Nathan and I birded portions of Aitkin County and Sax-Zim yesterday, enjoying:
* Sharp-tailed Grouse south of Tamarac (including two in a tree alongside Aitkin 16) * Great Gray Owl, Nichols Lake Road, .5 mile east of St. Louis 7 * Hoary Redpoll, St. Louis 211 feeders (directions previously posted) * Black-billed Magpies, St. Louis 219 (about a mile north of 133) Pine Grosbeaks, Snow Buntings and Common Ravens (at least 29 on the day) were everywhere. Conversely, we missed Snowy Owl - Three-toed and Black-backed Woodpeckers (despite working three locations with extensive flaking - Aitkin 27, 211 & McDavitt roads - however, we did not hike in due to snow depths) - Evening Grosbeaks (did not come into the 211 feeders during the half hour we were there) - and Northern Hawk Owl (checked area north of Sax Road). Did have two MOU weekend/Kim Eckert sightings in the afternoon (bonus points?). Thank you to all who shared their sightings electronically. Good birding! Al & Nathan Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties
