A GLOSSY IBIS was found April 19th in Aitkin County just west of the town of Aitkin, and it was still present April 20th. The bird was in a flooded field on the north side of County Road 15, roughly two and a half miles west of town. A WHITE-FACED IBIS was reported on the 19th by Dedrick Benz from the Hills sewage ponds in Rock County.

Jerry Hansen found five CATTLE EGRETS in a field in southeast Rochester, in Olmsted County, on April 19th. The egrets were seen along 30th Street Southeast, one-quarter of a mile west of Marion Road. Craig Mandel reported five Cattle Egrets in Otter Tail County on the 17th in the northeast corner of the intersection of County Road 7 and 140th Street.

Dave Schmidt found a BLACK SCOTER in Inver Grove Heights, in Ramsey County, April 15th. It was in a small pond north of the junction of Argenta Trail West and 68th Street West.

As many as 180 AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS and two ROSS’S GEESE were in Jackson County on April 17th, just north of the junction of County Roads 66 and 67.

On April 16th, a EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE was located by Barb and Denny Martin in the town of Heron Lake, in Jackson County. The bird was on the west side of the town’s grain elevator.

On the 17th, John Morrison had a NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD visit his backyard in the city of Austin, in Mower County. On April 18th, Brian Smith found a Northern Mockingbird at the rustic campground at Flandrau State Park, in Brown County. It was in the area closest to the park’s two outhouses.

Seven GREAT-TAILED GRACKLES were at Sandy Point County Park on the southwest shore of South Heron Lake in Jackson County on the 17th. Five more were at the Hills sewage ponds in Rock County on the 16th.

Other recent arrivals include AMERICAN BITTERN, SWAINSON’S HAWK, WHIP-POOR-WILL, NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, BROWN THRASHER, NASHVILLE WARBLER, PINE WARBLER, HENSLOW’S SPARROW, CLAY-COLORED SPARROW, LARK SPARROW, and LINCOLN’S SPARROW.

The Fishing Hot Spot this week is St. Cloud, where numbers of large crappies and sunnies are being taken.

The opening dates for the 2005/2006 fishing season for most inland waters in Minnesota are as follows: walleye, sauger, northern pike and lake trout, -May 14; largemouth and smallmouth bass, -May 28; and muskie -June 4. The fishing season for crappies, sunnies, perch and catfish is continuous.

Anglers may obtain fishing licenses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by dialing 1-888-665-4236, or accessing http://www.wildlifelicense.com/mn/index.html

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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

MANKATO FISHING REPORT
Shore anglers are catching crappies in the channel on German Lake near Jefferson. Also try The Sawmill on Big Jefferson Lake, and the back of Baker’s Bay on Washington Lake. The largest crappies are coming out of Lake Crystal. For the most fish, try a slip bobber in 4-6 feet of water. Sunfish anglers are having success fishing Lake Sakatah at the Lagoon.

MONTEVIDEO FISHING REPORT
Catfish are biting on the Minnesota and Chippewa rivers. Work the shorelines for the most action. Crappies are active on Lake Lac qui Parle, especially at Volden’s Pit.

ORTONVILLE FISHING REPORT
Crappies are being pulled from the shallows of Traverse Lake–try fishing from shore on the north end of the lake. Another good spot for crappies has been 3-4 foot depths on Long Tom Lake. For the most fish, use a crappie minnow on a small jig. On Big Stone Lake, silver bass are hitting jig and twister tail combinations from shore.

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TWIN CITIES FISHING REPORTS

ST. CLOUD FISHING REPORT
Large crappies and sunnies are biting on the Horseshoe Chain, at Schneider and Bowfin lakes. Anglers report numbers of sunnies being taken on small leeches and waxworms worked in 4-10 feet of water, from shore and from boat. Crappie action is picking up on Horseshoe and Pearl lakes in similar depths, at the reeds. The best approach has been a crappie minnow and black flu flu. Sunnies and crappies are also being pulled from Brigg’s, Rush, Clearwater, Cedar Island, Little Rock, Mayhew and Grand lakes. Some anglers are fishing from shore, but most are venturing out by boat. Either way, work the shallow bays using waxworms, eurolarvae or crappie minnows.

