Sherburne and environs bird sightings from the last few days include: Sunday, January 27 Two red-shouldered hawks at the south end of Little Elk Lake on CR 1, SE corner of the refuge. These birds have been seen in this same general area since our Christmas Bird Count.
A HUGE flock of common redpolls near the intersection of CR's 9 and 42, about 2 miles east of refuge headquarters. A Townsend's solitaire on the Ann Lake Campground road sitting on top of a spruce tree near the parking area. Also, 19 red crossbills working on white pine cones, and picking grit along the edge of the road. A rough-legged hawk sitting in the large cottonwood tree adjacent to the parking area. Northern flicker in this same area. Directions to this location: From Orrock, go south on CR 5 one mile, and look for the brown "Ann Lake Campground" sign. Turn left/east and go one mile to the small parking area on the right/south where there is a yellow gate.) Monday, January 28 On Mahnomen Trail white-winged crossbills. A barred owl on the west side of CR 5, about 1/2 mile north of the entrance to the wildlife drive. Wednesday, January 30 Male evening grosbeak on the NE corner of the jct of CR 3 and Hwy. 25 at about 11 a.m. this morning. The bird was sitting in the trees along CR 3 right near the intersection. This could possibly be the same bird that was seen at a residence about 2 miles NE of this spot on December 23. It was only at that residence for a day, but the owner got a good photo. I drive this route to and from work, so will keep a look out for the bird and report again if I refind it. Two pine grosbeaks along CR 4 east of Orrock, near the north entrance to Sand Dunes State Forest. They were sitting near the top of the pines, south side of the road. Thanks to Joe Conley, Al Schirmacher and Mary Carlson for sharing their sightings, which I've added to mine! Join us for Winterfest at the refuge on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.! Betsy Beneke Sherburne NWR ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
