[mou] Phalen loons and grebes

[john zakelj]

The trail around St Paul's Lake Phalen was perfect for
birdwatching this morning.  There were over 40 loons,
all 3 mergansers (100 red-breasted, 10 common, 2
hooded), over 20 horned grebes, 10 pie-billed, 1
red-necked grebe, 10 buffleheads, a couple eagles in
the trees over the trail, and about 100 pelicans
coasting by overhead.  About a third of the lake is
still covered with ice, but it's crumbling and going
fast. Many of the loons and grebes were so tame and
close to shore, you hardly needed binoculars to get a
good look.  Even the non-birders were excited.  When
they noticed our binoculars, many of them told us
about additional loons and eagles further along the
path.  It was a uniquely Minnesota morning. 


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