Very active Upland Sandpiper near the entrance to Sherburne NWA's Auto Tour on Saturday morning, landed within five feet of my vehicle (in addition to calling overhead, landing on a stump for great scope views etc). My apologies for the late post, but only back in the office this morning.
Also had at least one Red-headed Woodpecker, flying on one occasion, calling on another on Mille Lacs 12, one hearing 1/2 mile west of 169, one sighting a mile west. Sunday evening had a possible (outline only due to lack of light) American Bittern fly over 169 about four miles north of Princeton. Fewer species heard or sighted this weekend in the Sherburne NWA area, dropped from 80's (on average since May) to low 60's. Guess there's not as much to sing about anymore! (The amount of horse flies on the trails may also have impacted this birder's abilities.) Question: are there any shorebird locations within an hour or so of Princeton that are active right now? Has anyone stopped at Carlos Avery recently? My year MN shorebird list has many vacancies currently! Good birding to all. Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties
