Spring is slowly but steadily arriving here in the Princeton/Sherburne NWR/southern Mille Lacs/western Isanti County areas. Some observations:
* Two Snow Geese on Highway 2 sewage ponds among 50+ Canadas. (Please be aware that we still do not have legal access to the back pond. Hope to try another angle shortly after two mis-fires last year.) * Most area lakes and ponds are still frozen. Single Wood Duck, couple of Kingfishers (I believe the latter overwintered) on Sherburne Highway 1 & 87 intersection. * Red-wingeds have been back for a week, but numbers very light. Have not seen other blackbirds (not even a Grackle) or Killdeer yet. * Bald Eagles have been "cavorting" for the last couple of weeks - at least five resident in the refuge, probably more. Coopers are also paired up. Rough-leggeds less frequent/apparent. Red-taileds numbers up. Would describe hawk migration here as slow to steady, but certainly not overwhelming. * Ruffed Grouse are more apparent, even in the Princeton town park (Pioneer). * Sandhill Cranes calling actively the last few days. Did see five fly over 3/2 (which struck me as quite early up here, normal where I'm from), then none again until the last few days. * Still hearing Redpolls & Siskins fly over, but numbers way down. * Despite sign, Blue Hill Trail (Sherburne NWR) can now be used by hikers. Auto Tour closed until 4/16, perhaps longer if eagles take their time. Good birding! Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties
