[mou] Marsh Lake Pelicans/Gulls (Big Stone/Swift Counties)

[Curt Vacek]

On March 18th, a dozen pelicans circled the Marsh Lake nesting colony =
(islands) but by all accounts, did not stay in area.  On March 26th they =
returned with hundreds more, as well as several hundred gulls, and have =
started setting up shop on the islands.  In 2005, the big return took =
place on March 28th. =20

Numerous waterfowl, from woodducks to tundra swans, between Appleton and =
SD.  Field feeding flights in evenings have been nothing short of =
spectacular.  Park at the Marsh Lake dam at sunset and watch thousands of =
birds return to roost.

Imm. Northern Goshawk on Big Stone NWR (S of headquarters ~1.5 miles, in =
coulee on west side of blacktop). Western meadowlarks (returned ~ March =
16th), several diver/merg. species, and numerous bald eagles nearby as =
well.  (Just some of the jewels benefiting from duck stamp dollars at Big =
Stone).

Curt Vacek
____________________________
Assistant Area Wildlife Manager
Minnesota DNR - Section of Wildlife
850 N Hering St
Appleton, MN 56208
phone: (320) 289-2493
fax: (320) 289-2551
email: curt.vacek@dnr.state.mn.us