Hey birders,
I was out a little bit this morning to do a winter bird survey at Cobb River
WPA before the winter was through. There isn't any water open yet around here
outside the Minnesota River, but I did see a couple flocks of Canadas wishing
there was. Horned Larks were nearly as common as gravel alongside the roads
around Perch Lake and there was as a small remnant of Snow Buntings mixed in
with one flock. A light-phase Rough-legged Hawk was also seen at Cobb River
WPA and then again northeast of Perch Lake for one of the most cooperative
sightings this winter. The other highlight of the day was a Barred Owl who
occasionally hooted at the WPA. For the first time all winter, I think I'm
ready for spring!
FYI: Cobb River WPA has been expanded to 836 acres and extends from 586th Ave
in the west to the southern point of Perch Lake. New lands between CR16 and
Lakewood Road will have three restored wetland basins and prairie on 120 acres.
It will be interesting to see how this area continues to improve over the next
couple of years. This WPA boasts a species list of 172 right now with some
great birds: Trumpeter Swan, Loggerhead Shrike, Henslow's Sparrow, Upland
Sandpiper, Gray Partridge, Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow, Le Conte's Sparrow,
Short-eared Owl, and American Bittern.
Happy birding!
Chad Heins
Mankato, MN
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