Nathan & I traveled to northern Aitkin County & briefly stopped at Mille Lacs Lake yesterday.
Covered Aitkin 18 (twice), 10, 200, 169, 5 & 3 yesterday morning - somehow whiffed on owls altogether (first for us). Did enjoy a Pine Grosbeak, Gray Jay, Northern Shrikes, Common Redpolls, Snow Buntings and numerous Rough-legged Hawks (including one dark morph). Stopped at the Garrison "Big Fish" overlook to Mille Lacs Lake and enjoyed a Pacific Loon (MN bird for me, lifer for Nathan). Only noted two loons on the whole bay - getting late! Good birding to all. Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties
