April 8, 2008 Minnesota River Valley Audubon Chapter Chisago County Birding Day Field Trip Report
Spent the day leading a bird watching trip to Chisago county today. We encountered 18 species of Waterfowl in the county. With the best location for Waterfowl, being the Sunrise Unit of Carlos Avery WMA. With the best vantage points being along CR 36 and CR 19. There were also a number of Ruffed Grouse, drumming at Wild River State Park. Additional birds at the park included 40+ Purple Finches at the feeders at the interpretive Center. Along the entrance road and road to the Interpretive Center there were 1000s of American Robins. These were observed feeding in the leaves on the woods along the roads. A single Lesser Yellowlegs was in a flooded field, South of the town of Almelund along CR 12. After the trip, a few of us headed over to the Bass Ponds for an unsuccessful search for the Cinnamon Teal. Here were a few of the groups favorite birds for the day. Tundra Swan - Several flocks were heard and observed in flight over Wild River State Park. Ruffed Grouse - Heard only at Wild River State Park. Sandhill Cranes - With several observed standing on the ice at Carlos Avery WMA. Lesser Yellowlegs Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Northern Shrike Golden-crowned Kinglet - A couple observed in the State Park. Eastern Bluebirds - Observed in quite a few locations. Fox Sparrow - near feeders at the interpretive center at Wild River State park. Eastern Meadowlark - Only one observed, but it was very vocal. Purple Finch Craig Mandel EgretCMan at msn.com Minnetonka, Hennepin County
