THE FLOODGATES ARE OPEN

I am putting March to bed with a bang!!! Today I logged 45 bird species. I think the crazy weather that is wrapping around the metro area had something to do with this. I was looking back at some old bird lists and I only did one Big Day in April (back in 2012) and that count totaled 44. So I am extremely happy with 45 and that will be difficult to beat in the years to come. I had a lot of FOY birds today and ended the month with a total of 58 species. Average for the month of 26 bird species per day out counting. On May 10th I will be leading our church group on a fun bird walk. This will be the 5th consecutive Elim Bird Walk. I am feeling pretty good after throwing out my old boots. The current van that I am using has bad dog smell but I am dealing with it. I should be getting 203 back. I really miss having the FOBs that go with the ignition keys. There were so many WOW bird moments today so I won't go on and on. I think I will just give you the list of birds seen today. God Bless you and keep you safe.  

American Crow

American Goldfinch

American Kestrel

American Robin

Bald Eagle

Black-capped Chickadee

Blue Jay

Bufflehead

Canada Goose

Cedar Waxwing

Common Goldeneye

Common Grackle

Common Merganser

Dark-eyed Junco

Downy Woodpecker

Eastern Bluebird

European Starling

Fox Sparrow

Gadwall

Great Blue Heron

Hairy Woodpecker

Hooded Merganser

Horned Lark

House Finch

House Sparrow

Killdeer

Mallard

Mourning Dove

Northern Cardinal

Northern Flicker

Purple Finch

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Red-tailed Hawk

Red-winged Blackbird

Ring-billed Gull

Ring-necked Duck

Rock Pigeon

Rudy Duck

Sandhill Crane

Song Sparrow

Trumpeter Swan

Turkey Vulture

White-breasted Nuthatch

Wild Turkey

Wood Duck

TRANSITIONS ARE A COMIN'

Mourning Dove at our feeders today just before pishing for the Brown Creeper

My last entry seemed somewhat sure that I was going to get a new work van because mine had some toxic fume issue. Now I find myself humbled as it is almost 100% sure that the fumes that I was smelling were coming from my work boots. I must have stepped into some oily muck and it seeped into my boots - only to be activated upon using the blower fan on the floor setting (warming up the rubber of my boots and activating the smell). Wow! what a relief. I figured this out yesterday while driving in a large snow-flaked storm.  It was a terrible day to be out birding yesterday but today was a different story. I once again tied the March Big Day total of 32; a 3-peat if you will. I was stuck on 31 sitting at home and dreaming about Texas birds when I decided to give my eyes a break. I pished out the window -mocking a Brown Creeper - and lo and behold one appears. Boom - 32 species for the day. And yea I could go search for a Trumpeter Swan or a Cedar Waxwing and break the record with the last remaining daylight hours but I am tired and feel like the day is complete enough. Honestly I hadn't even planned on counting birds today at all - so from that perspective it was a grand day. Thank you Lord. Always something interesting in store. And Your Love reaches to the heavens. Thanks for keeping us safe and in your care (even if we don't feel like you are). One of the first birds of my morning was a Great Blue Heron. I only saw one today at Courage Kenny but I am sure the others are around. Along County Road 81 in Osseo across from the DOT building there are 2 American Kestrel Falcons taking up some territory. And I once again located the Barred Owl at the Springbrook Nature Center (back behind the visitor's center). One of the other neat sightings of the day - 3 Horned Larks in the same spot as last year along the Highway 10 frontage road that runs on the north side and west of Hanson Boulevard. There is some open land there and they love it there.  Oh and one more thing - I should be getting Van 203 back and the old work boots are in the garbage.

Here is today's list:

American Crow

American Goldfinch

American Kestrel

American Robin

Bald Eagle

Barred Owl

Black-capped Chickadee

Blue Jay

Brown Creeper

Canada Goose

Common Goldeneye

Common Merganser

Dark-eyed Junco

Downy Woodpecker

European Starling

Great Blue Heron

Hairy Woodpecker

Hooded Merganser

Horned Lark

House Finch

House Sparrow

Mallard

Mourning Dove

Northern Cardinal

Purple Finch

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Red-tailed Hawk

Red-winged Blackbird

Ring-billed Gull

Rock Pigeon

Sharp-shinned Hawk

White-breasted Nuthatch

A MARCH BIG DAY TIE

Hello - I am now re-riding in Medi-Van #202 - a van that I initially had but had to trade out because of air-conditioning problems. That was in the summer (may have even been 2 summers ago). I was given van #203 (identical vans). This is the one that had the toxic fume issue. Initially it was said to have been mold but the jury is still out on that one. All I know is that it was making me sick. Now that I don't have that van, I should be feeling much better (and I am!). And oh yes........... I have been able to get out and birdwatch too. Now with more vigor. Today I tallied 32 bird species which ties the March Big Day number. There are lots of waterfowl species out and about with Canada Geese in every city. Red-wing Blackbirds are starting to hang out and Ring-billed Gulls are circling the parking lots. Over by Courage Kenny there are 4 Great Blue Herons just hanging out at the edge of the lake where the stream bed starts. You can't miss em. I am so thankful that God has given me this desire. It's really enjoyable. And I get to do it while I help people who are in need of transportation services. Thank you Lord for your awesome love and your presence in my life. 

male Hooded Merganser - these birds were seen today on the Mississippi from Champlin

BACK TO WHAT I LOVE

On Monday I was back to what I love to do; birdwatch. And counting birds too. I was able to locate 2 FOY birds on Monday; the Red-winged Blackbird and the Ring-billed Gull. Today I had a list totaling 28 bird species. Highlights included 2 American Kestrel, 4 Great Blue Heron and a Northern Shrike. And what was thought to be mold in my Medi-Van may actually not have been. Unfortunately I am still getting toxic fumes in my van. Tomorrow may mark the beginning to a whole new way to bird watch. Please pray for God's will to be done in regards to my van situation and for protection of my health. And I thank you Lord that you are watching over me. Thank you for loving us!!! Amen

Here's the list of today's birds:

American Crow

American Goldfinch

American Kestrel

American Robin

Bald Eagle

Black-capped Chickadee

Blue Jay

Brown Creeper

Canada Goose

Common Goldeneye

Common Merganser

Dark-eyed Junco

Downy Woodpecker

European Starling

Great Blue Heron

Hairy Woodpecker

Hooded Merganser

House Finch

House Sparrow

Mallard

Northern Cardinal

Northern Shrike

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Red-tailed Hawk

Ring-billed Gull

Rock Pigeon

White-breasted Nuthatch

Wild Turkey

ANOTHER NEW MONTH BIRD

3RD DAY IN A ROW NOT OUT COUNTING BIRDS. SINUS INFECTION IS BEING ATTACKED BY PRAYER AND NOW ATTACKED BY MEDICINE AS WELL. HOPE TO GET OUT BIRDING AGAIN SOON. I FEEL I MAY TAKE ANOTHER DAY OFF THOUGH. TODAY I DID GET ANOTHER NEW BIRD FOR THE MONTH THOUGH. 42 SPECIES NOW THIS MONTH. I WAS CALLED TO ZIMMERMAN WITH THE MEDI-VAN THIS AFTERNOON. ZIMMERMAN IS SYNONYMOUS WITH THE SHERBURNE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE WHERE MY LOVE FOR BIRDING WAS BORN. ALSO HOME TO MY FAVORITE BIRD OF ALL TIME; THE RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH.

                                              THERE IS POWER IN PRAYER. AMEN

FOY = First of the Year

Yeah - a lot of birders use FOY - as meaning First of the Year (bird). So today I added 1 to my month list (even though I wasn't counting birds today). In January I logged 36 species. February's Sax Zim Bog trip added a lot of northern specialties and so that month's total was bigger; 51 species. So far this March I have tallied 41 as I now can add my FOY Great Blue Heron. Please pray for healing for me as I have a mild sinus infection; caused by mold in my Medi-Van. The van problem is said to have been taken care of. Now I need to take care of myself and rid myself of this stuffiness, etc. 2 days off of counting birds. Tomorrow may be another non bird counting day as I have only 2 runs with an allergy shot sandwiched between. Things are progressing nicely as there have been more and more Canadian Geese flying around and it has been reported that there are also Red-winged Blackbirds about, although I have not yet seen one. At Silverwood Park in St. Anthony, the Great Horned Owl is sitting with young ones. Get out and check it out. And God Bless you

                                                and keep you safe in the coming week. 

