[mou] Birds in Polk/Norman and Red Lake Co.

[Shelley Steva]

   Went birding today- July 26- in both Polk and Red
Lake Counties.
  In Polk Co. I went to Agassiz Dunes. It is found in
both Polk and Norman Counties so I am not sure exactly
which counties all these species are in. I think
though that most were in Polk County.
Highlights were:
4 species of sparrows-
Lark, Grasshopper, FIELD- heard the "ping pong sound",
and clay-colored. Most of these were immatures- and
not as easy to identify.
  I didn't realize how how the dunes extend. They are
much farther than I realized- over 2,000 acres at
least.   
  There was a large colony of bank swallows down by
the Sandhill River as well.
    On me way back I found 2 LOGGERHEAD SHRIKES along
Highway 32 very close to the Glacial Ridge Project
sign but on the east side of the road. They were about
one mile north of the intersection of Polk Co. 45 and
Mn highway 32.
   I saw one Henslow's sparrow in Red Lake Co. today.
(thanks to Peder Svingen for finding that. He heard
two others in the same area). To find the Henslow's,
turn east off Highway 32 onto Polk Co. 49 just past
the intersection of 32 and US Highway 2, drive 2 miles
east and then go 1.2 miles north.
  It was really exciting seeing the shrikes. The last
time I saw shrikes in the same area was 22 years ago!
Shelley Steva Thief River Falls


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