Northwest Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday, January 12, 2017

This is the Northwest Minnesota Birding Report for Thursday, January 12, 2017 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.

As I compile this report, the temperature is dropping like a stone, but the wind that we had all day has diminished. The full moon is gloriously bright, and were it not so cold, it would be a great night to go out and enjoy it. Birds today have been using the feeders very busily.

From Warroad in Roseau County, Beth Siverhus reported a female NORTHERN CARDINAL that came to her yard on December 30. On the 5th, she saw a NORTHERN SHRIKE and a DARK-EYED JUNCO. Gregg Knutsen observed a NORTHERN HAWK OWL along MN 310 north of Roseau on January 7.

In Kittson County, Larry Wilebski saw a NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL on January 8, and reported that the SHARP-TAILED GROUSE were seen dancing. Spring must be out there somewhere!

Heidi Hughes found BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS in Thief River Falls, Pennington County, on January 6.

On January 7, Shelley Steva and I found 22 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS in the town of Brooks in Red Lake County.

Bruce Flaig in southern Polk County was visited by a BARRED OWL and a GREAT HORNED OWL on January 9. Sandy Aubol saw a GOLDEN EAGLE in western Polk County on January 7, and also SHARP-TAILED GROUSE, GREATED PRAIRIE-CHICKENS, and a BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE a mile south of CR 69. Shelley Steva and I saw two AMERICAN ROBINS, and a large group of BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS in the town of Fosston on January 7. A SNOWY OWL was found by Sandy Aubol south of US 2 just west of Fosston that day.

In Hubbard County, Rebecca Engdahl saw a BARRED OWL on January 7, and reported that the LINCOLN’S SPARROW reported earlier is still there.

Waterfowl are still being seen in Fergus Falls in the open water there, and a BELTED KINGFISHER was also reported there this week.

Benjamin Eckhoff at Lake Carlos SP in Douglas County reported that MALLARDS, CANADA GEESE, TRUMPETER SWANS, COMMON GOLDENEYE , and two GADWALLS were seen on January 12 on the Long Prairie River north of Carlos. LESSER SCAUP were seen on the southwest side of Lake Cowdry. In the park, were MOURNING DOVES, BARRED OWL , BROWN CREEPER, NORTHERN SHRIKES and AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES.

Thanks to all who reported sightings this week.

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, January 19, 2017.