NEWSLETTERS ~ CURRENT NEWS ~ BUTTERFLY COUNT ~ CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT ~ NATIVE PLANTS & PRAIRIE ~ VOLUNTEER
Current News
December 14, 2024 - Christmas Bird Count
Conditions were not ideal for our Christmas Bird Count on Saturday, Dec. 14. Last year we tolerated misty conditions but this year we had actual ice to contend with. Roads were slick first thing in the morning - then we had a bit of a break before conditions deteriorated and forced most of our teams to give up by 3pm. It was just too dangerous to be out.
All was not lost though, and our nine teams were able to locate 52 species on count day. Eleven additional "count week" birds were found making a grand total of 63 species for 2024. Last year we found 57 species on count day plus 7 count week birds giving us a total of 64 - so pretty close to the same.
Incredibly, a Gray Catbird was found this year by Dave Gross. It's the first time a Catbird has been found on our count - and he even got a photo! Other great finds included Red-shouldered Hawks, an immature Northern Harrier, Eastern Screech Owl, Red-headed Woodpeckers, Tufted Titmouse and Rusty Blackbirds.
Several teams were able to meet up for a quick lunch at Quarry Hill that day, but icy roads later in the day meant our traditional pot luck and final tally was not well attended. We want to thank our coordinator Clifford Hanson, our team leaders and all the volunteers who went out in search of birds. Thanks also to Quarry Hill for the use of their facilities during the day,
See our preliminary species list here - scroll down on the page.
Conditions were not ideal for our Christmas Bird Count on Saturday, Dec. 14. Last year we tolerated misty conditions but this year we had actual ice to contend with. Roads were slick first thing in the morning - then we had a bit of a break before conditions deteriorated and forced most of our teams to give up by 3pm. It was just too dangerous to be out.
All was not lost though, and our nine teams were able to locate 52 species on count day. Eleven additional "count week" birds were found making a grand total of 63 species for 2024. Last year we found 57 species on count day plus 7 count week birds giving us a total of 64 - so pretty close to the same.
Incredibly, a Gray Catbird was found this year by Dave Gross. It's the first time a Catbird has been found on our count - and he even got a photo! Other great finds included Red-shouldered Hawks, an immature Northern Harrier, Eastern Screech Owl, Red-headed Woodpeckers, Tufted Titmouse and Rusty Blackbirds.
Several teams were able to meet up for a quick lunch at Quarry Hill that day, but icy roads later in the day meant our traditional pot luck and final tally was not well attended. We want to thank our coordinator Clifford Hanson, our team leaders and all the volunteers who went out in search of birds. Thanks also to Quarry Hill for the use of their facilities during the day,
See our preliminary species list here - scroll down on the page.
December 11, 2024 - Bird banding talk at Whitewater SP
It was a cold, windy and snowy day but the folks who attended this month's H.O.P. (Healthy Older People) program at the Whitewater SP Visitor Center were warm and inside, enjoying a talk about bird banding presented by Terry Grier. Terry is well known to many of us as he and his wife Joyce lead the monthly bird walks at Quarry Hill.
In today's talk he talked about the history of bird banding, some of the methods used, and shared stories about banding adventures he's had over the years. Did you know that Chickadees are the toughest birds to get out of the nets? They put up a fight every time, while Saw-whet Owls are docile and are tolerant of a lot of handling. And most birds can be temporarily "hypnotized" and will remain still if placed on their backs. It was a fun talk and we hope he'll give it again at a future ZVAS meeting.
After the talk a few of us had lunch by the feeders and then drove around looking for birds. Highlights included, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-throated Sparrow, Purple Finch, Tufted Titmouse, Pileated Woodpecker, Pintail Duck and even a few Snipe.
Keep on birding!
It was a cold, windy and snowy day but the folks who attended this month's H.O.P. (Healthy Older People) program at the Whitewater SP Visitor Center were warm and inside, enjoying a talk about bird banding presented by Terry Grier. Terry is well known to many of us as he and his wife Joyce lead the monthly bird walks at Quarry Hill.
In today's talk he talked about the history of bird banding, some of the methods used, and shared stories about banding adventures he's had over the years. Did you know that Chickadees are the toughest birds to get out of the nets? They put up a fight every time, while Saw-whet Owls are docile and are tolerant of a lot of handling. And most birds can be temporarily "hypnotized" and will remain still if placed on their backs. It was a fun talk and we hope he'll give it again at a future ZVAS meeting.
After the talk a few of us had lunch by the feeders and then drove around looking for birds. Highlights included, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-throated Sparrow, Purple Finch, Tufted Titmouse, Pileated Woodpecker, Pintail Duck and even a few Snipe.
Keep on birding!
December 7, 2024 - Bird walk at Quarry Hill
Warm Saturday morning temperatures in the 40's with almost no wind brought out 25 birdwatchers for the December version of our monthly bird walk at Quarry Hill Nature Center. There was already a lot of activity due to the annual Nature Art Show and Sale this weekend.
Terry Grier gave us his usual pep talk and we started watching the feeders, finding many of the normal winter resident birds. We had a surprise visitor at the pond when a Big Brown Bat was spotted flying over the south end of the pond! This may be the only sighting of a bat on these walks ever, and certainly the only one in the winter! The woodpeckers were active in the woods, and 3 Brown Creepers gave us lots of good looks at them. Two Red-tailed Hawks soared high over our heads enjoying the sunshine.
Many thanks to Sue Hayes for keeping the bird list and posting it to E-bird. Thanks to all of the Audubon members who helped point out and identify birds, and of course to the leaders Joyce and Terry Grier. All photos by Terry Grier
Birds seen on the walk, 18 species:
Canada Goose, Rock Pigeon, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, American Robin, House Sparrow, House Finch, American Goldfinch, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal
Warm Saturday morning temperatures in the 40's with almost no wind brought out 25 birdwatchers for the December version of our monthly bird walk at Quarry Hill Nature Center. There was already a lot of activity due to the annual Nature Art Show and Sale this weekend.
Terry Grier gave us his usual pep talk and we started watching the feeders, finding many of the normal winter resident birds. We had a surprise visitor at the pond when a Big Brown Bat was spotted flying over the south end of the pond! This may be the only sighting of a bat on these walks ever, and certainly the only one in the winter! The woodpeckers were active in the woods, and 3 Brown Creepers gave us lots of good looks at them. Two Red-tailed Hawks soared high over our heads enjoying the sunshine.
Many thanks to Sue Hayes for keeping the bird list and posting it to E-bird. Thanks to all of the Audubon members who helped point out and identify birds, and of course to the leaders Joyce and Terry Grier. All photos by Terry Grier
Birds seen on the walk, 18 species:
Canada Goose, Rock Pigeon, Red-tailed Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, American Robin, House Sparrow, House Finch, American Goldfinch, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal
November 26, 2024 - Foxloft Conservancy: Working to Build Southern Minnesota's First Wildlife Hospital
Last night 45 people came out to Quarry Hill Nature Center to hear Foxfeather Zenkova talk about her work with Vultures and wildlife rehabilitation. Her ultimate goal is to open the first Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital in southern MN - something which is sorely needed!
Currently based near Mantorville, Zenkova is a licensed Falconer who has been working with wildlife for 25 years. She described the lengthy process involved to become a licensed rehabilitator and also encouraged interested people to start by volunteering. There is always a need for more help with feeding, cleaning and transporting animals. This work can be heartbreaking when a bird doesn't make it. But also joy-filled when one is successfully released into the wild.
She told us several stories about her successes, including one about a little hummingbird which hit a window, suffering spinal injuries and swelling. Zenkova initially didn't have much hope but was able to craft tiny tools using toothpicks with soft rubber tips and used them to massage the bird and flex its tail and wing muscles. Eventually the bird regained full motion and it started flying again. It migrated normally and she's almost positive it was the same bird that came back the following spring looking for a feeder exactly where it was housed during rehabilitation.
Zenkova also described the plight of vultures worldwide. Sixteen out of only 23 species worldwide are threatened or endangered. In India the local populations have declined as much as 99% mostly due to people making ill-considered decisions with no regard for the future or long-term needs (that’s a worldwide problem).
At the end of the talk she pointed out a few ways everyone can help birds:
Zenkova's Foxloft Conservancy has grown over the years and is in constant need of funds. Did you know it can cost $25 a day to feed one eagle? She and her husband (along with a faithful group of volunteers) do most of the work and she even sells her unique art work to help support the cause.
We encourage everyone to visit their web sites to learn more about what's happening and how to support the Foxloft and Vulture Conservancies:
https://linktr.ee/Foxfeather
https://vultureconservancy.org/help/
Last night 45 people came out to Quarry Hill Nature Center to hear Foxfeather Zenkova talk about her work with Vultures and wildlife rehabilitation. Her ultimate goal is to open the first Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital in southern MN - something which is sorely needed!
Currently based near Mantorville, Zenkova is a licensed Falconer who has been working with wildlife for 25 years. She described the lengthy process involved to become a licensed rehabilitator and also encouraged interested people to start by volunteering. There is always a need for more help with feeding, cleaning and transporting animals. This work can be heartbreaking when a bird doesn't make it. But also joy-filled when one is successfully released into the wild.
She told us several stories about her successes, including one about a little hummingbird which hit a window, suffering spinal injuries and swelling. Zenkova initially didn't have much hope but was able to craft tiny tools using toothpicks with soft rubber tips and used them to massage the bird and flex its tail and wing muscles. Eventually the bird regained full motion and it started flying again. It migrated normally and she's almost positive it was the same bird that came back the following spring looking for a feeder exactly where it was housed during rehabilitation.
