[mou] Central MN - Sherburne, Mille Lacs, Wright Counties

[Pastor Al Schirmacher]

Flocks of Snow Buntings, Horned Larks and (to a lesser degree) Lapland 
Longspurs have been moving through over the last 7-10 days (Sherburne & 
Mille Lacs Counties) - sometimes numbering in the hundreds.  Significant 
snow depth has pushed them (as well as RN Pheasants) to the edges of the 
roads.  Tree Sparrow flocks are also very common.

The Red-shouldered Hawk & Great Blue Heron continue in or near the Sherburne 
CR 1 & 87 marsh.  Trumpeter Swan numbers are still high in Monticello 
(Mississippi Drive Park); Nathan also observed a probable Cackling Goose as 
a fly away.  A single Northern Shrike (not easy to find this winter in the 
refuge area) was sighted on Sherburne CR 3 today.  Rough-legged Hawks have 
become uncommon.

In other words, it's a bit quiet - and we are fully ready to see some new 
spring/year birds!

Good birding to all.

Al Schirmacher
Princeton, MN
Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties