Yesterday I went birding with my parents and husband in Murphy-Hanrehan and Fort Snelling State Parks.
In Murphy-Hanrehan between horse-trail markers 14 and 15 and along the road we had numerous singing Blue-winged Warblers, American Redstarts, Ovenbirds, Veeries, Great-Crested Flycatchers, Pewees, and many others. A flock of Waxwings was a nice surprise. Unfortunately, no Cerulean or Hooded Warblers to be heard or seen here. Further south in the park along 75 highlights included Bobolinks, Dickcissels, and a singing Grasshopper Sparrow. At Fort Snelling State Park, the Prothonatory Warbler was easily heard and seen. From the back end of the Visitors' Center parking lot the warbler's loud, ringing "sweet, sweet, sweet, sweet, sweet" was audible in the distance. To get to the warbler, take the trail at the back of the parking lot and go right (away from the Island) at the fork. The MN river will be on your left and, 50-60 yards after going under the 55 bridge, there will be standing water with some snags on the right. The warbler was in this area and appeared to be feeding young in a nesting cavity directly above the path! Happy Birding! Matt
