I got a report from a park ranger at the MVNWR Rapids Lake Unit that there was a juvenile Red-headed Woodpecker that visited their feeders on the 4th (Wednesday.) Other birds at the feeders that day includes Cooper's Hawk, Common Redpolls, (at least 53; no Hoary's noted), and Purple Finch (2; interestingly, 34 overwhelmed the feeders one day in November.) The park ranger also mentioned that a Interior West race Hairy Woodpecker has been seen on a daily basis (also seen last winter) and he has taken pictures. I do not know how uncommon this is; any feedback is appreciated. The Rapids Lake Unit is located just south of Carver in Carver County.
The male Oregon-race Dark-eyed Junco and Fox Sparrow were seen again at the MVNWR Visitor's Center (Bloomington, Hennepin Co.) on the 2nd (Monday.) As for the White-winged Crossbills in Plymouth (Hennepin Co.), I attempted to relocate them on the 3rd (Tuesday) without succsess. However, another birder told me that the flock had been there that morning at about 10am. He also told me of two new places the flock has been observed: 1) Along a long row of spruces behind Bachman's. (North of Highway 55, ~1/2 mile west of Highway 169). 2) Scattered spruces along the parking ramp further east of Bachman's (right next to 169, but still west of 169.) I checked all these places, plus the Willow Creek theatre parking lot and a few areas in western Golden Valley, but I came up empty. I have recieved no additional reports of this crossbill flock; any observations would be appreciated. Good birding! Alyssa DeRubeis (who is anticipating Spring) Golden Valley, MN ---- Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
