The 66th Cedar Creek Bog Christmas Bird Count was conducted on Sunday, December 18th under unseasonably balmy conditions, perhaps the warmest count. While lakes were frozen thick, the streams were flowing, and the ground was free of snow. The 45 species (+ 2 count week), represents the highest species count recorded in the counts. Still total count of birds was not impressive and most counters felt the numbers were low. Interesting birds found included Northern Goshawk, Common Raven (regular on this count), Red-headed Woodpecker, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Bluebird, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and White-winged Crossbills. Five species established new high count including Northern Shrike (10), and four of our woodpeckers. Most remarkible was the number of our most common woodpecker: the Red-headed Woodpecker with 56 individuals counted. All of these birds, I believe, were within the Cedar Creek Natural History Area. This record is almost twice the previous high count. Thanks to all who participated in the count.
Directions to see the Red-headed Woodpeckers: From Highway 65 go east on Anoka CR24 (237th Avenue). At the T turn right onto CR26. The road will turn east. Take the first left turn (Durant St. NE) and start looking. The birds can be seen from the road or on the public trails. In inclement or cold weather the birds will often hole up in their roosts. The best time to find them is during the afternoon when the temperatures are the most moderate. The Goshawk was also found in this area. Steve Weston On Quiggley Lake in Eagan, MN [email protected] ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
