This is the Northwest Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday, November 6, 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.
The cold weather is definitely approaching. Snow was received as far north as US 2 this week, but the northwestern part of the state escaped the first batch. More is forecast for next week. Migration of raptors is in full swing with lots of red-tailed hawks, northern harriers, and rough-legged hawks being reported.
Many SANDHILL CRANES continue to be seen in Marshall County south of CR 7 and west of CR 12 as recently as November 2. There are many ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS and NORTHERN HARRIERS soaring over the grasslands.
Peggy Seed in Pennington County reported a male NORTHERN CARDINAL that visited her feeder on the southeast side of Thief River Falls on October 31.On November 4, six PINE SISKINS appeared at our feeder. PURPLE FINCHES continue to be seen in small numbers.
Hal Sanders reported that the northern ducks are starting to arrive in Polk County as of November 3 including CANVASBACKS, REDHEADS, and MALLARDS. Other migrants in the county include TUNDRA SWANS, BROAD-WINGED HAWKS, RED-TAILED HAWKS, and ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS. Emily Hutchins observed a NORTHERN SHRIKE along CR 45 east of MN 32 on November 3. SNOW BUNTINGS have also arrived. Sandy Aubol reported many finches in East Grand Forks on November 5 including HOUSE FINCH, PURPLE FINCH, AMERICAN GOLDFINCH, PINE SISKINS, and 25 COMMON REDPOLLS.
Marshall Howe in Hubbard County saw HOODED MERGANSERS, COMMON GOLDENEYE, and RUFFED GROUSE near Dorset on October 31. COMMON MERGANSERS were seen in Park Rapids that day. On November 1, he observed ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK, PURPLE FINCH and AMERICAN GOLDFINCH; three COMMON LOONS were seen on Lake George on November 2. At Itasca SP on November 2 were 2 GRAY JAYS, PINE SISKINS , and 12 CEDAR WAXWINGS. A SHARP-SHINNED HAWK was seen in Dorset on November 4, and on November 5, an AMERICAN ROBIN was still working on the crabapples in Dorset.
Ken and Pam Perry saw BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS in Walker in Cass County on November 4.
Thanks to Emily Hutchins, Hal Sanders, Ken and Pam Perry, Marshall Howe, Peggy Seed 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, November 13, 2014