MBWeeks
April 2012 - February 2013
MINNESOTA BIRDING WEEKS & WEEKENDS
APRIL 2012 - FEBRUARY 2013 / OUR 27th SEASON
Minnesota Birding Weeks & Weekends (MBW) is now entering its 27th season offering unique, modestly priced birding trips in association with the Minnesota Ornithologists’ Union – we originated in 1986 as MOU Birding Weekends. After 26 years, we have now had a total of more than 350 MBWeekends and 60 MBWeeks, over 6,000 registrations, a composite list of 355 species seen within Minnesota, and all 87 Minnesota counties will have been covered after this season.
In addition to our schedule of MBWeekends (please visit the MBWeekends page elsewhere on this website for further information), our selection of out-of-state MBWeeks will continue to expand. New on this season’s schedule will be the upper Texas coast and Arizona in spring plus Florida in winter, with additional destinations planned in future years. And please be sure to note the relatively inexpensive cost of MBWeeks – typically less than half (sometimes closer to a third!) of other tour company fees for similar trips.
Note as well our policy of providing refunds to MBWeeks participants if the final total of trip expenses is less than the total amount of fees collected (and there has never been a surcharge for a MBWeek which was over budget).
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MBWeek registrations and deposits will accepted on a “first-come-first-served" basis, based on U.S. mail postmarks, and please note that SOME MBWEEKS BECOME FILLED SEVERAL MONTHS IN ADVANCE, SOMETIMES ON THE FIRST DAY THAT REGISTRATIONS ARE ACCEPTED. Maximum registration for most MBWeeks is 11 participants.
Multiple MBWs can be included on a single registration form and on a single check: please make checks payable to M.B.W. All MBW registrations must include an e-mail address. Unless a MBW is filled, checks are deposited as they are received and registrations are confirmed by e-mail.
Confirmed registrants canceling at least two months in advance of a MBWeek will receive a refund of 80% of their deposit; refunds for later cancellations would depend on the individual circumstances. Full payment of the MBW fee is generally due one month before the MBWeek begins. Those on waiting lists who are not confirmed for a MBW receive full refunds of their deposits.
Please note that the cost of a MBWeek depends on the number of participants. Those who cancel out of a MBWeek for which they were confirmed may still be obligated to cover certain expenses: e.g., if any non-refundable payments had been made on their behalf, or if their cancellations result in higher per-person costs for shared trip expenses.
MBWeek information on flight options, lodging, the meeting time and place, the itinerary, updated cost estimates, etc. is sent by e-mail to those registered, usually about 3 months before the MBW. MBWeek fees generally include transportation (usually by rented vehicles) and lodging during the MBW. Air fares (or other travel expenses to the base city) and meals are not included in the tour costs.
MBW participants are encouraged/expected to be members of the Minnesota Ornithologists’ Union (http://moumn.org/join.html).
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~ 2012-13 MINNESOTA BIRDING WEEKS ~
CLICK on the HIGHLIGHTED NAME of the MBWEEK
for a summary of this MBWeek from a previous year
(or a similar trip from another tour company)
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR MBWEEKS -
NOTE: Registering for a MBWeek after it is FILLED is still worth considering
since there could be cancellations; also, those on some waiting lists
can be confirmed for 2013-14 if the MBWeek is scheduled again.
(Full refund of the MBW deposit is provided if no vacancies develop.)
• December 26, 2011 - January 1, 2012 ~ South Texas I
– CLICK HERE FOR SUMMARY OF THIS MBWEEK –
• January 21 - 28, 2012 ~ Southern California ~ $100 deposit
For information on this MBWeek of the 2011-12 season, see the description below of the January 26 - February 3, 2013 Southern California MBWeek.
STATUS as of 20 January 2012: FILLED (limit 11 participants) / 1 on waiting list.
• January 29 - February 5, 2012 ~ Southern Arizona ~ $100 deposit
Though many summer Arizona specialties will be absent in winter, the weather then tends to be mild (rather than hot), and in the Phoenix area and southeast of Tucson we can still expect: Gambel's Quail, Ferruginous Hawk, Crested Caracara, Inca Dove, Barn Owl, Western and Whiskered screech-owls, Broad-billed and other hummingbirds, several woodpeckers (e.g., Acorn, Gila, Arizona, Red-naped Sapsucker, and Gilded Flicker), Ash-throated Flycatcher, Plumbeous and Hutton's vireos, Mexican Jay, Chihuahuan Raven, Bridled Titmouse, Verdin, Rock and Canyon wrens, Black-tailed and Black-capped gnatcatchers, Western Bluebird, Bendire's and Le Conte's thrashers, Phainopepla, Black-throated Gray and Townsend's warblers, Green-tailed and Canyon towhees, several sparrows (including Rufous-winged, Brewer's, Black-throated, Sage, and Yellow-eyed Junco), Pyrrhuloxia, and more. Mexican rarities are regularly seen here, with Ruddy Ground-Dove, Rufous-backed Robin, Olive and Rufous-capped warblers on recent MBWeeks here as examples.
STATUS as of 20 January 2012: FILLED (limit 11 participants) / 0 on waiting list.
• February 18 - 26, 2012 ~ South Texas II ~ $100 deposit
For information on this MBWeek of the 2011-12 season, see the description below of the February 16-24, 2013 South Texas MBWeek.
STATUS as of 20 January 2012: FILLED (limit 11 participants) / 0 on waiting list.
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• APRIL 14 - 22, 2012 ~ UPPER TEXAS COAST & HILL COUNTRY ~ $100 deposit
Given the right weather at renowned High Island and elsewhere along the upper Texas coast, there can be spectacular April concentrations of warblers (possibly 25+ species in a day) and other passerines after their flight over the Gulf of Mexico. Even if the weather is too clear and warm for a fallout, there are other birding opportunities nearby: the so-called Big Thicket and Piney Woods for flocks of migrant Mississippi Kites, Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Brown-headed Nuthatch, and Swainson's Warbler....Anahuac N.W.R. and nearby rice fields for Fulvous Whistling-Duck, Glossy Ibis, Purple Gallinule, Yellow and King rails, and as many as 35 shorebird species....the tidal flats and marshes of the Bolivar Peninsula for a variety of terns, Clapper Rails, and Nelson's and Seaside sparrows. Then, after a half day's drive west, our focus will shift to the Texas Hill Country. Here we will concentrate on finding the two specialties of this region: the endangered Black-capped Vireo and Golden-cheeked Warbler. Other characteristic Hill Country birds include Zone-tailed Hawk, Chuck-will's-widow, Green Kingfisher, Hutton's Vireo, Western Scrub-Jay, Cave Swallow, Bushtit, Canyon Wren, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Painted Bunting, and more. (Estimated per-person fee with 11 participants: $985 double-occupancy + air fare + meals.)
STATUS as of 20 January 2012: FILLED (limit 11 participants) / 3 on waiting list; see Note above on registering for MBWs which are filled.
• MAY 12 - 20, 2012 ~ SOUTHEAST ARIZONA ~ $100 deposit
Although there have been nearly a dozen MBWeeks here during late summer, this will be our first MBW in spring to see the many Arizona specialties which occur nowhere else in the U.S. Most of these are absent in winter, and, while they may be present in July-August, many are far more cooperative when singing in May. Accordingly, birds we've struggled with on past MBWs will be easier to find: e.g., several owls (especially Flammulated, Elf, and Spotted), Common Poorwill, Mexican Whip-poor-will, Elegant Trogan, Greater Pewee, Bendire's and Crissal thrashers, several warblers (especially Olive, Virginia's, Lucy's, Grace's, and Red-faced), Abert's Towhee, Five-striped and Black-chinned sparrows. Of course, all the other birds associated with Arizona will be there in May: Montezuma Quail, raptors (like Mississippi Kite, Gray and Zone-tailed hawks), Western and Whiskered screech-owls, up to a dozen hummingbirds, Arizona Woodpecker, Gilded Flicker, perhaps 20 flycatcher species (including Buff-breasted, Sulphur-bellied, and Thick-billed Kingbird), Mexican Chickadee, Black-capped Gnatcatcher, Painted Redstart, Rufous-winged and Botteri's sparrows, Yellow-eyed Junco, Hepatic Tanager, Varied Bunting – along with a Mexican stray or two? (Per-person fee on 2010 MBW: $775 double-occupancy + air fare + meals.)
STATUS as of 20 January 2012: 8 registered / 3 vacancies (limit 11 participants).
• JUNE 5 - 18, 2012 ~ SOUTHERN MANITOBA & CHURCHILL ~ $100 deposit
• JUNE 11 - 17, 2012 ~ CHURCHILL-ONLY OPTION ~ $100 deposit
NOTE: This MBWeek will be offered jointly with the Evanston North Shore Bird Club (http://www.ensbc.org), and it will be co-led by David B. Johnson (djohnsoda@comcast.net).
To reach Churchill, a unique Hudson Bay community inaccessible by any roads, our itinerary will involve a memorable overnight train trip from Thompson (and return) – along with even more memorable birds when we get there. The Ross's Gull may no longer be a certainty (though there's still a small possibility of one during our five days there), but Common (and often King) Eiders, Spruce Grouse and Willow Ptarmigans, Red-throated and Pacific loons, nesting shorebirds (plus migrant Red Phalaropes), both Sabine's and Little gulls, Arctic Terns, possibly all three jaegers, and Smith's Longspurs should all still be present. And there is much more to this province than Churchill. We will cover southwestern Manitoba where White-faced Ibis, Ferruginous Hawk, California Gull, Burrowing Owl, Say's Phoebe, Sprague's Pipit, Lark Bunting, Baird's Sparrow, and other non-Minnesota prairie species breed. There are also northern owls and woodpeckers, numerous passerines, and other boreal forest specialties in and around Riding Mountain National Park. In all, 240-250 species are quite possible, including as many as 30 shorebirds and 25 warblers! The options include car-pooling from Minnesota or flying to Winnipeg. (Per-person fee on 2011 MBW: $1,895 double-occupancy + meals + gasoline + transportation to Winnipeg.)
The Churchill-only option (June 11-17) includes round-trip, overnight train transportation between Thompson and Churchill, and 4 nights / 5 birding days in Churchill. (Per-person fee on 2011 MBW: $1,320 double-occupancy + meals + gasoline + transportation to Thompson.)
STATUS as of 20 January 2012: 12 registered / 1 vacancy (limit 13 participants).
• June 30 - July 15, 2012 ~ NOVA SCOTIA & NEWFOUNDLAND ~ $100 deposit
NOTE: Before the opening day of registrations, this MBWeek was already filled with those who had been on the 2011 waiting list. Also note the dates of this MBWeek may have to be adjusted, depending on the 2012 Marine Atlantic ferry schedule.
This MBWeek has to be two weeks long with so much to see. Vast seabird colonies at Cape St. Mary's and Witless Bay in Newfoundland host Northern Gannets, Atlantic Puffins, Razorbills, Common & Thick-billed murres, Black Guillemots, and Black-legged Kittiwakes – most of these nesting by the thousands, even tens of thousands! If fog-free, our two ferry crossings between provinces should yield Leach's and Wilson's storm-petrels, Northern Fulmar, three shearwaters (Manx, Greater, and Sooty), a jaeger or two, and maybe a skua or Red Phalarope. Elsewhere are Common Eider, Rock (Gros Morne National Park) and Willow ptarmigans, Great Cormorant, Black-headed Gull, Arctic Tern, Bicknell's Thrush (Cape Breton Highlands), and Nelson's Sparrow – all these plus Humpback Whales and other marine mammals, caribou, and spectacular scenery. One option starts/ends in Portland, Maine (June 30-July 15) – Glossy Ibis, American Oystercatcher, Roseate and Least terns, and Saltmarsh Sparrow can be expected. The other option starts/ends in Halifax, Nova Scotia (July 1-14) – with a shorter species list, but two long driving days eliminated. (Per-person fee from Portland on 2011 MBW: $2,210 double-occupancy + air fare + meals; per-person fee from Halifax in 2011: $1,875 double-occupancy + air fare + meals.)
STATUS as of 20 January 2012: FILLED (limit 11 participants) / 3 on waiting list; see Note above on registering for MBWs which are filled (it is unlikely those on the 2012 waiting list will be confirmed in advance for 2013).
• September 15-23, 2012 ~ WASHINGTON & BRITISH COLUMBIA
NOTE: Before the opening day of registrations, this MBWeek was already filled (plus 3 others on the waiting list) with those who had been on the 2011 waiting list.
The Pacific Northwest provides some of the best fall migration anywhere in the U.S. and Canada – accordingly, our MBWeek to the Olympic Peninsula and elsewhere along the Washington coast and near Victoria and Vancouver in southwestern British Columbia will have much to offer. Of particular interest will be the population of Sky Larks near Victoria – found here and nowhere else in North America. As many as 30 shorebird species are possible, with such rarities as Pacific Golden-Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Ruff, and Red Phalarope often seen at this time of year. A Westport Seabirds pelagic trip will be featured, with Black-footed Albatross, Northern Fulmar, 4-5 shearwaters (including Pink-footed, Buller's, and maybe Flesh-footed or Short-tailed), Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel, South Polar Skua, perhaps all 3 jaegers, and Sabine's Gull all likely. As if all that weren't enough: Sooty Grouse, Brandt's and Pelagic cormorants, several "non-Minnesota" gulls, alcids (Pigeon Guillemot, Marbled Murrelet, Cassin's and Rhinoceros auklets), Northern Pygmy-Owl, Vaux's and maybe Black swifts, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Northwestern Crow, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Golden-crowned Sparrow, and more will enhance our list.
STATUS as of 20 January 2012: FILLED (limit 11 participants) / 6 on waiting list; because of the long waiting list, NO ADDITIONAL REGISTRATIONS are being taken at this time – it is unlikely there will be enough cancellations to confirm more than a few from the waiting list, and unlikely those on the 2012 waiting list will be confirmed in advance for 2013.
• JANUARY 7 - 13, 2013 ~ SOUTH FLORIDA ~ $100 waiting list deposit
Although some of Florida's specialties may not be present in winter, there is still much to see at this season in birder-friendly restored wetlands, along the beaches around Fort Meyers, at uniquely famous Everglades National Park, within tropical hammocks of the upper Keys.... And even in suburban neighborhoods and parks that host introduced exotics: the "countable" ones are Muscovy Duck, Monk and White-winged parakeets, Red-whiskered Bulbul, Common Myna, and Spot-breasted Oriole. There are more waterbirds – especially waders (e.g., "Great White" Heron, Glossy Ibis, Wood Stork) and shorebirds (nearly 25 species) – present in winter than in other months, and some specialties are even easier to find then: especially Short-tailed Hawk and Limpkin. Many other "non-Minnesota" species will also be targeted: both whistling-ducks, Northern Gannet, Magnificent Frigatebird, Snail Kite, Clapper and King (and perhaps Black?) rails, Purple Gallinule, White-crowned Pigeon, Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Florida Scrub-Jay, Painted Bunting, and Shiny Cowbird. Also note this will be the first of three MBWeeks this winter offering respite from Minnesota snow and cold – expect highs in the mid-70s rather than around 20! (Estimated per-person fee with 11 participants: $750 double-occupancy + air fare + meals.)
STATUS as of 20 January 2012: FILLED (limit 11 participants) / 5 on waiting list; see Note above on registering for MBWs which are filled.
• JANUARY 26 - FEBRUARY 3, 2013 ~ SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ~ $100 deposit
This MBWeek and winter vacation now includes a full week in California's coastal, montane, and desert habitats in vast San Diego County, the San Jacinto Mountains, and the Salton Sea and vicinity. As many as 200 species are likely, including a long list of "non-Minnesota" birds: e.g., Brant, Eurasian Wigeon, Black-vented Shearwater, Brandt's and Pelagic cormorants, White-tailed Kite, Clapper Rail, several shorebirds (including Mountain Plover, Wandering Tattler, Black Turnstone, and Surfbird), Heermann's and Yellow-footed gulls, Royal Tern, Black Skimmer, Band-tailed Pigeon, Burrowing Owl, Anna's and Costa's hummingbirds, Nuttall's Woodpecker, Gray Flycatcher, Cassin's Vireo, Mountain Chickadee, Oak Titmouse, Bushtit, California Gnatcatcher, Wrentit, Le Conte's and California thrashers, California and Abert's towhees, Sage and Golden-crowned sparrows, Tricolored Blackbird, and many others. Unexpected strays are always a possibility, as evidenced by sightings of Pacific Golden-Plover, Ruddy Ground-Dove, Thick-billed and Tropical kingbirds, and Red-throated Pipit on recent MBWeeks here. Be sure to note this trip will feature high temperatures averaging in the 60s – quite a contrast from what it will be in Minnesota. (Per-person fee on 2011 MBW: $950 double-occupancy + air fare + meals.)
STATUS as of 20 January 2012: 5 registered / 6 vacancies (limit 11 participants).
• FEBRUARY 16 - 24, 2013 ~ SOUTH TEXAS ~ $100 deposit
Our 28th South Texas MBWeek – and vacation from Minnesota winter weather! In the lower Rio Grande River Valley there's a long list of birds not found in Minnesota, many which normally occur nowhere else in the U.S. These include: Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Muscovy Duck, Plain Chachalaca, Least Grebe, Neotropic Cormorant, Hook-billed Kite, White-tailed Hawk, Whooping Crane (at Aransas N.W.R.), Red-billed Pigeon, White-tipped Dove, Green Parakeet, Red-crowned Parrot, Groove-billed Ani, Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Common Pauraque, Buff-bellied Hummingbird, Ringed & Green kingfishers, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Great Kiskadee, Tropical & Couch's kingbirds, Green Jay, Cave Swallow, Black-crested Titmouse, Clay-colored Robin, Tropical Parula, White-collared Seedeater, Olive Sparrow, Altamira & Audubon's orioles, and more. Mexican rarities (the possibilities too numerous to mention) also occur each winter – with Masked Duck, Roadside Hawk, Northern Jaçana, Rose-throated Becard, Yellow-faced Grassquit, Crimson-collared Grosbeak, Blue Bunting, Black-vented Oriole, and others on recent MBWs. Also likely: 200+ species and highs in the 70s – 50 degrees warmer than in Minnesota. (Per-person fee on 2012 MBW: $960 double-occupancy + air fare + meals.)
STATUS as of 20 January 2012: 4 registered / 7 vacancies (limit 11 participants).
