Kinglets, Sparrows and Kestrels

It was a gorgeous weekend and I got some birding in. While I was walking in my backyard I saw tiny Golden-crowned Kinglets. They were in my pine trees foraging for small insects. Fox, Song and Chipping Sparrows are abundant in the meadows. Along the roadsides perched on power lines are American Kestrels. There are tons of them, seemingly two birds to every mile. I even saw one nab a mouse or vole in the field. Also to be noted I saw a Brown Creeper and a couple of Sandhill Cranes. Flocks of Greater-white fronted and Snow Geese are heading west.

Lots of Juncos

Juncos are gathering up for migration. Tons of Dark-eyed Juncos are in peoples yards. There are also some Fox Sparrows and Song and Chipping Sparrows with them. So enjoy them while you can because they won't be here for long.

Northern Saw-whet Owl

I just heard of a Northern Saw-whet Owl that has been heard in Meeker county last Tuesday, courtesy to Larson Kelly. The bird was last heard between 6:45 and 7:00 in a small woodlot adjacent to a wetland. This is near the trail head of the Meeker County park on State Highway 15, between Dassel and Kingston. I hope others and me too can find this little owl and hopefully add a bird to our life lists or county lists.

Birds are Heading North

Today I have seen countless small flocks of Red-winged Blackbirds and grackles fly overhead along with mixed flocks of canadas and greater white-fronted geese. Birds are definitely moving north as this radar image shows.

Later Today

When I got home later today the temperatures were soaring into the 60's! Another couple of days like this there will be not much snow left.

Spring is coming!

Yesterday in central Minnesota the temps were in the high 40's. A lot of snow has melted and I don't think it even got below freezing last night. The Red-winged Blackbirds are showing up and more and more robins are coming everyday.