Minnesota Birding Report

This is the Northwest Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday, March 21, 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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