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Melanistic Cooper's Hawk

Written by Roger Jay Schroeder |

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First observed at 3:30pm April 17 at the Lyon County Fairgrounds along the Redwood River. The bird was first observed in flight about 20m above me. An American Crow was following this bird. The bird was about the side of a crow, but had broader wings, but a more streamlined body with a long tail. My first reaction was Cooper's Hawk, but this bird was very dark in general color both above and below. I am not aware of color morphs in accipiters.

Possible Slaty-backed Gull Gives Good Reminders of Good Birding Tips

Written by Roger Jay Schroeder |

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This bird was seen at Black Rush Lake, Lyon County. About 3:00pm on March 28-2009 after a Youth Mentorship Program (YMP) field trip. Before leaving, I scanned through several hundred Ring-billed Gull for other species. Also in the mix were 5 Herring Gull, and one Franklin's Gull. Also in this large group of several hundred gulls was a dark backed gull. I knew immediately this would require extra study. Viewing the bird through a 15-45x spotting scope, I observed characteristics that suggest it is a Slaty-backed Gull. If accepted by the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union Recorcs Committee (MOURC) it would constitute only the second time this species has been reported with sufficient details to be included into Minnesota's official record. There may hve been other sightings (one other I know of was found to not have conclusive identification details recorded) in the state, of course, but perhaps were not viewed to an extend which made conclusive identification possible.

Lost are my Sticks

Written by Roger Jay Schroeder |

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On a calculated whim I accepted an offer from a fellow Christmas Bird Count coordinator to stay in his cabin the Beltrami Island State Forest (near Baudette) and help out on the bird counts. Crazy as it sounds the thought of staying in a rustic cabin - no running water, no electricity, wood stove for cooking, etc. - in one of Minnesota's more remote locations with 15 miles of skiing trails to use in search of birds sounded like the perfect tonic for my current level of employment-induced stress.

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