In general, July is an excellent time for avid and novice birders to check out the Minnesota River Dam in Granite Falls, the dam near Watson, and the spillway on Marsh Lake near Appleton to see American White Pelicans. These pelicans put on quite a display while fishing, and are very graceful in flight. For more on this area, visit www.prairiewaters.com

The following is a list of recent, significant sightings:

The BROWN PELICAN mentioned on Monday’s unscheduled update of this report has been present throughout the week in southern Jackson County. Peder Svingen and Anthony Hertzel first found it on July 16th at Little Spirit Lake just north of the Iowa border and southwest of the town of Jackson. The bird had been present at the north end of Spirit Lake in Iowa just south of Jackson County Road 2 since the 14th, but seems to be more commonly seen at the Little Spirit Lake location. The best place to view the pelican is from the boat launch at the north end of Little Spirit Lake. At the dock, look southward to where the bird has often roosted just off the penninsula.

Also of note is the BLACK-HEADED GULL that has been seen at both locations. Though found in this general vicinity on eleven previous occasions, this is the first summer occurrence.

Two CAROLINA WRENS were found by Bruce Fall on July 17th at Murphy-Hanrehan Park in Scott County. The birds were about 175 yards southwest of Trail Marker #16.

And there was an unusual sighting of a BLACK-BILLED MAGPIE on July 16th by Jay Hamernick at 149th Street and Lexington Avenue in southern Anoka County.