Despite migration being 99.8% done here, had 109 species (morning walks &
drives before work) in the Zimmerman/Princeton/Milaca area since Monday.
Observations included:
* Ruffed Grouse (drumming on Mahnomen Trail in Sherburne Refuge)
* Least Bittern (calling near Big Bluestem Pond on the auto tour)
* Red-shouldered Hawk (have been more scarce here recently)
* Only four shorebirds
* Both cuckoos (Auto Tour and Kunkel WMA)
* Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers in the refuge (unusual for me to find during the
summer in Sherburne County)
* Nesting Red-headed Woodpecker on Blue Hill Trail, Sherburne NWR
* Olive-sided Flycatcher
* Only nine warblers. Highlights were a Pine (Ann Lake) and two Mournings
(finally present on Blue Hill Trail). Only heard/saw four Golden-winged and
three Blue-winged on the three NWR trails this week, significantly down from
past years.
* Ten sparrows (pretty normal, although Lark Sparrows are always a joy).
* Orchard Orioles on the Auto Tour.
Although there have been a number of observations of the Common Moorhens by
others, still attempting to locate them on the Auto Tour. Somehow, one
hates to chase something with the first name, "Common".
Good birding to all!
Al Schirmacher
Princeton, MN
Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties
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