Hubbard

First held in 2018, the October Big Day provides a snapshot of fall migration and global bird populations. On Saturday, October 12, Minnesota birders reported 179 species on 1,072 checklists. This species count is up from the past two years (2022:174; 2023:170), and tops the past six-year average of 174 species.

This uptick in species is likely a combination of mild temperatures resulting in some lingering migrants, as well as more birders afield.  Participation in this year’s October Big Day exponentially increased over past years with 1,224 Minnesota eBirders reporting sightings. A cohort almost double last year’s previous high of 696 eBirders.  Welcome fellow birders!

Sightings were submitted from 64 of Minnesota’s 87 counties. Hennepin County (115) topped the species count followed by Ramsey (100), Carver (99), St. Louis (94), and Washington (89).  The “hottest” hot spots were Old Cedar Ave Bridge (94),  Carver Park Reserve – Grimm Rd. Picnic/Rec. Area (66), and Pelican Lake (59) in Wright County.

A particular highlight of the day was a continuing Arctic Tern on White Bear Lake. First reported on the lake on October 7, this individual has offered numerous birders the opportunity to view an infrequent visitor to our state for which there have been only four individuals reported in the last 10 years.   Frequently seen in the company of a Common Tern, the birds offered good visual comparison of these two species.

Arctic Tern (left, rear) and Common Tern (right, foreground)

Enjoy some additional photos taken across Minnesota during the October Big Day!