Flocks of Snow Buntings, Horned Larks and (to a lesser degree) Lapland Longspurs have been moving through over the last 7-10 days (Sherburne & Mille Lacs Counties) - sometimes numbering in the hundreds. Significant snow depth has pushed them (as well as RN Pheasants) to the edges of the roads. Tree Sparrow flocks are also very common.
The Red-shouldered Hawk & Great Blue Heron continue in or near the Sherburne CR 1 & 87 marsh. Trumpeter Swan numbers are still high in Monticello (Mississippi Drive Park); Nathan also observed a probable Cackling Goose as a fly away. A single Northern Shrike (not easy to find this winter in the refuge area) was sighted on Sherburne CR 3 today. Rough-legged Hawks have become uncommon. In other words, it's a bit quiet - and we are fully ready to see some new spring/year birds! Good birding to all. Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties
