Real Grosbeaks of Minnesota! (a hit new TV series)

Year 10
When folks think of the species of grosbeaks you might see in Minnesota, Evening, Rose-Breasted and Pine Grosbeaks come to mind. Did you know there is one more grosbeak species that migrates up from Central America and Mexico to breed in southern Minnesota? Meet the Blue Grosbeak, which I found and photographed at Eden Prairies’ Flying Cloud Playing Fields yesterday morning. The magic spot for me were the trees near the outfield fences, and the young oaks across the street bordering the church parking lot. At least two blue grosbeaks were hanging out and singing.

And the other Minnesota Grosbeaks … (all photographed this year)

Evening Grosbeak

Rose-Breasted Grosbeak

Pine Grosbeak

And just because “blue” was not enough color for the morning, I also had fun with some American Goldfinches. My mistake of the day was arriving at the ballfields at 6:30 am. All the local birds for which I was searching basically waited till 7:30 am before venturing forth … also corresponding to when the bug hatch got going.

Momma Great Horned Owl

Year 10

After Fuzz Ball’s demise, Momma Owl has not left the nest much. This image was taken early in the afternoon two days ago. She had reached the point that she was off the nest much more than being present at home, but now she hangs tight with her other owlet. This youngster is not yet branching, which is by far the latest in the five years I have watched the two parent owls. By Memorial Day each of the other four years, the owlets were always able to fly and exploring the Lester / Amity Forest … not this year.

Battling Birds of Sherburne

Year 10

Oh my what a difference escaping Lake Superior makes in terms of climate. Earlier this week at home we had one day where even at high noon the temperature was 39F, and getting above 50F was impossible. Now I am 175 miles south for a family gathering and early summer is in full swing. Thus, at 5:30 yesterday morning I left for Wildlife Drive in the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge. The prairie lupine were in full bloom, and in the early morning sun the fields were alive in purple. Prince would have been happy! The water level is high, and the reeds have not grown high blocking easy birdwatching.

Given courting is in force, the birds were singing and fighting. Some of the earlier nesting birds took umbrage when other birds got too close. The first fight on the card was between Trumpeter Swans and Canada Geese. Normally the swans force the geese to move, but the trumpeters did not take into account an early hatch and brood for the geese. They fought back hard and encouraged the swans to move on.

The Fight!

The Vanquished Deliver a Bronx Cheer!

The next conflict on the morning’s fight card was between a flock of Sandhill Cranes and Red-Winged Blackbirds. Even given the HUGE size difference the blackbirds eventually forced the cranes to move.

Next it was time out from the fighting to enjoy a lifer singing its heart out in front of the prairie lupines … a Grasshopper Sparrow.

And then the real reason I had ventured forth to Sherburne, Yellow-Headed Blackbirds. The males were singing and staking out territories. I don’t think any females had yet arrived on the breeding grounds.