great blue heron

Saw two great blue herons at the rookery at the corner of becker co 21 and co rd 149 this evening. 
Colleen Nelson, Audubon

Bluebird & Sandhills

I saw a Killdeer and Sandhill Cranes on Saturday.  Today there was a Bluebird checking out a birdhouse in the yard.  I went for a walk in the woods today and found a tiny Woodtick when I got home. March is kinda early for woodticks in Minnesota.  Alma Ronningen, Dent, MN

great horned owl nests

Found two great horned owls sitting on nests in the last few days - one north of Audubon and one north of Lake Park.  If you want directions please contact me by email collnelson43@yahoo.com.
Colleen Nelson, Audubon

Spring Bird

We had our first Junco on Monday and first Red-Winged Blackbird at the feeder yesterday, Tuesday the 23^rd.  Chipmunks showed up this week.  Hooded Merganser was on Momb Lake.   The White-throated Sparrow that we had part of the winter didn’t make it – didn’t see after the end of February L

Shar L.

Gull on Lake Detroit

This morning, 3-23-10, there is a large gull on Lake Detroit south of Lake Avenue.  It was standing near some American Crow and was larger than the crow.  It has a white head, gray mantle and black primaries.  Judging by the size and overall appearance I'm guessing it is a Herring Gull, but can not say for sure.  Anybody else care to comment?

Spring Birds

The Tree Sparrows showed up at our house this weekend along with a few Dark Eyed Juncos.  There are lots of Red Winged Blackbirds and Robins.   Also saw a Kestrel and Red Tailed Hawk.   The 2 Common Grackles that we have been feeding all winter are still here and the Goldfinches are beginning to get their yellow feathers so spring must really be here.   Alma Ronningen, Dent, MN

Black-Billed Magpie

Observed a black-billed magpie north of Lake Park this evening.  It flew in front of my car and into a farmyard near the corner of CR 12 and CR 9. This is in the general area of where I have seen the magpies the last two summers.

Colleen Nelson   

G.H. Owl

A great horned owl is perched in a willow tree on Randolph Rd. in the Auto Value Parking lot near Lake Shirts and the Pelican River.  He was there from 1445 hours until 1503 hours when I left.  2-19-10.
posted by Beau Shroyer.

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WW crossbills in Detroit Lakes

At approximately 0900 this morning, 2-8-10, I saw a flock of about 15 ww crossbills on the 1200 block of Lake Ave. In Detroit Lakes.  They were flying southbound and stopping and feeding in every spruce tree that they encountered.  They'd stop for 1-2 minutes, then move on.  Also saw the first P. siskins of the winter in D.L
posted by Beau Shroyer, Detroit Lake

Rosate Spoonbill

Two of a flock of Rosate Spoonbills out on Big Slough this afternoon at Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge in Texas.  They get their pink from eating shrimp.

Posted by Denis Mudderman