[mou] Sherburne & Wright Counties

[Pastor Al Schirmacher]

Ventured out for my last 2006 birding trip yesterday (sans Nathan, who was 
enjoying sleeping in), covering portions of Sherburne & northern Wright 
Counties.  Highlights included a Short-eared Owl & Great Horned in the 
refuge (different location than the Auto Tour SE, "cemetery" road just west 
of the headquarters on CR 9) - 440+ Trumpeter Swans at Mississippi Drive 
Park in Monticello (not much diversity otherwise) - 24 Trumpeters in Lake 
Maria State Park.  Missed the Peregrine Falcon at Monticello Power Plant. 
Had a single Robin at Ann Lake/Sand Dunes (first have seen in the two county 
are in a couple of weeks), however, have not been able to relocate the 
Townsend's Solitaire there since late November (unlike the last few 
winters - gone?  Raptor lunch?).

Will be checking out a Varied Thrush reported in Isanti County tomorrow; so 
far, the homeowner has not given permission for general access to the 
feeders.

2006 was a solid year, 279 without much chasing - after three years starting 
to think of myself (happily) as a Minnesotan birder.  Wonder when such 
designation becomes official?  Thanks to each of you who posted interesting 
birds over the year - Nathan & and I enjoyed Eurasian Wigeon - Snowy & 
Piping Plovers (and a probable Wilson's) - Parasitic & Pomarine Jaegers - 
Little & Sabine's Gulls - Snowy, Northern Hawk & Great Gray Owls - 
Three-toed & Black-backed Woodpeckers - Mountain Bluebird - Summer Tanager - 
and numerous other goodies - primarily because you shared.

Blessings on your 2007 birding!

Al Schirmacher
Princeton, MN
Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties