In my yard in western Polk County (East Grand Forks) today, I had my first-of-the-season lone Common Redpoll in the bird bath and just over 20 Pine Siskins at the feeders. Later, a Merlin was being chased through the yard by a Sharp-shinned Hawk.
There was a Northern Shrike down by the Red Lake River this afternoon in East Grand Forks. Up near Agassiz Valley, SE of Warren, MN, hundreds (probably 1000+) Sandhill Cranes gathering in the corn fields. Also my first Rough-legged Hawk of the season. Several Bald Eagles and Black-billed Magpies were feeding on a carcass. Sandy Aubol Polk County
