[mou] Shorebirding in southern MN...update

[rdunlap at gac.edu]

Today Jake Musser, Chad Gustafson, and I birded two shorebird spots of  
interest:

Geneva Lake in Freeborn County: today's rains have raised the water  
level considerably, covering up much of the mudflats that were present  
last weekend. However, there is still lots of muddy shoreline  
attracting several hundred birds. 11 species were present. I assume  
mudflats will again dominate the lake over the next couple of weeks as  
the rainwater is drained.

Rice Lake in northeastern Le Sueur County: this lake has low water  
levels possibly due to the dry year, providing good mudflats around  
the entire lake. Yesterday evening at least 5 species were present  
among a hundred or so individuals. However, a return trip today found  
the water levels higher due to today's rain, and thus the area of  
mudflats has shrunk. Again, this lake should continue to provide good  
habitat as the rainwater subsides. Best viewing is along 141st Ave. on  
the west side of the lake and CR 26 on the south side.

Bob Dunlap, Carver County