This is the Northwest Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday, April 17, 2014 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.
In spite of the recent cold snap, spring is coming to the northwest and the birds are streaming north. The number of AMERICAN ROBINS coming through is astounding, a tribute to the weather delays no doubt, making the migration bunch up. Accipiters seem to be coming in substantial numbers as well. Some waterfowl is following the return of melt water.
Probably the best sighting this week came from Crookston in Polk County where Vanessa Lane reported a EURASIAN TREE SPARROW at the University of Minnesota campus. It was foraging with DARK-EYED JUNCOS and a FOX SPARROW. She advises that the bird is viewable without entering the buildings, however, please email her (vlane@crk.umn.edu) if you intend to visit so she can give you additional instructions.
From Alexandria in Douglas County, Deb Johnson reported 80 to 110 DARK-EYED JUNCOS, a YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER, four NORTHERN FLICKERS, a LARK SPARROW, and a FOX SPARROW in her yard on April 16.
Marshall Howe reporting from Hubbard County saw EASTERN PHOEBE, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET, and YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER on April 14 and a BELTED KINGFISHER on April 16.
Patrick Beauzay had a couple of very nice sightings from Clay County on April 17- a SNOWY OWL was seen near the Crystal Sugar ponds in Moorhead at the intersection of CR 18 and US 75 and a first cycle GLAUCOUS GULL was spotted at the Clay County landfill in a gravel pit pond.
Terry Johnson in East Grand Forks in Polk County saw a BROWN CREEPER on April 11. Bruce Flaig saw a FOX SPARROW on April 9 and EASTERN BLUEBIRDS on April 10 in the area of Maple Bay in the southern part of the county. Sandy Aubol reported 2 FOX SPARROWS, a SONG SPARROW, and a NORTHERN FLICKER in East Grand Forks on April 12 .
Here in Thief River Falls in Pennington County, today, there were 4 HOODED MERGANSERS and two WOOD DUCKS in the Red Lake River near our house just east of the city. A COOPER’S HAWK was seen carrying a prey item in the town on April 16. A COMMON RAVEN flew through our yard late this afternoon.
Thanks to Bruce Flaig, Deb Johnson, Marshall Howe, Patrick Beauzay, Sandy Aubol, Terry Johnson, and Vanessa Lane for their reports.
Please report bird sightings to Jeanie Joppru by email, no later than Thursday each week, at ajjoppru@mncable.net OR call the Detroit Lakes Chamber’s toll free number: 1-800-542-3992. Detroit Lakes area birders please call 847-9202. Please include the county where the sighting took place. The next scheduled update of this report is Thursday, April 24, 2014.