In the midst of Holiday errands, we squeezed in a little birding in Otter Tail County on Monday (12/10).
Thanks to the reports of Amy and Jeff Drake, we got to see the Pine Grosbeaks (we saw 7) in their yard near Walker Lake (which in turn, is just north of Ottertail Lake). The birds were actively feeding in the apple tree and feeders right next to their house when we drove into the yard. This species has never been recorded in the short history of the Battle Lake CBC, so hopefully the Drakes won?t run out of frozen crabapples before Dec. 30. Trumpeter Swans were in evidence wherever the Ottertail River was open near public roads. Especially good spots were at the extreme southwestern end of Ottertail Lake where the river exits, then again further downstream where the river enters Deer Lake and further along off CR #1 near Phelps Mill. At the ?levee? area in residential Fergus Falls, there were MANY Canada Geese and Mallards along with a few Common Goldeneye and a half-dozen American Coots. With the heavy snowfall, Pheasants and Turkeys were foraging on and near roads. At home, we have a Ruffed Grouse who has been regularly visiting our high-bush cranberries and a single Common Grackle who appears to be considering an attempt at over-wintering. Our best, Dan & Sandy Thimgan Otter Tail County Battle Lake, MN
