[mou] Snowy Owl & Varied Thrush in Wabasha Co.

[Steve Weston]

I just returned from a grueling drive back from the Wabasha CBC.  Despite 
heavy rains and heavy fog the Wabasha CBC turned up a respectable 42 species 
(preliminary returns).  Missed species that usually are found included 
Rough-legged Hawk, Common Merganser and Common Goldeneye.  Extensive open 
water in the Mississippi allowed the Bald Eagles to remain dispersed 
resulting in low numbers on the count.  Notible high numbers include 4 
Kingfishers.  Other finds included Eastern Bluebird, Varied Thrush, and 
Snowy Owl.   The Snowy Owl was found about a mile to the west of where it 
was reported by Lori Slindee on Friday (thanks).  The Owl was about 100 
yards east of CR 14 and 595th Street, about 2.1 miles north of Highway 42.

The Varied Thrush was heard singing just north of the Zumbro River at the 
end of the road going east from Highway 61.  The weather probably reminded 
it of spring in the northwest.  The bird was on private land and not seen.

Steve Weston on Quiggley Lake in Eagan, MN
sweston2@comcast.net