Some observations in Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties over last week (been out daily, even if only over lunch):
* 16 species of waterfowl - still missing Gadwall, Black Duck, Pintail & Ruddies among anticipated - Goldeneyes less common * Single Common Loon to date, two Horned Grebes among numerous Pied-billed * Still awaiting shorebirds, only single Wilson's Snipe, American Woodcock & Greater Yellowlegs * Six hawk species, only one Rough-legged this the week * Three species of gulls, did note 850 (RB & Herring) gulls on lake along 169 north of Zimmerman * More Trumpeter Swans in Sherburne NWR than Tundra * Brown Creepers more common than normal * Only three Hermit Thrushes throughout week * RC Kinglets more common than GC * Yellow-rumpeds are, of course, everywhere (makes one long for mid-May!) * Eight species of sparrows, haven't noted any Vespers or White-throated yet * What does one say about blackbirds right now - they're omnipresent - flocks & singly * Pine Siskin numbers down, no Redpolls noted, couple of Purple Finches. Good birding to all! Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties
