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Cooper's Hawk, carrying a twig for the nest, T.R. Michels Outdoor Photography

Trinity Mountain Outdoor Adventures Natural History Eco-Tour & Travel Magazine

Best Minnesota Birding Areas and Birding Schedule I Minnesota Wildlife Viewing Schedule

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T.R.

Sunday, June 15, 2008 On Fathers Day Diane and I did a little birding and photography. We first drove the MN Valley Wildlife Refuge in Burnsville, MN, where we saw andd got photos of Great Egret and Great Blue Heron. But we also saw 4 large female Snapping Turtles on the road, one of them actually digging a nest in the gravel of the shoulder. It must be nesting time for Snapping Turtles. We also saw or heard Canada Geese and their goslings, Mallards, Wood Ducks, Coots, American Redstarts, Common Yellowthroats, Yellow Warblers, as well as the usual Redwing Blackbirds, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Common Grackles, Tree, Bank, Barn and Cliff Swallows, Song, Chipping, Grasshopper, Savannah and House Sparrows, Red-tailed Hawks, Sora (rail), Baltimore Orioles, Northern Cardinals, Northern Flickers, Hairy Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadee, Eastern Kingbird, Western Meadowlark, Eastern Bluebird, American Goldfinch, Ring-necked Pheasant, Wild Turkey, Common, Crow, Gray Catbird, Turkey Vulture, Rock Dove and Cedar Waxing. 44 species, not bad for not trying.

But, what we were really looking for, and wanted to photograph, were Bobolinks and Dickcissels. We haven't seen or heard a Dickcissel all year. So we drove to one of our usual Bobolink grassy fields, where we did see a male Bobolink "teed up" and signing on a clump of grass, but he was too far out and would not hold still for a photo. Then we sawn another one, and another one, but the both landed down in the grass. I could hear them singing, so, I put the 2x Tamron teleconverter on the Tamron 70-300mm lens on my Canon Rebel XTi, and waited, and waited, and waited, while the birds flew around in the air chasing each other, out of range. So we drove a half-mile to a WPA where we have seen Bobolinks and Eastern Bluebirds in the past, but saw neither.

Then we drove back to the Bobolink grassy prairie, and when we pulled the car over to listen, we heard several Bobolinks, Tree and Barn Swallows and Western Meadolwarks. I hoped they would show themselves. And we waited, and waited - listening to the birds around us and enjoying the beautiful, windless, blue-sky morning in the hinterland - away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. It was nice to enjoy the solitude.

And then, suddenly, one of the mal Bobolinks landed on the barbed-wire fence not 40 yards away, one my side of the car. So, I grabbed the camera, switched it manual focus ('cause it won't work in AF mode with the teleconverter), grabbed my shirt to use as a rest on the car window, and began to shoot. And then three other male Bobolinks sat on the wires within six feet of the first one, and they all began to preen and sing. I must have shot 40 photos of them. The problem was there was some tall grass between them and me, and I had to wait for the wind to blow hard enough that the grass bent down below the birds, or did not cover them up. But, we got some photos; and just watching and listening to them and the pair of Barn Swallows and Tree Swallows near them - made the whole day and unforgettable experience.

A lot of patience paid off. Now if I can find a place where the Indigo Buntings, Dickcissels, Eastern and Western Meadowlarks, Cerulean Warbler, Grasshopper, Field and Savannah Sparrows will cooperate - I'll be a happy man.
As in hunting, when you are looking for birds, or wanting to photograph them, you go to a place where you know you can find them, set up your equipment, and wait, and wait, and then wait some more. And sooner or later, you may be rewarded with the shot you were hoping for.

Sunday, June 1, 2008 I wanted to get more photos of the turkeys on Black Dog Road. However, the turkeys were not there (but I did get photos of the nesting Cliff Swallows). So, we drove south on Hwy 52 and then south on Hwy 56, to our old farm, and the gravel road loop along County Rd. 44, Bow Trail and east to County Rd. 14. We stopped at the farm - to see if I could hear the Upland Sandpipers and the Bobolink in the meadow behind where the house stood, but it was too late in the morning. I did hear a House Wren, and for the first time there, I heard an Eastern Meadowlark (Lifer for Diane).

Diane wanted to see Indigo Buntings, but we only saw four, and I could not focus on them fast enough to get photos. I did get (poor) photos of Savannah Sparrow (Lifer for Diane), Bobolink and Western Meadowlark.

We stopped by Don and Nordis Estrem's house, to find them and friends having coffee on the deck, not far from their bird feeders. While we drank coffee we saw Ruby-throated Hummingbird (FOY), Chipmunks, Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrels, White-breasted Nuthatch, Downy Woodpecker, Mourning Dove, Brown-headed Cowbird, Eastern Phoebee and Red-winged Blackbird; and across the road a flock of Wild Turkeys.

Along the gravel roads, two different Red-headed Woodpeckers presented themselves for photo opportunities.

We then drove by the Randolph Industrial Park, to look for Bobolinks and Dickcissels. We saw one female Boblink, and Chipping, Clay-colored and Grasshopper Sparrows. I have not seen a Dickcissel yet this year, including at the field off of Pilot Knob Road.

For some reason, I decided to take Hwy 50 to Farmington (instead of Hwy 52 to Cty 46). As we drove past the cattail marsh east of Farmington, I noticed a flash of bright yellow, and immediately pulled over to the side of the road. It was (as I instinctively knew it was) the first Yellow-headed Blackbird I had seen in years. And, overhead, an Osprey passed over us several times. I got photos of both.

Total 20

Weekend total 66 Species

Saturday. May 31, 2008 Diane and I arrived at Ritter Farm Park at 6:37, and as soon as we got out of the car we heard a Sora in the Marsh. There were Common Grackles and House Sparrows near the trail leading to the picnic area. Taking the trail south, past the marsh big marsh in front of the parking lot, we saw Red-winged Blackbird; and heard Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler and American Redstart.

At the intersection to trail that leads toward the lake we heard Blue Jay Northern Flicker and Brown Thrasher. Walking up the hill we saw Chipping Sparrow, Black-capped Chickadee and several of the previous warblers. Where the trail leads through the trees, we saw an Eastern Towhee and a Northern Cardinal singing.

We also heard Gray Catbird, House Finch and Rose-breasted Grosbeak At the barbed wire fence near the pasture we saw a Grasshopper Sparrow, and of course the Llamas and a herd of Sheep, and we heard a Ring-necked Pheasant.

We took the longer trail through the southwest woods, where we saw a White-breasted Nuthatch, Red-bellied and Hairy Woodpeckers, Yellow-throated and Red-eyed Vireos, and Eastern Wood Peewee. We also heard, but did not see, House Wren, House Finch, Scarlet Tanager, Blue Jay and Cerulean Warbler.

In the east meadows we saw Brown-headed Cowbird, American Goldfinch, Eastern Kingbird, Great Crested Flycatcher, Clay-colored, Chipping and Grasshopper Sparrows, Eastern Bluebird, Baltimore Oriole, and Tree and Barn Swallows. Three Great Blue Herons flew by overhead.

In the trees at the entrance to the Archery Range we got great views (and not so great photos) of a singing male Scarlet Tanager, just as photographer Bruce Abrahamson walked by.

Bruce told us he was going to take photos of the Bald Eagle eaglet, in the nest on the lake, so we walked with him. As we waited to see if the eaglet would show itself a Pileated Woodpecker flew right in front of us, and a Common Yellowthroat landed in a nearby tree. Overhead we saw one of the Bald eagles, and a Red-tailed Hawk, which was being harassed by an American Crow. As we continued to watch the nest for any sign of the eaglet, a Great Egret landed in a Cottonwood near the nest.

Bruce mentioned that he had never watched the nest for so long without seeing the eaglet, and he wondered if it had fallen out of the nest. Finally we saw a dark wing rise above the nest. We waited for quite a long while, but the eaglet did not show itself. Bruce mentioned that he had to leave, and that he was sure that when he drove by the nest on his way out, the eaglet would be sitting on the edge of the nest. We walked back to the parking lot with him, where I met Linda Whyte, who was going to join the bird banding near the lake.

When she asked how I was doing, I told hear about the arthritis in my neck, which wasn't helped by the fact that I had been looking up into trees for warblers for the last several weeks. She laughed and said, "You've got warbler-neck". As we drove by the lake, I saw the eaglet sitting on the edge of the nest, just as Bruce had predicted.

Total 42 species

As we drove home through Murphy-Hanrahan Park, we heard Ring-necked Pheasant, and saw Red-tailed Hawk, Tree and Barn Swallows, House, Chipping and Grasshopper Sparrows, Common Yellowthroat and Yellow Warbler, Eastern Bluebird, House and Chipping Sparrows, Eastern Kingbird, Mallard and Canada Geese.

Total for the day 46 species

Wednesday, May 28, 2008 We took a walk through different areas of Murphy-Hanrahan, hoping to add some photos of empids (flycatcher species) to my list. We first stopped at the Horse Trailer Parking lot, where I took the east trail into the woods. In the opening near the lake we got photos of Great Crested Flycatcher and a Blue-winged Warbler.

In the parking lot at Murphy Lake we watched as a pair of Eastern Bluebirds brought food to their young in one of the next boxes, and I got good photos of an Eastern Kingbird sitting on the barbed-wire fence.

As we drove south on Murphy Lake Road I got photos of Eastern Bluebirds on the utility lines near the horse farms. At the marsh past the first of the horse farms, we heard (but did not see) a Sora, which is a secretive rail found in swamps.

Further south on the road, near the alfalfa field, I spotted a bird on the road, so I came to a screeching halt (if you can do that on gravel). Despite the noise and flying gravel the bird stayed on the road, and I got great (rare) photos of a Horned Lark.

Monday, May 26, 2008 At 6:20 AM I began walking through the Fens Unit of the MN Valley NWR. I photographed Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler, American Goldfinch and Gray Catbird in the shrub area. I did not see last year's Bell's Vireo, Sedge Wren (which I was hoping for), or the Yellow-breasted Chat.

Further along the trail, where it winds through the trees, I saw Red-winged Blackbird, Northern Cardinal, Baltimore Oriole, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Song Sparrows and Chipping Sparrows. And I heard Hairy Woodpecker, Wood Duck, Northern Flicker, Northern Cardinal, Mallard and House Finch.

Brilliant yellow Puccoon, and purple Creeping Charlie and Violets were blooming along the trail.

In the evening I walked the trail east from the Jens Casperson Landing of Ft. Snelling State Park, which begins under the Cedar Avenue bridge on Black Dog Road. I saw Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler, American Redstart, Great Egret, Wood Duck, Canada Goose, Red-winged Blackbird, Gray Catbird, House Wren and an empid. I heard Northern Flicker, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Wood

Duck.

About a mile east of the Cedar Avenue bridge, off to the southeast - I heard a pair (at least) of Sandhill Cranes. Since it is unlikely these birds were on migration, they may be nesting in the area.

16 species

Sunday, May 24, 2008 Charles Ashley wanted to go on a Bird Photography Tour. We started out at the MN Valley NWR, where we did not see the turkeys, but we did photograph a pair of Killdeer standing 20 feet from the car.

Along Black Dog Road we saw the Cooper's Hawk on the nest, and, as Charles snapped a photo, the other one flew by overhead. He also got photos of a great Egret at the pond near the Cedar Avenue Bridge.

We took the trail under the bridge and saw male House Finch singing, the Cliff Swallows nesting, and Canada Geese, Red-wing Blackbirds, Mallards, Tree Swallows, Robins and House Wrens. Where the trail T's we saw a brilliant black and red American Redstart. Further east we saw Common Grackles, European Starling Song Sparrows and Brown-headed Cowbirds; and heard Wood Duck, Common Yellowthroat and Yellow Warbler.

At the east sluice gate we saw more American Redstarts, Yellow Warblers, and an unidentified shore bird. Near the observation platform we saw unidentified sparrows, and more Common Yellowthroats and Yellow Warblers.

We then drove south on I-35W, to see the Bobolinks off of 215th Street (?). One male was sitting about 5 yards from the fence when we arrived, but it would not hold long enough for a close photo. He did fly across the road to the east, where he offered a view (but not good photos) as he foraged in the grass.

A half mile south, at the Soberg WPA, we saw and heard several male Baltimore Orioles singing, and saw a pair of Eastern Bluebirds, Cedar Waxwings, ad Blue Jays. We heard several Common Yellowthroats and Yellow Warblers. The most exciting part of this stop was when two Baltimore Oriole males hooked their feet together and spiraled toward the ground in a fluttering "free-fall", and letting go before they hit the ground.

Back at the Bobolinks, the Tree Swallows buzzed around our heads, and then a male Bobolink chased a female across the road right in front of us, and out into the field. The female landed on a dry weed - and the male tried to land there with her, several times, with no success. As we started to leave a Killdeer ran out onto the road, where it performed a "broken-wing" display as it tried to lead us further down the road, presumably further from its nest. We saw a pair of unidentified raptors soaring on the thermals north of us.

We then drove through Murphy-Hanrahan, where we saw an unidentified hawk.

27 Species

Saturday, May 23, 2008 Diane and I started off at the west end of Silver Bell road in Eagan, where I photographed two tom turkeys strutting, and two deer. While I was there I heard White-breasted Nuthatch, Northern Cardinal, Chickadee and House Sparrow. Along Black Dog Road we saw Red-winged Blackbirds, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Common Grackles and European Starlings.

At the ponds under the Cedar Avenue Bridge we saw a Green Heron, Tree Swallows, Cliff Swallows (nesting, FOY), Mallards, Canada Geese, American Robin, and a Pileated Woodpecker. We heard a House Finch, American Redstart, Common Yellowthroat and Yellow Warbler. At the east sluice gate we saw Redstart, one Blackpoll Warbler, and in the pond one male Wood Duck. We heard a Northern Flicker.

Next we drove south on I 35W to Ritter Farm Park. Just across the wooden bridge by the lake we saw Red-winged Blackbirds, Tree Swallows and a Brown Thrasher, which was singing loudly.

Down in the first valley we saw a Blue Jay. We saw American Redstart, Chipping Sparrow, Eastern Kingbird (FOY), Tree Swallow, Eastern Bluebird, Rose-breasted Grosbeak (FOY), Grasshopper Sparrow (FOY), two Yellow Warblers, song Sparrows and one Eastern Wood Peewee (FOY). We heard Red-bellied Woodpecker and Great Crested Flycatcher.

We then drove south on I35 to 210th street and then south to 215th, where we saw one male Red-winged Blackbird, Bobolink, one male Indigo Bunting, Tree Swallows and a Kildeer. We heard a Grasshopper Sparrow, Indigo Bunting, Yellow Warbler and a Common Yellowthroat (FOY). And of course we heard Guinea Hens at the farm.

A half mile south, at Soberg WPA, we saw Eastern Bluebirds, Tree and Barn Swallows, and one male Boblink just south of the parking lot. At the old farm site we saw Blue-winged Teal, Catbird, Cedar Waxwing, Blue Jay, Baltimore Oriole, and one male Orchard Oriole.

Close to the lake, from the top of the hill, we saw Field Sparrows and Clay-colored Sparrows, Yellow Warblers, Red-tailed Hawk and American Goldfinch. In the pond south of the lake we saw Canada Geese, a Green Heron, two Great Egrets, and one Common Yellowthroat.

At Murphy-Hanrahan I walked down the trail off of Natchez, but did not see the Bluebirds. But, I did see a Cooper's Hawk, Yellow Warbler and an Eastern Kingbird. And I heard American Redstarts, and Common Yellowthroat. At the trail going north near the river I saw a female Hairy Woodpecker and Great Crested Flycatcher. I heard one Ring-necked Pheasant, American Redstarts and Song Sparrows.

The most enjoyable experience of the day was watching a pair of Chicadees carrying stuff out a hole at the base of a dead Cottonwood, presumably it was a nesting hole they were cleaning out. And right next to them was the Indigo Bunting eating small flower buds.

44 Species

Sunday, May 18, 2008 A group accompanied us on a 1/2-day birding tour. May of them wanted to see Bobolinks, Dickcissels and Indigo Buntings.

As we drove through Murphy-Hanrahan Park we heard Black-capped Chickadee, Blue Jay, Cardinal, Great-crested Kingbird; and saw Common Yellowthroat, House Wren, Ring-necked Pheasant, Tree Swallow, Chipping Sparrow, Canada Goose, Mallard House Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Goldfinch, Robin, Mourning Dove, Brown-headed Cowbird, Tree Swallow, Great Egret, Common Grackle, Starling and Grasshopper Sparrow (which I was only able to identify by zooming-in in Photo Shop).

I did not see the Bobolinks in the burned field south of Murphy Lake (I suspect they may have to move to the fields west of the road), but did see a Kildeer there. Usually we see Red-tailed Hawk, Vulture, Bald Eagle, Turkey, Bluebird, Eastern Kingbird and Thrasher here, but not on this drive through. If I had stopped at Ritter Farm Park, we could have seen Blue Jay and possibly other birds, but we wanted to get further south.

Southwest of County 70 and I 35 we found that the east field had been burned, but found two male Bobolinks (poor ID photo) in the west field. We also heard a Sora and Common Yellowthroat; and we saw R-W Blackbirds and Tree Swallows (which buzzed my head as I stood near their nest boxes).

At the Soberg WPA about a mile south of there we saw Baltimore Oriole, Eastern Bluebird, Tree Swallows, Barn Swallows, Chipping Sparrows, White-breasted Nuthatch, Blue-winged Teal, Catbird, 1 Field Sparrow, Canada Geese, and an unidentified Hawk. We also heard Cardinals.

Baltimore Oriole

We did not walk in farther than the old building site, so we missed a lot. Usually we see Cedar Waxwing, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Kildeer, Mallard, Wood Duck and up to 5 Sparrow species here.

We stopped at the grasslands near the Northfield Hospital, where I hoped to find Dickcissel, to no avail. But, we did see R-W Blackbird and several unidentified Sparrows.

At the Canon River Wilderness Area we saw Northern Cardinal, Swainson's Thrush on the gravel road in. In the large tree in the mowed area in front of the parking lot we saw a Chestnut-sided Warbler (Lifer for Diane), Robins, more Swainson's Thrush and Yellow-rumped Warbler. Just west of the bridge, on the north side of the river, we ran into a hoard of Y-R Warblers, and then we saw several Redstarts, Blackpoll Warblers, Black and White Warblers (which would not hold still, hence the lousy photos) and Magnolia Warblers, a half dozen or so Common Yellowthroats, 1 Wilson's Warbler (poor photo, because it was too far, but god enough for an ID), and possibly 1 Hooded Warbler (same problem).

We also saw several Eastern Phoebees and Bank Swallows feeding, while a group of 5 Turkey Vultures and a large flock of unidentified Gulls rode the thermals far overhead.

We heard Wood Duck, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Northern Flicker and Great Crested Flycatcher. We also saw some beautiful white Violets with blue centers - among the purple Violets. We often see or hear Pileated Woodpecker and Belted Kingfisher here. Near the bridge we also saw some beautiful white with purple center Violets among the purple Violets. I'd seen white with blue center Violets before, Yellow Violets and white Violets, but never white and purple Violets.

We quickly stopped by Big Woods State Park, to see the rare and endangered Minnesota Dwarf Trout Lily, which is found only in this area of southeast Minnesota. While most lilies have 6 petals, this one generally has 4-5 petals, with only 17 % having 6 petals. The flowers are aabout the size of a dime when open, whereas the Trout Lilly flower is about the size of a nickel.

I also saw one American Redstart feeding on the ground near the parking lot.

On the way to our old farm north of Kenyon we saw Rock Dove and American Kestrel (aka Sparrow Hawk). At the farm we found the Downy Yellow Violets (Viola pubescens) I was looking for.

As we drove the gravel roads near the farm we saw Kildeer, Eastern Phoebee, House Sparrow, Tree Swallows, Barn Swallow, Hairy Woodpecker, White-throated Sparrow, 2 male Bobolinks, 1 Indigo Bunting and 1 Western Meadowlark.

We did not get to the farm until about 12:30, but when we get there between sunrise and 9 AM we often see Brown Thrasher, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Eastern Kingbird, Turkey and Cliff Swallows.

We stopped off at the Randolph Industrial Park, where we again hoped to see Dickcissel (to no avail), where we saw 2 male and 1 female Bobolink, Kildeer, 1 Red-tailed Hawk, 1 male (gray) Northern Harrier, R-W Blackbirds and one Savannah Sparrow.

On the way home we heard a Sora and Ring-necked Pheasant at the 180th Street marsh; and saw Kildeer, Mallard and R-W Blackbirds. We did not see the Loggerhead Shrikes or the Brown Thrasher along Emery between 190th and 170the Streets.

Total bird species for the day: 54 - between 7AM and 2PM. With a walk through several of these areas - this could easily be a 70-90 bird a day area in the spring (mid-April through mid-May); 50+ would be a normal summer count.

Saturday, May 17, 2008 Diane and I walked through Snail Lake Reserve, on the northeast corner of I 694 and Victoria. I've looked at the cattail lake many time on my way to Game Fair each August, but never got into the area. It consists of hardwoods and softwoods, grassy meadows and cattail marsh. Just below the parking lot we got into a group of Yellow-rumped warblers. In the underbrush near the lake I jumped a cottontail rabbit, and saw a Common Yellowthroat, while hearing a Baltimore Oriole. Near the swampy area west of the parking lot I heard House Finches, and saw Chipping Sparrows, giant Canada Geese, Wood Ducks, Mallards and Red-winged Blackbirds. In an opening near the corner of Victoria and I 694 we saw a Magnolia Warbler (Diane's Lifer).

Magnolia Warbler

Friday, May 16, 2008 Diane was visiting relatives on a farm in Pennock, west of Willmar. They had a bird feeder and Diane got photos of 1 Harris' Sparrow (lifer), 1 White-Crowned Sparrow (lifer), 4 Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Cardinals, 1 Hairy Woodpecker, 2 House Finches, and 1 Baltimore Oriole.

Diane was told that Yellow-headed Blackbirds could be found nearby, and she heard Upland Sandpipers near the farm. We will be going back for photos.

Friday, May 16, 2008 I took a walk in the park behind the LivInn Suites, hoping to get photos of a Northern Cardinal, because I had seen a pair of them here before. And I did see a pair feeding on the ground at almost the same location I saw them before. But, I did not get a hot before they flew off. I did see a couple of Yellow-rumped Wablers, heard a House Wren and got one good photo of a Common Grackle near the woods.

As I left the woods to walk round the pond, I saw a Yellow Warbler high in a tree, and then a Common Yellowthroat flitting in the cattails at the pond's edge.

And then, about 30 yards in front of me, a brilliant red male Northern Cardinal. He flew from the trees to the ground several times as he kept a 20-30- yard buffer-zone between us each time I approached. But, I did get several good photos.

Saturday, May 10, 2008 We took a group of six people for a leisurely stroll through Dodge Nature Center in West St. Paul. The first thing we heard was the haunting cry of a Sora Rail, which we did not see. Other than that and our first of the year (FOY) sighting and hearing of a bright orange male Baltimore Oriole, there was nothing we had not seen before this year.

Then we drove to Scharrs Bluff, off of Dakota County 42 and Idell Avenue. As we took the trail head west near the heavy rail fence, we saw a group of warblers flitting in the trees. Upon inspection we found several Yellow-rumped warblers, with one notable exception.

Among them, within 30 feet of us, and not much above 30 feet up, was a bird that Diane said had an orange head (she had the binoculars, while I had both the Canon S3 IS and the Canon XTi with the Tamron 70-300 mm lens hanging heavily around my neck). I quickly focused the XTi on the bird - and was amazed to see the bright orange and black head of my first ever (Lifer) Blackburnian Warbler.

As the bird flitted through the branches, searching for God only knows what small insects, I positioned myself (several times) for a clear shot. Even after 15 minutes of waiting, moving and hoping - and about 20 shots - I only got two good photos. But, they were clear evidence of what we had seen.

Further up the trail we spotted white Dutchmens' Breeches flowers, white-with-pink-center Wild Violets, and a beautiful pink flower I have yet to identify. Of course there were more YR Warblers, Tree Swallows, Turkey Vultures, two pair of Cardinals, several Blue Jays and Chipping Sparrows, but no Eastern Bluebirds. And there was one Empid (Flycatcher) - a Least Flycatcher.

As we rounded a corner in one of the small trails leading toward the meadow near the bluff edge, a Bald Eagle left its perch about 30 yards away. I'm not sure if it - or we - were more scared. Of course I was too startled to get a photo. But it would have been great!

As we headed back toward the parking lot, I heard a bird (that I could not identify) calling loudly from below the cliff. I did not see it, but I did hit the video record button on the S3 IS, so I could get an audio recording to play back later. I'll send it to a bird vocalization expert to identify. But, while looking for the bird, we saw a male American Redstart (FOY).

Sunday, May 11, 2008 After a fantastic Pentecost Sunday / Mother's Day Mass, and a great breakfast of biscuits and gravy, provided by my oldest daughter Lissa's husband, Greg Boehmer, Diane and I decided to take a couple of short walks in Murphy-Hanrahan Park (that was my present to her for Mother's Day).

Our first walk was on the trail on 175th St. E, about a quarter of the way between Murphy Lake Road and Natchez Ave. It is right next to the Credit River, where it intersects with a creek flowing in from the east.

About 300 yards down the trail we began to see warblers in the trees on either side of us. They were mostly Yellow-rumped Warblers, but we did spot, and I got a couple of photos each; of a Black-billed Cuckoo (FOY, and Lifer for Diane), a Magnolia Warbler (FOY, and Lifer for Diane), a warbler I have yet to positively identify (looks like a female Mourning Warbler), an Empid (fllycatcher) I hve yet to identify, and a Great Crested Flycatcher (FOY). The photos of the Cuckoo and Magnolia Warbler were not good, but good enough for a positive ID.

Right at the trailhead on Natchez Ave. we got better photos of a Great Crested Flycatcher, and down the hill, in the meadow, I saw Tree Swallows, a pair of Eastern Bluebirds (the male in a vibrant blue coat and rusty bib), and I played hide-and-go-seek with a Yellow Warbler. I was hoping to see a Common Yellowthroat - to no avail.

Tuesday, April 5, 2008 We took a late afternoon tour through Ritter Farm Park in Lakeville. The first thing we saw and heard was a Red Squirrel. As we took the path through the picnic area we saw a pair of Cardinals. Past the bridge and up the hill we saw a pair of Blue Jays, and a Cottontail. Several Yellow-rumped Warblers were feeding in the bushes and trees, and several Chipping Sparrows were seen feeding on the ground.

Along the west boundary we played hide and go seek with a pair of Eastern Towhees. They would tempt us with a partially obscured photography shot, and then go - and we'd try to catch up to them. We repeated this process for about 15 minutes as they fed in the leaf litter beneath the bushes.

I also heard a Northern Flicker, and some type of woodpecker tapping on a tree. In the meadows we saw both Tree Swallows and Barn Swallows tearing through the air, along with Goldfinches playfully chasing each other.

Sunday, April 4, 2008 We arrived later than normal at Crex Meadows, because we had to wait for some of our party. So we missed sunrise, but not much else.

At Phantom Lake we saw dozens of Yellow-rumped and a handful of Palm Warblers; abundant Redwing Blackbirds, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Ring-necked Ducks; one Redhead (FOY and lifer for many), one loon (FOY) and several pairs of Trumpeter swans.

Redhead

At other places we saw White-tailed Deer, 1 Fisher (lifer for all), several Bald Eagles, an unidentified hawk circling on a thermal, 3 pairs of Sandhill Cranes feeding, a half dozen or so Pied-billed Grebes and one Eared Grebe (lifer for many people) at Riegel Outlook.

We watched a trio of Northern Harriers ride the wind, and saw a nesting Trumpeter Swan and a nesting Bald Eagle. We also saw 1 Kestrel, 4 Northern Shoveler drakes, 3-4 pair of Bufflehead, a pair of Hooded Mergansers and one lone ellow Warbler male. The topper was a Black Bear spotted by Diane at our last stop of the day.

Saturday, April 3, 2008 Diane and I took a drive through the MN Valley NWR. We stopped for about 45 minutes to try out the new Canon Rebel XTi and Tamron 70-300 lens on a flock of about 15 turkeys, including 6 toms that put on a gobbling an strutting display for us. The photos turned out great - you can view them on my Turkey Photos link.

We also saw Mallards, Canada Geese, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler and Great White Egrets at the beaver ponds. At the east sluice gate we were entertained by some denizens of the watery woodlands, such as Palm Warblers (lifer for Diane and I), Yellow-rumped Warblers and Song Sparrows - as they searched the branches and ground for things to eat. I'd guess that in the 50 or so Yellow-rumps, there were only about 10 Palm Warblers.

We also heard a House Wren (FOY), Northern Flicker and saw Robins, Brown Headed Cowbirds, Redwing Blackbirds, Tree Swallows, 4 Bald Eagles, one Red-tailed Hawk, and a brightly colored House Finch.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008 I took a walk around the park behind InnTown Suites on West County Rd. 42. Redwing Blackbirds were clinging to the tattered brown remnants of last year's cattails, and Black-capped Chickadees played tag in a large cedar tree, and a couple of unidentified sparrows flew by on the wind. In the woods I spooked a hen turkey, probably on her way to eat after leaving her nest. I also spooked a pair of Gray Squirrels and a female Cardinal, as a large black Crow cawed hoarsely overhead.

On the pond three female and one male Ring-necked Ducks dove, while a small flock of Canada Geese honked loudly at a passing dog. And - as I watched a Green Heron landed on the island.

Across the street in a small marshy, brushy area, a Song Sparrow sat atop a small tree singing, and a pair of American Goldfinches chatted in the tall trees. And - just before I left I saw a pair of Barn Swallows (FOY) chasing insects on the wind. .

Tuesday, April 22, 2008 We drove south on Highway 52, to Highway 56, and took the first right past the Cannon River down a gravel road - past the Maltby Nature Preserve, and took the first left. Where the road curved right, we went left and pulled into the parking lot of the Christmas tree farm. At the corner of the fence east of the parking lot there was an opening, and a grassy path that led through the goat prairie. At the top of the first hill, we found what were looking for - a patch of pale bluish-purple Crocus in full bloom.

As we climbed down the hill I heard a bluebird, and then a pair of them flew by us - as a brown female Northern Harrier (FOY) tilted on the wind overhead.

Further to the west I heard an Eastern Meadowlark. As we drove back past the Nature Preserve, Diane spotted a flock of about 10 American White Pelicans overhead, and I heard, and then saw - a single Sandhill Crane (FOY), and then a Red-tailed Hawk. We did not see any Dickcissels or Bobolinks at the Industrial Park north of Randolph. At Lake Byllesby we saw Mallards, American Coots, more Pelicans, Coots, Blue-winged Teal, a pair of Wood Ducks and Ring-billed Gulls.

On the way back to Inver Grove Heights we stopped at the 180th Street ponds, where we saw 3 Lesser Yellowlegs, several Northern Shovelers and Canada geese, a single Mallard drake, a Pied-bill Grebe, and a male Brown-headed Cowbird. We did not see the Loggerhead Shrikes on Emery Avenue.

Sunday, April 20, 2008 We had planned on going to Crex Meadows, in Grantsburg, Wisconsin this weekend, but our daughter Tawnya had to go to the emergency room Friday night. So we stayed home and drove to the MN Valley NWR once again.

It was supposed to be a warn day, getting up to 71 degrees, but when we left the house at 6 AM it was cold and gray, with high fog - or very low clouds. We saw 2 toms turkeys roosted (all by themselves) near home. I'm guessing the hens have gone of to nest by now.

At the refuge we saw or heard Song Sparrows, European Starlings, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Redwing Blackbirds, Black-capped Chickadees, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker (FOY) and Red-bellied Woodpecker along Black Dog Road. On Black Dog Lake we saw 18 American White Pelicans, 20+ Double-crested Cormorants, 20 Ruddy Ducks (FOY) and 10+ pairs of Lesser Scaup. Near the viewing platform we saw a Ruby-crowned Kinglet (FOY and Lifer). In the pond near the east sluice gate we saw several pair of Blue-winged Teal, Tree Swallows and several American Coots and Canada Geese.

A Yellow-rumped Warbler male (FOY) entertained us for awhile, as a mature Bald Eagle flew by overhead.

