[Mnbird] Fwd: Explore Minnesota Birding Update - December 2017

[Steven C Laufers]

Pretty Birds of Winters remembered.

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> From: "Explore Minnesota" <exploreminnesota at public.govdelivery.com>
> Date: December 7, 2017 at 8:01:19 AM EST
> To: verolake at comcast.net
> Subject: Explore Minnesota Birding Update - December 2017
> Reply-To: exploreminnesota at public.govdelivery.com
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> Explore Minnesota Birding Update - December 2017	 
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> Pine grosbeak; photo by Sparky Stensaas
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> This is your monthly Explore Minnesota Birding Update -- happy birding and happy holidays!
> 
> December Nature Notes
> 
> December offers us a chance to view vast numbers of North America's largest waterfowl, the trumpeter swan. These majestic birds generally mate for life, can weigh up to 35 pounds and have a wingspan of roughly eight feet. Trumpeter swans were once prized for their meat and feathers, and hunted to near extinction in America by the 1930s. Fortunately, conservation groups and individuals combined efforts and trumpeter swans are once again thriving in Minnesota. One Minnesotan, Carrol Henderson, played a major role in reviving the population. For a heart-warming story about his efforts, read Visions of Swans.
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> Today, trumpeter swans gather in large numbers during the winter on a section of the Mississippi River at Monticello where water flows year round due to a nearby power plant. A single pair of swans was released here by Hennepin Parks in the 1960s, and cooperation between public and private groups helped establish the swan population at this site. A Monticello resident, Sheila Lawrence, was instrumental in attracting and retaining the birds by caring for them daily. The DNR's Swan Lady video tells her story. For directions, visit Swan Park--Mississippi River. In addition to trumpeter swans, many ducks and geese gather at this site. Before you head out, print the Swan and Goose Identification Brochure to help you differentiate between the species.
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> Did You Know?
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> We may be in for another snowy owl irruption (influx of a species to an area where they normally don't reside)! The last irruption occurred in 2013 and many of the preceding factors have been observed this year. According to Project SNOWstorm, a snowy owl organization that developed following the 2013 irruption, there was a thriving population of lemmings in the arctic tundra this year, followed by a strong breeding season for the owls. In addition, about 200 snowy owls have already been observed in the Upper Midwest and Northeastern United States.
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> This year marks the 118th Audubon Christmas Bird Count. Bird counts will be held Dec. 14 through Jan. 5 at sites throughout the U.S., Canada, and many other countries in the Western Hemisphere. The information gathered at a site over a 24 hour period is summarized by scientists to gain insight into bird populations and patterns. Volunteers of all skill levels are needed. There are dozens of bird counts in Minnesota. Locate a bird count near you --- some are listed below.
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> Upcoming Birding Events
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> Dec. 9, Afton
> Build a Bird Feeder 
> Show your feathered friends some love by making a feeder just for them! This simple design will help feed your backyard birds over the winter and beyond. Reservations required. Afton State Park. 651-231-6968.
> Dec. 9, Meadowlands
> Winter Birds Field Trip
> Head out with a naturalist to find as many of the bog specialties as possible including sharp-tailed grouse, black-billed magpie, gray jay, winter finches, and more. Sax Zim Bog. 218-341-3350
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> Dec. 16, Bloomington
> Bloomington Christmas Bird Count
> Join the annual Christmas Bird Count and help count birds. Young birders with good eyes and ears are especially appreciated as an addition to a team of more experienced birders with good ID skills. 612-719- 6103
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> Dec. 16, Excelsior
> Excelsior Christmas Bird Count
> Attend the Christmas Bird Count, and help search for birds in parts of Minnetonka, Eden Prairie, Excelsior, Chanhassen, Chaska or Shakopee. A portion of Carver Park will also be covered. 763-694-7650
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> Dec. 16, Rochester
> Rochester Christmas Bird Count 
> Join teams of birdwatchers during the Christmas Bird Count and search for birds in designated sections of Rochester. West Silver Lake parking lot & Quarry Hill Park. 507-328-3950
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> Dec. 16, Winona
> Winona Christmas Bird Count
> The annual Christmas Bird Count is in need of volunteers to count birds on both sides of the Mississippi River. Mugby Junction. 507-458-7208
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> Dec. 22, Hastings
> Minnesota Campus Bird Banding
> Bird banders welcome you to see birds up close and learn all about them. Banding runs continuously for 3 ½ hours but visitors may come and go at any time. Please call ahead. Donations of bird seed or suet are greatly appreciated. Carpenter Nature Center. 651-437-4359
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> Dec. 30, Alexandria
> Alexandria Christmas Bird Count
> Explore the Alexandria count area in search of winter bird residents. Stay a few hours or spend the whole day. Lake Carlos State Park. 320-852-7471
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> Dec. 30, Two Harbors
> Fast Flyers: Peregrine Falcons 
> The fastest bird in the world, the peregrine falcon, nests along the North Shore. Listen to its story of recovery and the people who helped, learn about these remarkable birds and meet live falcons. Gooseberry Falls State Park. 218-595-7100
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> Jan. 1, Elba
> Whitewater River Valley Christmas Bird Count 
> Christmas Bird Count participants will explore the area on foot and/or by car as they document wintering birds. Anyone with an interest in birds, regardless of birding experience, is invited to participate. Whitewater State Park. 507-312-2308
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> Jan. 5-6, Meadowlands
> BRRRRdathon 
> The BRRRRdathon may be the world’s coldest birdathon but it can also be the most exhilarating with the possibility of many boreal specialties. Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin. 218-341-3350
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> Recent Bird Sightings
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> Check the Duluth/North Shore Rare Bird Alert and the Northwestern Minnesota/Detroit Lakes Rare Bird Alert for recent bird sightings. Recent sightings throughout the state can be found at the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union Minnesota Statewide Rare Bird Alert. For additional information, consider joining the Minnesota Birding community on Facebook.
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> Trumpeter swans fly over the Mississippi River at Monticello
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> Pine grosbeak at the Sax Zim Bog welcome center; photo by Sparky Stensaas
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> Snowy owl; photo by Jim Williams
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> Spruce grouse in Superior National Forest; photo by Sparky Stensaas
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> American goldfinch; photo by David Cahlander
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> Common redpoll; photo by David Brislance
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> Boreal chickadee; photo by Mike Lentz
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> Gray jay at Sax Zim Bog; photo by Larry Sirvio
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> Pileated woodpecker in Koochiching County on Dec. 4; photo by Allan Meadows
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