[mou] Sherburne NWR - Lark Sparrows, Sandhill Cranes etc

[Chris Fagyal]

Spent the better part of Saturday morning/early afternoon and then Sunday =
morning at Sherburne NWR this past weekend.  Birding was pretty good both =
days with over 50 species seen without truly trying (I was there for =
photography more than birding.)  Some quite good flight shots of Black =
Terns, Scarlet Tanager and a Lark Sparrow shot amongst others are now =
posted at http://www.avianphotos.org

Highlights included:

6 Lark Sparrows - A couple were right before you enter the small wooded =
section and a couple were in a small scrubland area between the first and =
second observation pull-offs

Vesper Sparrow - One seen near the first observation area just 50 feet or =
less down the prairie trail, another seen in the scrubland between first =
and second observation pulls offs near the Lark Sparrows

Swamp Sparrow - In the reeds on the right just past the woodland area.

Scarlet Tanager - 2 seen in the wooded area

Pileated Woodpecker - Pair in the woodland area.

Sandhill Cranes - 1 seen just around the first corner as you enter the =
wildlife drive.  Several heard/seen flying overhead at various areas

Common Loon - 2 seen in a large pond area on the left about midway through =
the drive.  No young noted, but it did appear that the loons were a pair.  =
I forgot to note what the name of the area is.

Black Tern + Fledgling - Black Tern pair seen fishing over the waters with =
a fledgling.  Never had seen a recently fledged Black Tern.  The mottled =
colors were very pretty.

Trumpeter Swans - Pair on the last pond/lake area before you exit the =
drive near where the Bald Eagle Nest is.  One was sitting on a nest with =
the other close by.  Also had 5 fly overhead while in the woodland area.



Chris Fagyal
Senior Software Engineer
United Defense, L.P.
Fridley, MN
(763) 572-5320
chris.fagyal@udlp.com