The first few weeks of November offer a rare chance to view thousands of migrating tundra swans at the Brownsville Overlook, located three miles south of Brownsville off Hwy. 26. Volunteer interpreters are at this site on weekend days in November. There are additional overlooks off Hwy. 26 that also offer great vantage points.
Birders have a special opportunity to contribute to the Minnesota Breeding Bird Atlas (BBA). BBAs are used throughout the world to document and map the distribution of breeding birds. Surveyors record evidence of breeding status for each species observed, and volunteers are needed to help gather data. Everyone is eligible to participate. Detailed information about the atlas and becoming a surveyor is available at the Minnesota Breeding Bird Atlas web site.
The following information has been provided courtesy of the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union. This report is brought to you by ExploreMinnesota.com.
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The following is a list of recent, significant sightings:
On November 12th, an adult California Gull was identified by Karl Bardon at the far end of Park Point in Duluth. Other gulls in the area included Glaucous Gull, Thayer's Gull, Great Black-Backed Gull, Herring Gull, Bonaparte's Gull, Ring-Billed Gull, and Lesser Black-Backed Gull.
Also on November 12th, a Barrow's Goldeneye was on Lake Superior in Duluth, first seen in the 21st Avenue East area, but also near the rowing club at Park Point.
A Northern Hawk Owl was still at Mile Marker 49 of State Highway 72 in Lake of the Woods County on November 15, and a Great Gray Owl was in St. Louis County along Forest Highway 11 near Jenkins Creek.
Townsend's Solitaires are still being seen at the Ann Lake Campground of Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge in Sherburne County, and at the north end of Vadnais Lake in Ramsey County. The Ramsey County bird is frequenting the cedars on the west side of County Road F.
And, a very late Scarlet Tanager was at Larry Wilebski's cabin in Kittson County on November 15.



Information in this statewide birding report is provided by and financially supported by the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union (MOU), Minnesota's oldest and largest bird club. The report is composed from reports submitted by MOU members and other birders throughout the state. You can support this weekly birding update by submitting your bird reports to Anthony Hertzel at axhertzel@gmail.com or by calling the hotline directly at 763-780-8890 and leaving a detailed message. MOU members receive the organization's quarterly journal "The Loon," and the bi-monthly magazine, "Minnesota Birding." For membership information, send an e-mail message to our membership secretary at membership@moumn.org
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