Audubon Minnesota

Loading metrics Open Access Peer-reviewed Research Article Scott R. Loss , Sirena Lao , Joanna W. Eckles , Abigail W. Anderson , Robert B. Blair , Reed J. Turner Scott R. Loss, Sirena Lao, Joanna W. Eckles, Abigail W. Anderson, Robert B. Blair, Reed J. Turner Published: November 6, 2019 https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0224164 Figures Abstract Bird-building collisions are the largest source of avian collision mortality in North America.

Common Merganser Photo: Rebecca Field In southeast Minnesota, the Mississippi River flows through Lake Pepin for 21 miles. The lake is an important stopover and provides critical habitat for birds like the Common Merganser and the White Pelican as well as providing a unique and diverse fishery. The lake also helps to improve the quality of Mississippi River water for hundreds of miles downstream.

Last summer, the photo of a duck followed by 70+ ducklings surfaced on Twitter. Not surprisingly, the National Audubon Society saw it and spread the word about the dedicated mom going above and beyond. Brent Cizek, the photographer who snapped the now-famous photo, spotted the Common Mergansers at Lake Bemidji State Park last year. He initially tweeted it with several other photos, not realizing how popular it would become.