The Smew found by Chuck Krulas is still at Lake Shady by Oronoco in Olmsted County. It moved from the location where Chuck originally found it to a spot closer to Hwy 52 and the abandoned home that provides the best access point for viewing. If you are coming from the north, go over the first bridge that crosses the river flowing into Lake Shady. Immediately take a left into the turn lane and loop back to the north. Pull off to the right (east) into the driveway of the abandoned home just before the big green sign (before crossing the bridge again). The bird was best viewed from the ditch that is right next to Hwy 52. There is a small patch of open water where it was being seen when I was last there around 5pm. It was first located in the next open patch of water to the east - best viewed from right behind the house (you can walk through the garage to get to the spot where you can view that area). It moved from one patch to the other at least 3 times this afternoon. There are additional open patches that should be checked if the bird is not at one of the two spots mentioned.
I took a few pictures and have posted one on my web site at http://home.rconnect.com/~ekblad/ -- Bob Ekblad Olmsted County in SE Minnesota http://home.rconnect.com/~ekblad/
