Decided, based on input and some delightful comments, that I would continue posting on MOU. I think Mike's explanation helped clear things up in my mind - as did Mark's.
Went out birding today along the Eagle Lake next to my townhouse, just southwest of 169-94 intersection. I have to say this about Yellow- rumps, they are plentiful and I think I understand my past disdain for them by the time the other warblers come to town. I used to get so frustrated that practically every bird I would eagerly pursue with the absence of leaves was a YR. This year I am in appreciation. I went out today and just kept looking and the value of the YRs came out. Anything that looks different from them stands out like a lightning bolt. That is how I saw several of the following today - (please note the list - I am trying) Yellow-rumped Warblers (where credit is due) - many Ruby-Crowned Kinglets - many but they are cuter...small bill and all FOY Yellow Warbler - Yeehawww!!! - one Palm Warblers - several Black and White Warbler - one Great Egret - several Little Green Heron - one Ring-necked Pheasant - one male Oven Bird - one Marsh Wren - one but has been there every day, same place for the past week Cooper's Hawk - same one but working on nest number 5 - that is one picky female Lincoln's Sparrows - surprising numbers Song Sparrows - all over Horned Grebes - still good numbers Double-Crested Cormorants - big, big flocks flying in several "V"s Ruddy Ducks - many Coots - tons Buffleheads - several Lesser Scaups - several Common Loons - two and a bunch of the regulars only more brilliantly colored. MOU rocks - you go, Silent Majority, you!!! MnBird rocks - didn't know your focus was on the SE part of the state. I always post at both sites anyway. Thomas Maiello Angel Environmental Management, Inc. Maple Grove, MN
