock of BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS in Ely along Miner's Drive. Bruce Munson saw BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS on the 28th at the mouth of the Gooseberry River. Jan Green saw 23 LONG-TAILED DUCKS on the 27th at Agate Bay in Two Harbors, and they were still present on the 28th. A GREAT GRAY OWL was seen on the 28th along the Stanley Road (CR 9), 0.2 mile east of the Lake County line. The NORTHERN HAWK OWL along the Flood Bay Road east of Two Harbors was still present on the 4th. Several observers have reported NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWLS calling during the past week. The SNOWY OWL at Connor's Point in Superior was relocated by Robert Savageau on the 3rd. Several gull species were seen by Denny and Barb Martin at the WLSSD wastewater treatment plant in Duluth on the 28th, including an adult GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL, an ICELAND GULL, and 3 GLAUCOUS GULLS. The next scheduled update of this report will be on Thursday, March 11th. The telephone number of the Duluth Rare Bird Alert is 218-834-2858. Information about bird sightings may be left following the recorded message. The Duluth Birding Report is sponsored and funded by the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union (MOU) as a service to its members. For more information on the MOU, either write us c/o the Bell Museum, e-mail us at mou AT moumn.org, or visit the MOU web site at moumn.org. __________________________________________________ There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness." Dave Barry _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Northwest Minnesota Birding Report- Thursday, March 4, 2010 From: "Jeanie Joppru" <ajjoppru AT q.com> Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2010 21:06:59 -0600 This is the Northwest Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday, March 4, 2010 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. Mother nature is teasing us this week with calm , sunny days and cold nights. There have been several foggy mornings with trees laden with frost creating photographic opportunities. Birds are starting to come back with a few spring migrants already present, and more of the first wave expected soon. Gretchen Mehmel reported from the Beltrami Island State Forest in Lake of the Woods County this week. On the weekend, a SPRUCE GROUSE was seen north of Faunce, RUFFED GROUSE east of Norris Camp, and a NORTHERN HAWK OWL on the Roosevelt Road north of the Faunce-Butterfield road. At Norris Camp there were PILEATED WOODPECKER, GRAY JAY, and PINE GROSBEAKS. In Roseau County, Beth Siverhus reported 6 SHARP-TAILED GROUSE east of CR 9, a NORTHERN HAWK OWL near the Canadian border north of Roseau, BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE, and 70 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS in Warroad last weekend. Larry Wilebski reported WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS in Lancaster, Kittson County, on March 3. There were HORNED LARKS along roads in the county this week. In Clearwater County north of Itasca SP, Connie Cox reported a RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER, NORTHERN SHRIKE, AMERICAN ROBIN and 15-20 PINE GROSBEAKS on February 26. Marshall Howe found 7-8 RED CROSSBILLS at Itasca SP on February 24. Other species seen included two dark phase ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS, and COMMON REDPOLLS. Diana Morkassel saw AMERICAN ROBINS in Marshall County on February 26, and PILEATED WOODPECKER on February 27. Shelley Steva saw HORNED LARKS in Red Lake County on February 28. Bruce Flaig in southern Polk County reported RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS on February 28. Shelley Steva found HORNED LARKS on CR 6 that day.Sandy Aubol in East Grand Forks reported a BALD EAGLE and one HOUSE FINCH on March 3. Herb Dingmann found WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS and two NORTHERN CARDINALS in Detroit Lakes , Becker County on February 27. In Otter Tail County, Wayne Runningen reported that numbers of TRUMPETER SWANS have wintered along the Otter Tail River. 73 were at the Prairie Lake inlet north of Pelican Rapids On February 28, and 50 were at Riverview Sanctuary in Fergus Falls. Rick Gjervold, reporting from Wilkin County on March 1, found one BALD EAGLE, 5 SHORT-EARED OWLS, two AMERICAN ROBINS, and several flocks of SNOW BUNTINGS in the county that day. Brad and Dee Ehlers saw an AMERICAN KESTREL on a power line near Alexandria on March 1. Thanks to Beth Siverhus, Brad and Dee Ehlers, Bruce Flaig, Connie Cox, Diana Morkassel, Gretchen Mehmel, Herb Dingmann, Larry Wilebski, Marshall Howe, Rick Gjervold, Sandy Aubol, Shelley Steva, and Wayne Runningen for their reports. Please report bird sightings to Jeanie Joppru by email, no later than Thursday each week, at ajjoppru AT q.com 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 11, 2010. Jeanie Joppru Pennington County, MN _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Robin Roost From: "Cherise Robb" <rcrobb AT msn.com> Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2010 18:40:06 -0600 Hello, all, This morning I heard first robin song of the season. I always thrill to that cheerful springtime song. This evening I went outside to see if there were robins still roosting in our spruces. I was amazed at how many there were. For the most part, they were doing their perp perp call but a few of them were getting worked up which means the breeding cycle is starting. There were dozens of them and I think they have been in the area since February. At least that's when I first noticed them. So cool. I also heard my first mourning dove cooing this evening and there were a couple of mallards flying around. Happy spring! Cherise Robb, St. Cloud _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Out and about From: "R.D. Everhart" <everhart AT black-hole.com> Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 21:18:32 -0600 I went for a drive along the Minnesota River to see what might be around and didn't find anything of great note. The easiest place to see waterfowl turned out to be on the river versus Blackdog Lake. Best find was an eagle on a nest at the west end of Blackdog Lake. This nest failed last year so hopefully it will be successful this time. I also checked on the traditional Great Horned Owl nest at Cedar Ave. and Dodd Road and it doesn't appear to have anything on it unless the bird was really hunkered down. Here's hoping the warm weather brings big flocks. http://minnesotabirdnerd.blogspot.com Roger Everhart Apple Valley. MN Dakota County _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: back to birds in Winona From: carol schumacher <birdminn AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 16:40:34 -0800 (PST) Our neighborhood is full of Tufted Titmouse song. Robins were making calls too and of course, White-breasted Nuthatch, Black-capped Chickadee and N. Cardinal are singing up a storm. There is nothing unusual here now but its been an exceptional year at the feeders. A Snow Bunting here and there has added up to more than expected numbers. Only 1 Lapland Longspur so far. Of course there are Horned Larks everywhere and are for the most part are paired. Does anyone know the timeline in which they skylark? Enjoy the great weather to bird. Carol carol schumacher winona,mn on the mississippi Never do I send attachments, photos, or files _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Re: American White Pelican From: linda whyte <birds AT moosewoods.us> Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 17:34:04 -0600 I understand these two overwintered, because both had wing injuries that prevented flying. Any capture for rehabilitation would have to be by boat and net, I guess, and that might be pretty risky, especially in winter, and particularly by the dam. It is sad, but at least other pelicans will soon be returning. Linda Whyte On Wed, Mar 3, 2010 at 4:58 PM, Crownhart, Rachel wrote: > I tried to send this message two days ago…I don’t think it went through…if > it did…sorry for the re-post. > > > > I was down by lock and damn #2, Hastings, MN yesterday.  I happened to > notice an American White Pelican on the ice surrounding the lock and damn. > It was sitting next to another Pelican that was dead, it was sad to be > honest, it was poking at the other bird etc.  Did these birds never leave > the area?  I didn’t see them all winter…I am frequently down by the river > during the winter.  Are they migrating already?   Any idea why the bird > died?  Just thought it was strange and wanted to get some people’s > opinions. > > > > Thanks! > > > > > > Rachel Crownhart > > 8th Grade Science > > Hastings Middle School > > rcrownhart AT hastings.k12.mn.us > > teacher webpage > > > > _______________________________________________ > mnbird mailing list > mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net > http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird > Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s > > _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Help with critter leavings From: "vansiclenr" <vansiclenr AT earthlink.net> Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 17:04:46 -0600 I know this ListServ is MnBird, not Mn Mammal, but I have a mammalian question. I live in New Brighton, with a very wooded backyard, a hillside, part of a corridor of wooded hillside that attracts a surprising variety of fauna for a near-city lot. I don't get up there much in winter: It's three stories up now-slippery stairs (my house is built into a hillside). I recently trekked up because I needed to get to my roof, accessible from the back yard. Ice dams. So mine were the first human footprints in the snow. Lots of obvious rabbit tracks (and damage), and some other things, not sure what. The next day, someone had left a marker in one of my footprints. About the size of fox droppings, maybe a little bigger. Fox droppings are usually black, but maybe there are seasonal variations. A few more trips, a few more well placed markers. This guy really wants to tell me the bunnies up on the hill are his, thank you. I'll post some pictures if anyone is interested. I have seen a coyote crossing the street, but I would think their "scat" would be the size of my Airedale's. This is smaller. Thanks. R Van Siclen _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: American White Pelican From: "Crownhart, Rachel" <rcrownhart AT hastings.k12.mn.us> Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 16:58:58 -0600 I tried to send this message two days ago...I don't think it went through...if it did...sorry for the re-post. I was down by lock and damn #2, Hastings, MN yesterday. I happened to notice an American White Pelican on the ice surrounding the lock and damn. It was sitting next to another Pelican that was dead, it was sad to be honest, it was poking at the other bird etc. Did these birds never leave the area? I didn't see them all winter...I am frequently down by the river during the winter. Are they migrating already? Any idea why the bird died? Just thought it was strange and wanted to get some people's opinions. Thanks! Rachel Crownhart 8th Grade Science Hastings Middle School rcrownhart AT hastings.k12.mn.us teacher webpage _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Re: Fwd: Help From: "Sheryl Holland" <sholland AT bevcomm.net> Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 15:24:06 -0600 A more fair way of dealing with the situation is to change the tax law. Who of you wants a government entity coming in and telling you what you can do with the property that you own, and that includes the DNR.? Sheryl Holland Faribault Co. ----- Original Message ----- From: Pamela Freeman To: mnbird Sent: Wednesday, March 03, 2010 2:49 PM Subject: [mnbird] Fwd: Help Pamela Freeman Never give up on a dream just because of the length of time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway. Forwarded conversation Subject: [mnbird] Help ------------------------ From: scott henkemeyer Date: Wed, Mar 3, 2010 at 12:27 PM To: It has come to my attention that a local landowner plans on clearcutting the trees on his land in order to avoid paying higher land taxes! The state changed the tax law,if you are a landowner where the land is in idle the taxes went up,but if the land can be used for agriculture use the taxes wont go up.The reason this landowner is clearcutting his woods is so he can say the land is "plowable".This will be a great loss for all wildlife if more landowners do this!!I realize it is the landowners descion,but is there any way something can be done?educate the landowners,maybe the DNR could step in buy the land?I know the state is very strapped for money,maybe Audubon or some other club could help? _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s ---------- From: Pamela Freeman Date: Wed, Mar 3, 2010 at 2:47 PM To: scott henkemeyer There are some possibilities. The Forest stewardship program helps landowners with forest to keep them in conservation. My husband and I own some acres up north, and we are in this program. We keep our land as it is, with some exotics removal, but otherwise in a native and natural state. It gives you a tax break on lands left forested. Tell this person to check this site out: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/grants/forestmgmt/stewardship.html Related DNR Programs: a.. Wildlife Private Lands Program Other Related Programs: a.. Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) b.. Environmental Quality Incentive Program(EQIP) c.. Sustainable Forestry Incentive Act (SFIA) a.. List of SFIA parcels (Contact your County Assessor to determine where the parcel is located.) d.. 2c Managed Forest Land Pamela Freeman Never give up on a dream just because of the length of time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway. _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s ---------- From: linda whyte Date: Wed, Mar 3, 2010 at 1:52 PM To: scott henkemeyer , mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net Any loss of habitat is regrettable, but you might need to give more information to interest parties with financial power. Where is this, and how much acreage is involved? It might also depend on the quality of the area as habitat, and the proximity of more suitable habitat, or its position in relation to its watershed. It would certainly matter if the area is host to threatened species of any kind. Linda Whyte ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.733 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2720 - Release Date: 03/03/10 01:34:00 _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Fwd: Help From: Pamela Freeman <gleskarider AT gmail.com> Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 14:49:08 -0600 Pamela Freeman Never give up on a dream just because of the length of time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway. Forwarded conversation Subject: [mnbird] Help ------------------------ From: *scott henkemeyer* Date: Wed, Mar 3, 2010 at 12:27 PM To: mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net It has come to my attention that a local landowner plans on clearcutting the trees on his land in order to avoid paying higher land taxes! The state changed the tax law,if you are a landowner where the land is in idle the taxes went up,but if the land can be used for agriculture use the taxes wont go up.The reason this landowner is clearcutting his woods is so he can say the land is "plowable".This will be a great loss for all wildlife if more landowners do this!!I realize it is the landowners descion,but is there any way something can be done?educate the landowners,maybe the DNR could step in buy the land?I know the state is very strapped for money,maybe Audubon or some other club could help? _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s ---------- From: *Pamela Freeman* Date: Wed, Mar 3, 2010 at 2:47 PM To: scott henkemeyer There are some possibilities. The Forest stewardship program helps landowners with forest to keep them in conservation. My husband and I own some acres up north, and we are in this program. We keep our land as it is, with some exotics removal, but otherwise in a native and natural state. It gives you a tax break on lands left forested. Tell this person to check this site out: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/grants/forestmgmt/stewardship.html *Related DNR Programs:* - Wildlife Private Lands Program *Other Related Programs:* - Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) [image: external link] - Environmental Quality Incentive Program(EQIP) [image: external link] - Sustainable Forestry Incentive Act(SFIA) [image: external link] - List of SFIA parcels [image: pdf] (Contact your County Assessor to determine where the parcel is located.) - 2c Managed Forest Land [image: external link] Pamela Freeman Never give up on a dream just because of the length of time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway. _______________________________________________ > mnbird mailing list > mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net > http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird > Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s > > ---------- From: *linda whyte* Date: Wed, Mar 3, 2010 at 1:52 PM To: scott henkemeyer , mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net Any loss of habitat is regrettable, but you might need to give more information to interest parties with financial power. Where is this, and how much acreage is involved? It might also depend on the quality of the area as habitat, and the proximity of more suitable habitat, or its position in relation to its watershed. It would certainly matter if the area is host to threatened species of any kind. Linda Whyte_______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Re: Help From: "Liz Stanley" <liz AT lizstanley.com> Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 13:58:52 -0600 Maybe the landowner can look into a conservation easement, details at http://www.mnland.org/prog-ce.html#Anchor-Wha-61649 Some other strategies are discussed here: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/volunteer/julaug03/acrebyacre.html > It has come to my attention that a local landowner plans on clearcutting > the trees on his land in order to avoid paying higher land taxes! The > state changed the tax law,if you are a landowner where the land is in idle > the taxes went up,but if the land can be used  for agriculture use the > taxes wont go up.The reason this landowner is clearcutting his woods is so > he can say the land is "plowable".This will be a great loss for all > wildlife if more landowners do this!!I realize it is the landowners > descion,but is there any way something can be done?educate the > landowners,maybe the DNR could step in buy the land?I know the state is > very strapped for money,maybe Audubon or some other club could help? > > > _______________________________________________ > mnbird mailing list > mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net > http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird > Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s > -- Liz Stanley Bloomington, MN liz AT lizstanley.com Backyard weather and feedercam: http://www.overlookcircle.org/ Photo gallery: http://www.pbase.com/gymell/liz_favorites Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lizmstanley _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Re: Help From: linda whyte <linda AT moosewoods.us> Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 13:52:47 -0600 Any loss of habitat is regrettable, but you might need to give more information to interest parties with financial power. Where is this, and how much acreage is involved? It might also depend on the quality of the area as habitat, and the proximity of more suitable habitat, or its position in relation to its watershed. It would certainly matter if the area is host to threatened species of any kind. Linda Whyte On Wed, Mar 3, 2010 at 12:27 PM, scott henkemeyer wrote: > It has come to my attention that a local landowner plans on clearcutting the > trees on his land in order to avoid paying higher land taxes! The state > changed the tax law,if you are a landowner where the land is in idle the > taxes went up,but if the land can be used  for agriculture use the taxes > wont go up.The reason this landowner is clearcutting his woods is so he can > say the land is "plowable".This will be a great loss for all wildlife if > more landowners do this!!I realize it is the landowners descion,but is there > any way something can be done?educate the landowners,maybe the DNR could > step in buy the land?I know the state is very strapped for money,maybe > Audubon or some other club could help? > > _______________________________________________ > mnbird mailing list > mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net > http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird > Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s > > _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Help From: scott henkemeyer <scotth9 AT yahoo.com> Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 10:27:14 -0800 (PST) It has come to my attention that a local landowner plans on clearcutting the trees on his land in order to avoid paying higher land taxes! The state changed the tax law,if you are a landowner where the land is in idle the taxes went up,but if the land can be used  for agriculture use the taxes wont go up.The reason this landowner is clearcutting his woods is so he can say the land is "plowable".This will be a great loss for all wildlife if more landowners do this!!I realize it is the landowners descion,but is there any way something can be done?educate the landowners,maybe the DNR could step in buy the land?I know the state is very strapped for money,maybe Audubon or some other club could help? _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: R-w Blackbirds From: "Bruce Baer" <saqqara AT att.net> Date: Tue, 2 Mar 2010 10:05:06 -0600 The first Red-winged Blackbird was in the marsh on the north side of Hogback Pond at the Bass Ponds this morning. For the past two days there were Horned Larks flying over. Bruce Baer Bloomington, MN_______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Spring's coming From: "Steve Kreofsky" <stevek AT wakconstruction.com> Date: Tue, 2 Mar 2010 07:49:18 -0600 Yesterday I saw a solo male Robin along the road. The fact that he wasn't in a flock and a male leads me to believe he may not have wintered here. Also, this morning at the feeder a Black Capped Chickadee was singing his spring song for the first time this year. Steve Kreofsky East Indian Creek Wabasha Co. _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Active Eagle Nest-Freedom Park, Prescott WI From: James Shiely <jfshiely AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 20:45:50 -0800 (PST) There is an active bald eagle nest visible from Freedom Park Learning Center at Prescott, WI. The nest is in a tree across the river from the Center and an eagle was sitting in the nest yesterday. Best viewing is the first half of the day before the sun gets behind the tree. We have a spotting scope set up inside the Center but binoculars work well from the overlook on the bluff on the west side of the building. _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: first day banding From: "dan&erika" <danerika AT gmail.com> Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 19:36:21 -0600 Hi All--I was able to open my banding nets for the first time this year. A brief report can be found at: http://dantallmansbirdblog.blogspot.com dan -- Dan or Erika Tallman Northfield, Minnesota http://sites.google.com/site/tallmanorum http://picasaweb.google.com/danerika danerika AT gmail.com ".... the best shod travel with wet feet" "Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes ...."--Thoreau_______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Re: red tail hawks From: linda whyte <birds AT moosewoods.us> Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 18:51:11 -0600 Glen may be onto something. In the past few weeks, many of the Red-tails I've seen have been in pairs, chasing, flying in tandem, or perched together. Even here in the cities the RTHAs sometimes get so involved in hunting and eating that they risk doing so right at the roadside, so it's easy to see how they might be careless in a rural area. Linda Whyte On Mon, Mar 1, 2010 at 2:48 PM, sue schreurs wrote: > Friday, as I headed from Rochester to the Mississippi river on a back road, > I spotted 2 dead birds along side the road.  I turned around and went back > to check them out.  The birds were laying right next to each other.  One was > smaller and had been partially eaten.  The bigger one was in good > condition.  They were both red tails. Now what could have caused that > unusual and sad accident?  There was blood on the road, so obviously one or > both had been hit.  It just seems too strange that they were both hit at the > same time!  Any ideas out there? > > Sue Schreurs > Rochester > > > _______________________________________________ > mnbird mailing list > mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net > http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird > Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s > > _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Re: White-breasted Nuthatch Cooperative Caching? From: linda whyte <linda AT moosewoods.us> Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 18:21:53 -0600 I'm betting on spring! Many fo the nuthatches seem to be pairing off, feeding in close proximity to one another. Linda On Mon, Mar 1, 2010 at 3:19 PM, Diana Doyle wrote: > Today I saw a pair of white-breasted nuthatches work together to cache food. > > The two birds were on a creekside river birch. One bird passed a white ovoid object (a seed? larval egg?) to the other bird. The second bird cached the item deep under a flap of birch bark. > > The first bird watched from within a few inches while the second bird then picked off tiny pieces of birch bark. Each bit was then shoved into the crack, on top of the cache, hiding it even more. > > A sign of more winter or a coming spring?! > > Diana Doyle > S. Minneapolis > _______________________________________________ > mnbird mailing list > mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net > http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird > Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s > _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: FW: red tail hawks From: "Glen Unruh" <finetuner AT comcast.net> Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 16:01:43 -0600 About 15 years ago, as I was following another car I noticed two Baltimore orioles, one chasing the other. They were obviously (to me) caught up in a mating ritual. As they appeared to be oblivious to all that was going on around them, they both flew directly into the wind shield of afore mentioned car, killing them both instantly. _____ From: mnbird-bounces AT lists.mnbird.net [mailto:mnbird-bounces AT lists.mnbird.net] On Behalf Of sue schreurs Sent: Monday, March 01, 2010 2:48 PM To: mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net Subject: [mnbird] red tail hawks Friday, as I headed from Rochester to the Mississippi river on a back road, I spotted 2 dead birds along side the road. I turned around and went back to check them out. The birds were laying right next to each other. One was smaller and had been partially eaten. The bigger one was in good condition. They were both red tails. Now what could have caused that unusual and sad accident? There was blood on the road, so obviously one or both had been hit. It just seems too strange that they were both hit at the same time! Any ideas out there? Sue Schreurs Rochester _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: White-breasted Nuthatch Cooperative Caching? From: Diana Doyle <diana AT managingthewaterway.com> Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 15:19:47 -0600 Today I saw a pair of white-breasted nuthatches work together to cache food. The two birds were on a creekside river birch. One bird passed a white ovoid object (a seed? larval egg?) to the other bird. The second bird cached the item deep under a flap of birch bark. The first bird watched from within a few inches while the second bird then picked off tiny pieces of birch bark. Each bit was then shoved into the crack, on top of the cache, hiding it even more. A sign of more winter or a coming spring?! Diana Doyle S. Minneapolis _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: red tail hawks From: sue schreurs <sueschreurs AT yahoo.com> Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 12:48:11 -0800 (PST) Friday, as I headed from Rochester to the Mississippi river on a back road, I spotted 2 dead birds along side the road. I turned around and went back to check them out. The birds were laying right next to each other. One was smaller and had been partially eaten. The bigger one was in good condition. They were both red tails. Now what could have caused that unusual and sad accident? There was blood on the road, so obviously one or both had been hit. It just seems too strange that they were both hit at the same time! Any ideas out there? Sue Schreurs Rochester _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Upcoming Birding Exploritas Program From: "Lamberson, Jennifer S" <JLamberson AT winona.edu> Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 10:30:01 -0600 This message was approved by Paul Schumacher. Upcoming birding Exploritas program! Upper Mississippi: Habitat Diversity for Fabulous Birding This Exploritas program based out of Wabasha, MN features not one, but two Important Bird Areas: the Upper Mississippi River Fish & Wildlife Refuge and the bird-rich Whitewater Valley created by the Whitewater River which is a major tributary of the Mississippi River. You will also visit the sand deposits of the Weaver Dunes along the Mississippi. Species to be searched for include Sandhill Cranes, Henslow's Sparrows, Grasshopper Sparrows, Bells Vireos, Sedge Wrens, Willow Flycatchers and a myriad of other birds. You are sure to turn up an interesting species list! The reason these birds are a bit easier to find at this time is because they are hanging around with young or still nesting...thus they can be found in appropriate habitat. From the western United States, we'll hope to see the Barred Owl. From the northeastern United States we'll look for nesting Swainson's Hawks and Prothonotary Warblers. If you have joined this program before, come back as we'll look for new species and new territory. If you love to bird this is a trip designed by birders for birders! Program dates are June 21-25, 2010. For more information or to register visit: www.exploritas.org/programs/programdetail.asp?RowId=1%2BOI%2B1421 or call 1-800-454-5768. Feel free to forward this to other lists and friends. Jenny Lamberson WSU Outreach & Continuing Education Department Somsen 106H 507-457-2963 _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: green heron From: <Brad.Abendroth AT emerson.com> Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2010 09:33:53 -0600 I was at Veterans park near the MN River in Scott county on Saturday. At least I think it was a green heron. I saw the bird flying between tree trunks as I was looking out over the frozen wash near the river. Had the long neck so I know it wasn't a duck. Surprised to see one. Was it overwintering or was it an early arrival. Beats me... _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Re: FW: [wisb] Sax Zim long trip report w/photos From: Chad Horsman <kenaiphotography AT yahoo.com> Date: Sun, 28 Feb 2010 09:05:05 -0800 (PST) Nice photos I plan on going to Sax Zim Bog area to take some photos next week. Any pointers, maps, directions, info would be greatly appreciated. Chad kenaiphotography AT yahoo.com _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s Subject: Long-tailed Duck still present-Sauk Rapids From: Milton Blomberg <mjbflwrmt AT msn.com> Date: Sat, 27 Feb 2010 23:06:36 -0600 Hello, perhaps of interest, 2pm,the Long-tailed Duck is still present on the Mississppi River below the Sartell Paper Mill dam, feeding w/ a few male Goldeneyes, rather close to the Benton County shoreline. Best viewing: CR1 west side of river-- RiverDepot Restaurant parking lot directly across from the paper mill; little south of bridge the Holiday gas-ReillyAuto, scoot down to the floodplain for better views. Also present downstream a bit at the boulders on Benton side, 2-female Greater Scaups (overwintering since Jan), and 1 male Ring-necked Duck. mjb _______________________________________________ mnbird mailing list mnbird AT lists.mnbird.net http://lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird Unsubscribe: %(user_optionsurl)s