Records for Unusual Species on the GF County Checklist
(compiled Feb 19, 2006)
NOTE: This is only a start! The following species are on the regular Grand Forks County Checklist. They are included here because these species are considered as rare within the County. We especially want to include records where documentation has been submitted to the North Dakota Rare Birds Committee. In the following list, we have noted tracking numbers and results of Committee action when known. A number of records submitted to the Committee likely have not been reviewed as there is always a backlog. Reasons for review by the NDRBC include rareness in the state, rareness in the eastern or northeastern parts of the state, or observations made out of the normal season.
Also noted is when the record was cited in Northern Great Plains reports in American Birds (AB), Field Notes (FN), or North American Birds (NAB). The journal published by the Audubon Society has gone under different names at various times. An exhaustive search of these journals has not been made.
Species that are considered Accidental or Hypothetical for Grand Forks County are listed separately.
The following list is by no means complete. Observers are urged to document future observations of these species, and to submit documentation to the North Dakota Rare Birds Committee (see http://www.ndbirdingsociety.com/clubRecordsCommitte.php). A copy of such documentation should be submitted to Dave Lambeth, 417 Terrace Drive, Grand Forks, ND 58201. I welcome suggestions for additional records to include in the compilation.
Trumpeter Swan:
1. June, 1989, Lake Lunby, photographed June 19, 1989 by Dave Lambeth (photo in AB: 43, 1279). NDRBC 03-31 and 04-25, accepted 5-0.
2. One observed at Kellys Slough in mid-summer, 1998, had a collar, which allowed it to be determined that the bird had been released in Iowa two summers earlier.
3. Oct 21, 1998, Grand Forks lagoons. Found by Eve Freeberg, documented (FN 53, 68. Note this citation gives the date as Oct 7). NDRBC 02-40, Accepted 4-1.
4. May 17, 2002, pair of immatures found by Eve Freeberg at the Grand Forks lagoons was photographed by Dave Lambeth. The birds had collars and from the letters and numerals they were traced to having been released at Crex Meadows in Wisconsin. NDRBC 02-80, Accepted 5-0.
5. Nov 4, 2004, Grand Forks County, Eve Freeberg. NDRBC 05-50.
6. June 25, 2005, pair in Agnes Marsh, photographed by Dave Lambeth, also seen July 25 by Eve Freeberg.
American Black Duck:
Prior editions of the Grand Forks County checklist has indicated that this is a possible nesting species in the county. Although drakes are frequently seen in early summer when they sometimes appear in flocks of Mallard drakes, more evidence is needed to indicate that they may nest here.
Harlequin Duck:
1. Sep 1987, Kellys Slough NWR. This bird found by Vince Ames was also observed and documented by Mike Jacobs. First known county record, and first of several observations that fall. Cited in AB 42(1):94, NDRBC 03-44.
2. Oct 2, 1987, Kellys Slough NWR, documented and photographed by Dave Lambeth (photo in Am Birds 1988). Likely same bird as observed by Jacobs and Ames. NDRBC 04-35, Accepted.
3. Oct 21-24, 1990. Photograph in Am. Birds 45(1):120. Observed by Robert O’Connor and Peder Svingen at Grand Forks lagoons. NDRBC 03-23, accepted 5-0.
4. Nov. 4-11, 2001, Grand Forks lagoons, found by Eve Freeberg, cited in NAB 56(1):66.
5. Oct 4, 2005, Grand Forks lagoons, found by Eve Freeberg, photographed by Bob Freeberg and Tim Driscoll.
Surf Scoter:
1. June 21 and July 16-31, 1998, adult male at Grand Forks lagoons, first accepted record for summer period in North Dakota, observed and documented by Eve Freeberg, cited in AB 52(4):470, NDRBC 01-03, accepted 5-0.
2. Sep 11, 1999, 3 birds at Grand Forks lagoons, Dave Lambeth, cited in NAB 54(1):67.
3. Apr 14 and May 4, 2005, Grand Forks lagoons, Eve Freeberg, cited in AB 59(3):454.
White-winged Scoter:
1. May 13, 1998, male at Grand Forks lagoons, Eve Freeberg. This provided a rare spring record for the state, cited in AB 52(3):347, NDRBC 01-27, Accepted 5-0.
