Hey birders!
We don't have much open water around the Mankato area, especially once you're
away from the Minnesota River. Undaunted, I decided to check out the Lake
Crystal lakes south of Mankato which are just starting to open up. On Monday
there were two Greater White-fronted Geese mixed in with the Canadas along with
Mallard, Gadwall, and Common Mergansers. I also saw a Turkey Vulture in
Mankato.
This morning's list:
Canada Goose
Cackling Goose
Wood Duck
Mallard
Northern Pintail
American Wigeon
Gadwall
Lesser Scaup
Ring-necked Duck
Lesser Scaup
Redhead
Canvasback
Bufflehead
Common Goldeneye
Common Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser
Hooded Merganser
Ruddy Duck
American Coot
Ring-billed Gull
There was probably only about 150 birds total but I wasn't going to complain.
I also went looking for the Townsend's Solitaire at Minneopa State Park. I did
not find it but did find Sharp-shinned Hawk, Purple Finch, and had a Rusty
Blackbird fly over. I also saw a Red-shouldered Hawk at the junction of Hwy 68
and Hwy 169/60.
Since the Ring-billed Gull is the true harbinger around Mankato...
Happy Spring!
Chad Heins
Mankato, MN
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