Birdingonthe.Net Recent Postings from North Dakota > Home > Mail > Alerts Updated on Saturday, June 15 at 11:17 AM EST The most recently received Mail is at the top.	Dunns Lark,©BirdQuest

15 Jun BBS Dickinson [Jesse Kolar ] 14 Jun Photo needed, NOHA ["Svingen, Dan -FS" ] 13 Jun Bullock's oriole [bob neugebauer ] 13 Jun Saturday [mick zerr ] 12 Jun Denbigh BBS [Ron Martin ] 11 Jun Long-billed curlew-Slope Co. [Chris Hiatt ] 10 Jun Black-crowned Night Heron in Dickinson [Jesse Kolar ] 10 Jun Chestnut-collared Longspurs & LeConte's Sparrow - 06-10-13 [David K Weaver ] 9 Jun Sunday birding [Ron Martin ] 9 Jun Chestnut-collared longspur [Chris Hiatt ] 9 Jun Rose-breasted grosbeak-Marmath [Chris Hiatt ] 9 Jun Piping Plover [Jesse Kolar ] 9 Jun Patridge-Killdeer Mts. [Chris Hiatt ] 8 Jun Antelope Lakes [Ron Martin ] 7 Jun Black-billed Cuckoo [Jesse Kolar ] 7 Jun Mid July Birding [David Boon ] 5 Jun scarlet tanager [Armand Lagasse ] 5 Jun Barnes County [Bob Anderson ] 5 Jun FW: eBird Report - Sleepy Hollow Park, Jun 5, 2013 [Corey Ellingson ] 5 Jun Oak Park, Minot [Ron Martin ] 5 Jun Western tanager bowman [Chris Hiatt ] 5 Jun Chestnut Sided ["Rogers, Daniel" ] 3 Jun Help for a visitor [Carolyn Johansson ] 2 Jun Warblers [Carl Stangeland ] 2 Jun male summer tanager Barnes County [jlegge ] 2 Jun Noisy geese [Charles J Taft ] 2 Jun Loon ["sisterpamop AT gmail.com" ] 1 Jun Fargo/valley city parks [Chris Hiatt ] 1 Jun Lazuli & Indigo at feeder [Jean Legge ] 1 Jun Oak Park, Minot [Ron Martin ] 31 May late birding report [Ron Martin ] 31 May Migration fallout [David Lambeth ] 31 May Where to find Chestnut-collared Longspurs [Wil Hershberger ] 30 May Partners in Flight V Workshops, Birding Field Trips, Poster Sessions - Snowbird, Utah, August 25 - 28 Register Now While Low Rates Still Available [Steve Holmer ] 30 May lazuli bunting in BC [jlegge ] 30 May recent observations [David Lambeth ] 29 May 59th Annual Birdwalk This Sunday [V N ] 28 May May Warbler Numbers [Dean Riemer ] 28 May Bismarck/Mandan area [Clark Talkington ] 28 May Dickinson and Medora [Jesse Kolar ] 28 May Common Nighthawk [Deb Lancaster ] 27 May McKenzie co additions [Maureen OMara ] 27 May Beaver Bay Recreation Area [Clark Talkington ] 27 May Re: RFI: Palm Warbler in North Dakota [James Tyler Bell ] 27 May BLUE-WINGED WARBLER STILL PRESENT [Dean Riemer ] 27 May Re: RFI: Palm Warbler in North Dakota [James Tyler Bell ] 27 May Oak Park, Minot [Ron Martin ] 27 May Red-headed Woodpecker [M&D Bingeman ] 26 May birding story [mick zerr ] 26 May RFI: Palm Warbler in North Dakota [Stevan Hawkins ] 26 May Bobolinks --North Fargo [Wanda Peterson ] 26 May New yard bird! [Betsy Batstone-Cunningham ] 26 May Bobolinks on the Grand Forks Greenway [Betsy Batstone-Cunningham ] 26 May Potholes and Prairie Birding Festival [Ann Hoffert ] 26 May Blue-winged Warbler ["O'Connor, Robert" ] 26 May Bismarck to Dawson [Clark Talkington ] 25 May Oak Park, Minot Lagoons, 5/25 [James Tyler Bell ] 25 May Red-billied Woodpecker and other nature [Ann Hoffert ] 25 May Indigo Bunting [Betsy Batstone-Cunningham ] 24 May WHIMBREL [Corey Ellingson ] 24 May McKenzie Slough WMA [Clark Talkington ] 23 May Backyard Birds [] 23 May McKenzie Slough sightings [Lisa Kraft ] 23 May Re: Oak Park walk tomorrow? [Sherry ] 23 May Oak Park walk tomorrow? [James Tyler Bell ] 23 May Indigo Bunting [Randy Toppen ] 22 May Fallout in Valley City [Bob Anderson ] 22 May scarlet tanager at my house [jlegge ] 22 May Full Yard [Peder Stenslie ] 22 May Summer Tanager [Peder Stenslie ] 22 May Mourning Warbler [Linda Gregg ] 22 May Red Headed Woodpecker [Randy Toppen ] 22 May Warblers crash into windows in downtown Bismarck ["McPhillips, Elizabeth" ] 22 May Yard Birds [David Lindee ] 22 May Red-headed Woodpecker [Ann Hoffert ] 21 May SDOU at Mobridge [mick zerr ] Subject: BBS Dickinson From: Jesse Kolar <jessekolar AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sat, 15 Jun 2013 10:00:50 -0600 I started on a BBS survey hoping that the forecast for winds would be wrong, but even with a great start, the winds picked up before 5. However, I salvaged the morning and was able to hear a Nelson's Sparrow, and see Bullock's Oriole, Cooper's Hawk, and Black-headed Grosbeaks. Many of the killdeers had chicks, some large enough to have feathers growing out of the down already. Also, Thursday in the badlands between Golva and Williams Lake I saw a burrowing owl, long-billed curlews, nesting prairie falcons, and a Baird's sparrow. Jesse Kolar Dickinson Subject: Photo needed, NOHA From: "Svingen, Dan -FS" <dsvingen AT FS.FED.US> Date: Fri, 14 Jun 2013 15:55:38 +0000 I am working on an environmental assessment regarding grassland management. I would like to include a photo of a northern harrier. If you have a digital image you would be willing to let me use, please email it to me. The photographer would be credited in the public document, but I have no funds to pay for a license fee. Thanks for whatever help you can provide! Dan. Dan Svingen Acting District Ranger/Capital City Coordinator Ft. Pierre Ranger District Nebraska National Forest and Grasslands US Forest Service Office: (605) 224-5517 Cell: (701) 214-8286 dsvingen AT fs.fed.us This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately. Subject: Bullock's oriole From: bob neugebauer <bobneugebauer AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 13 Jun 2013 18:43:53 -0700 This Bullock's oriole was in our yard this morning eating chokecherry jelly. Corey confirmed the identification.  Please click the link below to see a photo of the bird: http://bobneugebauerbirds.shutterfly.com/photosk-o/457 Bob Neugebauer East of Bismarck Subject: Saturday From: mick zerr <zerrmick AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 13 Jun 2013 12:43:05 -0700 Folks, this is in reference to the Purple Martin of the Dakotas trip to Columbia/Sand Lake NWR on Saturday. This is a scheduled field trip for Dakota Birders. At least 4 folks are going up on Friday (tomorrow) to do some birding, and will do more birding before the PM presentation at 9:00 Saturday AM, plus more after the program is over at 3:00. The PM location is just south of Columbia, and Columbia is just south of SLNWR. The north end of the refuge is three miles from the ND border.   Gary Olson of Aberdeen has been kind enough to have scouted the area, and will help in the birding.  If you wish to do Friday PM, or Saturday AM birding, and want to join others, give us a call (Doug Chapman or Mick Zerr) tomorrow, or e-mail us today.  605-940-7435, or 838-7113 Mick Zerr Subject: Denbigh BBS From: Ron Martin <jrmartin AT SRT.COM> Date: Wed, 12 Jun 2013 22:16:35 -0500 ND-Birders: Today I ran the Denbigh BBS in McHenry Co. The survey runs through the usually dry, sandy soils typical of much of the county. This year many of the stops had standing water covering much of the landscape. One result was that 11 species of waterfowl were recorded along with 3 species of grebes. The 95 species recorded was the highest ever for the route. The grassland habitat for the usual species was under water, and their numbers were generally low. Once again I recorded no Baird's Sparrows, a species that was very common 2 decades ago. Following are a few of the totals with some observations. Thanks to Sherry Leslie for recording. Pied-b. Grebe - 16, most years 2 or 3 is the norm. Am. Kestrel - 1, formerly a common breeder in the county. Sora - 53, a lifetime total for this survey. Am. Coot - 42, also many times the usual number. Wilson's Snipe - 51, see comments under Coot and Sora. Black-b. Cuckoo - my first for the year. Red-headed Woodpecker - 3, always nice to see. Increasingly difficult to find these days. E. Wood-Pewee - 3, at farmsteads, very unusual. Late migrants perhaps, but the tree stands get larger every year. Alder Flycatcher - 2 migrants. Purple Martin - one flyover, very high and obviously migrating. Sedge Wren - 5, low. Sprague's Pipit - 3, very low. Le Conte's Sparrow - 4, low. Nelson's Sparrow - 8, higher than usual. Dickcissel - one flyover. Good birding, Ron Martin Rural Sawyer Subject: Long-billed curlew-Slope Co. From: Chris Hiatt <hiattch AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Tue, 11 Jun 2013 18:02:10 -0700 Saw a curlew today about 1 mile east of Davis Dam.  