2. June 15-Jul 12, 1996, Grand Forks lagoons, Eve Freeberg, cited in FN 50(5):963, unusual record for summer.
Black Scoter
1. Nov 3, 1979. Grand Forks lagoons, Dave Lambeth, photographed. NDRBC 05-42.
2. Oct 20, 1990, five birds, Grand Forks lagoons, Dave Lambeth, cited in AB 45(1):120.
3. May 21, 1993, Grand Forks lagoons, second spring record, cited in AB 47(3):426.
4. Jun 9-28, Jul 14-21, 1993, Grand Forks lagoons, three birds (two imm., one male), Eve Freeberg, cited in AB 47(5):1121.
5. Oct 16, 1993, Grand Forks lagoons, Dave Lambeth, photographed. NDRBC 05-41.
6. Oct 25, 1998, Grand Forks lagoons, 4 birds, Dave Lambeth, cited in NAB 53(1):68.
Long-tailed Duck (formerly OldSquaw)
There are a several records, some of which were documented. Will try to include these in the next update. Most records are for immatures in late Fall.
1. Nov 1, 2001, Grand Forks lagoons, adult male found by Eve Freeberg, photographed by Dave Lambeth.
Cattle Egret:
1. April 8, 1993, s. of English Coulee Retention Dam, Eve Freeberg, NDRBC XX-XXX. (This may have been the first county record. There have been several since).
Virginia Rail:
1. Dec 13, 1981, Kelly’s Slough NWR, Dave Lambeth. First winter record for North Dakota. NDRBC 86-07, Accepted 4-0.
Black-necked Stilt:
1. June 3-4, 1993, Kellys Slough NWR, found by Eve Freeberg, photographed by Dave Lambeth, cited in AB 47(5):1121, documentation by Eve Freeberg, NDRBC 05-76.
2. Jul 13, 1999, Grand Forks lagoons, 3 young with 2 adults indicated nesting had occurred, likely in field s. of lagoons where adults had been seen earlier in summer, Eve Freeberg and Dave Lambeth, cited in NAB 53(4):402. NDRBC XX-XXX.
3. June 1, 2001, Kelly’s Slough NWR, Eve Freeberg, NDRBC 02-61, Accepted 5-0.
Whimbrel:
1. May 27, 1989, Grand Forks County, Dave Lambeth, photo published in Am Birds 43(3): 396. NDRBC 04-50, Accepted
2. May 18 and 29, 1991, Grand Forks lagoons, Eve Freeberg and Dave Lambeth, cited in AB 45(3):463.
3. May 22, 1993, 6 birds, Grand Forks lagoons, Eve Freeberg, cited in AB 47(3):426.
4. September 24, 1998, Grand Forks lagoons, found by Eve Freeberg, thought to be the first accepted fall record for the state, cited NAB 53(1):68. NDRBC 02-39, Accepted 5-0.
5. May 25, 2000, Grand Forks lagoons, found by Eve Freeberg, NDRBC 03-86, Accepted 5-0.
6. June 6, 01, Kellys Slough NWR, Eve Freeberg, NDRBC 02-61, Accepted.
Western Sandpiper:
1. September 26, 1992, juvenile, Grand Forks lagoons, documented by Eve Freeberg, also observed by Dave Lambeth, cited in AB 47(1):111, NDRBC 02-96, accepted 4-1.
2. Oct 12, 1999, immature at Kelly’s Slough NWR, Eve Freeberg, cited in NAB 54(1):67, NDRBC 01-30, Accepted 5-0.
Ruff:
1. May 1978, first state record was bird found at Kellys Slough by John Kelly and seen by dozens of birders. Photographed by Ron Smith with photograph published in the Grand Forks Herald. NDRBC 04-78.
2. May 8-10, 1979, near Kellys Slough. Found and photographed by Dave Lambeth. Observation cited in AB 33, 783. NDRBC 86-10, Accepted 4-0.
3. May 6, 1998, four females (reeves) in Kellys Slough wetland along County Road 11. Found by Eve Freeberg. Documentation, record cited in FN 52, 348. NDRBC 01-26, Accepted 4-1.
4. July 25, 2005, found by Eve Freeberg. NDRBC 05-75.
Red Phalarope:
1. Oct 19, 1980, Grand Forks lagoons, found by John Kelly and photographed by Dave Lambeth. Third state record. NDRBC 86-11,
Accepted 3-1.
2. Oct 7, 1992, Grand Forks lagoons, Dave Lambeth, photo published in Am Birds 47(1): 111, NDRBC 03-106, Accepted.
3. June 4, 1993, Grand Forks lagoons, observed, documented and photographed by Eve Freeberg, cited in AB 47(5):1121, NDRBC 04-79, Accepted.
4. Oct 21-25, 1997, Grand Forks lagoons. Eve Freeberg, cited in FN 52(1):80, NDRBC 01-37, Accepted 5-0.
5. Oct 9, 1998, juvenile at Grand Forks lagoons, Eve Freeberg, cited in NAB 53(1):68, NDRBC 02-38, accepted 4-1.
6. Sep 30, 2000, juvenile, Grand Forks lagoons, Eve Freeberg.
7. Sep 30, 2003, Grand Forks lagoons, Eve Freeberg, cited in AB 58(1):96, NDRBC 04-51, Accepted
8. Oct 10, 2005, juvenile, Grand Forks lagoons, phogographed by Eve Freeberg.
Thayer’s Gull:
1. October 14, 1984, immature bird observed Grand Forks lagoons and landfill. Photographed by Dave Lambeth. Observation cited in AB 39, 70. NDRBC 6-13, Accepted 4-0.
2. Oct 24, 1986, Grand Forks lagoons, Dave Lambeth, photographed, NDRBC 87-12, Accepted.
3. October 20, 1991, Grand Forks lagoons. Found by Eve Freeberg, documented.
4. April 20, 1993, Grand Forks lagoons, Dave Lambeth.
5. October 20, 1999, Grand Forks lagoons, 2 immatures. Found by Eve Freeberg, NDRBC 03-82, Accepted 5-0.
Glaucous Gull:
1. April 7, 1984, Kellys Slough NWR, 2nd-winter plumage, Dave Lambeth. NDRBC 86-14, Accepted 4-0.
2. Apr 18,-May 1, 1994, Grand Forks lagoons, Eve Freeberg.
3. April 30, 1995, Grand Forks lagoons, Eve Freeberg, cited in FN 49(3):268, NDRBC 02-31.
4. April 18, 1998, Grand Forks lagoons, Eve Freeberg. NDRBC 01-25, Accepted.
Sabine’s Gull:
(This species occurs almost every fall at the Grand Forks lagoons. Some documented records follow)
1. Sep 28 to Oct 10, 1980, juvenile-plumaged bird at Grand Forks lagoons. Second record for North Dakota. Sharon and Dave Lambeth. Photo by Dave Lambeth published in Am. Birds 335:197. NDRBC 86-18, Accepted 4-0.
2. Sep 18-23, 1991, Grand Forks lagoons, Eve Freeberg, cited in AB 46(1):112.
3. Sep 21-25, 1998, four juveniles at Grand Forks lagoons, Eve Freeberg, cited in NAB 53(1):68, NDRBC 02-37, accepted 5-0.
4. Sep 8, 1999, Grand Forks lagoons, Dave Lambeth, cited in NAB 54(1):67.
5. Jun 12, 2004, adult, Grand Forks lagoons, found by Eve Freeberg and photographed by Bob Freeberg, cited in AB 58(4):554-555.
6. Sep 14-27, 2004, three juvenal-plumaged birds at Grand Forks lagoons. Eve Freeberg, cited in NAB 59(1):101, NDRBC 05-91.
7. Sep 24-25, 2005, 1 juvenile, Grand Forks lagoons, Eve Freeberg.
Eurasian Collared-Dove:
1. September 4-7, 1999, first record for the county. Found by Dave Lambeth, documented by Eve Freeberg, NDRBC 03-107, accepted 5-0.
2. May 11, 2003, Grand Forks, Peder Svingen, photographed. NDRBC 04-76., Accepted.
3. Oct 18, 2004, Grand Forks, Dave Lambeth, photos of nest. NDRBC 05-10.
4. 2005, three broods were raised in the same nest in a small spruce tree in parking lot of motel in NW part of Grand Forks, photographs by Dave Lambeth.
Yellow-billed Cuckoo:
(This species has declined across the state to the point that it is questionable as to if and when it will be seen again in the County).
1. May 18, 1978, Memorial Park Cemetery, Dave Lambeth, 3 important field marks seen well.
2. June 18-21, 1979, Memorial Park Cemetery, Dave Lambeth.
3. July 7-15, 1979, Turtle River State Park, Sharon and Dave Lambeth, photographed. NDRBC 05-
29.
4. June 10-Jul 1, 1989, about 2 miles n.e. of Turtle River State Park, heard by Dave Lambeth on June 10, seen June 22 by Gordon Berkey, and July 1 by Ron Martin.
Barred Owl:
1. Mar 6, 1982, photographed by Dave Lambeth near Belmont and Park Ave.
2. Mar 22, 1995, Grand Forks Cemetery, Eve Freeberg. Cited in FN 49(3):268, NDRBC 02-30.
3. Nov 21, 2004, photographed by Dave Lambeth n. of Grand Forks in Ann Flower and Tom Hill’s woodlands along Red River. A pair is believed to be resident in that area.
4. Mar 22, 2005, photographed by Dave Lambeth near 17thAve S and Belmont.
Whip-poor-will:
1. May 13, 1982, Grand Forks Cemetery, Dave and Sharon Lambeth, Photographed. NDRBC 05-27.
2. Sep 20, 2004, Grand Forks Cemetery, Dave Lambeth, Photographed. NDRBC 05-08.
3. Apr 29, 1992, three calling, Agassiz campground at Turtle River State Park, Eve Freeberg.
4. Sep 20,2004, photographed by Dave Lambeth, Memorial Park Cemetery, NDRBC XX-XXX.
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher:
1. This species appearing on earlier checklists has been withdrawn because it was not seen in Grand Forks County (fide Frank Kelley).
Gray Jay
1. Oct 20, 1955, Larry Summers found one in Turtle River State Park. Dr. Summers birds records are now in Special Collections at the UND Chester Fritz Library.
2. Oct 26, 1980, Grand Forks Air Force Base, seen by Richard Crawford who was in the Air Force (not to be confused with Richard Crawford living in Grand Forks)
3. Oct 10, 1986, Grand Forks, Dave Lambeth (this was a dead bird that had become snared in fishing line that may have been incorporated into an oriole nest).
4. mid-Nov, 1997, Grand Forks, cited in FN 52(1):81, as follows: “A single Gray Jay was in Grand Forks, ND, in mid-November (fide DOL).” I will need to search for more information on this record.
Common Raven:
1. GF-EGF CBC, 1982, observed by Greg Lambeth along Red River n. of Grand Forks.
2. May 20, 1998, Kellys Slough NWR, observed by Dave Lambeth, NDRBC 03-91, accepted 5-0.
3. GF-EGF CBC, 1996, Kellys Slough, independently observed by Dave Lambeth and Jean Johnson
Rock Wren:
1. May 15, 1985, seen by Dave Lambeth in gravel pit w. of Thompson.
2. June 1-5, 1987, Grand Forks, found and photographed by Eve Freeberg in her yard, also photographed by Dave Lambeth, cited in AB 41(5):1454.
3. May 2, 2000, s. of English Coulee Retention Dam, Eve Freeberg, cited in NAB 54(3):298.
Eastern Bluebird:
1. Dec 20, 1998, Grand Forks CBC, Dave Lambeth and Jim Haselton. Provides a rare winter record in North Dakota. Photograph (published?). NDRBC 04-81, Accepted.
Mountain Bluebird:
1. June 4 and 12, 1998, male observed at Turtle River State Park by Jason Scott, a seasonal ranger who was taking care of the bluebird trail. He later obtained a photo of the male Mountain Bluebird standing on the nest box with food in its beak, and still later observed it feeding fledglings. The species identity of its mate was not determined.
Varied Thrush:
(The county has had several records. Below are records that have been reviewed by the NDRBC)
1. Nov 4, 1984, Grand Forks, Dave Lambeth , photographed. NDRBC 05-26.
2. Nov 11, 1986, Grand Forks, Dave Lambeth, photo published in Am Birds 41(1) 108, NDRBC 04- 44, Accepted.
3. Nov 30, 1989, Eve Freeberg, NDRBC 03-96, accepted 5-0.
Northern Mockingbird:
1. May 6, 1980, photo by Dave Lambeth published in Am. Birds 34(5), 790. NDRBC 04-13.
Black-throated Blue Warbler:
1. Nov 2, 2002, at Bob Lewis’ home near Manvel, NDRBC 03-14
Field Sparrow:
1. 1972, at feeder, Les and Martha Klevay.
2. May 19-22, 1979, Grand Forks Memorial Park cemetery. Seen by Sharon, Greg and Dave Lambeth.
3. May 11-14, 1983, appeared at the Lambeth feeder. Photographed. Multiple observers.
4. June 4, 01, several singing males on the Grand Forks/Walsh county line near Fordville Dam. Discovered by Eve Freeberg, seen and heard by her and Dave Lambeth several times throughout the Summer (observation cited in NAB 53, 402).
5. June 3, 03, heard singing in area mentioned above. Dave Lambeth and others. Also present in Summer 2004. This species can now be considered to be “regular” in Grand Forks County.
Fox Sparrow:
1. Sep 23, 2000, sooty form, (P.i. ilica), Grand Forks Cemetery, Eve Freeberg. This is only the second documentation for this race in North Dakota. It is of particular interest because this race may soon be elevated to species status. NDRBC 01-22, Accepted 5-0.
Back
NOTE: This is only a start! The following species are on the regular Grand Forks County Checklist. They are included here because these species are considered as rare within the County. We especially want to include records where documentation has been submitted to the North Dakota Rare Birds Committee. In the following list, we have noted tracking numbers and results of Committee action when known. A number of records submitted to the Committee likely have not been reviewed as there is always a backlog. Reasons for review by the NDRBC include rareness in the state, rareness in the eastern or northeastern parts of the state, or observations made out of the normal season.
Also noted is when the record was cited in Northern Great Plains reports in American Birds (AB), Field Notes (FN), or North American Birds (NAB). The journal published by the Audubon Society has gone under different names at various times. An exhaustive search of these journals has not been made.
Species that are considered Accidental or Hypothetical for Grand Forks County are listed separately.
The following list is by no means complete. Observers are urged to document future observations of these species, and to submit documentation to the North Dakota Rare Birds Committee (see http://www.ndbirdingsociety.com/clubRecordsCommitte.php). A copy of such documentation should be submitted to Dave Lambeth, 417 Terrace Drive, Grand Forks, ND 58201. I welcome suggestions for additional records to include in the compilation.
Trumpeter Swan:
1. June, 1989, Lake Lunby, photographed June 19, 1989 by Dave Lambeth (photo in AB: 43, 1279). NDRBC 03-31 and 04-25, accepted 5-0.
2. One observed at Kellys Slough in mid-summer, 1998, had a collar, which allowed it to be determined that the bird had been released in Iowa two summers earlier.
3. Oct 21, 1998, Grand Forks lagoons. Found by Eve Freeberg, documented (FN 53, 68. Note this citation gives the date as Oct 7). NDRBC 02-40, Accepted 4-1.
4. May 17, 2002, pair of immatures found by Eve Freeberg at the Grand Forks lagoons was photographed by Dave Lambeth. The birds had collars and from the letters and numerals they were traced to having been released at Crex Meadows in Wisconsin. NDRBC 02-80, Accepted 5-0.
5. Nov 4, 2004, Grand Forks County, Eve Freeberg. NDRBC 05-50.
6. June 25, 2005, pair in Agnes Marsh, photographed by Dave Lambeth, also seen July 25 by Eve Freeberg.
American Black Duck:
Prior editions of the Grand Forks County checklist has indicated that this is a possible nesting species in the county. Although drakes are frequently seen in early summer when they sometimes appear in flocks of Mallard drakes, more evidence is needed to indicate that they may nest here.
Harlequin Duck:
1. Sep 1987, Kellys Slough NWR. This bird found by Vince Ames was also observed and documented by Mike Jacobs. First known county record, and first of several observations that fall. Cited in AB 42(1):94, NDRBC 03-44.
2. Oct 2, 1987, Kellys Slough NWR, documented and photographed by Dave Lambeth (photo in Am Birds 1988). Likely same bird as observed by Jacobs and Ames. NDRBC 04-35, Accepted.
3. Oct 21-24, 1990. Photograph in Am. Birds 45(1):120. Observed by Robert O’Connor and Peder Svingen at Grand Forks lagoons. NDRBC 03-23, accepted 5-0.
4. Nov. 4-11, 2001, Grand Forks lagoons, found by Eve Freeberg, cited in NAB 56(1):66.
5. Oct 4, 2005, Grand Forks lagoons, found by Eve Freeberg, photographed by Bob Freeberg and Tim Driscoll.
Surf Scoter:
1. June 21 and July 16-31, 1998, adult male at Grand Forks lagoons, first accepted record for summer period in North Dakota, observed and documented by Eve Freeberg, cited in AB 52(4):470, NDRBC 01-03, accepted 5-0.
2. Sep 11, 1999, 3 birds at Grand Forks lagoons, Dave Lambeth, cited in NAB 54(1):67.
3. Apr 14 and May 4, 2005, Grand Forks lagoons, Eve Freeberg, cited in AB 59(3):454.
White-winged Scoter:
1. May 13, 1998, male at Grand Forks lagoons, Eve Freeberg. This provided a rare spring record for the state, cited in AB 52(3):347, NDRBC 01-27, Accepted 5-0.
2. June 15-Jul 12, 1996, Grand Forks lagoons, Eve Freeberg, cited in FN 50(5):963, unusual record for summer.
Black Scoter
1. Nov 3, 1979. Grand Forks lagoons, Dave Lambeth, photographed. NDRBC 05-42.
2. Oct 20, 1990, five birds, Grand Forks lagoons, Dave Lambeth, cited in AB 45(1):120.
3. May 21, 1993, Grand Forks lagoons, second spring record, cited in AB 47(3):426.
4. Jun 9-28, Jul 14-21, 1993, Grand Forks lagoons, three birds (two imm., one male), Eve Freeberg, cited in AB 47(5):1121.
5. Oct 16, 1993, Grand Forks lagoons, Dave Lambeth, photographed. NDRBC 05-41.
6. Oct 25, 1998, Grand Forks lagoons, 4 birds, Dave Lambeth, cited in NAB 53(1):68.
Long-tailed Duck (formerly OldSquaw)
There are a several records, some of which were documented. Will try to include these in the next update. Most records are for immatures in late Fall.
1. Nov 1, 2001, Grand Forks lagoons, adult male found by Eve Freeberg, photographed by Dave Lambeth.
Cattle Egret:
1. April 8, 1993, s. of English Coulee Retention Dam, Eve Freeberg, NDRBC XX-XXX. (This may have been the first county record. There have been several since).
Virginia Rail:
1. Dec 13, 1981, Kelly’s Slough NWR, Dave Lambeth. First winter record for North Dakota. NDRBC 86-07, Accepted 4-0.
Black-necked Stilt:
1. June 3-4, 1993, Kellys Slough NWR, found by Eve Freeberg, photographed by Dave Lambeth, cited in AB 47(5):1121, documentation by Eve Freeberg, NDRBC 05-76.
2. Jul 13, 1999, Grand Forks lagoons, 3 young with 2 adults indicated nesting had occurred, likely in field s. of lagoons where adults had been seen earlier in summer, Eve Freeberg and Dave Lambeth, cited in NAB 53(4):402. NDRBC XX-XXX.
3. June 1, 2001, Kelly’s Slough NWR, Eve Freeberg, NDRBC 02-61, Accepted 5-0.
Whimbrel:
1. May 27, 1989, Grand Forks County, Dave Lambeth, photo published in Am Birds 43(3): 396. NDRBC 04-50, Accepted
2. May 18 and 29, 1991, Grand Forks lagoons, Eve Freeberg and Dave Lambeth, cited in AB 45(3):463.
3. May 22, 1993, 6 birds, Grand Forks lagoons, Eve Freeberg, cited in AB 47(3):426.
4. September 24, 1998, Grand Forks lagoons, found by Eve Freeberg, thought to be the first accepted fall record for the state, cited NAB 53(1):68. NDRBC 02-39, Accepted 5-0.
5. May 25, 2000, Grand Forks lagoons, found by Eve Freeberg, NDRBC 03-86, Accepted 5-0.
6. June 6, 01, Kellys Slough NWR, Eve Freeberg, NDRBC 02-61, Accepted.
Western Sandpiper:
1. September 26, 1992, juvenile, Grand Forks lagoons, documented by Eve Freeberg, also observed by Dave Lambeth, cited in AB 47(1):111, NDRBC 02-96, accepted 4-1.
2. Oct 12, 1999, immature at Kelly’s Slough NWR, Eve Freeberg, cited in NAB 54(1):67, NDRBC 01-30, Accepted 5-0.
Ruff:
1. May 1978, first state record was bird found at Kellys Slough by John Kelly and seen by dozens of birders. Photographed by Ron Smith with photograph published in the Grand Forks Herald. NDRBC 04-78.
2. May 8-10, 1979, near Kellys Slough. Found and photographed by Dave Lambeth. Observation cited in AB 33, 783. NDRBC 86-10, Accepted 4-0.
3. May 6, 1998, four females (reeves) in Kellys Slough wetland along County Road 11. Found by Eve Freeberg. Documentation, record cited in FN 52, 348. NDRBC 01-26, Accepted 4-1.
4. July 25, 2005, found by Eve Freeberg. NDRBC 05-75.
Red Phalarope:
1. Oct 19, 1980, Grand Forks lagoons, found by John Kelly and photographed by Dave Lambeth. Third state record. NDRBC 86-11,
Accepted 3-1.
2. Oct 7, 1992, Grand Forks lagoons, Dave Lambeth, photo published in Am Birds 47(1): 111, NDRBC 03-106, Accepted.
3. June 4, 1993, Grand Forks lagoons, observed, documented and photographed by Eve Freeberg, cited in AB 47(5):1121, NDRBC 04-79, Accepted.
4. Oct 21-25, 1997, Grand Forks lagoons. Eve Freeberg, cited in FN 52(1):80, NDRBC 01-37, Accepted 5-0.
5. Oct 9, 1998, juvenile at Grand Forks lagoons, Eve Freeberg, cited in NAB 53(1):68, NDRBC 02-38, accepted 4-1.
6. Sep 30, 2000, juvenile, Grand Forks lagoons, Eve Freeberg.
7. Sep 30, 2003, Grand Forks lagoons, Eve Freeberg, cited in AB 58(1):96, NDRBC 04-51, Accepted
8. Oct 10, 2005, juvenile, Grand Forks lagoons, phogographed by Eve Freeberg.
Thayer’s Gull:
1. October 14, 1984, immature bird observed Grand Forks lagoons and landfill. Photographed by Dave Lambeth. Observation cited in AB 39, 70. NDRBC 6-13, Accepted 4-0.
2. Oct 24, 1986, Grand Forks lagoons, Dave Lambeth, photographed, NDRBC 87-12, Accepted.
3. October 20, 1991, Grand Forks lagoons. Found by Eve Freeberg, documented.
4. April 20, 1993, Grand Forks lagoons, Dave Lambeth.
5. October 20, 1999, Grand Forks lagoons, 2 immatures. Found by Eve Freeberg, NDRBC 03-82, Accepted 5-0.
Glaucous Gull:
1. April 7, 1984, Kellys Slough NWR, 2nd-winter plumage, Dave Lambeth. NDRBC 86-14, Accepted 4-0.
2. Apr 18,-May 1, 1994, Grand Forks lagoons, Eve Freeberg.
3. April 30, 1995, Grand Forks lagoons, Eve Freeberg, cited in FN 49(3):268, NDRBC 02-31.
4. April 18, 1998, Grand Forks lagoons, Eve Freeberg. NDRBC 01-25, Accepted.
Sabine’s Gull:
(This species occurs almost every fall at the Grand Forks lagoons. Some documented records follow)
1. Sep 28 to Oct 10, 1980, juvenile-plumaged bird at Grand Forks lagoons. Second record for North Dakota. Sharon and Dave Lambeth. Photo by Dave Lambeth published in Am. Birds 335:197. NDRBC 86-18, Accepted 4-0.
2. Sep 18-23, 1991, Grand Forks lagoons, Eve Freeberg, cited in AB 46(1):112.
3. Sep 21-25, 1998, four juveniles at Grand Forks lagoons, Eve Freeberg, cited in NAB 53(1):68, NDRBC 02-37, accepted 5-0.
4. Sep 8, 1999, Grand Forks lagoons, Dave Lambeth, cited in NAB 54(1):67.
5. Jun 12, 2004, adult, Grand Forks lagoons, found by Eve Freeberg and photographed by Bob Freeberg, cited in AB 58(4):554-555.
6. Sep 14-27, 2004, three juvenal-plumaged birds at Grand Forks lagoons. Eve Freeberg, cited in NAB 59(1):101, NDRBC 05-91.
7. Sep 24-25, 2005, 1 juvenile, Grand Forks lagoons, Eve Freeberg.
Eurasian Collared-Dove:
1. September 4-7, 1999, first record for the county. Found by Dave Lambeth, documented by Eve Freeberg, NDRBC 03-107, accepted 5-0.
2. May 11, 2003, Grand Forks, Peder Svingen, photographed. NDRBC 04-76., Accepted.
3. Oct 18, 2004, Grand Forks, Dave Lambeth, photos of nest. NDRBC 05-10.
4. 2005, three broods were raised in the same nest in a small spruce tree in parking lot of motel in NW part of Grand Forks, photographs by Dave Lambeth.
Yellow-billed Cuckoo:
(This species has declined across the state to the point that it is questionable as to if and when it will be seen again in the County).
1. May 18, 1978, Memorial Park Cemetery, Dave Lambeth, 3 important field marks seen well.
2. June 18-21, 1979, Memorial Park Cemetery, Dave Lambeth.
3. July 7-15, 1979, Turtle River State Park, Sharon and Dave Lambeth, photographed. NDRBC 05-
29.
4. June 10-Jul 1, 1989, about 2 miles n.e. of Turtle River State Park, heard by Dave Lambeth on June 10, seen June 22 by Gordon Berkey, and July 1 by Ron Martin.
Barred Owl:
1. Mar 6, 1982, photographed by Dave Lambeth near Belmont and Park Ave.
2. Mar 22, 1995, Grand Forks Cemetery, Eve Freeberg. Cited in FN 49(3):268, NDRBC 02-30.
3. Nov 21, 2004, photographed by Dave Lambeth n. of Grand Forks in Ann Flower and Tom Hill’s woodlands along Red River. A pair is believed to be resident in that area.
4. Mar 22, 2005, photographed by Dave Lambeth near 17thAve S and Belmont.
Whip-poor-will:
1. May 13, 1982, Grand Forks Cemetery, Dave and Sharon Lambeth, Photographed. NDRBC 05-27.
2. Sep 20, 2004, Grand Forks Cemetery, Dave Lambeth, Photographed. NDRBC 05-08.
3. Apr 29, 1992, three calling, Agassiz campground at Turtle River State Park, Eve Freeberg.
4. Sep 20,2004, photographed by Dave Lambeth, Memorial Park Cemetery, NDRBC XX-XXX.
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher:
1. This species appearing on earlier checklists has been withdrawn because it was not seen in Grand Forks County (fide Frank Kelley).
Gray Jay
1. Oct 20, 1955, Larry Summers found one in Turtle River State Park. Dr. Summers birds records are now in Special Collections at the UND Chester Fritz Library.
2. Oct 26, 1980, Grand Forks Air Force Base, seen by Richard Crawford who was in the Air Force (not to be confused with Richard Crawford living in Grand Forks)
3. Oct 10, 1986, Grand Forks, Dave Lambeth (this was a dead bird that had become snared in fishing line that may have been incorporated into an oriole nest).
4. mid-Nov, 1997, Grand Forks, cited in FN 52(1):81, as follows: “A single Gray Jay was in Grand Forks, ND, in mid-November (fide DOL).” I will need to search for more information on this record.
Common Raven:
1. GF-EGF CBC, 1982, observed by Greg Lambeth along Red River n. of Grand Forks.
2. May 20, 1998, Kellys Slough NWR, observed by Dave Lambeth, NDRBC 03-91, accepted 5-0.
3. GF-EGF CBC, 1996, Kellys Slough, independently observed by Dave Lambeth and Jean Johnson
Rock Wren:
1. May 15, 1985, seen by Dave Lambeth in gravel pit w. of Thompson.
2. June 1-5, 1987, Grand Forks, found and photographed by Eve Freeberg in her yard, also photographed by Dave Lambeth, cited in AB 41(5):1454.
3. May 2, 2000, s. of English Coulee Retention Dam, Eve Freeberg, cited in NAB 54(3):298.
Eastern Bluebird:
1. Dec 20, 1998, Grand Forks CBC, Dave Lambeth and Jim Haselton. Provides a rare winter record in North Dakota. Photograph (published?). NDRBC 04-81, Accepted.
Mountain Bluebird:
1. June 4 and 12, 1998, male observed at Turtle River State Park by Jason Scott, a seasonal ranger who was taking care of the bluebird trail. He later obtained a photo of the male Mountain Bluebird standing on the nest box with food in its beak, and still later observed it feeding fledglings. The species identity of its mate was not determined.
Varied Thrush:
(The county has had several records. Below are records that have been reviewed by the NDRBC)
1. Nov 4, 1984, Grand Forks, Dave Lambeth , photographed. NDRBC 05-26.
2. Nov 11, 1986, Grand Forks, Dave Lambeth, photo published in Am Birds 41(1) 108, NDRBC 04- 44, Accepted.
3. Nov 30, 1989, Eve Freeberg, NDRBC 03-96, accepted 5-0.
Northern Mockingbird:
1. May 6, 1980, photo by Dave Lambeth published in Am. Birds 34(5), 790. NDRBC 04-13.
Black-throated Blue Warbler:
1. Nov 2, 2002, at Bob Lewis’ home near Manvel, NDRBC 03-14
Field Sparrow:
1. 1972, at feeder, Les and Martha Klevay.
2. May 19-22, 1979, Grand Forks Memorial Park cemetery. Seen by Sharon, Greg and Dave Lambeth.
3. May 11-14, 1983, appeared at the Lambeth feeder. Photographed. Multiple observers.
4. June 4, 01, several singing males on the Grand Forks/Walsh county line near Fordville Dam. Discovered by Eve Freeberg, seen and heard by her and Dave Lambeth several times throughout the Summer (observation cited in NAB 53, 402).
5. June 3, 03, heard singing in area mentioned above. Dave Lambeth and others. Also present in Summer 2004. This species can now be considered to be “regular” in Grand Forks County.
Fox Sparrow:
1. Sep 23, 2000, sooty form, (P.i. ilica), Grand Forks Cemetery, Eve Freeberg. This is only the second documentation for this race in North Dakota. It is of particular interest because this race may soon be elevated to species status. NDRBC 01-22, Accepted 5-0.
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