[mou] Odds & Ends, Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties

[Pastor Al Schirmacher]

Behavioral oddities this morning:

* American Bittern flying parallel with the car for 100+ yards along Mille 
Lacs CR 7 this morning (no marsh apparent in area).

* Red-winged Blackbird attacking a Northern Flicker on the ground along 
Sherburne's Auto Tour - have noted in the past that they will escort 
virtually any larger bird out of the territories - but this extended attack 
(complete with screaming and a varied bird audience) of a presumably 
innocent flicker was a bit unusual.

For county listers:

* Upland Sandpipers are not easy to find in Mille Lacs County, but there was 
one this morning on Mille Lacs CR 7, about a half mile south of the 
intersection with CR 12.

* Possible Black-crowned Night Heron in Sherburne NWR this morning, along CR 
9, opposite Blue Hill Trail.  Unfortunately the bird was flying away against 
a gray, rainy sky - but too large for Green Heron, and flight posture did 
not fit an American Bittern.  Once common in the area, I have not had one in 
the county since moving here 12/03 (Nathan has one).

Rather quiet after last week's MN tour - am not picking up significant 
further migratory activity since Monday - despite reports that indicate a 
movement of Blackpolls, Bay-breasteds and related in southern Wisconsin.

When you "Duluthians" are done with your rarities, feel free to ship them on 
down!

Good birding to all.

Al Schirmacher
Princeton, MN
Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties