Birded in a one hour radius of Princeton this weekend, 107 species from Lake Maria north to Mille Lacs Lake. Highlights (no incredible rarities) included:
* Two Lawrence's Warblers (hybrid) on Blue Hill Trail, Sherburne Refuge - one singing monotone two note song, one 7-9 note song. First is probably a backcross. * Least Bittern, same trail, along lake on back side. * Franklin's Gulls (alongside Bonaparte's) on Mille Lacs Lake, Garrison pull off (Crow Wing County - still missing in Mille Lacs County these 4.5 years). * Single LeConte's Sparrow on the southern edge of Mille Lacs WMA - not in same location as last two years (fields mowed). * Pelicans on Lake Maria. However, missed Ceruleans that nest there - also missed Western Kingbirds that typically fly along/near Highway 10 (classic locations include 10 & 11 intersection, initial mile on 8 off 10, and the access road that leads to the power plant). * Ruffed Grouse still drumming at Kathio State Park. * Osprey along Mille Lacs Lake - difficult find in the area this year. * Whip-poor-wills (7) at Ann Lake - including one perched & singing on construction equipment tire 10 feet away - also Lark Sparrow, coyote pack and Dennis/Barb Martin sighting. Common Nighthawks in Monticello and Big Lake. See some of you at Rice Lake Refuge for the MOU trip Saturday! Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties
