[mou] Mille Lacs Lake

[Pastor Al Schirmacher]

Nathan & I ventured along the western & northern shore of Mille Lacs Lake on 
Saturday morning.

The highlight was the previously reported Lesser Black-backed Gull in Wigwam 
Bay (Nathan's pictures at www.flickr.com/photos/10317865 at N02) - also had a 
dozen Bonaparte's Gulls (including four in full breeding plumage) - both in 
the sliver of Crow Wing County on the west side - only had two shorebirds 
(Least & Spotted) on the visible beaches.

Thanks to all of those who shared their ID opinions on the gull (nearly 
unanimously LBB) - as one views the photos, please note that the gull is 
standing on the highest rock in the frame.  It was significantly larger than 
the RB Gulls, about the same size as the immature Herrings in the area.

Short walk on Blue Hill Trail, Sherburne NWR revealed little this morning - 
warblers and related are running "silent & deep".

Good birding to all!

Al Schirmacher
Princeton, MN
Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties