One would expect a gradual decline in number of species seen throughout the
winter months (December through February in this context).
However, my seven year experience here in central MN suggests not a gradual
decline, but a precipitous dropoff, primarily in late December and early
January. Birds that were common on, say December 19th, have to be fought
for (often unsuccessfully) by January 2nd. Being a question type of person,
I wonder why.
Perhaps Sherburne/Mille Lacs Counties are just stopoffs for some of these
species before moving south (eg, juncos). Perhaps cold and snow cover
influence numbers present (eg, Rough-legged). Perhaps some of the "boreal
bird" sightings are corrected as the birds wander further or even move back
north a bit(?). Perhaps open water becomes too scarce. Perhaps food
supplies run out. Perhaps shrikes are very successful. Perhaps all of the
above and more. Would welcome input.
Good birding (and New Years) to all!
Al Schirmacher
Princeton, MN
Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties
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