Volume 27 Issue 4 | July/August 2020

SUMMER’S LATE-NESTING

BirdsIn inthis Minnesota: issue... Revised & Expanded...... 1 Chirps...... 2 Bird Bio...... 3 GoldfinchesBirds in Minnesota Update Staff Picks...... 3 Seasonal Notes...... 4 +July/August Seasonal Notes

BLOOMINGTON BIRDS IN MINNESOTA: REVISED & EXPANDED By Guest Contributor KATRINA HASE 816 West 98th St. (Clover Center) Bloomington, MN 55420 of Tracking MN Birds 952.884.4103 A Legacy Published in January of 2020, local birding last copy of the two-volume book at his local EAGAN bookstore at age 13. By the time 2143 Cliff Rd. expert and author Robert Janssen’s latest (Cedar Cliff Shopping Center) edition of Birds in Minnesota carries on a he’d read it through completely, Eagan, MN 55122 legacy that began in 1932. it became clear to Janssen that 651.459.0084 the book would need to be The Third Tool in Your Birding Toolkit continuously updated because MINNETONKA While Birds in Minnesota: birds are mobile—their ranges 4759 County Rd. 101 change from year-to-year and (Westwind Plaza) Revised and Expanded Minnetonka, MN 55345 is absolutely essential to decade-to-decade. He committed Thomas Sadler 952.935.5892 understanding Minnesota’s to continue Roberts’ legacy by Roberts’ 1932 Birds of Minnesota birds, it’s not the text you’ll keeping the content up to date. WHITE BEAR LAKE keep in your pocket while So from an early age, Janssen began tracking his 2703 East Cty. Hwy. E. bird observations as Roberts had done. (Cty. Rd. E. and Hwy. 120) you’re out birding, explains In the early 1970s, Janssen White Bear Lake, MN 55110 author Robert Janssen. 651.653.8705 Instead, along with a field and Duluth-area birder Janet guide and a good pair of Green worked with the Bell WAYZATA & WILD BIRD DELIVERS Museum of Natural History to binoculars, this book is the third essential tool 15710 Wayzata Blvd. update the original Roberts book. for birding, providing information about which of (394 Frontage Rd.) Their efforts were published by Wayzata, MN 55391 Minnesota’s 443 species you should expect to the University Press in 1975 as 952.473.4283 see and when in the area where you’re birding. Minnesota Birds: Where, When, Janssen’s 1987 WILDBIRDSTORE.COM Continually Updated—Because Birds and How Many. Janssen revised edition are Mobile and republished the book as Bird’s-Eye View is published to share the joy of backyard birds The original Birds of Minnesota was written in Birds of Minnesota in 1987. with All Seasons Wild Bird Store’s 1932—the year Janssen was born—by ornithologist As years passed, computers made recording customers and friends. Thomas Sadler Roberts. Janssen picked up the and compiling of data (continued on page 2)

All Seasons Wild Bird Store | Your Windowlocal backyard to Nature birding | WILDBIRDSTORE.COM experts | WILDBIRDSTORE.COM ❈ page 1 CHIRPS BIRDS IN MINNESOTA: REVISED & EXPANDED (continued from page 1)

We’re Going to be OK much easier. In addition, a vast number of citizen scientists (birding is the 2nd most popular hobby in the United States) contributed population, distribution and species data I often find myself wondering how many that begged to be analyzed and published. Janssen once again set out to update Birds of of the local businesses that I frequent or used to frequent are doing during this new Minnesota, leading to the 2020 edition. pandemic era. That got me to thinking that Says Janssen, “It’s my hope that birders will keep [Birds in Minnesota] updated”, as he you may be wondering about how we’re did for Roberts’ original publication. “Minnesota has the best record of bird life in the United doing? Simply stated, we’re doing fine and States,” he explains. And he’d like to see that legacy continue. we’re going to be okay. Like many retailers, we’ve had to innovate Notable Observations in the 2020 Edition and adjust to new methods and models Janssen relays both hopeful and worrisome observations about Minnesota’s bird species of serving our customers. Even now, we’re that came out of the research for the 2020 edition of Birds in Minnesota. only open 2–3 days per week to foot traffic. • The number of species in Minnesota increased, with many In-store shopping was our primary mode of business and it’s now a secondary mode species of birds making significant comebacks. behind our all-new contact-free curbside One of those species is the Trumpeter Swan. Janssen credits pickup service, to which we shifted when Carrol Henderson’s work with the Department of Natural this all began. Just like that, a new model Resources for the successful return of the Trumpeter Swan was born and it’s succeeding. It makes to Minnesota. “You can now find Trumpeter Swans nesting in sense, because it’s the safest for everyone almost every county in Minnesota,” Janssen reports. Trumpeter Swans are making a comeback in Minnesota. involved and this pandemic isn’t going to Other birds that have made impressive comebacks include: magically end even though businesses and (photo by Terri Zuehlke) Bald Eagles, Turkey Vultures and Osprey. These are birds, activities are allowed to resume. We also adjusted our online shipping fees to work for Janssen points out, that are able to live compatibly with humans. local customers that wanted to order online • The overall population of birds in Minnesota is declining. for delivery. That part of our business has Janssen related a personal story about this decline in populations. “When I was young, grown tremendously too, because it’s easy I would see thousands of ducks migrating and would see hundreds and hundreds of and safe. warblers. Now I might see 10 at once, or 3 or 4 here and there. I’m just not seeing the The silver lining in folks staying at home numbers anymore.” due to a pandemic is that they’re very interested in The declining population data in Minnesota are consistent with a recent finding by what’s happening in their Cornell University that shows since 1970, the bird population in North America has yards and are enjoying the decreased by 2.9 billion birds. natural experiences that Grassland birds and some waterfowl are examples of birds have been right outside their that are particularly affected. The range of the birds like the windows all along. More people seem to be Western Meadowlark has retreated as grassland habitats are feeding the birds. Hopefully that will be one destroyed. Janssen points out that there are areas where of the habits that will endure beyond the he’s observed meadowlarks since the 1960s that he returns pandemic as it creates happier and healthier people. to today and has yet to spot a single one. All in all, we have a lot the be grateful Burrowing Owls are another example. Back in the 1930s, for. Our employees have been amazing Burrowing Owls nested extensively in western tier counties in and although our business isn’t the same Minnesota. Their range has retreated out of Minnesota today— as it was a few months ago, due to being they are very difficult to find in our state now. adaptable and you adapting along with us, The range of Western we’re going to be okay. Here’s to getting The Gift of Being Aware Meadowlarks is retreating through all of this together and embracing A young “Bobby Janssen” deftly identified a tray full of fall from Minnesota. all the silver linings! warbler specimens at the museum office of his predecessor, Thomas Sadler Roberts. Years later, Robert Janssen has authored a number of books about ~Dave Netten ❈ Minnesota’s birds. All the while, Janssen has retained his ability to be aware of the things around him and appreciate their beauty and complexity. Things like birds, which provide Join the Conversation! an endless source of fascination and make him more aware of the world. He’s thankful Facebook.com/WildBirdStore and greatly appreciative of this ability to be aware. In fact, it’s the theme of his upcoming Twitter: ASWildBirdStore memoir—Awareness. Stay tuned. ■ Instagram: AllSeasonsWildBirdStore

All Seasons Wild Bird Store | Your Window to Nature | WILDBIRDSTORE.COM ❈ page 2 BIRD BIO By Minnetonka Manager CAROL CHENAULT Late summer nester AMERICAN GOLDFINCH Late Nesting Timed to Thistles Nesting Sites and Materials One of the latest nesting songbirds, goldfinches don’t get started Goldfinches favor nesting in the fork of a deciduous shrub or small nesting until late June or early July. This appears to be timed with tree but can be found in small conifers. The nest is a small compact the life cycle of the late-blooming thistle plant which provides cup of plant fibers, grass, spider silk lined with plant down and hair. both nesting material and food for goldfinches. This correlation In addition to feeders, providing nesting material will assist adult between the thistle seed ripening and goldfinch nesting may explain birds during this busy season. Suet feeders filled with dog, cat, why goldfinches seem so much more attracted to Nyjer feeders horse or human hair or The Best Nest Builder hung in a bush during nesting season. Often in late fall and throughout the winter, or from a shepherd’s hook provides great backyard entertainment. goldfinches are more interested in golden safflower and shelled It’s a wonder the birds can see to fly with their bills so stuffed with sunflower than Nyjer and Nyjer mixes. nesting material pulled from these items. Nesting Behavior The bird seed sold and commonly called “thistle” is actually Nyjer™. Nyjer is a trademark name of the Wild The female incubates the clutch of 4–6 pale blue eggs in the nest Bird Feeding Institute—the scientific name is Guizotia for 10–12 days and only has one brood a year. The male arrives abyssinica. The plant has a yellow flower, not the pink nearly hourly to feed her regurgitated seeds. American Goldfinches i to purple bloom of the native Canadian thistle plant. raise their young on seeds, unlike other songbirds who typically feed If you see the Canadian thistle plant on your property, their young insects. Adult goldfinches partially digest seeds and the seeds could have traveled on the goldfinches’ regurgitate them for the young. The adults feed the fledglings for plumage but it didn’t germinate from your feeders. 11–17 days after they leave the nest. Attracting Goldfinches To remove the meat from the Nyjer seed, a goldfinch uses its American Goldfinches prefer yards mixed with low shrubs, deciduous tongue and bill to move the seed into position to be cracked by saplings and mature trees. Planting purple coneflower, zinnia, cup the sharp edges of the bill. Each of those tiny Nyjer seeds must plant and sunflower will also help to attract goldfinches to your be cracked, the meat removed and shell dropped to the ground or backyard. Keeping feeders clean and well maintained and filled feeder tray. Seems like an awful lot of work! with fresh seed is a must for these particular birds. Seed that has In addition to weed seeds like Canadian thistle and dandelions, become too dried out by wind or moldy from moisture is ignored by goldfinches especially like small seeds from alder, birch, cedar and goldfinches. Providing a variety of feeders for Nyjer, Nyjer and Chips elm trees. They can also eat from cones and catkins as well as the or a Nyjer mix, golden safflower or sunflower out of the shell will buds of fruit trees. attract more birds, as will locating birdbaths throughout the yard. ■

STAFF PICKS By Minnetonka Manager CARO CHENAULT Goldfinch Product Picks 1. 1. BEST NEST BUILDER. The Best Nest 3. ASPECTS QUICK CLEAN NICKEL TUBE Builder is made of all-natural nesting material. FEEDER. This finch feeder features a brushed 2. Goldfinches love this white fluffy material! nickel metal base and top. It has a quick-clean Many birds will use this material including removable base that allows the feeder to be Photo by Russ Sandstrom chickadees, House Finches and cardinals. thoroughly cleaned. 2. ASPECTS QUICK CLEAN MEDIUM SPRUCE 4. PRE-FILLED THISTLE POUCH MESH FEEDER. This Quick Clean mesh This thistle sack is a pre-filled thistle feeder 4. feeder offers unlimited potential for attracting that can be refilled again and again. Finches goldfinches, siskins, redpolls, Purple and and other small birds love to cling to the cloth House Finches. These birds can cling to any mesh and pick seeds out of the pouch. 3. open spot on the mesh tube and up to a dozen birds might feed at once.

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SeasonalBy Minnetonka Manager CAROL NotesCHENAULT July : WEEK BY WEEK Week 1 2nd Week 3rd Week 4th Week ✓ Barn Swallows fledge. ✓ Bird song decreases ✓ Canada Geese are ✓ Juvenile Canada Geese ✓ A new generation of dramatically as nesting flying again, now begin to fly, testing their monarch butterflies season wraps up for many that their molting new flight feathers. emerges. species. is complete. ✓ 2nd brood of Barn ✓ Purple Martin colonies are noisy as adults ✓ The 2nd generation of eastern ✓ Bird migration Swallows hatch. feed young. swallowtail butterflies emerge. season begins as ✓ Mallards are on the wing ✓ House Wrens may still have 5–8 young in ✓ Monarchs lay eggs on several shorebird again following their molt. species such as the nest at this time. common milkweed plants. Try a Nectar Dot feeder Lesser Yellowlegs Tips: ✓ Orioles feed their young caterpillars and ✓ Osprey young are still in the to feed hummingbirds by hand! and Sandpipers insect larvae. nest. begin migrating. Use Nectar Defender to keep Tips: Help nesting orioles by offering live ✓ Great Blue Heron juveniles Many species of nectar fresh longer. mealworms or dried mealworms soaked in leave the nest. shorebirds nest Divert squirrels from nectar. Tip: Prevent seed loss in the tundra and bird feeders with the Check bluebird boxes and remove the old nest due to bill sweeping migrate through Deluxe Squngee— and debris between nestlings. behavior by using a Minnesota a bungee jumper for hanging seed cylinder to places as squirrels. Fill it with Remember—most fledglings do not need human feeder with Mr. Bird far south as cob corn or Nut’n Sweet Corn assistance. Adult birds are nearby and will return seed cylinders. Argentina. logs. to feed the young after you leave the area. August: WEEK BY WEEK Week 1 2nd Week 3rd Week 4th Week ✓ We lose 2–3 minutes of ✓ The white-lined sphinx ✓ Clusters of monarchs in trees ✓ Juvenile Wood Ducks now look more daylight each day in August. moth, often called the signals migration is beginning. like the adults. ✓ Mourning Doves are on their hummingbird moth, ✓ Chimney Swifts, Franklin’s ✓ Common Nighthawks begin third clutch of eggs. feeds during the Gulls and various shorebirds migration—watch the skies! daytime on petunias Unlike most songbirds, are in migration. ✓ Juvenile Common Loons are still and other garden goldfinchesTips: feed their young ✓ Great Egrets gather a dozen with the adults but begin have more flowers. seeds that have been shelled or two at a time along the adult plumage. ✓ 2nd generation of and partially digested. Keep your shorelines. ✓ Migrating monarchs are flying south monarch butterflies feeders clean and full to attract one by one, anywhere from ground is on the wing. ✓ Mourning Doves continue them. level to 7,000 feet up. Migrant nesting—they can have as ✓ Some warblers such monarchs live up to 11 months. many as 5 broods a year. as Nashville and Non-migrants live for 30 days. Add a 24" coil-mount branch- Yellow Warblers begin Add Fire Mix powder to There can be 2–3 generations of shaped arm to your pole system migrating. birdTips: seed to deter squirrels. One monarchs in a summer in MN. as a perch and for additional ✓ Common Nighthawks package treats 40 pounds of bird places to hang feeders. Avoid large numbers of grackles migrate through in the seed with cayenne chili pepper Tips:and starlings at feeders by filling Mint extract on nectar ports helps afternoons and early and ground pepper seeds. Birds feeders with golden safflower or to repel bees, wasps and bald- evenings while eating have few taste white safflower. Use Bye, Bye faced hornets. Hanging the feeder flying insects. buds and don’t Starling to provide a sunflower from an ant trap prevents ants react to the mix but still discourage European from reaching the nectar. powder. Starlings.

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