[mou] August movement; County Reports; Thanks (no rarities)

[Pastor Al Schirmacher]

Observed three species at Kunkel WMA (southern Mille Lacs County) this 
morning that are a bit unusual for the county:  Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher, Field 
Sparrow & Great Egret.  All three are relatively common in Sherburne, wonder 
if they are part of the post-breeding dispersal that seems to happen with a 
number of species?  Would love to understand the dynamics (and which species 
are impacted) of this dispersal a little better.

For those people who submit their field trips electronically to MOU, please 
don't forget that August begins the fall 2006 season.  Reports seem a little 
scanty at the moment (otherwise, how would Sherburne & Mille Lacs currently 
be #3 & #4 in total species?).  It's so easy to think of August as 
summer....

I want to concur with my sons thanks from Saturday - excellent directions 
from a number of MOU/MnBird subscribers made our first Murphy-Hanrahan and 
Jirik Sod Farm visits both successful and enjoyable.  The Common Moorhen, 
Black-crowned Night Heron and Buff-breasted Sandpipers were all state birds 
for Nathan.

Good birding to all!

Al Schirmacher
Princeton, MN
Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties