Nathan & I traveled in a 20 mile radius of Sherburne Refuge, highlights
included:
* 1300 gulls on Lake Fremont near Zimmerman - juvenile Thayer's Gull among
many Ring-billed & Herrings
* 19 waterfowl species in area, only surprises were two Black Ducks on ag
ponds along 169
* Four Common Ravens in three locations in Sherburne NWR & Ann Lakes/Sand
Dunes (Townsend's Solitaires were not seen, but probably heard)
* White-winged Crossbills on Blue Hill Trail in the NWR.
Now for the puzzler. Nathan and I spent considerable time observing either
a first winter California Gull or a second winter Herring on Lake Fremont.
It had a pale face, rounded head and clear pattern (rather than coarse) on
the coverts, as well as a two tone bill. We attempted to digiscope it
without success. If any of you larophiles happen to be in the area, feel
free to share feedback. Neither Sibley nor Gulls of America led us to a
firm conclusion.
Good birding to all!
Al Schirmacher
Princeton, MN
Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties
----
Join or Leave mou-net:http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net
Archives:http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
