[mou] Blue Mounds and Touch the Sky5/27

[SFbirdclub@aol.com]

Today I got to Blue Mounds--good day. Also it was great to meet another 
birder, Jim (from the twin cities).

Had #s of warblers--Redstart, Tennessee and Yellow common; Blackburnian, 
Chestnut-sided, Blackpoll a few; Magnolia, N Parula, Black-throated Green and 
Connecticut just one each. I am grateful to Jim for telling me about the 
Connecticut (that's a *really* good bird in SD--though there are a few more reports 
this spring than usual. A singing male was found at Ft. Meade near Sturgis!) It 
was still in the walk-in campground near the quartzite toilet bldg.  Dozens and 
dozens of empids--heard  Willow and Least singing, Yellow-bellied and Alder 
calling--but most were, of course, just empids. Orchard Orioles were there as 
were displaying Bobolink and Grasshopper Sparrows. Blue Grosbeak pair were 
nesting on the Burr Oak Trail near the now closed Interpretive Center.

Touch the Sky had Northern Harrier, Red-tailed Hawk, Upland Sandpiper and 
Grasshopper Sparrow to add to the list.

60 species in all. Good day in SW MN.

Doug Chapman
Sioux Falls, SD