At least 12 Horned Grebes are easily seen on Battle Lake (between the Shoreline Caf? and the in-town public access) in central Otter Tail County.
Also, since the icy stranglehold on spring relaxed this last week, suddenly the lakes are ice-free and warm weather has ushered in a nice influx of birds. In the last couple of days, we've seen good numbers of Yellow-rumped Warblers. "New" sparrow species are Field, Swamp, and White-throated Sparrows. Also, there has been a nice variety of ducks at the Battle Lake Treatment Ponds. We cringed when we heard the loud, sickening thump of a window strike in our sun room today. A moment later, we spooked a Cooper's Hawk who was in the process of efficiently collecting and airlifting his stunned prey (an unidentified black bird) out of the yard. Another Wild Kingdom moment! -- Dan & Sandy Thimgan Otter Tail County Battle Lake MN
