Common Raven, Northern Goshawk at Ann Lake/Sand Dunes State Forest (Sherburne County) this morning.
(Although there are occasional sightings of ravens in Sherburne Refuge, the staff biologist feels they nest outside the area. Believe that Craig Mandel found evidence of nesting nearby a few years back.) Ann Lake (just south of the refuge off CR 5) is an interesting area. It tends to skew northern in November-December-January - Ravens frequently, occasional Goshawk, Townsend's Solitaire (three of the last four years), Bohemian Waxwings (two of the last four years, none this morning in the extensive waxwing flocks), Purple Finches (nearly year round) & related. Have started my Townsend's watch for the winter, will also be checking for winter finches with the irruption predictions. The area is also very consistent for Whip-poor-wills in the summer. Good birding to all! Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties PS Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties slow to steady overall - 53 species in last eight days - best being last Friday's Red-throated Loon.
