May 9, 2008 7:30am - 3:30pm Enjoyed a very nice day, birdwatching in Freeborn county today with Phyllis Bofferding, Linda Felker and Kathy Kinghorn. We observed over 120 species in the county, with large numbers of Yellow-rumped and Yellow Warblers present. There were also many White-throated Sparrows, especially at the group camp at Myre-Big Island State Park. We also had a large variety of birds along the West side of Geneva Lake. Including 14 species of waterfowl present on the lake. Here are some notes on some of the species we observed today.
Sora - 5 birds were heard calling from a small wet grassy area, just east of the group camp in Myre-Big Island State Park. Blue-headed Vireo - Several were observed at Myre-Big Island State Park. Purple Martin - There were two Martin houses with Martins in them at the North East corner of the town of Geneva. Swallow's - all five species of Swallows were observed at Geneva Lake, with Tree and Barn Swallow being very abundant. Red-breasted Nuthatch - A single bird was heard near the group camp at Myre-Big Island State Park. Sedge Wren - heard in 3 or 4 areas around the county. Marsh Wren - Heard and seen along the West side of Geneva Lake. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - Observed a few along the West shore of Geneva Lake. Veery - Observed and heard at Myre-Big Island State Park. Gray-cheeked Thrush - Seen at several locations in Myre-Big Island State Park. Swainson's Thrush - Observed at several locations in the county. Gray Catbird Brown Thrasher - Heard and observed in 5 or 6 locations in the county. Warbler's - 16 species observed, with Yellow-rumped and Yellow being very common. Others observed include, Tennessee, Orange-crowned, Nashville, Magnolia, Black-throated Green, Blackburnian, Palm, Blackpoll, Black-and-White, American Redstart, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush (15+), Common Yellowthroat and Wilson's. Sparrows were very abundant, with nice looks at many White-throated Sparrows and some of the other Sparrows observed included, Vesper, Lincoln's, Swamp, Harris's and White-crowned. Bobolink - Several were observed at Myre-Big Island State Park. Purple Finch - A female Purple Finch was observed near the upper campground at Myre-Big Island State Park. Craig Mandel EgretCMan at msn.com Hennepin County, MN