PRE-SNOW 25

A look at today's bird list below. A few wrenches will more than likely cause 2 days of non-birding. Snow coming leads the pack of nuisances. Lord please keep us safe and continue to help us with our patience. American Crow

American Goldfinch

American Robin

Bald Eagle

Black-capped Chickadee

Blue Jay

Canada Goose

Common Goldeneye

Common Merganser

Dark-eyed Junco

Downy Woodpecker

European Starling

Hairy Woodpecker

House Finch

House Sparrow

Mallard

Northern Cardinal

Purple Finch

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Red-tailed Hawk

Rock Pigeon

Trumpeter Swan

White-breasted Nuthatch

Wild Turkey

March 13th & March 14th - 2 day total of 32 species

On March 13th I logged 23 bird species; pretty much the regulars but missed spotting the American Goldfinch. I did come across a nice Barred Owl at French Lake Regional Park and that was the highlight. Today (March 14th) I tallied 25 species but had a bunch of misses. I did not see a Blue Jay, a Red-bellied Woodpecker, or a Red-tailed Hawk. Again - "the right place at the right time" is key. I was able to position myself this morning in Monticello and made my way to Swan Park. It was a given that I would see the Trumpeter Swan, but this can also be a hotbed for different duck species. Today was no exception. I saw Black Duck, Redhead, Hooded Merganser, Lesser Scaup (Bluebill), Common Goldeneye, Wood Duck, and Mallard. Later in the day I located a Common Merganser at a different location making it a total of 8 duck species. That was fun. My 2 day total was 32 species. Currently I am averaging 23 species per time out birding. What a fun hobby! We hit the Bibles tomorrow morning. God is good!!!

BACK TO THE BIRDS

After a day off, today I returned to the birds. An early start had me waiting for the sun to come up and as it did, I positioned myself at Elm Creek Park's Eastman Nature Center. It was loaded with Purple Finch!! That was fun. There was a male that seemed to be strutting his stuff for the females. On the way out I got a wonderful view of a beautiful male Ring-necked Pheasant - a new one for the month. 21 bird species today. Some misses but also some that were surprises. I ended the day of birding at home with a Brown Creeper.
Stay connected to our Lord.

                            We'll soon get out of this cold. Transition on the way.

NOT 3 DOG NIGHT - 3 OWL DAY

It's a good thing that tomorrow will be a day of rest. I am taking the day off from work to go apply for my passport. I'll be needing that for the upcoming trip to Germany. So with the day off from work - follows a day off from birding too. Good thing. Today's 32 species shattered Friday's Big Day. These numbers fall in line with what I have experienced from last year. Although I only have one documented Big Day in April - last year's 44 seems almost reachable as the warmer weather moves in (along with more bird species). And it was a 3 owl day. Today I saw the Barred Owl at Elm Creek Park, the Snowy Owl in Ramsey, and was treated to a nice looking Great Horned Owl at Springbrook Nature Center. Wow!! Other non-owl highlights were: First of the year Horned Lark, Black Duck, Mourning Dove, and an elusive Purple Finch. Here's the complete list:

American Crow

American Goldfinch

American Robin

American Tree Sparrow

Bald Eagle

Barred Owl

Black-capped Chickadee

Black Duck

Blue Jay

Canada Goose

Cedar Waxwing

Common Goldeneye

Common Merganser

Dark-eyed Junco

Downy Woodpecker

European Starling

Great Horned Owl

Hairy Woodpecker

Horned Lark

House Finch

House Sparrow

Mallard

Mourning Dove

Northern Cardinal

Purple Finch

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Red-tailed Hawk

Rock Pigeon

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Snowy Owl

White-breasted Nuthatch

Wild Turkey

NEW MARCH HIGH

Blogging for Friday, March 7th. I was waiting patiently for a Bald Eagle figuring this time I would concentrate and get the pair by Lowe's. Didn't need to. As I left the Coon Rapids Dam yesterday, I spotted one flying at tree level - being chased by a crow. Like in the times of Paul's ministry - always seemed to be chased by the Jews that didn't like what he had to say. Hey - don't shoot the messenger. Oh, that we could all be as bold as Paul. I for one know that I am not. I do enjoy God's beautiful birds. I enjoy their color, shape, sound, and their correspondence to freedom. At least freedom to take flight. Highlights from yesterday - Black Duck, American Tree Sparrow, and Pileated Woodpecker. How awesome is our God!!! 24 species yesterday.

A TOUGH 20

Moving into St. Paul today with only 15 birds on my list. I absent-mindedly forgot to look for the Bald Eagles - easy to see - nesting by Lowe's on Highway 10. With that in mind, I still needed 5 birds to reach 20 but this just made it a bit more difficult. There is a nice home across the street from Como Park in St. Paul that has many bird feeders. It's like a magnet in conjunction with the park itself so I am often times found there looking for birds. My destination was a hot spot for 3 of my needed birds; Dark-eyed Junco, American Goldfinch, and Red-bellied Woodpecker. As I was walking toward the home with the feeders I heard the sound of many Cedar Waxwings and then found the flock. Wow!! What a beautiful sight. That was a bird I was not counting on and so then I just needed 4. The Dark-eyed Junco and the American Goldfinch came quickly to leave me only 2 shy of 20. I figured the only other bird I could find in the area was the Red-bellied Woodpecker and I searched in vain but could not find one. I did a quick walk around the block as I have often times picked one up at the end of the block or at the edge of the park. No luck this time. I was about to give up when I thought that I would try one more time at the "birdy" home. Then approaching at tree level quite a distance past the lake..........what's this? Unbelievable!!! A Bald Eagle flying over Lake Como making up for my previous mistake and making the list 19 - 1 away. And then not even a minute later, like clock-work, a Red-bellied Woodpecker flies right over my head and lands in a tree next to me. Thank you Lord - you are so awesome. Thus ended the tough search for 20 bird species. 

After going through last month's bird finds, here is a list of the top 10 birds spotted. It is pretty much what one would expect - except for one surprise. The list is some-what skewed by the fact that I was up north at the bog and birds like the Northern Cardinal are a tough find.

Out of 13 attempts in February

Black-capped Chickadee - 13 out of 13
Blue Jay - 13 out of 13
Downy Woodpecker 13 out of 13
Hairy Woodpecker 13 out of 13
American Crow 12 out of 13
European Starling 12 out of 13
Rock Pigeon 12 out of 13
White-breasted Nuthatch 12 out of 13
House Finch 11 out of 13
Bald Eagle 11 out of 13

DAM GOLDENEYES GONE

Coon Rapids Dam that is!!! After many weeks of visiting the Coon Rapids Dam and spotting the Common Goldeneyes, it appears that they have moved on. Although I hear from my wife that the Mississippi is open at her work and the Goldeneyes have found some refuge there. I was able to locate some Common Mergansers at the dam and that helped me get to 21 bird species on Wednesday, March 5th. I was at the Mississippi River by the U of M later in the afternoon Wednesday searching for the much needed Brown Creeper. After about an hour of searching, I finally found 3 of them. And a nice Pileated Woodpecker rounded off the day's nice birding. I was blessed again today. And now Lord I pray that you help us through the change of season and give us strength to endure the upcoming pothole season. Amen

MARCH BIRDING BEGINS

Wie Gehts - Learning German is very difficult especially when I really want to get out and bird watch. So I have been dividing my time a bit but still able to see good numbers of birds. Logged a total of 21 bird species on Monday, March 3rd. Then today's total reached 23. Elm Creek Park seems to be the place to be. The birds are really active there. And I think it is one of the few places to find the American Tree Sparrow and the Purple Finch. Where ever I go, I try to make the most of the situation. With the addition of trying to learn German, I seem to never have a dull moment. So if the birding is not good, I can read and or learn, but I always seem to be on the move. Thankfully God is everywhere we go. I am thankful for the protection He has provided on the roads this winter. It's been tough driving and there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel. Lord keep us composed. And help me to appreciate what I have. 

Biding My Birding Time

Hello-
March has arrived. But it doesn't look like it. I realize that March is one of the snowiest months but where is the warmer weather? Still below zero and still biding my time; hoping I can get out and bird without freezing my extremities. February's biggest Big Day was also my son Ian's 22nd birthday. I managed to ID 29 bird species. The list is below in a previous entry. A total of 51 bird species for the month of February and that included 1 new Minnesota Life Bird (and a North American Life Bird); the Northern Hawk Owl. 13 more to go before I reach the 300 Club; 300 bird species spotted in Minnesota. We are confirmed to go to Germany this August so now I suppose I will need to have a new list - a European bird list. Back here in Anoka - we have been getting regular visits from the Brown Creeper. Also we had a nice looking American Robin visit our bird bath while we sat and played Scrabble. 1 tie and 2 wins this time - my luck may be changing. It's just a game though. And luck comes and goes, but God's love for us remains the same and constant. I am very thankful for that.