mustap
Well-known member
I am trying to sort out timing/routes for a trip through Minnesota for birding. While i have no specific date constraints...i am hoping to do a single trip to hit all the target birds (as i am not sure both a winter and summer visit are possible this year).
Target Species:
Kirtland Warbler (hope to pick up en route, tours in Michigan start May 15)
Chestnut-collared Longspur
Greater Prairie Chicken
Connecticut Warbler
Three-toed Woodpecker
Black-backed Woodpecker
Black-billed Magpie
Swainson's Hawk
Rarities/Species i'll chase if they are in the area:
Prairie Falcon
Smith's Longspur
Sprague's Pipit
Henslow's Sparrow
Townsend's Solitaire
Clark's Nutcracker
I am not sure how long the hides are active for Prairie Chickens...i am guessing the booming is likely wrapped up before the Longspurs, Connecticut and Kirtland's Warblers arrive on Territory?
However, I suspect it is still possible/likely to track down a few chickens visiting the appropriate habitat, and therefore, time the trip based on the warblers. I believe the magpies are resident and the swainson's should long since have returned.
Focal points for search (based on what i have been able to read so far):
1. Rothsay area: Prairie Chickens
2. Felton Prairie: Chestnut-collared Longspurs, Swainson's Hawk
3. Sax Zim Bog: Connecticut Warbler, Black-billed Magpie, Three-toed Woodpecker, Black-backed Woodpecker
4. Grayling, MI: KIWA tour
I'd appreciate any comments on this as a plan, or suggestions regarding timing mid-may or late may.
Thanks,
Target Species:
Kirtland Warbler (hope to pick up en route, tours in Michigan start May 15)
Chestnut-collared Longspur
Greater Prairie Chicken
Connecticut Warbler
Three-toed Woodpecker
Black-backed Woodpecker
Black-billed Magpie
Swainson's Hawk
Rarities/Species i'll chase if they are in the area:
Prairie Falcon
Smith's Longspur
Sprague's Pipit
Henslow's Sparrow
Townsend's Solitaire
Clark's Nutcracker
I am not sure how long the hides are active for Prairie Chickens...i am guessing the booming is likely wrapped up before the Longspurs, Connecticut and Kirtland's Warblers arrive on Territory?
However, I suspect it is still possible/likely to track down a few chickens visiting the appropriate habitat, and therefore, time the trip based on the warblers. I believe the magpies are resident and the swainson's should long since have returned.
Focal points for search (based on what i have been able to read so far):
1. Rothsay area: Prairie Chickens
2. Felton Prairie: Chestnut-collared Longspurs, Swainson's Hawk
3. Sax Zim Bog: Connecticut Warbler, Black-billed Magpie, Three-toed Woodpecker, Black-backed Woodpecker
4. Grayling, MI: KIWA tour
I'd appreciate any comments on this as a plan, or suggestions regarding timing mid-may or late may.
Thanks,
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