That's roughly about 10 miles west of Logging Camp Ranch.  Chris Hiatt Bowman Subject: Black-crowned Night Heron in Dickinson From: Jesse Kolar <jessekolar AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Mon, 10 Jun 2013 22:18:07 -0600 Tonight I fished until just about dark at the Dickinson Dike, and a Black-crowned Night Heron flew low over the water right at dusk. I believe it flew out of the golf course pond and was flying NE approximately toward the settling ponds on Old Hwy 10 just W of town. Jesse Kolar Dickinson Subject: Chestnut-collared Longspurs & LeConte's Sparrow - 06-10-13 From: David K Weaver <cygnus-dkw AT VERIZON.NET> Date: Mon, 10 Jun 2013 22:05:25 -0500 Many thanks to Ron Martin for information on recent sightings of local specialties. Today, a group from Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats Education Center in Newburyport headed west from Jamestown in hopes of locating these birds. We did so with success. We found one male Chestnut-sided Longspur after driving 10 miles on US 281/52 to 28th St SE, then left (west) for 4.7 miles on 28th. A LeConte's Sparrow was found 0.3 miles further west on 28th St SE. Later in the afternoon, we exited I-94 at Dawson and drove 10 miles south. Two miles west, in search of Baird's Sparrow (w/o success), we had four male Chestnut-sided Longspurs. Again, thanks to Ron. David Larson Joppa Flats Education Center Newburyport, MA 01950 Dave Weaver Manchester, MA 01944 cygnus-dkw AT verizon.net Sent from my iPad Subject: Sunday birding From: Ron Martin <jrmartin AT SRT.COM> Date: Sun, 9 Jun 2013 22:52:12 -0500 ND-Birders: Corey E. and I had an Olive-sided Flycatcher in Logan Co. today. Also 4 Dickcissels in Kidder Co. Good birding, Ron Martin Rural Sawyer Subject: Chestnut-collared longspur From: Chris Hiatt <hiattch AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Sun, 9 Jun 2013 18:38:23 -0700 Forgot to mention I saw one c.coll.longspur north of Marmath.  Think some out-of-towners posted they were looking for them. I haven't seen very many of them this year.  Bobolink and yellow-headed blackbird numbers seem up though.  The 15 or so black terns at the Bowman Lagoons have moved on.  Along with the lesser scaup and the 2 western grebes.  But the wilson's phalaropes are in now.  Chris Hiatt Bowman Subject: Rose-breasted grosbeak-Marmath From: Chris Hiatt <hiattch AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Sun, 9 Jun 2013 18:01:04 -0700 Hiked north of Marmath in the badlands for about 3 hours today with no luck seeing a sage grouse.  I know its a long shot, but still was a beautiful day being out there.  Saw a yellow-breasted chat, willow flycatcher and within about 5 feet from a porcupine in a draw. Also bairds sparrow.  Then in Marmath had a ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK on a rod iron fence in front of a house for sale. Was on the street to get to the city park, or head south from the post office of US-12.  ALso a red headed woodpecker and western wood-peewee in town. Finally added  BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE  to my Bowman county list, when one flew across the road about 5 miles east of Marmath.  I'm never here in the winter, so I was happy to finally see one in my home county.  That's after years of driving all across the county working and not seeing one during the summers. Chris Hiatt Bowman Subject: Piping Plover From: Jesse Kolar <jessekolar AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 9 Jun 2013 15:13:00 -0600 This afternoon there was a Piping Plover hanging around an alkali two-track/seasonally flooded track on the SW side of Gascoyne dam. A few others that aren't as common down there included: Orchard Oriole, Marbled Godwits, Willow Flycatcher (singing), and a Sora. The marsh on the south side of Gascoyne dam, between the highway and the dam, is once again full of water--good to see. Jesse Kolar Dickinson Subject: Patridge-Killdeer Mts. From: Chris Hiatt <hiattch AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Sun, 9 Jun 2013 00:29:13 -0700 Saw a lone partridge by a beeyard I have a mile from the Killdeer Mountain Battlefield Historic Site.  Very muddy up there!  Did see about 5 bobolinks for the day though.  Chris Hiatt Bowman Subject: Antelope Lakes From: Ron Martin <jrmartin AT SRT.COM> Date: Sat, 8 Jun 2013 20:56:55 -0500 ND-Birders: Today in the Antelope Lakes area of Pierce Co. I had a pair of Mountain Bluebirds and a singing Spotted Towhee. There are no breeding records for these two species in Pierce Co. Good birding, Ron Martin Rural Sawyer Subject: Black-billed Cuckoo From: Jesse Kolar <jessekolar AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 7 Jun 2013 16:50:37 -0600 Today on Beicegel Creek Road I heard a Black-billed Cuckoo singing away, and an empty nest in the draw where it was singing. There were also: Sprague's Pipit Long-billed Curlews (one pair) Black-and-white Warbler Lark and Lazuli Bunting et. al. At the Dickinson Dike there is a single, juvenile Common Loon, a lone Western Grebe and 3 Common Terns...pretty quiet otherwise. There were Magnolia Warblers at the NDGF office in Dickinson yesterday, but they must have taken advantage of the nice night to complete their migrations. Jesse Kolar Dickinson Subject: Mid July Birding From: David Boon <davidboon AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Fri, 7 Jun 2013 21:20:42 +0000 Hello All,             I shall be travelling to North Dakota from Michigan on the second week of July,and will be stopping at Chase Lake NWR,and on for 3 days at Theodore Roosevelt N.P.I have all the guides and such,but there is nothing like local knowledge to really help out.I would particularly like any Information on Bairds Sparrows,Chestnut Collared Longspurs and Lark Buntings in or around said areas.And any information on what I could see on those dates and areas would be particularly helpful.This will be my first trip to N.D,and any amount of Googling and reading is no substitute for Local Birders and any help would be truly appreciated.      David Boon    Rochester MI. Subject: scarlet tanager From: Armand Lagasse <a.lagasse AT SENDIT.NODAK.EDU> Date: Wed, 5 Jun 2013 23:02:13 -0500 This morning my wife and I were treated to super views of a scarlet tanager while on our daily walk in the Turtle Mountains near Lake Upsilon. We don't often see them up here; a lifer for my wife. Armand Lagasse Rolla, ND Subject: Barnes County From: Bob Anderson <bob.anderson AT VCSU.EDU> Date: Wed, 5 Jun 2013 21:40:10 -0500 I birded Barnes County yesterday (6/4/13) for warblers with Bob Traverso from Davis, CA, and we ended up with 12 species. We spent about 4 hours searching for warblers and other woodland birds. It would have been great if we could have spent all day looking for warblers, but we looked for prairie birds for most of the day. Here is an incomplete list of what we found in the wooded areas: Connecticut warbler 1 Canada warbler 12 Mourning warbler 2 Blackburnian warbler 1 Tennessee warbler 3 American redstart 7 Yellow warbler 25 Nashville warbler 1 Chestnut-sided warbler 1 Common yellowthroat 3 Black and white warbler 3 Ovenbird 3 Philadelphia warbler 4 including one 4 feet away at eye level Yellow-throated vireo 3 Warbling vireo 20+ Red-eyed vireo 15 Olive-sided flycatcher 1 (I also had one on 6/3 in Kidder County) Rose-breasted grosbeaks 3 Swainson's thrush 2 Red-bellied woodpecker at Little Yellowstone Park There were many migrating Empids as well, but we did not find any yellow-bellied flycatchers. Today, 6/5/13, I had a pair of Common goldeneyes by DesMoines Lake in Kidder County. I also had 6 Clark’s grebes on Pearl/Mud Lake in Stutsman County today. Good Birding, Bob Anderson Valley City Subject: FW: eBird Report - Sleepy Hollow Park, Jun 5, 2013 From: Corey Ellingson <crackerjackbirder AT BIS.MIDCO.NET> Date: Wed, 5 Jun 2013 19:50:56 -0500 Amazing late migration for Bismarck... three days of rain since I have gotten back from Florida. Four Blackburnian, two Canadas and Great-Crested Flycatcher were the highlights. Good Birding, Corey Ellingson Bismarck, ND -----Original Message----- From: do-not-reply AT ebird.org [mailto:do-not-reply AT ebird.org] Sent: Wednesday, June 05, 2013 7:45 PM To: crackerjackbirder AT bis.midco.net Subject: eBird Report - Sleepy Hollow Park, Jun 5, 2013 Sleepy Hollow Park, Burleigh, US-ND Jun 5, 2013 4:45 PM - 7:00 PM Protocol: Traveling 0.7 mile(s) Comments: rare june migration lingers..... 43 species Mallard 1 Cooper's Hawk 1 Swainson's Hawk 1 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Eurasian Collared-Dove 2 Mourning Dove 8 Downy Woodpecker 2 Hairy Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker 2 American Kestrel 1 Alder Flycatcher 1 Least Flycatcher 5 Great Crested Flycatcher 1 Warbling Vireo 4 Philadelphia Vireo 1 Red-eyed Vireo 9 Blue Jay 1 American Crow 2 Purple Martin 2 Barn Swallow 3 Black-capped Chickadee 2 House Wren 2 Gray-cheeked Thrush 1 Swainson's Thrush 3 Gray Catbird 2 Cedar Waxwing 12 Tennessee Warbler 3 Mourning Warbler 1 Common Yellowthroat 3 American Redstart 3 Magnolia Warbler 1 Blackburnian Warbler 4 Yellow Warbler 10 Chestnut-sided Warbler 2 Blackpoll Warbler 1 Canada Warbler 2 Clay-colored Sparrow 6 Common Grackle 5 Brown-headed Cowbird 2 House Finch 2 Pine Siskin 3 American Goldfinch 8 House Sparrow 5 Subject: Oak Park, Minot From: Ron Martin <jrmartin AT SRT.COM> Date: Wed, 5 Jun 2013 19:48:50 -0500 ND-Birders: Still notable migration going on in Oak Park today. Com. Nighthawk - 1 Yellow-b. Flycatcher - 3, my all-time high for the park. Alder Flycatcher - 14 Red-eyed Vireo - 6 Sw. Thrush - 7 Tenn. Warbler - 5 Yellow Warbler - 15 Chestnut-sided Warbler - 1 Magnolia Warbler - 1 Am. Redstart - 3 Mourning Warbler - 4 Com. Yellowthroat - 1 Canada Warbler - 2 Laz. Bunting - 3 Indigo Bunting - 1 I had a Mourning Warbler at my house this morning, and this evening there is a Harris's Sparrow at the feeder. On the way home I had 3 Pectoral Sandpipers. Good birding, Ron Martin Rural Sawyer Subject: Western tanager bowman From: Chris Hiatt <hiattch AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Wed, 5 Jun 2013 11:12:31 -0600 There is a w tanager hanging out at my warehouse east of Bowman. A lot of flycatchers and eastern and western kingbirds too. Chris Hiatt Bowman Sent from my iPhone Subject: Chestnut Sided From: "Rogers, Daniel" <daniel.rogers AT BISMARCKSTATE.EDU> Date: Wed, 5 Jun 2013 16:46:27 +0000 Chestnut Sided Warbler in my back yard this morning....late fallout? Daniel L. Rogers Associate Professor of Theatre Bismarck State College 701-224-5530 Subject: Help for a visitor From: Carolyn Johansson <carolynmj AT COMCAST.NET> Date: Mon, 3 Jun 2013 21:52:24 +0000 My husband and I are going to attend the "P otholes and Prairie birding Festival" in Carrington the 12th through 16th. We are going to be in Grand Forks the night of June 11th. We should get in mid afternoon and I planned to bird around Grand Forks that afternoon/evening and go to Kelly's Slough early morning. There are 4 birds listed for Kelly's Slough that would be new birds: White-rumped Sandpiper, Marbled Godwit, Black Tern,&Vesper Sparrow 3 in Grand Forks: American Golden Plover, Red-necked Phalarope, Sedge Wren And a Short-eared Owl would make our trip. Any suggestions would be appreciated. If we need two days, it would be hard, but we could do it. Thanks for your help. Carolyn Johansson Old Hickory, TN Subject: Warblers From: Carl Stangeland <carlcs AT DAKTEL.COM> Date: Sun, 2 Jun 2013 22:22:11 -0500 I had a Canada Warbler and a Chestnut-sided Warbler in the yard today, saw a Blackburnian at Klaus Park, also saw Black-poll and Tennessee Warblers, a good Warbler day today. Carl Stangeland Jamestown Subject: male summer tanager Barnes County From: jlegge <jlegge AT LIVE.COM> Date: Sun, 2 Jun 2013 20:33:15 -0500 Barnes County just outside VC, This message is from Dick Monson of Valley City (rural): He took a photo of a summer tanager (confirmed) in his trees by his homestead about 5 minutes west of VC, north of I94. He took the photo on June 1st ( Saturday) and it has been there for a few days prior to that. To contact him, send him an email at kmonson815 AT gmail.com -- Jean Legge/jlegge AT live.com 3212 115 Ave. SE Valley City, Barnes County, ND 58072 701-845-4762 Subject: Noisy geese From: Charles J Taft <cjtaft AT ME.COM> Date: Sun, 2 Jun 2013 20:31:43 -0500 The geese in Oak Park were just too noisy for hearing aid impaired birding this morning. So, I headed out to the old Bison Plant. For those who don't know where it is, it is SE of Minot off Hwy 52, just N of Bell School. It was a power plant in former days, but long torn down. There are roads and informal trails, trees and some open areas and right alongside the Souris. Good place and quiet. Some traffic noise, but only one pair of geese! A Common Nighthawk landed about 30 feet away just inside the gate for a nice look and a picture. There were the usual suspects around, American Robin, Clay-collard Sparrow, Gray Catbird, Yellow Warbler, Black and White Warbler, Warbling Vireo, among others. But the best of the day was a Blackburnian Warbler. Good Birding Charles J Taft 129 25th St SW Minot, ND Sent with Sparrow (http://www.sparrowmailapp.com/?sig) Subject: Loon From: "sisterpamop AT gmail.com" <sisterpamop@GMAIL.COM> Date: Sun, 2 Jun 2013 04:44:32 -0700 Subject: Fargo/valley city parks From: Chris Hiatt <hiattch AT SBCGLOBAL.NET> Date: Sat, 1 Jun 2013 21:42:46 -0500 Greetings NoDak birders , I'm back for the season. i started today at Valley city univ and city park. Was pretty active. BAY BREASTED, MAGNOLIA, BLACKPOLL CANADA MOURNING CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLERS . Also RED HEADED WOODPECKER and PHILLY & BLUE HEADED VIREO. Fargo- oak park- I pretty much had the same warblers and vireos plus BLACKBURNIAN and PALM. Also had a GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER. Also birded lindenwood park, was a little slower then and more people there, but I crossed the bridge to the Minnesota side and had a short look at what I think was a Kentucky warbler with a dark mask. Not sure though. I couldn't believe the sheer numbers of flycatchers! I had over 100 consisting of least, willow, alder, eastern wood-peewee, e phoebe, g crested flycatcher and yellow- bellied. So only had 13 species of warbler between 4 parks, but still a lot more exciting than west of the Missouri River. Chris Hiatt Bowman Sent from my iPhone Subject: Lazuli & Indigo at feeder From: Jean Legge <jlegge AT LIVE.COM> Date: Sat, 1 Jun 2013 20:33:19 -0500 Barnes County, June 1 At my home feeders tonight both the lazuli bunting and indigo bunting showed up close together. I even got one photo of them both in the same frame on the ground eating fallen seed. May 30th, the honeysuckle bush outside the kitchen window delivered great photo ops for the scarlet tanager that came back and hung around for five minutes - less than 10 feet from the open window. Jean Legge3212 115 Ave SEValley City, ND 58072jlegge AT live.com Subject: Oak Park, Minot From: Ron Martin <jrmartin AT SRT.COM> Date: Sat, 1 Jun 2013 15:31:36 -0500 ND-Birders: 56 species in Oak Park this morning, with 17 species of warblers. E. Wood-Pewee - 1 Yellow-b. Flycatcher - 1 Alder Flycatcher - 15 Swainson's Thrush - 2 Red-eyed Vireo - 7 Tenn. Warbler - 40 Orange-cr. Warbler - 1 Yellow Warbler - 30 Chestnut-s. Warbler - 2 Magnolia Warbler - 5 Blackburnian Warbler - 1 Bay-br. Warbler - 3 Blackpoll Warbler - 10 Black-and-White Warbler - 2 Am. Redstart - 30 Ovenbird - 3 N. Waterthrush - 3 Connecticut Warbler - 1 Mourning Warbler - 4 Com. Yellowthroat - 2 Wilson's Warbler - 1 Canada Warbler - 4 Lazuli Bunting - 1 Good Birding, Ron Martin Rural Sawyer Subject: late birding report From: Ron Martin <jrmartin AT SRT.COM> Date: Fri, 31 May 2013 22:44:17 -0500 ND-Birders: This is a report of the highlights of my birding adventures from May 17-26 around N. Dakota. I birded my way to Mobridge on May 17 for the SDOU meeting. My first stop was in Bismarck to look for the Lewis's Woodpeckers north of town. Besides the Lewis's I had Red-bellied and Red-headed at the same feeder. Later, a Burrowing Owl was on a fencepost in Emmons Co. along Hwy 1804. On the 18th in S. Dakota the group I was with found several interesting species including Glossy Ibis, Cinnamon Teal, Wood Thrush, and Golden-winged Warbler. On the 19th I birded with Corey E. in Dickey and