The Excelsior CBC was held on windy Saturday, Dec 18. With most precincts reporting, the total species count stands at 59 with 3 additional count week species. The most unusual finding (by far!) was a Green Heron located by Renner Anderson, Abigail Anderson and Doug Kieser. The heron was found along a creek leading to the Minnesota River near Shakopee. This bird is a first for Minnesota CBC's and an apparent late record for the state.
Other nice finds for our CBC area included: Wilson's Snipe, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Winter Wren, Canvasback, Redhead, Snow Bunting and a Horned Lark. The Horned Lark, found by Jerry Bonkoski, was the first on the Excelsior CBC since 1974 and with the rate the suburbs are spreading, who knows when the next will be found. Good birding, Howard Towle Golden Valley, MN
