[mou] Singing Cerulean Warbler - Carlos Avery WMA, Anoka County

[thurston@copper.net]

This a.m. I found a singing Cerulean Warbler at Carlos Avery Wildlife
Management Area in Anoka County.  It perched in the open for periods of time
singing loudly.  Coming into the area from Anoka County 18, take Zodiac St.
to the "T" and turn right following the perimeter road easterly to the point
where it turns north.  The bird was in the dead snags on the left as you
make the turn.  It would be great if this bird set up housekeeping.

Also present in the area were 50+ Sandhill Cranes, Dunlins, Golden-winged
Warblers, Chestnut-sided Warblers, Mourning Warbler, Trumpeter Swans,
Willow and Alder Flycatchers, Scarlet Tanagers, Marsh and Sedge Wrens,
Bank Swallows, American Bittern, Yellow-headed Blackbirds, and a Common Loon
(65 species seen in total)

I happened to be in the refuge on the first day the Whooping Crane was
reported.  I did not see the bird and, of course, had to idea it was there.
I was scoping the Sandhill Cranes to count them and otherwise panning the
areas involved but never saw the crane. Blind or unlucky?

Carlos Avery is a great area with diverse habitats.

Good Birding
Dave Thurston
North St. Paul