Zenkova also described the plight of vultures worldwide. Sixteen out of only 23 species worldwide are threatened or endangered. In India the local populations have declined as much as 99% mostly due to people making ill-considered decisions with no regard for the future or long-term needs (that’s a worldwide problem).
At the end of the talk she pointed out a few ways everyone can help birds:
- Don't throw food in ditches - food attracts rodents which attracts hawks and owls - and large birds aren't always fast enough to get out of the way of speeding cars.
- Take down sports nets after each game and don't use decorative "spider webs" out doors. Both entangle owls.
- Don't use rodenticides which also sicken and kill birds when they eat the rodents that weren't killed outright. Glue traps also kill birds as the glue gets all over their feathers and is impossible to remove.
- Use window treatments to prevent bird strikes.
Zenkova's Foxloft Conservancy has grown over the years and is in constant need of funds. Did you know it can cost $25 a day to feed one eagle? She and her husband (along with a faithful group of volunteers) do most of the work and she even sells her unique art work to help support the cause.
We encourage everyone to visit their web sites to learn more about what's happening and how to support the Foxloft and Vulture Conservancies:
https://linktr.ee/Foxfeather
https://vultureconservancy.org/help/
November 23, 2024 - Tundra Swan Field Trip to Brownsville
Sixteen people traveled over to the Mississippi River this morning on a quest to see migrating Tundra Swans. It was a calm, gray overcast morning with just a few peeks of sunshine and temps were in the 30s. When we arrived at the north overlook (south of Brownsville) we found a few hundred Tundra Swans, one lonely Great Blue Heron, plenty of assorted ducks (list below) and a few Pelicans. Pretty good, but not super great, as few of the birds were close enough to get good looks without binoculars or scopes.
Next we went to the south overlook and there we found thousands of swans right off the viewing platform! Unfortunately within moments of our arrival (we barely had time to get our cameras out) the majority took flight. It was an incredible sight and the sound of all those wings beating as those heavy birds lifted off will be something we'll never forget! They didn't all leave. Several hundred stayed along with a huge flock of Ring-necked Ducks and we spent a lot of time searching for different species. A small group of 5 Trumpeter Swans flew in while we were looking. We knew they were Trumpeters by their distinctive call - if they had flown in silently we might not have noticed them as Trumpeters and Tundras can be hard to tell apart at a distance.
The DNR Naturalist on duty at the north overlook said there were approx. 4,000 swans currently in the area - but very spread out. She thought the main body of swans hadn't yet arrived and were still up north. Colder weather is coming next week that may finally cause the northern waters to ice up - which will push the swans south. Next weekend might be perfect (unless the water near the overlooks ices up as well)... what can you do.
We had a great time on this trip. Thanks to Brendan Lanpher and Terry Grier for leading. Photos by Sandy Hokanson.
Species seen at the overlooks:
Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Tundra Swan, Wood Duck, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Canvasback, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, American Coot, Great Blue Heron, American White Pelican, Bald Eagle, Hairy Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay
Species seen on the road:
Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove. Gull species, Red-tailed Hawks (at least 8), Rough-legged Hawk 1, Kestrels (at least 7), Starlings, Crows
Sixteen people traveled over to the Mississippi River this morning on a quest to see migrating Tundra Swans. It was a calm, gray overcast morning with just a few peeks of sunshine and temps were in the 30s. When we arrived at the north overlook (south of Brownsville) we found a few hundred Tundra Swans, one lonely Great Blue Heron, plenty of assorted ducks (list below) and a few Pelicans. Pretty good, but not super great, as few of the birds were close enough to get good looks without binoculars or scopes.
Next we went to the south overlook and there we found thousands of swans right off the viewing platform! Unfortunately within moments of our arrival (we barely had time to get our cameras out) the majority took flight. It was an incredible sight and the sound of all those wings beating as those heavy birds lifted off will be something we'll never forget! They didn't all leave. Several hundred stayed along with a huge flock of Ring-necked Ducks and we spent a lot of time searching for different species. A small group of 5 Trumpeter Swans flew in while we were looking. We knew they were Trumpeters by their distinctive call - if they had flown in silently we might not have noticed them as Trumpeters and Tundras can be hard to tell apart at a distance.
The DNR Naturalist on duty at the north overlook said there were approx. 4,000 swans currently in the area - but very spread out. She thought the main body of swans hadn't yet arrived and were still up north. Colder weather is coming next week that may finally cause the northern waters to ice up - which will push the swans south. Next weekend might be perfect (unless the water near the overlooks ices up as well)... what can you do.
