Yesterday in the late afternoon, and at 8:30 am today, I found mud flats and a few shorebirds on the west end of Lake Byllesby. The drawdown of the very full lake began on October 1st, and is not finished, but some mudflats are visible at the far west lookouts. I saw one flock of Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs, 1 Black-bellied Plover (which flew), 4 Long-billed Dowitchers and many Killdeer. I'll check again this weekend and next week.
The lake is accessible at a Dakota Cty Park pullout along Hwy 88 (292nd St.), located 1/8th mile east of Hwy 56/88. Park along 88 unless the gate is open. After you walk toward the lake on the trail, you'll see somewhat overgrown deer/birder paths to your right that lead to the main overlook and beach. Another path to the beach is to the left. You can also reach this same park area on the west end by using a walking trail at the west end of Lakeside Cemetery, about 1/2 mi. farther east, along 88. An additional path to the lake is along this walking trail. Also, there's is a very, very steep path that leads to an excellent beach lookout. The entrance can be found by checking between trees on the south side of the cemetery, but it's only for those who can manage the steep slope. The east side property at Lakeside Cemetery is posted as private property. Laura Coble Cannon Falls ---- Join or Leave mou-net: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mou-net Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html