EDEN VALLEY FISHING REPORT
All area lakes are producing numbers of sunfish and crappies in the shallows. Try 2-6 foot depths on Koronis, Horseshoe, Rice, Becker, Pleasant, Cedar and Sugar lakes using flu flus or mini jigs tipped with a minnow or waxworm for the most fish. Darker colors, such as black, green and red seem to be working best.

WAYZATA FISHING REPORT
On Lake Minnetonka, crappies are active in 6-8 feet of water, with fish hitting brightly-colored jigs tipped with a minnow. For the largest crappies, try fishing the tops of the standing, green milfoil. Sunfish are hitting waxworms and ice flies in 5-6 foot depths. And don’t forget the 22nd Annual Crappie Fishing Contest this Saturday on Lake Minnetonka–tickets are available at Gander Mountain.

CHISAGO CITY FISHING REPORT
Crappies and sunnies are biting on most area lakes. For the best results, work the shallow, dark bottom bays, especially on South Center Lake, while bobber fishing using small jigs tipped with waxworms or crappie minnows.

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NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

DULUTH FISHING REPORT
On Lake Superior, the smelt have started running at the end of Park Point and at the break wall. Anglers are seining about 15-20 fish each time. The steelhead run is at its peak in North Shore streams, with yarn flies and spawn bags taking the most fish. Action has been great on the Lester, Sucker, Knife and French rivers, as well as at Stony Point using looper bugs on bobbers, spawn bags, and floating worms off the bottom. Coho salmon action is great at the river mouths, along the shorelines. Try white looper bugs, and worms worked off the bottom, for numbers of fish. Some anglers are having success trolling the “big lake” using purple and pink stickbaits on the surface. The crappie action is picking up on local area lakes, such as Caribou, Elora, Nickles and Grand. Perch action is still going strong on Pike Lake. Suckers are starting to run.

KABETOGAMA FISHING REPORT
Lakes Kabetogama and Namakan should be free of ice by this weekend. The water is warming rapidly, and northern pike are running and spawning, with other species soon to follow. Crappie fishing on the smaller lakes has started, but action has been slow. Crappie anglers on Kabatogama and Namakan may want to wait until water temperatures reach the 50’s. Shallow bays, such as Sullivan, Lost Lake and Lost Bay may produce crappies prior to the opener.

INTERNATIONAL FALLS FISHING REPORT
On Rainy Lake, while the walleye and sauger season has closed, you may still fish for northern pike in the border waters of the Rainy River. The possession limit is three, with only one over 40 inches allowed–all northerns between 30 and 40 inches must be returned immediately. The lake sturgeon season opens April 24. Angler numbers have been limited at the river accesses recently.

GRAND RAPIDS FISHING REPORT
The ice is gone, the loons are back, and the berrie bushes are blooming. Panfish are biting at Cohasset by Minnesota Power and Light. The suckers can now be found in the streams, and the smelt should now be running in Pokegama.

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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA FISHING REPORTS

BAUDETTE FISHING REPORT
On Lake of the Woods, catch-and-release sturgeon fishing has been good at Four Mile Bay–you may also have a chance to watch the Minnesota DNR tag some of these monsters. Anglers are looking forward to the walleye season opener on Saturday, May 14th. And don’t forget the 9th Annual Ice-Out Trophy Pike Tournament on Lake of the Woods, April 23 & 24. To learn more, dial 1-800-222-2537.

BLACKDUCK FISHING REPORT
Area lakes are all free of ice, and Red Lake opened up last Sunday. The crappie bite on Upper Red Lake should pick up soon–for the most fish, try working the shoreline breaks from boat. Smaller area lakes, such as Gilsted and Rabideau, are producing crappies on small gypsy jigs and crappies minnows.

BEMIDJI FISHING REPORT
Suckers are running on the Mississippi River. Perch are moving into the shallows to chase minnows on area lakes. Perch are being taken by working the edges of the reeds and brush piles on Plantagenet, Bemidji and Big lakes. Trout fishing has been good on area streams, such as Clearwater, Kabekona and Necktie.

WALKER FISHING REPORT
Leech Lake went ice-free on Sunday, April 17. Anglers are already catching perch and crappies, and anticipate an excellent opener this year. For the most crappies, hit the bays. And, the smaller area lakes are also producing fish.

PARK RAPIDS FISHING REPORT
Crappie action has been excellent from shore at the end of Long Lake. Anglers are taking fish using a jig and minnow. The trout opener was very good on the Straight River last weekend, with many anglers reporting numbers of average-sized fish.

DETROIT LAKES FISHING REPORT
Most area lakes are producing crappies and bluegills. On the smaller area lakes, work the shallow bays, and on the larger lakes, hit slightly deeper depths–warmer waters will draw these fish into the shallows any day now. The best approach has been a little nipper jig tipped with a small minnow or a small plastic tail. Some of the best producers at present are Little Detroit, Little Cormorant, Big Cormorant, Round, Lizzie, Crystal, Franklin, Cotton and Big Toad lakes.

PELICAN RAPIDS FISHING REPORT
Shore anglers are catching crappies on Lida and Prairie lakes, as well as on many of the smaller area lakes. Crappie minnows and waxworms are taking the most fish. Catfish action has been good on the Pelican River.

BATTLE LAKE FISHING REPORT
Battle, Clitheral and Star lakes have been very popular for crappies and sunnies. Anglers are having the most success working 10 foot depths with a crappie minnow or waxworm.

ALEXANDRIA FISHING REPORT
Shore anglers are catching crappies in 2-3 feet of water. For the most fish, try a tube jig, powerbait, or jig and minnow combination during lowlight hours. Lobster, Oscar, and Le Homme Dieu lakes are all kicking out fish.

STARBUCK FISHING REPORT
On Lake Minnewaska, the crappie action has been excellent at the Starbuck Marina. Small jigs and crappie minnows are working best from shore. On the Glenwood end, anglers fishing from boat are catching crappies and sunnies at the Fish Hatchery. Sunnies are hitting small leeches and waxworms. And good results are also being reported from the north end of Pocket Lake.

BRAINERD FISHING REPORT
The crappie bite has become more aggressive, with numbers of fish being pulled from the smaller, backwater bays on area lakes. The best approach has been a small jig tipped with a minnow, suspended below a float. For the most fish, hit Gull, North Long and Pelican lakes.

CROSSLAKE FISHING REPORT
Anglers are finding crappies in the shallow bays during early evening hours. Hit Crosslake and Rush Lake for some nice-sized crappies.

NISSWA FISHING REPORT
Numbers of crappies are being taken on puddle jumpers and crappie minnows. Just some of the recommended locations include Margaret Lake, Merrifield Bay on North Long Lake, and Wilson Bay on Gull. During morning hours, hit the Bar Harbor channel and docks. Crappies can be found in 3-12 feet of water using a slip bobber rig with a small puddle jumper or any small, feather-type jig. Many crappies are measuring 12- to 14-inches, with the first 2-pound crappie of the open water season taken last weekend. Sunfish action is just starting to pick up, and should be in full gear any day now. For sunnies, try waxworms on little hair jigs in depths as shallow as 1 foot. The best colors are traditionally white, pink or smoke black.

ISLE FISHING REPORT
Lake Mille Lacs is producing crappies in the bays and near the boat harbors. For the most fish, try a small minnow and jig in the shallows throughout the lake.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced the proposed walleye regulations on Upper Red Lake. The regulations will take effect when walleye fishing resumes in spring of 2006. All of Upper Red and Lower Red lakes have been closed to walleye harvest since 1999 under a recovery agreement between the Red Lake Band and DNR.

The Red Lakes Fisheries Technical Committee has determined that walleye recovery is sufficient to resume some harvest by 2006.

“In anticipation of high angling pressure on a newly reopened fishery, regulations will need to be fairly restrictive to manage harvest within safe harvest levels,” said Henry Drewes, DNR regional fisheries manager in Bemidji.

