May 8, 2006 Led a trip to Carver Park Reserve and also extended it further into Carver and parts of Hennepin County. Our group observed 94 species, for the day. The highlight of the day was observed by Kathy Kinghorn at the pond on CR 30 and Highway 5. While watching, 10 Cattle Egrets and a single Snowy Egret, Kathy spotted a second Snowy Egret. Both of the Snowy Egrets were then observed feeding along the NE corner of the pond. This was at about 10:00am. The Cattle Egrets were also observed feeding on the Grassy hill side on the East Side of CR 30. There were not great numbers of any of the birds we observed, but we did get some nice looks at 7 species of Warblers, including a Blue-winged Warbler. The Bobolinks are also back at the park. Here were some of the species of birds observed by the group:
@ Trumpeter Swan @ Snowy Egret - Cr 30 & Hwy. 5 pond @ Cattle Egret - Cr 30 & Hwy. 5 pond @ Virginia Rail - Heard only, along the Oak trail in Carver park @ American Golden Plover - Hennepin County - CR 92, just North of the intersection with CR 110. This area is about a Mile North of St Bonifacius. With continued rain this area could be a good spot for shorebirds in Hennepin county. @ Long-billed Dowitcher - same spot as the American Golden Plover's @ Sedge Wren - Observed along the horse trail accessed from Carver Park Road, just East of the King Blind. @ American Pipit - Shorebird location, as noted above @ Blue-winged Warbler - 3 or 4 heard along Carver Park Road. @ Bobolink - Carver Park Road @ Brewer's Blackbird - Shorebird location, as noted above. Craig Mandel, Minnetonka, MN [email protected]
