This is the Northwest Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday, July 4, 2013 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.

With the coming of the hot, sunny weather this week, and the holiday weekend, reports have been fewer. All seem to be outside enjoying the summer conditions. Birds are very busy now with all the babies fledging and requiring much attention.

Sandy Aubol in Polk County reported a GREEN HERON on the Red Lake River greenway on June 30. On the Red River greenway she found GREAT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER, SEDGE WRENS, and LE CONTE’S SPARROW .

A RED-HEADED WOODPECKER came to the yard of Anita Vettleson near Oklee in Red Lake County on July 1.

Betsy Beneke was in Kittson County on July 1 where she saw WILSON’S SNIPE, and MARBLED GODWITS, at least one of which had young. Also seen in the county were MERLIN, BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE, and LE CONTE’S SPARROW among others.

In Warroad in Roseau County, Beth Siverhus reported that the PURPLE MARTINS are nesting in their yard.

Thanks to Anita Vettleson, Betsy Beneke, Beth Siverhus, and Sandy Aubol for their reports.

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