Fisheries managers utilized a citizen advisory committee to help select from a limited number of possible regulation options. The walleye regulation calls for a two fish possession limit and a 17- to 26-inch protected slot, with only one over 26 inches allowed in possession.

“The two-fish bag limit option has the best chance of spreading the available safe harvest over a full summer and winter season,” Drewes said. The protected slot was selected to protect the bulk of the mature broodstock that has been built up during the recovery period.

“The Upper Red Lake Citizens Advisory Committee clearly recognizes the importance of protecting this fishery through conservative regulations” said Drewes. “We sincerely appreciate their support and hard work over the last 12 months.”

In addition, there are concerns about maintaining the quality northern pike fishery known to exist on Upper Red, with the expected increase in open water fishing pressure as walleye angling resumes. A 26- to 40-inch protected slot, with only one in possession over 40 inches, is being proposed to provide quality management for northern pike.

These proposed regulations have been announced for public review. Input can be directed by mail to Bemidji Area Fisheries Office, 2114 Bemidji Avenue, Bemidji MN 56601; by phone at (218) 755-2974; or by e-mail to gary.barnard@dnr.state.mn.us.

Public input meetings will be scheduled in September, with dates and locations to be announced.

While 2005 will not go into the record books as the earliest ice-out ever for any Minnesota lakes with long-term records, the rapid spring warm-up moved the ice out more quickly than what was expected at the beginning of April.

Pete Boulay, assistant state climatologist for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), said conditions changed quickly.

“Prospects for an early ice-out for 2005 didn’t seem to be in the cards for Minnesota,” Boulay said. “The statewide temperature average for March 2005 was just a little cooler than average. Indeed the first few lakes in far south-central Minnesota lost their ice near historical averages.”

Tiny Iowa Lake in Martin County was first, losing its ice by March 28. Budd Lake in Martin County followed on March 30, one day later than the historical average.

Then, however, April arrived with May-like temperatures. The first 17 days of the month were 10 degrees above average statewide. Even in northeastern Minnesota, which held onto a snow pack at the beginning of April, temperatures were seven degrees above average.

“The balmy conditions accelerated ice-out across the rest of Minnesota,” Boulay said.

In central portions of the state, lakes like White Bear and Minnetonka were ice free by April 9, which was several days ahead of average. Green Lake in Kandiohi County lost its icy cover on April 10, six days ahead of its long-term average. In general, lakes were ice free three days to a week ahead of average in Central Minnesota.

“Mille Lacs was stubborn to lose its ice,” Boulay noted. “One couldn’t pilot a boat from Isle to Garrison until April 20, but that was still four days earlier than average.”

The warmth continued during the third week of April and ice thawed on northern lakes more rapidly. As of April 21, virtually all lakes across northeastern Minnesota were ice free.

Even lakes that typically keep their ice the latest, like Vermillion, looked blue to airplane pilots on April 19. The last two years Vermillion was still iced until the end of April. Shagawa Lake, just north of Ely, lost its ice 10 days ahead of average. Most lakes in northern Minnesota were ice free seven to 10 days ahead of average.

By Monday, April 25, all Minnesota lakes were ice free. The last lakes to lose their ice were the Canadian border waters of Rainy Lake and Lake of the Woods, both ice free April 23.

Citizens throughout Minnesota are invited to help the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Minnesota state parks with their “spring cleaning” on GreenTouch Day scheduled for Saturday, May 7.

In its sixth year, GreenTouch Day encourages volunteers to plant trees and prairie, remove invasive species and make campgrounds “sparkle.” The event is part of a long-term commitment by Touchstone Energy Cooperatives to care for Minnesota state parks.

“GreenTouch Day is a great time for people to enjoy the spring weather, clean-up the parks for a few hours and feel good about their contribution,” said Courtland Nelson, director, Minnesota state parks. “Afterwards, volunteers will be treated to a picnic lunch, compliments of Touchstone Energy coops.”

During the past five years, more than 2,600 volunteers have donated an estimated 9,000 hours to take care of Minnesota’s state parks during GreenTouch Day.

All the GreenTouch projects are listed on the DNR Web site, http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/spruceup_2005.html.

