I went to Spring Lake Park Reserve (Dakota County Parks System) about 11:30AM. As I got out of the car I could hear 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!! wood thrushes singing nearby.....and from the tree tops as well. I went for the closest one and it took about 1/2 and hour to finally see him - even though he was singing for the whole time. He was actually in a dead tree - out in the open. Still too far for a great photo. I took some anyway - and video of him singing. Still too far away for good video. But still, to see that bird out in the open.....and he didn't move for more than an hour. I walked around the archery range trail and found another singing wood thrush. This one was a little jumpier. He was out in the open and moved from tree to tree whenever I approached.
There was also an ovenbird doing the same thing - out in the open - flitting from tree to tree. This one was nervous too and wouldn't let me get close enough for a good pic. I played his call back to him and he really responded - flying back and forth. My guess is that if someone wants to get a good recordings of either of these, now would be a good time. With a good camera or maybe digiscope you might get a good shot. The wood thrushes were still singing when I left the part about 1PM This park has several parts. The part I went to is located west of Hastings off of Highway 55. The entrance is on Fahey Avenue which goes north off of 52 - about half way between Hastings and Highway 52. Thanks to Jen Veith for putting me on this one.
