[mou] Lake Crystal Area scoter, Thayer's, Ross' Goose

[Chad Heins]

Hey birders!

I got out this afternoon and was pleased to find some waterbirds in the Lake Crystal area.  

I found a female Black Scoter on Loon Lake which also had three Common Loons, several Red-breasted Mergansers, a Pied-billed Grebe, and many coots.

I found an adult Thayer's Gull on Lily Lake which is on the northwest side of Hwy 60 opposite Crystal Lake.  This bird was somewhat active and associating with an adult Herring and a first-winter Herring Gull.  Also seen at this location was an odd Ring-billed Gull.  It's bill was completely black and it appeared to have a misshapen right foot too.

Lastly, I found a juvenile Ross' Goose on Crystal Lake.  It was on the north side of the cemetery.

Hopefully some or all of these birds will stick around for a couple of days.

Happy birding!

Chad Heins
Mankato, MN