At about 7:45am this morning, I found a Common Moorhen in Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve. Over about 45 minutes, I observed the bird a few times as it walked, preened and fed along the edges of the cattails. Least Bittern, Black-crowned Night Herons, and several shorebird species were also present.
A few years ago, Linda Felker posted these directions to the spot: ---- Directions: The lake is located between markers 34 and 35 with the best shorebird habitat on the west side closer to #34. In the morning the sun is at your back. We took 185th St. to Natchez then turned right. Natchez curves west to become 175th St. E. Look for the Park Boundary/No Motorized Vehicles sign that has a PATH by it. Enter on this path to another path and turn left (west). Soon you will see a No Snowmobile sign, turn right here. Take this to the main path then turn left. It's just a short distance to the lake. ---- Tom Nelson Ramsey County
