I found a first-winter Great Black-backed Gull this afternoon at Agate Bay in Two Harbors. It was loafing on the old concrete pier out from the boat launch, then flew in and landed near shore for a nice close-up comparison with 1st winter Herring Gulls.
Here's some other sightings from today and yesterday: A Surf Scoter was at Agate Bay today (11/15). 5 White-winged Scoters were at Taconite Harbor, Cook Co. yesterday. A Black Scoter was out from the lakeside park in Tofte yesterday. The Harlequin Duck found by Chuck Krulas on 11/13 was still present at French River yesterday. A Field Sparrow was found in the residential area of Beaver Bay (a block north of the Lemon Wolf Cafe). The Red-bellied Woodpecker was still present yesterday in Two Harbors on 4th Avenue, between 2nd and 3rd Street. Jim Lind Two Harbors
