The Townsend=92s Solitaire observed by Keith Pulles, Pastor Al, and Herb=20=
Dingmann was still present along Ann Lake Campground Road as of 1:30=20 this afternoon (21st). Repeating instructions given in earlier posts: Go north on Sherburne County Road 5 out of Big Lake (about 7-8 miles)=20 to where County 4 joins County 5. (1.5 miles south of Orrock). Turn=20 east on Ann Lake Campground Road. Go 1.4 miles to a red and white metal=20= gate that closes off the northbound fire lane. About 75 yards or so=20 past the gate and about 40-50 feet north of the road there is a 16-18=20 foot tall oak with short scrubby branches. I believe this may be the=20 same tree where Herb and Pastor Al saw the bird on the 16th and 20th.=20 The bird was perched in the top of the oak. Behind and to the left of=20 the oak are two small trees loaded with some type of pea-sized red=20 fruits. Like Herb, we observed the bird feeding on the fruit and=20 returning to perch in the top of the oak. With the sun in the south and=20= the Solitaire to the north, we couldn=92t have asked for a better view.=20= It preened and stretched its wings and we were able to see all of the=20 tan wing markings. Also of possible interest from today: Two Pine Siskins at our feeders this morning. An adult plumage Sharp-shinned Hawk scattered the birds at the feeders=20= and perched in my umbrella magnolia long enough for me to get a scope=20 on it. An adult plumage Red-shouldered Hawk perched in an oak in our back yard=20= for several minutes. The Red-shoulders have been overwintering in our=20 area for the past four or five years. Thank you to Keith for the original post. It=92s a Minnesota first for = us. Paul and JoAnn Gunderson Big Lake Township Sherburne County= ------ http://USFamily.Net/info - Unlimited Internet - From $8.99/mo! ------
