I may be able to get away later this week to chase the Slaty-backed. However, my growing but still limited knowledge of MN doesn't include the specific location. Could anyone share directions with me? I would be coming south on 169 to 94, or similarly.
Saturday's "busy-ness" precluded serious birding, but did get up into Aitkin for a couple of hours (not all the way to the logging road) - only ran into the more common winter birds (Snow Buntings, Siskins, single Shrike). However, was surprised by a resting, then escaping grey owl near the corner of 18 & 5 that wasn't a Great Gray - rather, an Eastern Screech. Isn't this near the edge of their range? Good birding to all! Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties
