Spring birds

Birders in the metro area have been reporting birds arriving here in anticipation of warm and green. Kestrels are being seen, as are Sandhill Cranes, Trumpeter Swans, and Red-winged Blackbirds. One Song Sparrow was reported. In the western part of the state flocks of Canada, Cackling, White-fronted, and Ross's Geese have been reported. Great-horned Owls are feeding newly hatched chicks. The upcoming warm weather should help move more birds north. The sighting information comes from various email messages sent to members of the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union mailing list.