In general, the first half of May is the best time to view warblers and songbirds in their full breeding plumage. Some of the favorites include indigo bunting, scarlet tanager and rose-breasted grosbeak. Towards the end of May, birders have a second opportunity to see these beautiful birds in the far northern regions of Minnesota. Another highlight of mid-May is the annual International Migratory Bird Day. To participate, head to the Windom Wetland Management District in the city of Windom on Saturday, May 7, or to the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center in Fergus Falls on Saturday, May 14. Both events offer guided bird walks, special bird activities, displays and demonstrations.

The following is a list of recent, significant sightings:

Up to four WHITE-FACED IBIS were reported from the marsh behind the Hills sewage ponds in Rock County by Bob Dunlap on May 1st. This is the same location where a single Ibis was reported on April 20th. Several GREAT-TAILED GRACKLES are also being seen in this area.

Shelley Steva found two SHORT-EARED OWLS in Polk County on May 4th. They were along Polk County Road 252, roughly three miles from U.S. Highway 75 near 260th Avenue.

A WESTERN TANAGER has been visiting a feeder in the city of Newport, in Washington County for the past several days. The bird can be seen along 8th Avenue, just east of U.S. Highway 61.

On May 5th, Dedrick Benz reported a PIPING PLOVER from Winona County. From the town of Winona, take U.S. Highway 61 south for one mile to Mud Lake, found on the left. The Piping Plover is in the company of several SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS.

A variety of shorebirds has been reported from Lake Byllesby in Dakota County over the past week. Species found there include SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, AMERICAN AVOCET, LESSER YELLOWLEGS, PECTORAL SANDPIPER, SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER, LEAST SANDPIPER, BAIRD’S SANDPIPER, WILLET, SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER, LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER, DUNLIN, HUDSONIAN GODWIT, MARBLED GODWIT, and WILSON’S PHALAROPE.

Other recent arrivals include AMERICAN BITTERN, GREEN HERON, OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, WARBLING VIREO, PHILADELPHIA VIREO, SEDGE WREN, SWAINSON’S THRUSH, PALM WARBLER, YELLOW WARBLER, TENNESSEE WARBLER, NASHVILLE WARBLER, OVENBIRD, CLAY-COLORED SPARROW, HARRIS’S SPARROW, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW, BOBOLINK, and BALTIMORE ORIOLE.