Probably "newbies" are better seen but not heard, but I can't help myself, I'm that excited about my birding adventure. Sorry. Hope this is not dreadfully off topic or tedious.... Just discovered the nifty set of maps published by the Audubon Society: "Great River Birding Trail." Set of 15 (I think) covers a 250+ mile stretch of the Mississippi from roughly Anoka to Rock Island. Shows location of "birding hot spots" on both sides of the Miss, with short text blurbs describing each habitat area in brief. A wonderful resource for those new to birding or new to birding in this area. I picked up sections No. 5 and 6 (covers Red Wing to La Crosse) as freebies at Frontenac State Park. I assume other sections are available at state parks in those areas. Used maps to explore the Wisconsin side across from Winona Sunday. Wonderful habitat! Trempealeau Wildlife Area: 30-40 EAGLES lounging near observation deck behind headquarters where there is a small stretch of open water in otherwise frozen river. Also EASTERN BLUEBIRD(1), MERLIN, RED-HEADED WOODPECKER. Van Loon Wildlife Area: nesting EAGLE (nest locate south side of trail between bridges no. 5 and 6), TUFTED TITMOUSE, EASTERN BLUEBIRDS (4), GOLDFINCHES (6+). Perrot State Park: KILLDEER, PINTAIL, LESSER SCAUP.
