Tonight, August 10, I found a Red Phalarope in Morrison County. I have been checking the Bowlus sewage ponds for the last two weeks quite regulary, and today I flushed a Red Phalarope from the near shore. It didn't fly far, and I got some identifiable photos of the bird, although none are great photos. The bird seemed to stay near the closest shore(north side). August 10 is a very early date, although I learned tonight that there is an August 19th date for Red Phalarope in Minnesota. The bird I saw had a pale base to the bill that was very prominent from close range. Anyway, hopefully the bird sticks around for a few people to come and see it. When I left at 8:15 P.M. the bird had settled in at the NW corner of the pond.
Directions to the Bowlus Ponds: >From the bend of Hwy. 238 just north of Bowlus, go south on CR 24 for 1/2 mile. Turn right(west) and go 0.2 miles and turn south. There will be a cemetery on the north side of the road, and you'll see a No Trespassing sign on the south side. Turn south at the sign and follow the road to the ponds.
