[mou] Pt. Douglas Slaty-backed, Aitkin

[Pastor Al Schirmacher]

I may be able to get away later this week to chase the Slaty-backed. 
However, my growing but still limited knowledge of MN doesn't include the 
specific location.  Could anyone share directions with me?  I would be 
coming south on 169 to 94, or similarly.

Saturday's "busy-ness" precluded serious birding, but did get up into Aitkin 
for a couple of hours (not all the way to the logging road) - only ran into 
the more common winter birds (Snow Buntings, Siskins, single Shrike). 
However, was surprised by a resting, then escaping grey owl near the corner 
of 18 & 5 that wasn't a Great Gray - rather, an Eastern Screech.  Isn't this 
near the edge of their range?

Good birding to all!

Al Schirmacher
Princeton, MN
Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties