June 16, 2011
Nearly half the golden-winged warblers in the world are in northern Minnesota right now for the summer breeding season, and the tiny birds have become the subjects of a two-year research project that could help determine whether they should be listed as a threatened or endangered species.
1
near White Earth, MN, USA — Dr. Henry Streby, left, holds a male golden-winged Warbler on June 9, 2011, on the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge near White Earth, Minn. Streby and other researchers -- including Dr. John Loegering at right -- are studying the songbird's habitat and breeding preferences in northern Minnesota. (MPR Photo/Ann Arbor Miller) link to this photo
2
near White Earth, MN, USA — Golden-winged Warblers like this male, which was photographed on June 9, 2011, on the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge near White Earth, Minn., typically weigh 9 grams and are roughly twice the size of a hummingbird. (MPR Photo/Ann Arbor Miller) link to this photo
3
near White Earth, MN, USA — A field journal details information about each of the 38 female golden-winged Warblers wearing radio transmitters in a study area on the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge near White Earth, Minn. In addition to a transmitter, each bird sports a unique combination of tiny color bands to help researchers identify the birds from a distance. (MPR Photo/Ann Arbor Miller) link to this photo
4
near White Earth, MN, USA — Dr. Henry Streby works to replace a radio transmitter on a female golden-winged Warbler on June 9, 2011, at the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge near White Earth, Minn. The transmitters, which cost $150 each, are helping researchers study the songbird's habitat and breeding preferences. (MPR Photo/Ann Arbor Miller) link to this photo
5
near White Earth, MN, USA — This golden-winged Warbler nest with its four eggs is typical for the small songbird, which builds a cup nest on the ground or low in a bush. (MPR Photo/Ann Arbor Miller) link to this photo
6
near White Earth, MN, USA — Golden-winged Warblers are most active in the early morning hours. Researchers who are studying the songbird's habitat and breeding preferences on the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge near White Earth, Minn., often begin their day at first light. (MPR Photo/Ann Arbor Miller) link to this photo
7
near White Earth, MN, USA — Researchers Justin Lehman, left, and Dr. Henry Streby place a radio transmitter on a female golden-winged Warbler on June 9, 2011, at the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge near White Earth, Minn. (MPR Photo/Ann Arbor Miller) link to this photo
8
near White Earth, MN, USA — Researcher Justin Lehman lifts an antenna as part of his efforts to identify the location of female golden-winged Warblers on June 9, 2011, at the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge near White Earth, Minn. (MPR Photo/Ann Arbor Miller) link to this photo
9
near White Earth, MN, USA — The breeding grounds for the majority of the world's golden-winged Warblers are found in northern Minnesota, southern Manitoba and portions of Wisconsin. The small songbird begins its migration in early fall to winter in southern Central America and northern South America. (MPR Photo/Ann Arbor Miller) link to this photo
Nature Valley Grand Prix
Photos from the Uptown Minneapolis Criterium on Friday.
Former Nazi SS commander
The AP says a Minneapolis man has a secret past.
Como Zoo's Gorilla Forest
Get a look inside the largest mesh gorilla enclosure in North America.
Appetites: Summer relishes
The trick to a dish is often just the right twist of flavor.
Minnesota Scenes: May
Your photos from Run or Dye, the same sex marriage debate and more.
Scrambling for cattle feed
Visit a Minnesota dairy operation caught in a feed shortage.
Clancey's Meats and Fish
Grilling season is here, and we visit this old school Minneapolis merchant.
Heart of the Beast May Day Parade
The annual tradition in Powderhorn Park attracts thousands of people
The deadly St. Paul landslide
Two children died on a fossil hunting school field trip.
The family cabin getaway tradition
Take a look as a family opens their cabin in a remote part of the state.