[mou] MRVAC - Chisago County - Field Trip Report - 4/8/2008

[CRAIG MANDEL]

April 8, 2008

Minnesota River Valley Audubon Chapter
Chisago County Birding Day
Field Trip Report

Spent the day leading a bird watching trip to Chisago county today.  We 
encountered 18 species of Waterfowl in the county.  With the best location 
for Waterfowl, being the Sunrise Unit of Carlos Avery WMA.  With the best 
vantage points being along CR 36 and CR 19.  There were also a number of 
Ruffed Grouse, drumming at Wild River State Park.  Additional birds at the 
park included 40+ Purple Finches at the feeders at the interpretive Center. 
Along the entrance road and road to the Interpretive Center there were 1000s 
of American Robins.  These were observed feeding in the leaves on the woods 
along the roads. A single Lesser Yellowlegs was in a flooded field, South of 
the town of Almelund along CR 12.  After the trip, a few of us headed over 
to the Bass Ponds for an unsuccessful search for the Cinnamon Teal.  Here 
were a few of the groups favorite birds for the day.

Tundra Swan - Several flocks were heard and observed in flight over Wild 
River State Park.
Ruffed Grouse - Heard only at Wild River State Park.
Sandhill Cranes - With several observed standing on the ice at Carlos Avery 
WMA.
Lesser Yellowlegs
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Northern Shrike
Golden-crowned Kinglet - A couple observed in the State Park.
Eastern Bluebirds - Observed in quite a few locations.
Fox Sparrow - near feeders at the interpretive center at Wild River State 
park.
Eastern Meadowlark - Only one observed, but it was very vocal.
Purple Finch

Craig Mandel
EgretCMan at msn.com
Minnetonka, Hennepin County