Today Jake Musser, Chad Gustafson, and I birded two shorebird spots of interest:
Geneva Lake in Freeborn County: today's rains have raised the water level considerably, covering up much of the mudflats that were present last weekend. However, there is still lots of muddy shoreline attracting several hundred birds. 11 species were present. I assume mudflats will again dominate the lake over the next couple of weeks as the rainwater is drained. Rice Lake in northeastern Le Sueur County: this lake has low water levels possibly due to the dry year, providing good mudflats around the entire lake. Yesterday evening at least 5 species were present among a hundred or so individuals. However, a return trip today found the water levels higher due to today's rain, and thus the area of mudflats has shrunk. Again, this lake should continue to provide good habitat as the rainwater subsides. Best viewing is along 141st Ave. on the west side of the lake and CR 26 on the south side. Bob Dunlap, Carver County
