April 7, 2008 Spent the day leading a trip to Anoka County today. Our group enjoyed many of the previously reported species and our first little wave of Yellow-rumped Warblers. All in all it was a pretty nice day, despite the morning snow and cold weather. We observed most of the previously reported birds at the Coon Rapid's Regional Park. Including lots of Common Loons, a dozen Red-necked Grebes and a number of Horned Grebes. We were also able to get a look at the Great Horned Owl in the Heron nest South of the Dam. Along the trail just South West of the Dam we encountered 20 to 30 Yellow-rumped Warblers, actively feeding high in the Cottonwood trees. Here are some of the 69 species we observed today.
14 species of Ducks, including all three Mergansers. Common Loon - Many birds were observed actively feeding in the pool North of the Dam. Horned Grebe Red-necked Grebe Great Egret Sandhill Crane Great Horned Owl Red-headed Woodpecker Northern Flicker Eastern Phoebe - We observed at least a dozen Eastern Phoebes at various locations around Anoka County. Tree Swallow - 100s, North of the Dam. Brown Creeper Golden-crowned Kinglet Ruby-throated Kinglet Hermit Thrush - Observed at Springbrook Nature Center and in a nice section of woods along the Mississippi River, which can be accessed off of Alden Way and Bellaire Way. Yellow-rumped Warbler - Was great to see the small wave of Warblers today. Fox Sparrow Craig Mandel EgretCMan at msn.com Minnetonka, MN