Volunteers interested in helping out should call the contact number listed for details. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own work gloves.

Wildlife watching is big business in Minnesota

Bird watchers and other wildlife viewers contribute more than half a billion dollars per year to Minnesota’s tourist economy.

More money is spent in Minnesota for wildlife watching activities than the amount spent on hunting. According to a recent U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service survey, wildlife watchers spent $531 million in 2000 for wildlife viewing, nature photography and bird feeding, compared with $480 million for hunting.

Carrol Henderson, Department of Natural Resources, (DNR) Nongame Wildlife Program supervisor, gave a presentation recently in Grand Rapids on wildlife tourism and how local communities can attract national attention for wildlife viewing.

His presentation was part of a one-day workshop titled, “Making the Most of Mother Nature, a how-to guide for wildlife tourism.” More than 50 resort and motel owners, tourism developers, wildlife biologists, chambers of commerce, convention and visitors bureaus, representatives of the Mille Lac Indian Band and others attended the workshop.

The DNR Nongame Wildlife Program, the Explore Minnesota Office of Tourism and the University of Minnesota Tourism Center sponsored the workshop.

Many resorts and lodging establishments have plenty of business during the fishing season and summer months, but are always looking for new ways to attract tourists during the early fall, winter and spring, when there is less tourism activity, said Henderson.

The recent owl invasion experienced in northern Minnesota generated an estimated $800,000 to $1 million for the area’s tourism industry this past winter, according to Henderson. This boom to the tourist industry during their slow season brought awareness of the tremendous wealth of wildlife in the area, and the possibilities for creating memorable wildlife viewing experiences, Henderson said.

The abundance of public lands in northern Minnesota provides wonderful opportunities that can be beneficial as well as sustainable for area resort and lodging businesses. This is in addition to the economic benefit already provided by hunting and fishing activities.

“Simple services can be offered and promoted to attract wildlife watchers, such as web-sites, birding trails, interpretive field trips, and wildlife viewing boat rides,” Henderson said. “This can provide income for local communities and businesses by capturing a few more months of tourist activity.”

More information on wildlife watching is available in the book, “Traveler’s Guide to Wildlife in Minnesota” authored by Henderson, naturalist Andrea Lee Lambrecht, and the DNR’s regional nongame wildlife biologists.

This traveler’s guide was published by the DNR Nongame Wildlife Program and is available for sale at Minnesota’s Bookstore by calling toll free 1-800-657-3757 or in the Twin Cities area (651) 297-3000.

Birdhouse-building workshop set for Old Mill State Park April 30

This season brings with it many spring delights including the welcome return a popular songbird, the Eastern Bluebird, decked out in bright blue feathers, a rusty colored throat and white belly.

The growth of the bluebird population in Minnesota is due largely to workshops and programs where individuals create nesting boxes for these birds to encourage successful population growth.

On Saturday, April 30, at 2 p.m., the entire family is invited to the picnic shelter at Old Mill State Park to ?help a bluebird? during a birdhouse-building workshop.

Park volunteers will give a presentation about the Eastern Bluebird, how to select an appropriate site to attract bluebirds, and how to maintain the birdhouse. After that, the construction of the birdhouses will begin. All nesting box material will be precut and ready for assembly. Materials for the birdhouse are free, but there is a limit of one box per family unless extra material is available.

Interested participants are asked to call the park before April 29 so volunteers can determine how many nesting boxes to have on hand. Participants should bring their own drill (cordless preferred), otherwise they will be provided. At Old Mill State Park, bluebird nesting sites have doubled over the past year.

The program is free and open to the public, however a Minnesota State Park Vehicle Permit ($25 for an annual permit or $7 for a day permit) is required to enter the park and can be purchased at the park office. For information, call (218) 437-8174.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is announcing a temporary fishing closure on three major tributaries to the Red Lakes to protect spawning walleyes. All of the Tamarac River, Shotley Brook from Roger’s Campground bridge upstream, and the Blackduck River north of County Road 32 will be closed during this period.

