This evening (tuesday) I stopped by the Eckankar prairie in Chanhassen north of Hwy 5 between Lake Ann Park and Powers Blvd. I did not find the Dickcissels, which were here last year, but I did find a singing HENSLOW SPARROW, Bobolink, Clay-colored Sparrow, and a pair of Green Herons. This was on private land. I do not know if they are sensative to an occasional birder stopping by, but I suggest that there is less chance of contact, if you avoid regular business hours.
Yesterday (monday) I saw two swans in Coon Rapids just east of Main Street and US 10. I stopped only briefly, and the one swan appeared to be a Mute Swan. On our trip to Frontenac, we found quite a variety of butterflies. Common Ringlets were common in the grasslands. We also found Great Sapngled Fritillaries, Red-spotted Purples, Red Admirals, Eastern Yellow Swallowtail, Hackberry Emporer, Monarchs, and an as yet unidentified skipper. Steve Weston on Quiggley Lake in Eagan, MN sweston2 at comcast.net
