Sprague's Pipit in Clay County
2012-06-13

'Accidental' in Minnesota

This composite image depicts two views of the Sprague's Pipit at Felton Prairie, Clay County, Minnesota, 13 June 2012. It was first found by Brian Gibbons and his VENT group on the 8th. Subsequent observers have reported a second bird that may also be this species. Directions are to drive north on the so-called longspur road to the first fence north of the big windmills. Park and walk east along the fence line until reaching a metal pipeline post. The bird has been singing and skylarking in this vicinity, with some observers seeing and hearing it sing about 150 yards NE of this post. Early morning appears to be the most reliable time of day. If accepted by the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union Records Committee, this will be the first Minnesota record since Janet Green documented one near Duluth along the Old North Shore Road, St. Louis County, 17 September 2006. Perhaps more importantly, this may be only the second such bird identifiably photographed since this species' last Minnesota nesting record during Summer 1988 in Polk County (The Loon 60:104-108). The other recent record documented with photos was a juvenile at Red Rock Prairie, Cottonwood County, 10-11 October 2004 (The Loon 77:97).

Photos taken by Butch Ukura with Panasonic DMC-FZ150.