These tributaries will be closed to all angling and rough fish spearing beginning Saturday, April 16, and will most likely remain closed through Friday, May 13. DNR Fisheries staff will be monitoring walleye spawning activity in the Tamarac River and may rescind the closure earlier if the walleye run appears to be over. Major access points will be posted during the period of closure.

One major difference between this year’s closure and those previous is that all of the Tamarac River will be closed this year.

Walleye harvest has been prohibited on the Red Lakes during the past six years to allow the population to recover from over-fishing. According to the DNR, the recovery effort is going well with numbers of spawning walleye increasing substantially.

Meanwhile, an exceptional crappie fishery developed on Upper Red Lake, which has been a real benefit for local communities, while the walleye population recovers. But as interest in Red Lake crappie fishing continues, there is concern that spring angling in tributary streams could hinder the walleye recovery.

“Although we’ve prohibited all walleye harvest on the Red Lakes, we need this temporary fishing closure on the tributaries to reduce incidental hooking mortality of spawning walleye,” said Gary Barnard, DNR Bemidji Area Fisheries supervisor. “We have a big investment in the Red Lake recovery effort and it makes sense to protect walleye during this short period when they’re really vulnerable.”

Upper Red Lake will remain open for crappie fishing. Boat access from the Tamarac River to the lake will continue to be allowed.

As of April 10th, the gray-morph GYRFALCON was still in northeastern Dakota County. It was most recently reported by John Ellis just east of the junction of County Road 42 and State Highway 55.

GREAT GRAY OWLS and NORTHERN HAWK OWLS are becoming more difficult to find in northern Minnesota, but a few birds are still being reported. On April 10th, Warren Nelson found two Great Grays on Aitkin County Road 1, two more on County Road 29, and four on County Road 68.

A NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD was reported on April 10th from Murray County. Barb McGregor and Sue Bergman found it along County Road 8 between Highway 91 and U.S. Highway 59.

There was an interesting report of a TUFTED TITMOUSE from Baker Park near Maple Plain, in Hennepin County. Jim Solgard heard the bird calling on April 14th. To view this bird, begin at U.S. Highway 12, take County Road 19 north to County Road 24, then turn right and drive just under a mile. Look for the headquarters building and listen for the bird from the parking lot and from the walking trail.

Audrey Evers found a ROSS GOOSE at Fishermans Point of White Water Lake in Hoyt Lakes, in St. Louis County, on April 14th. Another Ross’s Goose was found by Keith Pulles in Wright County on the 13th at Beebe Lake.

Susan Hult reported an AMERICAN AVOCET at Pool #9 of the Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area in Anoka County on April 10th. And a remarkable total of nineteen was found by Janet Timmerman on the 11th on the northwestern shore of Lake Wilson in Murray County.

On April 14th, a pair of LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES was seen by Emily Hutchins along Highway 30 near Blooming Prairie in Steele County, roughly one-quarter of a mile west of Highway 218. A second pair was found on the 13th by Steve Weston in Dakota County, just east of the 140th Street Marsh.

Also on April 14th, Conny Brunell reported one of the spring’s first BROAD-WINGED HAWKS in Eagan, in Dakota County. Other new reports this past week include HORNED GREBE, VIRGINIA RAIL, SORA, FORSTER TERN, BROWN THRASHER, EASTERN TOWHEE, YELLOW-HEADED BLACKBIRD, and BREWER BLACKBIRD.

Big Stone Lake State Park Ready for Early Anglers Anglers anxious to get a jump on the May 14 Minnesota fishing opener might want to consider a trip “out west.” Western Minnesota, that is.

The border waters fishing opener is April 30. One of the lakes open for fishing that date is Big Stone Lake and for a true outdoor experience the Big Stone Lake State Park could be just the ticket.

Joanne Svendsen, Big Stone Lake State Park Manager, said the campground will be open for public use and the lake is poised to offer up some nice walleye, perfect for cooking over an open fire. “It’s a great park, it offers beautiful lakeside camping, and the bird watching is outstanding,” Svendsen said.

Electric hook-ups and water spigots will be available but no showers. For reservations by phone, call toll free 1-866-857-2757. To make reservations online, go to www.stayatmnparks.com.