LaMoure Counties. We had a Connecticut Warbler and a Spotted Towhee in a roadside shelterbelt in Dickey, and later down the road a Glossy Ibis. In the town of LaMoure we ran into a nice fallout of warblers. We had 21 species of warblers and nice views of a Scarlet Tanager. We tallied 69 Baltimore Orioles for the day. The rainy, windy day of May 20 produced a Connecticut Warbler and a Yellow-bellied Flycatcher in Logan County. The lowlight of the day was a bit of harassment from the local sheriff in Fredonia. On May 21 I birded in McIntosh County on another rainy, windy day. A male Western Tanager was skulking in the willows along the east side of Lake Hoskins in the same area where Corey E. had a Pine Warbler on May 18. Later I picked up Connecticut Warbler, Lazuli Bunting and Olive-sided Flycatcher in Zeeland. I also had a hybrid grosbeak at a feeder in Zeeland. South of Zeeland there is marsh with a Ring-billed Gull colony and a very large colony of Western Grebes. I estimated 600 nests along with a single Clark's Grebe nest. On May 22 I found my way to Bismarck following a tip about a fallout there the previous day. The warblers were still all over the streets and good numbers were seen at the state capitol grounds. I had a single N. Parula, 8 Cape May Warblers, 1 Black-th. Green Warbler, 5 Bay-br. Warblers. and 220 Blackpoll Warblers. In Mandan I saw the Black-th. Blue Warbler that was reported several days before. May 23 produced 15 warbler species in Fessenden and my first Great Crested Flycatcher of the spring. Later I flushed a Whip-poor-will in a spruce planting in Pierce County. The same planting also produced a Blackburnian Warbler. Late in the evening I had 13 warblers at the Crosby Country Club. If you ever bird in Divide County the Country Club is a great migrant trap. I heard 2 Baird's Sparrows in Divide County on May 24 before heading south to Killdeer for the ND Birding Society meeting. I was able to see the Whimbrel near Beach that Corey E. found earlier in the day. Later we had a MacGillivray's Warbler at the St. Demetrius Catholic Church in Billings County. This was only my third MacGillivray's in ND. In the evening at the Eastview Campground Birding Society members had a pair of Violet-green Swallows, a Com. Poorwill, and 3 N. Saw-whet Owls. Highlights with the Birding Society on Saturday included a Great Egret and 2 Baird's Sparrows in Dunn Co. and a hybrid towhee in Billings County. We also had nice views of a Virginia Rail in a small marsh in Billings County. This may be the only Virginia Rail in Billings County. On May 26 the remaining members of the Birding Society eventually ended up in Dickinson after Jack L. called about a nice fallout in that area. In Dickinson we noted an Osprey, 4 Broad-winged Hawks, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Red-headed Woodpecker, Yellow-b. Flycatcher, and 2 types of Red Crossbills. Finally, on my way home I had a flock of 14 Cattle Egrets south of Minot. This is more Cattle Egrets than I have seen in Ward County in 30 years of birding. Good birding, Ron Martin Rural Sawyer Subject: Migration fallout From: David Lambeth <davidlambeth58201 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Fri, 31 May 2013 18:03:11 -0700 It seems that Grand Forks at dawn was on the south edge of a rain system that was moving north. This may have grounded many migrants as seventeen species of warblers were seen along with many flycatchers including several Yellow-bellied, a singing Alder, Eastern Wood Pewees, and Olive-sided. Red-eyed, Yellow-throated, Philadelphia, and a late Blue-headed Vireo were also recorded.   Most of the warblers were seen at Riverside Park, especially in the oak trees there. Dave Lambeth Grand Forks, North Dakota Subject: Where to find Chestnut-collared Longspurs From: Wil Hershberger <wil.natureimagesandsounds AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Fri, 31 May 2013 10:58:58 -0500 I am visting the Bismarck ND area an would like to see, and possibly record the songs of, Chestnut-collared Longspurs. I have been looking along route 36 east of 83 and down 14 to route 94. While there is a lot of pasture land along this route the weather conspired against me this morning. I was not able to hear much less see anything in the way of birds out in the fields. Any information on hotspots for Chestnut-collared Longspurs in areas that would be quiet (i.e., away from road noise) would be greatly appreciated. Wil Hershberger Bismarck, ND Subject: Partners in Flight V Workshops, Birding Field Trips, Poster Sessions - Snowbird, Utah, August 25 - 28 Register Now While Low Rates Still Available From: Steve Holmer <sholmer AT ABCBIRDS.ORG> Date: Thu, 30 May 2013 13:54:47 -0700 Partners in Flight V Workshops, Birding Field Trips, Poster Sessions - Snowbird, Utah, August 25 - 28 Register Now While Low Rates Still Available Register online now to join the fun and be a part of the premier bird conservation strategy opportunity for all the Americas. Be a part of the solution for migratory birds, go birding in spectacular Utah, socialize with colleagues, and share your work at the poster sessions. See http://www.PIFV.org for more information and to register online at a reduced rate. Subject: lazuli bunting in BC From: jlegge <jlegge AT LIVE.COM> Date: Thu, 30 May 2013 09:28:09 -0500 May 29 and 30, 2013 Barnes County Yard bird- lazuli bunting, male, on the ground at my kitchen birdfeeder. At first I thought a goldfinch had a blue head, then he looked up and I saw the buffy breast and white belly. Today (Thursday) I saw him again with the full back view. He doesn't stay long enough for me to get a photo yet as he is very cautious to any movement. The pushy house wrens have evicted the tree swallows and have traded nest boxes. -- Jean Legge/jlegge AT live.com 3212 115 Ave. SE Valley City, Barnes County, ND 58072 701-845-4762 Subject: recent observations From: David Lambeth <davidlambeth58201 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 30 May 2013 07:10:30 -0700 Hi everyone, I first attended the NDBS field trip this past Friday evening and Saturday, and then Cec and I birded the Bowman area for two days and Medora for one day.   At our Eastview cabin site, the highlight was getting a vigorous response to a recording of sawwhet owl, and also hearing Poorwills. Being from extreme east ND, it is always a thrill to see and hear chats, Lazuli Bunting, and Black-headed Grosbeak. Here in the east, Lark Sparrow is always a treat. In the west, they are unbelievably common.   Going south from Belfield on Hwy 85, we soon saw Lark Buntings and in just a mile, they went from zero to abundant, or so it seemed. In Bowman County, we were seeing flocks of 100-300 of mostly females. That was the biggest indicator of migration still underway, but we also saw flocks of mourning doves as well as kingbirds. I also had the impression that some birds expected to be on site were not there yet.   An oddity was seeing a drake Common Merganser flying over the grasslands about 6 miles ne of Marmarth. It likely settled into a pond out of view.   Brewer's Sparrows were found at my favorite spot on Camp Crook Road, but also found ne of Marmarth in the Sage Grouse area. However we missed on Sage Grouse.   The prairie dog town at mile marker 55 on Hwy 85 is gone, along with the burrowing owls. But taking the first road west located just south of MM 55, we found owls in a dog town a few miles west of 85 (about 4 miles).   At least one Baird's Sparrow was singing along the road into Stewart Lake, just as we were getting close to the southeast point of the lake. Farther east in the school section on the right (south) just before getting to Hwy 85, one was heard singing there. But that was near the end of a 3-mile hike as we were going back to our car at the nw corner of the school section. We heard no pipits there. We also heard Bairds in the National Grasslands directly east of the Heinrich welcome sign on east river road. Anyone wanting more explicit directions should contact me.   At Rhame Prairie, I found only one male McCown's who once did the skylarking thing. Maybe it was the wind, or the stage of nesting cycle, but that was the only McCown's I saw. It was on the south side of the hill.   In Medora, there were at least two Violet-green swallows in the lagoons that are south of the railroad track and west of Americinn. In Cottonwood Campground, we found Western Wood-pewees and had a Golden Eagle soaring adjacent to the campground.   Recent rains have really greened up the badlands area and there were plenty of wildflowers. The scenery was spectacular! We felt that we had all of Bowman and Slope Counties to ourselves as we were going a half-day at a time with seeing at most one or two vehicles. We were told by locals that about four years ago, drilling for oil moved northward to the Bakken although there still continue to be active wells along Camp Crook Road and the black gumbo area. Dave Lambeth Grand Forks, North Dakota Subject: 59th Annual Birdwalk This Sunday From: V N <ndvagabond AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Wed, 29 May 2013 22:08:39 -0600 The Theodore Roosevelt Nature and History Association will sponsor the 59th Annual Birdwalk and Chuckwagon Breakfast on Sunday, June 2, in the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The bird walk starts at 6:30 am MDT in the Cottonwood Campground. The breakfast will follow around 8 am in the nearby picnic area. Everyone is invited! We need good birders to lead and assist, so I hope you will join us. Everyone is welcome, no matter what experience level. It's all in good fun. There is no charge for the breakfast, although TRNHA asks for a free will donation. You can let them know you want to attend the breakfast by calling 701-623-4884. Message me if you have questions. Valerie NaylorTheodore Roosevelt National ParkMedora, North Dakota ndvagabond AT hotmail.com Subject: May Warbler Numbers From: Dean Riemer <driemer AT KWH.COM> Date: Tue, 28 May 2013 23:03:01 -0500 Greetings I have been able to bird 5 out of the last 9 days on the 19th thru the 27th in the Fargo parks. During that time I have got 20 or more different warbler species each day, and a total of 25 different warbler species in all. The only rarity being a Blue-winged Warbler in Oak Grove Park. I was wondering if anyone else in North Dakota is having the same experience? The late spring I'm loving it. I wish it was late every year! Good Birding Dean Riemer West Fargo ND "The Black Desert" ________________________________ CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, copy, use, disclosure, or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message. Subject: Bismarck/Mandan area From: Clark Talkington <ctalkington AT BIS.MIDCO.NET> Date: Tue, 28 May 2013 22:05:06 -0500 Today I found an Indigo Bunting at a feeder in Wing in Burleigh County and then a Baird's Sparrow north of Rice Lake off of HWY 14 turning at 188th Ave. and drive .6 of a mile, heard there. There are now 33 White-faced Ibis at McKenzie Slough. Clark Talkington Mandan Subject: Dickinson and Medora From: Jesse Kolar <jessekolar AT GMAIL.COM> Date: Tue, 28 May 2013 14:41:28 -0600 This morning Jack Lefor and I took a quick trip to Medora and the TRNP south unit. We saw a Magnolia Warbler behind the Chateau de Mores and 2 Red-headed Woodpeckers at the Cottonwood Campground and a third at the prairie dog town before the turn-off to go to the horse ranch. There has been one in our backyard in Dickinson, and if it's still around that will be 4 Red-headed Woodpeckers in one day--more than I'd ever seen in a year. There was also a probable Red-bellied Woodpecker calling at Cottonwood Campground, but we never got a visual. Other sightings: Common Nighthawk, Lazuli Bunting, Orchard Oriole, Bullock's Oriole, Black-and-white Warbler, Swainson's Thrush, and Western Wood Pewee. In Dickinson: A recent wave of Blackpoll Warblers in Dickinson seems to have moved on before yesterday's storm. Sunday 5/26 there was a Palm Warbler on the north side of Patterson Lake. Jesse Kolar Dickinson Subject: Common Nighthawk From: Deb Lancaster <debdakota9291 AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 28 May 2013 12:32:36 -0700 Hi all, We had our first common nighthawk of the season Sunday 5/26. Have only seen one at a time so far. The grosbeaks and most of the orioles seem to have moved on; also many less Harris' sparrows. Many more goldfinches and pine siskins; an occasional Lazuli; several brown thrashers and house wrens regularly. Still no yellow headed blackbirds... Enjoyed meeting those of you who were at the Lake Ilo walk Sat. : )  Deb Lancaster, SW of Halliday. Subject: McKenzie co additions From: Maureen OMara <mo1_omara AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 27 May 2013 19:28:29 -0700 Hello, Went for a hike in my usual area on Saturday and Monday, unfortunately I did not beat the storms on Saturday, but was able to see that Bobolinks have shown up.  Interesting to see Rock Wrens and a sparrow species sharing overhang coverage as protection from the rain.  All the other birds were pretty much hunkered down.  Of course, by the time the hike was over and I was back at my car the rain stopped.  Grasshopper Sparrows started singing.  Today I was able to add a couple of species: Upland Sandpipers A. Tree Sparrow (used the reddish crown on a grey head and two-toned bill for id along with a lack of streaking on the sides), perhaps a southern bird making its way north? Yellow-breasted Chat A. Kestrel E. Kingbird Brown-head Cowbird (crap!) Other birds seen today: Eared Grebe (same one as last time now in full breeding plumage?) Double-crested Cormorant flyover Mallard C. Goose Killdeer Spotted Sandpiper Mourning Dove Magpie N. Rough-winged Swallow Barn Swallow Rock Wren Mountain Bluebird Yellow Warbler Spotted Towhee Field Sparrow (this time I had a visual) Lark Sparrow W. Meadowlark For the herptologists: Red-eared Sliders Painted (?) turtle Box turtle (sp?) Eastern racer Boreal Chorus frog (finally!) And the botanists: Bastard toadflax is in full swing Butte Candle Narrowleaf gromwell Silver bladderpod Blue flax a white-flowered needle-like leaved fabaceae that I cannot id.  Willing to share picture... Common names from Plants of the Blackhills... Not the most exciting lists but any day one can get out and look is good day. Mo O'Mara Sidney, MT No horned lizards yet Subject: Beaver Bay Recreation Area From: Clark Talkington <ctalkington AT BIS.MIDCO.NET> Date: Mon, 27 May 2013 21:14:33 -0500 This mourning on my way to Beaver Bay Recreation Area in Emmons County I birded Sertoma Park in Bismarck and found a BLUE-HEADED VIREO and a EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE. At the Beaver Bay area 1 BELL'S VIREO, 2 LAZULI BUNTINGS and about 7 miles south of Beaver Bay Recreation Area I saw a BLUE GROSBEAK flying in a draw on the north side of HWY 1904. On the way back to Bismarck at MM 39 I stopped and heard a SPRAGUE'S PIPIT. Yesterday there were 24 WHITE-FACED IBIS at McKenzie Slough in Burleigh County. And on May 25th I forgot to mention I saw something I have never seen before. About 2 dozen TENESSEEE WARBLERS were taking turns eating grape jelly from a dish on a feeder at the Dunn residence in Dawson. They were joined by American Goldfinch, Black-headed Grosbeak, Baltimore Orioles and Orchard Orioles. Clark Talkington. Subject: Re: RFI: Palm Warbler in North Dakota From: James Tyler Bell <jtylerbell AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 27 May 2013 19:07:43 -0700 In an offline discussion with a couple of people, it becomes clear that the lack of reports of Palm Warblers in western ND on eBird could be because: a) they aren't usually there or b) nobody is reporting them from that area to eBird. So, which one is it?! North Dakota is typically one of the states with the least eBird reports mainly because the state is so large and the population is so low. It's a shame as we've always found the birding to be excellent! On our recent trip we tallied 143 species without really trying that hard. If we had birded outside of Minot, Stanley and Ross, and had our scope along, we could have easily pushed the total up another dozen or so. Tyler Bell jtylerbell AT yahoo.com California, Maryland ________________________________ On May 27, 2013 11:36 AM, "James Tyler Bell" wrote: Looking at eBird data suggests that this is not the case. Palm Warblers are basically absent from the western third of ND and SD. Perhaps with migrants this isn't the case? > >http://tinyurl.com/q3sthru > > >Tyler Bell >jtylerbell AT yahoo.com >California, Maryland > > > >________________________________ > From: Stevan Hawkins >To: ND-BIRDS AT LISTSERV.NODAK.EDU >Sent: Sunday, May 26, 2013 11:06 PM >Subject: [ND-BIRDS] RFI: Palm Warbler in North Dakota > > > >ND-Birders: >  >Today I combined talking with someone in Montana with looking at the account of Palm Warbler in the Montana Field Guide http://fieldguide.mt.gov/  It looks like Palm Warblers are more likely to be found in the northeastern part of Montana.  My memory of driving across NE Montana is that it is basically an extension of the prairie that a person sees in western North Dakota.  Extrapolating from that, then Palm Warbler is going to be either found in riverside, streamside, pond-side,  stock pond edge reeds or trees.  If that is true, then Palm Warbler should be in McKenzie County.  Is my thinking correct? >  >Thanks! >  >Steve >  >Stevan Hawkins >San Antonio TX >  > > Subject: BLUE-WINGED WARBLER STILL PRESENT From: Dean Riemer <driemer AT KWH.COM> Date: Mon, 27 May 2013 15:59:18 -0500 Greetings The male Blue-winged Warbler that I found yesterday was still present as of early this afternoon at Oak Grove Park in Fargo. The bird is in the north half of the inner loop of the park, north of the playground equipment and the tennis courts, and sometimes around shelter #2. The bird is feeding mostly in the oak trees. I hope that anyone who missed the bird or hasn't been able to chase it due to the holiday weekend will still be able to do so. The last Blue-winged Warbler seen in Fargo was 19 years ago. Good Birding Dean Riemer West Fargo ND "The Black Desert" ________________________________ CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, copy, use, disclosure, or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message. Subject: Re: RFI: Palm Warbler in North Dakota From: James Tyler Bell <jtylerbell AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Mon, 27 May 2013 10:34:41 -0700 Looking at eBird data suggests that this is not the case. Palm Warblers are basically absent from the western third of ND and SD. Perhaps with migrants this isn't the case? http://tinyurl.com/q3sthru Tyler Bell jtylerbell AT yahoo.com California, Maryland ________________________________ From: Stevan Hawkins To: ND-BIRDS AT LISTSERV.NODAK.EDU Sent: Sunday, May 26, 2013 11:06 PM Subject: [ND-BIRDS] RFI: Palm Warbler in North Dakota ND-Birders:   Today I combined talking with someone in Montana with looking at the account of Palm Warbler in the Montana Field Guide http://fieldguide.mt.gov/  It looks like Palm Warblers are more likely to be found in the northeastern part of Montana.  My memory of driving across NE Montana is that it is basically an extension of the prairie that a person sees in western North Dakota.  Extrapolating from that, then Palm Warbler is going to be either found in riverside, streamside, pond-side,  stock pond edge reeds or trees.  If that is true, then Palm Warbler should be in McKenzie County.  Is my thinking correct?   Thanks!   Steve   Stevan Hawkins San Antonio TX Subject: Oak Park, Minot From: Ron Martin <jrmartin AT SRT.COM> Date: Mon, 27 May 2013 11:34:40 -0500 ND-Birders: Among the migrants in Oak Park this morning was a female Black-throated Blue Warbler. Good birding, Ron Martin Rural Sawyer Subject: Red-headed Woodpecker From: M&D Bingeman <bingeman AT MIDSTATE.NET> Date: Mon, 27 May 2013 10:03:15 -0600 Early yesterday AM, as we were headed out on 4-wheeler to retrieve my game cam, I spotted a Red-headed Woodpecker looking in one of my Tree Swallow nestboxes. Tree Swallows not happy............4 of them dive bombing and swarming to confuse the woodpecker. This is a first for me in this area. Was kicking myself that I hadn't taken the camera. Could have gotten a good shot. Diane Bingeman Golden Valley Co. Beach, ND Subject: birding story From: mick zerr <zerrmick AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sun, 26 May 2013 20:46:48 -0700 Folks, a very interesting video story on birding was on CBS Sunday Morning today. See it at: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-3445_162-57586080/birdwatchers-answer-the-call-of-the-wild/ (thanks to Doug Chapman for the heads-up on it). The oriole irruption continues today. The count at the Sioux Feeders was hard to do as so many were interacting.  Quite a few first year Orchards.  A rough count today is 10 Orchard Orioles and as many Baltimores. (that means they were present during the same time period)  That is a feeder record. In the past 15 years, no more than 3 Orchards were seen at a time, then for only a few days, not over a week as this year. To give you an idea of the size of this irruption, the Hy Vee stores in SF ran out of generic and house brand grape jelly.  The Pine Siskins have not been seen since Friday, a late record for them. Red-winged Blackbirds are still here. One was gathering nesting material. 4.5 inches of rain yesterday. More coming tonight. The birds were very wet today. Mick Zerr Subject: RFI: Palm Warbler in North Dakota From: Stevan Hawkins <shawkins4 AT SATX.RR.COM> Date: Sun, 26 May 2013 22:06:40 -0500 ND-Birders: Today I combined talking with someone in Montana with looking at the account of Palm Warbler in the Montana Field Guide http://fieldguide.mt.gov/ It looks like Palm Warblers are more likely to be found in the northeastern part of Montana. My memory of driving across NE Montana is that it is basically an extension of the prairie that a person sees in western North Dakota. Extrapolating from that, then Palm Warbler is going to be either found in riverside, streamside, pond-side, stock pond edge reeds or trees. If that is true, then Palm Warbler should be in McKenzie County. Is my thinking correct? Thanks! Steve Stevan Hawkins San Antonio TX Subject: Bobolinks --North Fargo From: Wanda Peterson <wandaandjohnp83 AT AOL.COM> Date: Sun, 26 May 2013 21:26:16 -0400 For a couple of weeks there have been good numbers of Bobolinks at the Cardinal Muench Seminary grounds at 100 - 35 th Ave. NE, Fargo. Also on Friday evening there were several Chimney Swifts flying over the Main Ave. Mexican Village, downtown Fargo. Wanda Peterson North Fargo -----Original Message----- From: Betsy Batstone-Cunningham To: ND-BIRDS Sent: Sun, May 26, 2013 4:39 pm Subject: [ND-BIRDS] Bobolinks on the Grand Forks Greenway I just saw three bobolinks across the street from my house on the Grand Forks Greenway. Betsy Batstone-Cunningham E Elmwood Dr & the Greenway Grand Forks ND Subject: New yard bird! From: Betsy Batstone-Cunningham <batsham AT GRA.MIDCO.NET> Date: Sun, 26 May 2013 17:34:48 -0500 A pair of yellow crowned night herons flew past my windows a few minutes ago. Have not had a new yard bird in a long time! Have a great weekend of birding. Betsy Batstone-Cunningham E Elmwood Dr and the Greenway Grand Forks ND Subject: Bobolinks on the Grand Forks Greenway From: Betsy Batstone-Cunningham <batsham AT GRA.MIDCO.NET> Date: Sun, 26 May 2013 16:38:31 -0500 I just saw three bobolinks across the street from my house on the Grand Forks Greenway. Betsy Batstone-Cunningham E Elmwood Dr & the Greenway Grand Forks ND Subject: Potholes and Prairie Birding Festival From: Ann Hoffert <pipestem AT DAKTEL.COM> Date: Sun, 26 May 2013 13:52:15 -0500 Hi, It is not to late to sign up for the Potholes an Prairie Birding Festival which will take place in Carrington June 12th through the 16th. Visit www.birdingdrives.com for complete details. Ann Hoffert Festival Coordinator 7060 Highway 9 Carrington, ND 58421 701-652-2623 pipestem AT daktel.com Subject: Blue-winged Warbler From: "O'Connor, Robert" <Robert.Oconnor AT NDSU.EDU> Date: Sun, 26 May 2013 18:24:53 +0000 Hi, Dean Riemer called to say that he had found a Blue-winged Warbler at Fargo's Oak Grove Park this afternoon. It was between the playground equipment and the school. Conditions may hold the bird at the park for the day if anyone would like to see it. Bob O'Connor Subject: Bismarck to Dawson From: Clark Talkington <ctalkington AT BIS.MIDCO.NET> Date: Sun, 26 May 2013 12:04:08 -0500 Yesterday Steve McDonough and myself did a birding trip emphasizing photography. We birded north of Bismarck in the river valley and at the Capitol grounds and then worked our way to McKenzie Slough and Long Lake NWR. From there we traveled to Steele and Dawson area. Some of our highlights besides mamy outstanting photos taken by Steve were the following: American Bittern - 7 (Most at Horsehead Lake - great photos of them flying) Cattle Egret - 175 (Most about 3 miles south of Dawson) Kreider's Hawk - 2 (Again great pictures, some flying) Ruby-throated Hummingbird - 2 (Laura Nunn says 4 come in to feeder at times - Dawson) Red-bellied Woodpecker - Heard 1 of the 2 at Eric Thompson's home, north of Bismarck and Laura in Dawson also has one coming to her feeder. Alder Flycatcher - 4 (Lake Isabel picnic area, KIDDER & Bismarck Capitol grounds, BURLEIGH) LeConte's Sparrow - 1 (Long Lake Creek, BURLEIGH) Clark Talkington Mandan Subject: Oak Park, Minot Lagoons, 5/25 From: James Tyler Bell <jtylerbell AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Sat, 25 May 2013 18:04:06 -0700 Jane Kostenko and I walked Oak Park this morning with Jane's sister Susan and brother-in-law David Baker. Warbler diversity was down with only a couple of Butterbutts, Magnolias, Tennessees and Orange-crowneds and tons of Yellows. Best bird was a female Golden-winged Warbler in Camp Owetti.   Took a spin around the Minot sewage lagoons after lunch (dinner for some of you ;). Very full of water and very empty of waterfowl. The best birding was in the flooded fields to the north. Had a Willet and Stilt Sandpiper. We tried to drive between cell 2 and 3 but were stymied by a flooded road. The "road" was iffy at best in our rentawreck sedan so we had to turn around. We were rewarded in our effort with a Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. Drove down to the end where the recreated marsh is (far east end) then were going to spin around when I spied a swan. We were trying to turn it into a Trumpeter Swan but the extent of yellow in the lores made us swing toward Tundra Swan. It didn't appear to be injured but it was only swimming and never attempted flight. Tyler Bell jtylerbell AT yahoo.com Minot, ND Subject: Red-billied Woodpecker and other nature From: Ann Hoffert <pipestem AT DAKTEL.COM> Date: Sat, 25 May 2013 14:16:51 -0500 We had a Red-bellied Woodpecker on our suet feeder yesterday. This morning we went on a drive to look for wild asparagus which wasn’t growing yet, but amongst amazing bird sightings including a pair of Wood Ducks perched in a tree very close to us, we saw a MOOSE and a very young calf! About one-half hour later we saw another cow moose in the shelterbelt on our farm about 2 miles cross-country from where we saw the first moose. There was not a calf visible with the second moose and we thought she looked a little different from the first, but we are not sure. In any case, nature is always full of amazing surprises and and astonishing beauty. Ann Hoffert Pipestem Creek Bed and Birding 7060 Highway 9 Carrington, ND 58421 701-652-2623 pipestem AT daktel.com Subject: Indigo Bunting From: Betsy Batstone-Cunningham <batsham AT GRA.MIDCO.NET> Date: Sat, 25 May 2013 12:04:42 -0500 Hi, I had an Indigo bunting at the feeders this morning. He did not stay long but it was fun to see him. Betsy Batstone-Cunningham E Elmwood Dr & the Greenway Grand Forks ND Subject: WHIMBREL From: Corey Ellingson <crackerjackbirder AT BIS.MIDCO.NET> Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 17:31:35 +0000 Greetings ND Birders: At 11:15 MST I located a WHIMBREL in a shallow wetland beside interstate a mile east of Beach. It was on far side, too far for photo. Good Birding, Corey Ellingson, Bismarck, ND Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T Subject: McKenzie Slough WMA From: Clark Talkington <ctalkington AT BIS.MIDCO.NET> Date: Fri, 24 May 2013 08:28:52 -0500 Yesterday late afternoon I birded McKenzie Slough WMA and found 14 warbler species. The most notable being 1 CAPE MAY WARBLER, 1 MOURNING WRBLER and 1 CANADA WARBLER. Clark Talkington Mandan Subject: Backyard Birds From: alanwat AT INFIONLINE.NET Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 22:36:22 -0500 Hi All After going through 8 lbs of sugar and 14 jars of grape jelly since Monday, today’s bird activity was almost back to normal. I am down from 30 plus Ruby-throated Hummingbirds to a high of 8 today. Both Orchard and Baltimore Orioles were down from 40 plus to maybe 20 today. I had 5 Warblers eating jelly and using the nectar feeders too. Still present today were 3 Tennessee Warblers and 1 Cape May Warbler visiting the nectar feeders all day. Also down from 80 plus Pine Siskins to maybe 30 plus today. High count of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks yesterday was 9 and had 3 today. The Tree Swallows and Purple Martins were happy to finally have to dry weather and warm enough to eat a good meal today! Good Birding! Sharon Watson Buxton ND www.ndbackyardbirding.net Subject: McKenzie Slough sightings From: Lisa Kraft <goodmorninggirl AT HOTMAIL.COM> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 20:43:31 -0500 My family and I finally had good luck at McKenzie slough east of Bismarck. Here is what we saw tonight: Eared grebes Black terns Pie-billed grebes Soras (got a good long view) Western grebes Wilson's Phalaropes Long-billed curlew Ruddy ducks Redhead ducks Savannah sparrows (also common ducks such as blue-winged teals, mallards, pintails, & shovelers) Lisa Kraft (and Curt, Sam, & Jesse) Bismarck, ND Subject: Re: Oak Park walk tomorrow? From: Sherry <bird_nd AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 16:43:00 -0700 Ron&sherry are oot but there should be others there AT 8 am Subject: Oak Park walk tomorrow? From: James Tyler Bell <jtylerbell AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 14:44:29 -0700 What time is the Oak Park walk in Minot this Friday? We think it's 8:30 but don't want to be late! Tyler Bell jtylerbell AT yahoo.com Minot, ND Subject: Indigo Bunting From: Randy Toppen <randy.j.toppen AT SENDIT.NODAK.EDU> Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 13:28:55 -0500 Mr. Watterson reported an indigo bunting at City Park in Valley City around 9:30 this morning. Over lunch, about 12:50, I was able to find it on the west side of the band shell, in a small tree to the north of the barrier that is in place. It flew into the canopy near the playground equipment. Great warbler numbers. Many Tennessee, several blackpoll, redstarts, many yellows. Goldfinches, Swainson's Thrush, Siskins, Orchard Oriole as well. --Randy Toppen, Science Department Valley City High School 460 North Central Avenue Valley City, ND 58072 701-845-0483 Randy.J.Toppen AT Sendit.NoDak.Edu http://www.valley-city.k12.nd.us/jrsrhigh/jrsrstaff/jrsrstffpgs/rt.html Subject: Fallout in Valley City From: Bob Anderson <bob.anderson AT VCSU.EDU> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 20:47:15 -0500 I had an excellent day of birding today. There was a warbler fall-out near the VCSU campus today. I estimate that from 3:30 to 5:30 there were between 600 and 1000 warblers, thrushes, and orioles in a one block area. The amazing thing is that the vast majority of warblers were on the ground today in Valley City, just like in LaMoure earlier in the day. I parked my vehicle on College Street a block west of VCSU by the alley between houses 331 and 345. I was present here for 2 hours sitting or standing near my vehicle and had 22 species of warblers in the alley! All of them were on the ground except one Canada and one black-and-white. Here is the list of warblers from this location: GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER (5 At One Time, and got a sixth across the street later) YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER (1, landed on the ground briefly and scared by car and did not see again) Connecticut (1) – walked across alley Mourning (3) Bay-breasted (5+ and all on the ground) Magnolia (10-15) Blackburnian (5+ and all on the ground) Chestnut-sided (5+ and all on the ground) Canada (1) Black-and-white (1) Palm (15+) Yellow-rumped (20+) Tennessee (very numerous, hundreds) Blackpoll (very numerous, hundreds) Nashville (2) Orange-crowned (1) Ovenbird (10) Northern waterthrush (20+) Wilson’s (5) Cape May (10+all on the ground) American redstart (10+) Common Yellowthroat (15+) Also present were: orchard orioles (30+) Baltimore orioles (15) Philadelphia vireo (1 on the ground) Swainson’s (25 +) Gray-cheecked (3) Veery (1) I also witnessed a cat take 2 warblers from the alley unfortunately during this 2 hour period. In the morning I had to pick up trees in Lamoure at the Soil Conservation District. The trees were not done when I arrived so I decided to drive around LaMoure. There were hundreds of warblers on the streets anywhere the elms overhang the road. They were predominately Tennessee, blackpoll, and yellow, but there were also 6 cape may warblers. I also had 2 scarlet tanagers on the streets. As I was planting the trees at my parent’s property in LaMoure County I had 2 red-headed woodpeckers in their shelterbelt which is a new county bird for me. The mature American elms in this belt all died 3 years ago, so I was hoping that the red-headed woodpeckers would find it, and they have. Multiple LeConte’s sparrows were also present in the CRP field next to where I was planting. Good Birding, Bob Anderson Valley City 605-695-1344 Subject: scarlet tanager at my house From: jlegge <jlegge AT LIVE.COM> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 20:21:01 -0500 May 22, 2013 Barnes Co, 2 1/2 miles NW outside Valley City I came home after visiting the humongous warbler fallout discovered by Bob Anderson today by VCSU. I walked through the kitchen and looked out the window and there was a scarlet tanager at the bird bath. It has turned up four times within one hour at the bird bath, each time for about 45 seconds then gone. I don't know where he goes in between times because he flies off. I did get quick some photos of him getting a drink. I have seen them before at Little Yellowstone and Pigeon Point down by Lisbon, and on some national grassland wooded areas by Lemmon, SD but not in my backyard before, so it is a new yard bird for me. During the warbler fallout viewing with Bob Anderson and Alice Beauchman and her husband, Jan, I got some tolerable photos of the golden-winged warbler, bay-breasted, palm and a few others. It was nice to see them on the ground so we didn't have to crane our necks to see them. What a great find! -- Jean Legge/jlegge AT live.com 3212 115 Ave. SE Valley City, Barnes County, ND 58072 701-845-4762 Subject: Full Yard From: Peder Stenslie <Peder.Stenslie AT SENDIT.NODAK.EDU> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 20:01:15 -0500 It is truly amazing what I can see in my yard some days. Here's my list today... Baltimore Orioles Orchard Orioles (Between 15 and 20 orioles) Clay-colored Sparrow Field Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow White-throated Sparrow Harris' Sparrow Brown Thrasher Black-headed Grosbeak Ruby-throated Hummingbird American Goldfinch House Finch Pine Siskin Northern Waterthrush Black-capped Chickadee House Wren Yellow-headed Blackbird Red-winged Blackbird Tree Swallow Purple Martins Bobolink Swainson's Thrush Ruby Crowned Kinglet Barn Swallow A very low fly-over by a Bald Eagle and a singing Meadowlark about 20 yards from my backyard. Peder Stenslie Mandan, ND 58554 Subject: Summer Tanager From: Peder Stenslie <Peder.Stenslie AT SENDIT.NODAK.EDU> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 17:14:08 -0500 I have a friend who has sent me some photos of what appears to be a Summer Tanager at his place. Is that possible? Do we ever see them up here? I don't think there's any other bird that looks like that. His wife said she thought she saw a female too. Subject: Mourning Warbler From: Linda Gregg <lgregg AT FAR.MIDCO.NET> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 13:05:13 -0600 Thanks to Dean Reimer, we were able to identify a male Mourning Warbler that spent a good part of the morning in the side woods on the ground searching for bugs. What a beautiful bird. I hadn't seen one before, so was tickled to know what we were looking at. Linda Gregg Horace, ND Subject: Red Headed Woodpecker From: Randy Toppen <randy.j.toppen AT SENDIT.NODAK.EDU> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 10:09:46 -0500 It's seeming as though many folks are seeing the Red Headed Woodpeckers for the first time over the past few days. Saw my FOY this morning southeast of VC on 35th Street SE at the Soo Line Crossing. --Randy Toppen, Science Department Valley City High School 460 North Central Avenue Valley City, ND 58072 701-845-0483 Randy.J.Toppen AT Sendit.NoDak.Edu http://www.valley-city.k12.nd.us/jrsrhigh/jrsrstaff/jrsrstffpgs/rt.html Subject: Warblers crash into windows in downtown Bismarck From: "McPhillips, Elizabeth" <emcphillips AT USBR.GOV> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 09:02:15 -0500 I was walking downtown yesterday at lunch in a slight drizzle and found dead yellow warblers in front of windows at Vaaler (1-bird) building and new American Bank Center (3-birds) building which both have larger reflective windows. One bird was dazed and I warmed her up and she walked several more blocks with me on my shoulder until I found a tree she liked. Low cloud ceiling, gray day, and drizzle were not kind to these migrants. -- *Nell McPhillips* Subject: Yard Birds From: David Lindee <daveandellin AT REAGAN.COM> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 08:51:40 -0500 Like many others have reported, our yard at Van Hook is overrun with orioles - 20 at the moment and sometimes even more. We made our own suet concoction with beef fat, peanut butter, seeds, egg shells, flax cereal and mealworms and the orioles are fighting constantly to get at it. It's a large suet feeder and there are never fewer than 6 birds on and around it. We had to close the curtains on the west side of the house to keep the birds from trying to fly through the house. A Common Yellowthroat slammed into the south window this morning, but has revived and flew off. We also have nearly a dozen Harris sparrows, more than we have ever seen in our yard. Yesterday and this morning we have an Ovenbird and Northern Waterthrush mingling with the Pine Siskins, Catbirds, Mourning Doves, Rose-breasted and Black-headed Grosbeaks, Brown Thrashers, and Swainson's Thrushes. So far, we've only had Yellow and Yellow-rumped warblers. Eastern Wood Pewees and Alder/Willow Flycatchers chase around the bushes. The sun is shining thjis morning and it's a glorious sight to see all these birds in their full glory. Dave and Ellin Lindee Van Hook (near New Town) Subject: Red-headed Woodpecker From: Ann Hoffert <pipestem AT DAKTEL.COM> Date: Wed, 22 May 2013 08:38:24 -0500 This morning there is a Red-headed Woodpecker feeding on one of our oranges attached to a tree out the kitchen window. Like so many others who have posted in the last few days, I have had the most amazing color around the feeders. There have been about 2 dozen Baltimore Orioles, 5 Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, 12 Orchard Orioles, over 50 Goldfinches, and about 100 Pine Siskins at the feeders for the last 4 days. Today I will make the third trip to the grocery store for oranges and grape jelly. Ann Hoffert Pipestem Creek Bed and Birding 7060 Highway 9 Carrington, ND 58421 701-652-2623 pipestem AT daktel.com Subject: SDOU at Mobridge From: mick zerr <zerrmick AT YAHOO.COM> Date: Tue, 21 May 2013 22:07:58 -0700 Folks, some slides/video from the Mobridge SDOU meeting are at:   http://flic.kr/s/aHsjFbXqMq Flickr has a new format, and it has not been too friendly, so you can also see the slides/video at: http://youtu.be/3bkauAo43Wg Glad to see the folks from North Dakota who came down. Thanks to Dave, Jeff, Nancy, Scott, Ricky and others who organized the meetings, guided us, or other assists. It was a good weekend with great birds, very interesting presentations, and great people. Coming up: * Sioux Falls Bird Club/Dakota Birders birding at the Freeman Wildlife Preserve, Brandon, SD on June 8. (this is a rescheduled event) *  SD Grassland Coalition Birding event at Montrose, SD June 14-15   http://www.sdgrass.org/events.html * Dakota Birders/Purple Martin Association program and Sand Lake birding, Columbia, SD June 15  https://www.facebook.com/PMAD2012 Mick Zerr