[mou] Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties over last week

[Pastor Al Schirmacher]

106 birds sighted/heard in Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties over the last 
week.  Highlights included:

* Probable Wilson's Plover (reported earlier), Mille Lacs Lake.  Further 
comparisons with Internet photos have only served to strengthen our personal 
opinions of the ID.  Unfortunately not refound the day after.

* 21 warbler species.  This might be a bit deceiving, since 20 were on 
Saturday - have only averaged 6-7 per day this week while walking once or 
twice a day.  Missed Blue-winged (which nest in Sherburne), Orange-crowned, 
Northern Parula, Black-throated Green and Blackpoll.

* Flock of 15+ Wild Turkeys in Mille Lacs County (where they're considered 
unusual).  When I do see turkeys in Mille Lacs, they're invariably along the 
Rum River.

* Only nine shorebirds sighted.

* Common Terns were very active along the ML lakefront.  Purple Martins have 
all but vanished (only one for week).  Sparrows and other grassland birds 
rather quiet or gone.

Good birding to all!

Al Schirmacher
Princeton, MN
Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties