Al Schirmacher has confirmed a trip to Sherburne NWR this June. Looks good! If you're interested, let Al know at: PastorAl at princetonfreechurch.net
This information is also available at my website. June 4th - Sherburne NWR & Surrounding Areas (one day) Leader: Al Schirmacher Time: 7:30-12:00 AM, optional afternoon tour/hiking as well. Where: Sherburne Wildlife Refuge & surrounding area. Meet at Mahnomen Trail. Take 169 to Sherburne County 9, go west on 9 into Sherburne Refuge, follow signs to the parking lot on the left (south) side of the road. * We will intially walk Mahnomen Trail, looking for Lark & Vesper Sparrows, warblers (10 nest in the area, plus there could be late migrants), vireos and various woodland birds. * From there we will proceed to the Auto Tour, driving & looking for nesting Bald Eagles, Trumpeter Swans, grassland birds, waterfowl and related birds. Last year two Upland Sandpipers and a single Black Cuckoo were present during early to mid-June, but who knows? * For those staying for the afternoon, we will lunch in Princeton. * In the afternoon, we will walk Blue Hill Trail, known for a slightly different warbler mix, including multiple nesting Golden-winged. Last year a Chat was present for two weeks. Various hawks and an occasional raven also work this area. * We will finish the day with a driving tour of the area, which could include a Lark Sparrow haven and/or the diversity around Ann Lake. Would anticipate a trip list of ~ 80 species, weather & circumstances permitting. Trip capacity of 20, please register in advance. Tom Auer MOU Field Trip Chairman Duluth, MN -- www.d.umn.edu/~auer0009
