September Nature Notes
The fall migration is underway. Many birds are heading south to warmer locations, and some are just arriving as they relocate from the north. Various factors and cues spur migratory movement such as the amount of daylight, the angle of the sun, cooling temperatures and the availability of food.
Many warbler species, flycatchers, swallows, ruby-throated hummingbirds and nighthawks are in the midst of their migration, and the majority of orioles and martins have already departed. Raptors are also on the move. Red-breasted nuthatches, crossbills and dark-eyed juncos should arrive from the north very soon.
Birders will want to check out 6 Hot Spots for Watching the Fall Migration to learn about key locations in Minnesota for spectacular birding during the autumn season. Before heading out, visit How to Recognize 6 Warblers in Their Fall Feathers to help you identify migrating warblers.
One of the finest viewing sites for raptors in North America is Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory in Duluth where birders can see vast numbers of sharp-shinned hawks, broad-winged hawks, American kestrels, bald eagles, osprey, turkey vultures and other raptors from early September through mid-November. Peak migration typically occurs from mid-September to late October at Hawk Ridge. Approximate migration dates for each species can be found on the Migration Statistics page. Check out The Birds of Hawk Ridge to see images of the many species that pass through most years. Another Minnesota hot spot to view the hawk migration is Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center in Hastings. The Nature Center is located along the St. Croix River, a "highway" for birds heading south.
Did You Know?
Migratory birds need to consume additional calories this time of year to endure their arduous journeys to wintering sites. Some birders report that their feeders are already busy with migratory and resident birds. Draw these birds into your yard and view them from the comfort of your home while helping them get the calories they need. Water is just as important as food. While birdbaths are helpful, any water source that moves, splashes or mists will coax birds to your backyard, and moving water is typically cleaner and less stagnant than standing water. Water bubblers are a great addition to your birdbath — no electricity is needed since they are powered by batteries or the sun! Fall Bird Feeding Tips from the DNR provides information on how to attract and assist our migratory birds.
The flurry of activity at our feeders in the fall makes this a great time to introduce a child to birding. Audubon offers tips and games for children to promote interest in birding. Learn more at Easy Ways to Get Kids Birding.
Fun and Educational Activities
Audubon will offer a webinar on how you can further a conservation ethic through your food purchases. This webinar will be held Thursday, Sept. 3 at 6 p.m. CT. To learn more, check out the Audubon Conservation Ranching Initiative: An Emerging Land Ethic.
The Zumbro Valley Audubon Society Monthly Bird Walk will be held Saturday, Sept. 5 at Quarry Hill Nature Center in Rochester. Beginning at 9 a.m., enjoy a casual walk through the Quarry Hill Nature Center. Participants should bring binoculars, dress for the weather and meet near the Nature Center entrance. Walks usually last about an hour but participants may leave at any time. The walk is free and open to the public — no registration required. Masks and social distancing may be required.
You are invited to participate in the free Autumn in the Valley Virtual Gala to support the Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center on Sunday, Sept. 13. The event will include a silent auction, music from local artists and a live-streamed program featuring the Nature Center and its naturalists and animal ambassadors.
The Zumbro Valley Audubon Society Root River Field Trip will be held Sunday, Sept. 20. Participants should meet at Root River County Park, located just south of Rochester near Simpson at 8:20 a.m. The park offers nice walking trails and diverse habitat for a wide variety of birds. Masks and social distancing may be required.
On Saturday, Sept. 26, attend a Fall Sparrow Walk at Kalmar reservoir. Expect to see white-crowned, Lincoln’s, white-throated, Savannah and vesper sparrows, and possibly Nelson’s sharp-tailed, LeConte’s and Harris’s sparrows. Kalmar Reservoir is 2 miles west of the Rochester Athletic Club. Meet at 7 a.m. in the lower parking lot on the east side of the Reservoir. The walk will last roughly 60 to 90 minutes. Masks and social distancing may be required.
Expert-led Owl Prowls will be offered by the International Owl Center this fall. Join the Saturday, Oct. 3 Owl Prowl and learn how to identify local owls by size, shape, silhouette and sound. Program participants will drive their vehicles following staff to known owl territories in and around Houston.
Recent Bird Sightings
Check the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union web site for recent bird sightings and rare bird alerts.
For additional information, consider joining the Minnesota Birding community on Facebook.
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