We had a great time on this trip. Thanks to Brendan Lanpher and Terry Grier for leading. Photos by Sandy Hokanson.
Species seen at the overlooks:
Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Tundra Swan, Wood Duck, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Canvasback, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, American Coot, Great Blue Heron, American White Pelican, Bald Eagle, Hairy Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay
Species seen on the road:
Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove. Gull species, Red-tailed Hawks (at least 8), Rough-legged Hawk 1, Kestrels (at least 7), Starlings, Crows
November 2, 2024 - Bird walk at Quarry Hill
The weather was crisp and sunny on our walk at Quarry Hill this morning. Most of the leaves had fallen in the high winds a few days ago - we miss them - but it's also easier to spot the birds now. Out of the 20 species we found today a small flock of Golden-crowned Kinglets and a pair of female Purple Finches were our best birds. We also noted several Robins and White-threated Sparrows still in the area. Juncos have arrived and should stick around for the winter.
Most of the regular resident birds were seen, but we were a bit disappointed not to find more sparrow species. No hawks were flying this morning either - but they were likely waiting for things to warm up a bit more before heading out to search for today's lunch.
Many thanks to Sandy Hokanson and Brendan Lanpher for leading today's walk. And thank you to the new participants who reminded us just how beautiful our common Blue Jays really are.
Species list:
Canada Goose, Mallard, Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon), Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Golden-crowned Kinglet, White-breasted Nuthatch, American Robin, House Sparrow, House Finch, Purple Finch, Pine Siskin, American Goldfinch, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal
Photos by Sandy Hokanson
Don't miss the surprise bonus photos from Terry Grier at the end of the photos!
The weather was crisp and sunny on our walk at Quarry Hill this morning. Most of the leaves had fallen in the high winds a few days ago - we miss them - but it's also easier to spot the birds now. Out of the 20 species we found today a small flock of Golden-crowned Kinglets and a pair of female Purple Finches were our best birds. We also noted several Robins and White-threated Sparrows still in the area. Juncos have arrived and should stick around for the winter.
Most of the regular resident birds were seen, but we were a bit disappointed not to find more sparrow species. No hawks were flying this morning either - but they were likely waiting for things to warm up a bit more before heading out to search for today's lunch.
Many thanks to Sandy Hokanson and Brendan Lanpher for leading today's walk. And thank you to the new participants who reminded us just how beautiful our common Blue Jays really are.
Species list:
Canada Goose, Mallard, Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon), Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee, Golden-crowned Kinglet, White-breasted Nuthatch, American Robin, House Sparrow, House Finch, Purple Finch, Pine Siskin, American Goldfinch, Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal
Photos by Sandy Hokanson
Don't miss the surprise bonus photos from Terry Grier at the end of the photos!
October 22, 2024 - Seed Dispersal Program by Joel Dunnette
Are you fond of breathing? Then thank a plant as they provide us with oxygen we need to live. Last night at the Quarry Hill Nature Center Joel Dunnette talked to us about the world of plants and specifically about the ways they disperse their seeds. Joel brought dozens of dried plants gathered from local prairies for us to handle. He even and even used a small fan to simulate the wind blowing seeds around the room. It was a very interactive experience!
Over the millennia plants have evolved many ways to spread their seeds including flying on the wind, floating down rivers and streams, propelling them up to 10ft away, and being carried off by insects, birds and animals (just walk through the woods on a fall day wearing a fleece jacket and see how many seeds you come back with).
Some seeds need "special" processing (being eaten and pooped out) to be viable. Others, like Porcupine Grass, have a unique method of planting themselves. The seed head is attached to an "awns" which expands and contracts with variations in temperature and moisture, and this action drills it the seed into the soil. You can watch a 2 minute YouTube video of it doing just that here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVOlYLNcFNQ
Thank you Joel for such a fascinating look into the world of seeds!
Are you fond of breathing? Then thank a plant as they provide us with oxygen we need to live. Last night at the Quarry Hill Nature Center Joel Dunnette talked to us about the world of plants and specifically about the ways they disperse their seeds. Joel brought dozens of dried plants gathered from local prairies for us to handle. He even and even used a small fan to simulate the wind blowing seeds around the room. It was a very interactive experience!
Over the millennia plants have evolved many ways to spread their seeds including flying on the wind, floating down rivers and streams, propelling them up to 10ft away, and being carried off by insects, birds and animals (just walk through the woods on a fall day wearing a fleece jacket and see how many seeds you come back with).
Some seeds need "special" processing (being eaten and pooped out) to be viable. Others, like Porcupine Grass, have a unique method of planting themselves. The seed head is attached to an "awns" which expands and contracts with variations in temperature and moisture, and this action drills it the seed into the soil. You can watch a 2 minute YouTube video of it doing just that here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVOlYLNcFNQ
Thank you Joel for such a fascinating look into the world of seeds!