In general, shorebirds are migrating through Minnesota on their way to wintering grounds during the month of August. These birds can often be seen in shallow wetlands and mudflats. August is also an excellent time to view sandhill crane families leaving their nests in the marshes for adjacent wetlands and mudflats.
The following is a list of recent, significant sightings:
Three BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS were found by Kim Eckert at Mud Lake in Traverse County on July 30th. To view these birds, begin at the junction of State Highways 117 and 27, and travel one-quarter of a mile on 117. Take the first right along Mustinka River and follow this road north for about one mile to the flooded field adjacent Mud Lake. One of the Buff-Breasted Sandpipers was found here, and the two others were just north of here.
On August 3rd, Jim Mattsson reported numerous shorebirds at a Dakota County wetland along 180th Street, one-half mile west of Goodwin Avenue. Among the species found were SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, LESSER YELLOWLEGS, STILT SANDPIPER, and PECTORAL SANDPIPER.
On August 1st, Rick Pertilly found a NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD in Minneapolis along the walking trail that runs along the north side of Betty Crocker Drive, between U.S. Highway 169 and General Mills Boulevard.