[mou] Sherburne NWR, Ann Lake (Solitaire present)

[Pastor Al Schirmacher]

Walked portions of Blue Hill Trail and the Ann Lake snowmobile trail this 
morning, also toured the Wildlife Drive.

Highlight was the Townsend's Solitaire at Ann Lake, also a Northern Shrike 
scattering a flock of waxwings.  An Eastern Screech Owl called twice before 
dawn on Blue Hill; single Redpoll flew over.  The Wildlife Drive continues 
very quiet (where are the Rough-leggeds this winter?).

For those interested in seeing the Solitaire, best strategy seems to be take 
the access road off of Sherburne CR 5 (near CR 4), drive in about a mile to 
the small parking lot on the right, then walk the southern snowmobile trail 
while scanning the tops of the trees.  I've found it as close as 10-20 feet 
from the trail, and as far as 150 yards.

Good birding to all!

Al Schirmacher
Princeton, MN
Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties