Hello all, Early-rise birding in the Succonix WMA area southward in
Clearwater Twnshp, and I suspect the Sugar Lake area, I observed at 6am in
flight for ~45 seconds a Tri-colored Heron, but haven't been able to re-locate
it this afternoon, including an attempt by Herb D. RQD in process, but here
are some details:
Location:4mi S of Clearwater along Hwy 24, Left on 139th St NW-dogleg S on
Ireland- turn again east on 132 St NW and on the corner an unnamed WMA part of
the Succonix system, go south a bit to the green gate and walk the two-track
trail up along side the old field, marsh-pond woodland until you come to the
turn-around. Right there is an opening to the marsh-pond. I was standing on
the edge and the heron came from the NE flying along the south shore about
mid-story. I noted immediately its smaller size than a Great Blue, dark
plumaged crooked head and white underparts, ~4-5 wingbeats per second, yet
light or more dainty than the lumbering flight of a Great Blue. I then saw the
underlining of white fringed dark with long yellow legs extended beyond the
tail (flew like an egret, not Bittern or Black-crowned Night herons). The
heron circled back as I hoped upon hope it was going to settle in for a
landing. Instead, it flew back NE where the slough continues with a series of
marsh ponds. Light conditions were darker because of the heavy stratus
overcast. I overruled Little Blue Heron as I think of them as even more dainty.
I tried several locations in the area, except the forest location on the north
side of the WMA...bushwacking necessary to reach the edge of Cornell Lake
(unless there is a private property access from the north side of it).
Succonix WMA further south along Ireland has several slough ponding. I was
momentarily excited thinking I re-located the bird along CR7 ---an east side
slough south of 145th St, but only a glimspe and hidden by foliage. I checked
Nixon Lake. Perhaps the cottage-docks of Sugar Lake may turn up this bird?
Frank G. and I checked the Camp Courage Heron Rookery (along CR7/80th St (Mink
Lake) and I was there at twilight to dark watching flights of Great Blues and
Great Egrets come in (counted 145 GBH 24 GEgrets), but no small heron.
It'd sure be nice if others can find it if it remains in the area, there are
many possible locations in this part of the St. Croix Moraine. Plus, some
other good birding is possible as shorebirds are stopping at the flooded
fields, some warblers are around(very hard to observe---had an nice small wave
at the opening mentioned above (Golden-winged, Yellows, and a Connecticut
(luckily) and heard a Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. This is also the field where
a Henslow's was reported a couple years ago (actually the species I was after
this morning). Note me if you want more ideas. mjblomberg
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