In the marsh under Cedar Avenue, a Green Heron (FOY) landed within 15 yard of us, and I got some fair photos; there were also 5 Great Egrets. Farther east in the marsh we spotted 5+ pair of Bullfelhead, 3 pair of Gadwalls and a Belted Kingfisher (FOY sighting).

In one of the holding ponds east of the power plant I got some great photos of a Pelican, complete with breeding colors and breeding knob on the bill, and breeding plumes on the top of the head. I never realized how colorful they were until I looked at the photos.

You can now view all of our newest photos by going to the "New Photos" link at www.TRMichels.com/NewPhotos.htm. (There are several zoo animal photos there too).

To top the day off we, as we were stopped near the power plant we heard the scream of a Peregrine (FOY), and we watched as it spiraled higher and higher around the tallest exhaust stack, where the nest box is located.

I just checked the link to the Nest Camera on the Black Dog Plant, but did not see a bird in the nest box.

There is a Peregrine in the nest box, and Ospreys on the nest platform - at the King Plant in Oak Grove. You can access these live cameras by clicking on the "Xcel Energy Cameras" link on the "Live Animal Cams" page on our site at http://www.trmichels.com/AnimalCams.htm. There are links to 120+ other live animal cams there too.

April 13, 2008 At the MN Valley NWR we saw 1 beaver, 1 muskrat, several White-tailed Deer, 1 Eastern Phoebe (FOY sighting; heard last weekend), 3 American White Pelicans (FOY), 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker male (FOY), a pair of Brown-headed Cowbirds (FOY), 5 pair of Bufflehead, a 2 year old Bald Eagle, a 3 year old Bald Eagle, 3 adult Bald Eagles, and 1 Great Egret. There were also several Bufflehead, Mallards, Northern Shovelers, Ring-necked Ducks and American Coots. Plus Song Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos, Cardinals - plus Downy Woodpeckers, White-breasted Nuthatch, Black-capped Chickadee, Ringbilled Gulls and American Goldfinch.

The giant Canada Geese are nesting and lots of male Red-winged Blackbirds were displaying. We heard a turkey gobbling about 15 minutes before sunrise - near the last house on the east end of the road, and later heard a turkey gobble east of the west sluice gate, probably on the south side of the river.

April 12, 2008 We photographed turkeys strutting at the MN Valley NWR for about 3 hours. However, where we saw toms, jakes (1-year-old males) and hens last weekend, we only saw 6 toms and 4 jakes. I suspect the hens have gone off to look for nesting sites and spring home ranges.

Driving along Black Dog Road we saw the usual birds, including Starlings (FOY) and 5 Great Egrets (FOY), Northern Shovelers and a 1-year old Bald Eagle.

April 6, 2008 At the MN Valley NWR we arrived just after sunrise, but did not see or hear any Turkeys until about 8 AM, when 6 toms and about 15 hens arrived. There were also 6 White-tailed Deer does and fawns. Almost immediately tow of the subdominant toms began to chase each other, neck-wrestling, wing-slapping and pecking each other. Then one of the hens began chasing other hens around.

The hens eventually left and crossed the street, the toms followed. As soon as the toms got across the street - the two toms began fighting in earnest. For the next 15 minutes they neck-wrestled, pushed each other, slapped at each other with their wings, and jumped into the air and tried to spur each other. Most of the time they spent neck-wrestling, pushing and grabbing each other's neck with their beaks. Eventually one of the toms tried to run off - with the other bird still holding onto the neck with its beak.

I got several photos of the fight, plus some video, and a few photos of the other birds strutting, but nowhere near the number of strutting photos I had taken the day before. But, all in all it was a fantastic learning experience, and I got some rare photos of a turkey fight.

You can view the Turkey photos here

As we drove down Black Dog Road we saw a mink, a mature Bald Eagle, Song Sparrows, Red-winged Blackbirds, Northern Shovelers, Blue-winged Teal (FOY), Double-crested Cormorants (FOY), Pied-billed Grebe (FOY), Mallards, Canada Geese, American Coots, Ring-necked Ducks, Lesser Scaup, 2 pair of Buflehead, Ring-billed Gulls and a pair of Bluebirds (FOY). We also saw or heard Cardinals and Black-capped Chickadees.

At the west sluice gate we heard an Eastern Phoebe (FOY). Between the west sluice gate and the parking area to the viewing platform- I heard a bird I could not identify, and it was too far away to identify with 8x binoculars. So, I took a photo with my Canon PowerShot S3 IS. When I got home I discovered it was a Ruby-crowned Kinglet (FOY). Both the Phoebe and the Kinglet were first of life birds for my wife.

April 5, 2008 Because I wanted to photograph wild turkeys near the MN Valley NWR in Burnsville, MN, we drove to the far east end of Black Dog Road, where we arrived at about 6 AM. We listened for turkey calls for about a half-hour. We did not here the turkeys , but we did see Northern Cardinals, Black-capped Chickadees and Red-Winged Blackbirds (fires to year), and we heard a Red-Bellied Woodpecker (first of year. We also saw two normal colored Gray Squirrels, and a black Gray squirrel feeding on the driveway of the house on the west side of the road.

We then drove west to the beaver lodge in the first marsh past the railroad tracks - where we spotted a Beaver feeding. Farther west we spotted 5+ pair of Hooded Mergansers (first of year), 20+ Ring-necked Ducks (first of year), several Mallards and Canada Geese, 2 pair of Northern Shovelers (first of year), Wood Ducks (first of year) and several American Coots (first of year).

Along the river we spotted one mature Bald Eagle in the trees above the river, plus Song Sparrows, Swamp Sparrows (both first of year), Dark Eyed Juncos, Black-capped Chickadees, Ring-billed Gulls and 1 Hairy Woodpecker. On the river we spotted several Common Mergansers, two pair of Bufflehead (first of year), and a drake Red-breasted Merganser (first one ever spotted there).

Then we drove back to the house where the turkeys can be found - and saw a tom and 5hens, Minutes later there were a total of 6 toms, a couple of jakes (one year old males) and about 5 hens. There were also 8 White-tailed Deer does and fawns. We got several photos, including strutting toms, which is what I was hoping for. Unfortunately when I got back home, I found that none of the 226 photos of the turkeys were in focus. I was quite disgusted - the lens may have been dirty- so I cleaned it - with a resolve to go back the next morning in the hopes of getting more photos.

Next we drove through Murphy-Hanrahan Park in Scott County, just south of Burnsville, where we saw a flock of 5 hen Turkeys followed by a large male. Diane spotted a 1-year-old Bald Eagle soaring overhead, and we saw and heard the normal birds, but nothing new for the day.

Then we made a short circuit of Ritter Farm Park, off of I-35W in Lakeville. There was still some snow on the ground, and the trails were quite muddy. The only addition was a pair of Great Blue Herons flying high overhead (first of year).

That evening we drove to the Fens Unit of the MN Valley NWR, just south of Black Dog Road, on Cliff Road, in the hopes of seeing and hearing the mating display of American Woodcock. We walked into the marsh, about 300 yards past the first pair of power towers l- and waited. We heard or saw Cardinals, Chickadees, Red-winged Blackbirds, Swamp Sparrows, Song Sparrows, Mallards, Wood Ducks and Ring-necked Pheasants.

Sunset was at about 7:45 PM - at which time we began hearing the "beep" of Woodcocks around us. At about 8 PM a woodcock made a fly-by above our heads at about 15 yards. And then the fun began - in the next 15-20 minutes we witnessed three aerial displays by the males. They would appear overhead at about 30-40 yards, and then start a series of wide circles, each circle spiraling higher, until the birds were literally out of sigh in the twilight - and then they would hurtle straight down - until they were almost on the ground before pulling out of their power dives.

It was the first time either of us had witnessed the display, although I had heard the birds "beeping" several times while I was spring turkey spring hunting in the past. It was a great experience. .

March 29, 2008 At the MN Valley NWR in Burnsville, MN, we spotted a mature bald eagle. Near the power plant we spotted 30+ Common Mergansers, a drake Red-breasted Merganser, 2 pair of Bufflehead, and 10+ Lesser Scaup. Along Black Dog Road near the ponds east of the Cedar Ave. bridge we spotted several Coots, Mallards, 20+ Ring-necked Ducks and Giant Canada Geese. There were also some unidentified Gulls. We also spotted and photographed about 30 turkeys, including a half dozen long-bearded toms. We watched as they strutted, and fought while producing the "fighting purr". They also gobbled, putted, purred and whined. If you have never really "observed" wild turkeys - it is a lot of fun. Feel free to contact us if you want to go on a wild turkey tour - or any other tour.

At Murphy-Hanrahan Park south of Burnsville we saw or heard Red-tailed Hawk, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Red-Bellied Woodpecker, Dark-eyed Junco, Black-capped Chickadee, Blue Jay, Northern Cardinal, American Robin, American Coot, Mallard, Giant Canada Geese, Mallards, and unidentified Sparrows.

January 1, 2007 We went to the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, east of I-35 W in Burnsville, MN, when we watched a brave gray squirrel climb to within a foot or so of a pair of bald eagles.

We saw 7 adult bald eagles and two immature bald eagles. We also saw five trumpeter swans on the east end of Black Dog Lake.

January 8, 2007 We saw one trumpeter swan and one double crested cormorant on Black Dog Lake.

From late January through Late February, 2007, we saw between 3 and 13 bald eagles, both adults and immature birds, along Black Dog Road between I 35W and the Cedar Avenue Bridge. We also saw several common mergansers, a couple pairs of hooded mergansers, a couple pair of common goldeneyes, 6 trumpeter swans and a belted kingfisher. We also got some good photos of bald eagles.

March 3, 2007, we saw one trumpeter swan, several Canada geese and several mallards at the west flowage from Black Dog Lake to the Minnesota River. Plus several bald eagles and a couple of red-tailed hawks.

March 10, 2007, on the way to the refuge a tom turkey accosted our car in the middle of the road. I took three photos of the tom from within the car.

When I got out to get a few photos the tom he attacked me, and would not let me get far enough away to get many shots of him strutting; without chasing me.

But, I did get several fantastic shots of the tom's head as he chased me. I literally had to yell at him several times to keep him from whacking me with his wing or pecking me.

At the refuge we saw two male buffleheads at the west flowage; the first two I've ever spotted in the refuge.

We also got photos of three different eagles, including a 3-year-old with head markings like an osprey.

March 11,2007, We saw several common mergansers on the river, two pairs of hooded mergansers, one pair of lesser scaup (bluebills), several mallards and Canada geese, and one bald eagle.

March 17-19, 2007. We drove to Monticello, Minnesota, where we photographed trumpeter swans and Canada geese for about two hours. We got several photos of flying and landing Canada geese and trumpeter swans; and swan courtship displays. And then, just as we were about to leave, I got an entire sequence of two trumpeter swans participating in mating displays and breeding behavior. It was something I had never seen before.

March 21-22, 12007. We were again at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, where w photographed Canada geese, mallards, gadwalls, wood ducks and northern shovelers. I also caught hooded mergansers involved in "head bobbing" mating displays, a pair of buffleheads mating, and I saw my first ever ring-necked duck.

We also got some very good photos of a year old bald eagle roosting and flying.

March 31, 2007 We were at the Minnesota Valley Refuge again and saw between 30 and 50 ring-necked ducks, several northern shovelers, two pair of blue-winged teal, and several wood ducks.

April 2, 2007 We saw 5-10 ring-necked ducks, two pair of blue-winged teal, several wood ducks and our first great egret of the year.

April 3, 2007 We spotted an eastern towhee, ariver otter and a hunting gray wolf at Crex Meadows, in Grantsburg Wisconsin, and then we photographed dancing, booming, drumming sharp-tailed grouse; along with a crowing and drumming ring-necked pheasant.

Sharp-tailed Grouse

We also saw osprey, bald eagle, trumpeter swans, black vultures.

Sign up for sharp-tailed grouse and prairie chicken viewing and photography blinds should occur in January for the best dates.

At Murphy-Hannrehan Park, Burnsville, MN, we watched an Eastern Wood Peewee.

April, 14,2007 We drove to Crex Meadows in Grantsburg, Wisconsin, where some of the people saw their first otter, first osprey and first wolf in the wild. We also saw a bald eagle fishing, trumpeters swans, several green-winged teal, ring-necked ducks, mallards, coots, pied-billed grebes and some sparrows we were unable to identify.

April 15, 2007, we toured the Sax-Zim Bog, where we encountered black-billed magpies (this is one their easternmost permanent areas) great gray owls and boreal chickadees (this is one of both of their southernmost permanent areas) and spruce grouse, ruffed grouse, ravens, eastern wood peewees and cardinals.

On the way back we stopped at the Rice lake National Wildlife Refuge for a brief survey, where we saw hundreds of ring-necked ducks, and several mallards, blue-winged teal, common goldeneye, bufflehead, trumpeter swans, a pair of sandhill cranes, willow flycatchers, eastern meadowlark, American kestrel, red-tailed hawk, black vultures and a young porcupine.

We plan to spend much more time in these to areas looking for birds. Rice lake is a beautiful wooded area with several ponds and a river, where you can see a mixture of shore and wading birds, waterfowl, sandhill cranes, raptors and songbirds. It has several large Native American burial mounds.

April 23, 2007 At the MN Valley Wildlife Refuge we saw our first great blue heron and yellow-rumped warbler and willow flycatchers. 

May 1, 2007, we were at the Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge, where we saw carp spawning, blue-winged teal fighting, and saw a yellow warbler male and female, great blue heron and warbling vireo of the season. We heard but did not see our first house wren and Baltimore oriole.

May 2, 2007 At the MN Valley Wildlife refuge we saw our first Harris' sparrow, and heard red-bellied woodpeckers, and saw downy and hairy woodpeckers and bald eagles.

May, 7, 2007 At the MN Valley Wildlife Refuge we saw our first great blue heron, yellow-rumped warbler, yellow warbler, brown-headed cowbird and warbling vireo, and heard house wrens, Baltimore orioles, northern cardinals and house finches. Wood ducks, mallards and blue-winged teal are still in evidence.

There were still ring-necked ducks and common goldeneye at Murphy-Hannrehan Park in Burnsville. We plan to spend much more time in this park.

May 26, 2007 We photographed nesting bald eagles near North Hader, Minnesota. There is also a nesting pair of bald eagles near the Weaver Bottoms, south of Wabasha, Minnesota.

At the Whitewater Wildlife Management Area we saw our first bank swallows and black tern (1) of the year.

We saw lilac-colored large flowered beardtongue (pentsemmon) in the ditch just south of Cannon Falls.

May 27, 2007 At the MN Valley Wildlife Refuge, under the Cedar Avenue bridge, we saw far fewer cliff swallows nesting than last year. We also noticed barn swallows building nests and have seen killdeer.

June 2, 2007 Murphy-Hanneran Regional Park, Burnsville/Apple Valley, MN. We saw several great crested flycatchers, house wrens, an eastern kingbird, a blue heron, several song sparrows, white-breasted nuthatches, several pairs of tree swallows, a pair of common yellowthroats, a hen eastern turkey and a male eastern bluebird.

Nesting within the park are: blue-winged, cerulean and hooded warblers; acadian flycatcher, wood thrush, veery, red-shouldered hawk and a pair of common loon. This is the only nesting site for Hooded Warbler in Minnesota. The park's grassland trails are good places for observing sparrows, bobolink, sedge wren and both species of meadowlark. And if this isn't enough to entice any birder, the marshes are filled with yellow-headed blackbird, marsh wren and waterfowl.

Lake Farm Park; Apple Valley. We saw cedar waxwing, great crested flycatcher, eastern kingbird, rose-breasted grosbeak, chipping sparrow, tree and barn swallows, common yellowthroat and northern cardinal. Earlier in the morning cerulean warbler, scarlet tanager and indigo bunting were spotted.

June 3, 2007 Murphy Hanrahan Park We saw horned lark, bluebird, great crested flycatcher, eastern kingbird, chipping sparrow, song sparrow, house wren, and barn and tree swallows. We also saw white water lily, and ablue flower that looked like it belonged to the lupine family.

June 8, 2007 Fens Unit of the Minnesota Valley NWR. Because a yellow-breasted chat has been seen here, and it is rare to see one in Minnesota, Diane and I decide to try to find it.

When we got there we saw a lady looking into the tall trees just north of the ball field. I asked what she was looking trees, ands she said she was looking for a warbling vireo she had heard. The three of us then proceeded along the trail, and she introduced herself as Linda White. For the next couple or hours Linda was our personal guide and interpreter. She showed us a couple of sedge wrens (a first for Diane and I) just before the first tower, several yellow warblers, a couple of unidentified sparrows, and right at the first tower a Bells's Vireo (a first for Diane and I) and a catbird.

We headed down the trail where we heard rose-breasted grosbeaks, clay-colored sparrows and of course the chatty yellow-breasted chat, actually what appeared to be two different males, or one very good at throwing its voice. We were there for probably an hour, but never did see the little imp, as it seemed to laugh at us from the willows near the aspen grove. I noticed that several trails had been trampled into the grass, leading into the willows, so obviously several people had left the trail and gone into the brush after the birds. We also saw what appeared to be a field sparrow, and I heard bluebirds.

We also saw goldfinches, barn swallows, tree swallows, robins, mourning doves, red-winged blackbirds, and a pair or wood ducks high overhead. On the way out, right by the first tower we met Bob Dunlap and Alyssa DeRubeis, who were also looking for the Yellow-breasted Chat. It was very nice to see some young people taking an interest in the outdoors.

The prairie wildflowers were just starting to bloom, with one orange butterfly weed, and several pink phlox and a type of small yellow composite flower, like an aster. In a couple of weeks there should be a riot of color between the second tower and the aspen grove. (check flowering dates for last year below).

As we were leaving we saw a pair of flycatchers, probably eastern wood peewees (I could be wrong) catching insects, flying from the crab apple trees near the parking lot.

Thanks Linda for sharing a beautiful day with us, and being our personal guide. It was a pleasure meeting you.

June 9, 2007 We drove Black Dog Road from West I -35 to the railroad tracks, and saw great egrets in the marshes. Then we stopped under the Cedar Avenue bridge and saw black-capped chickadees. Then we followed the State Park trail between the two marshes, where spotted the blue flag iris, on the left, just past the marshes.

We proceeded along the trail until it forked, and right there we saw both a male and female redstart (a first for Diane).

We also saw yellow warblers, catbirds, brown-headed cowbirds, Canada geese, goldfinches and some sparrows we were unable to identify.

On the way out we spotted a green heron, right by the beaver lodge in the pond closest to the Cedar Avenue bridge.

Then we saw a barn swallow, several tree swallows, and finally a cliff swallow, which flew into a mud nest under the Cedar Avenue bridge, right over the parking lot of the Jens Casperson Landing of Ft. Snelling State Park We again did not spot any cliff swallows where they were so prevalent last year under the bridge- directly alongside Black Dog Road.

June 10, 2007 We started out at Frontenac State Park, south of Red Wing, Goodhue County, Minnesota, and ended up south of Inver Grove Heights, Dakota County.

Thanks to guide Steve Weston we saw over 80 species of birds, several of which were lifers for me. Thanks to Richard Wood for compiling the list. And thanks to the others who helped us all enjoy the time there.

American White Pelican (3 small flocks soaring on air currents over Frontenac SP), Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Green Heron (I did not see), Turkey Vulture, Canada Goose, Wood Duck (female and young, one female flying - apparently with a duckling in her bill), Mallard, Ring-necked Duck (Dakota), Bald Eagle (several adults and at least one 3-year old), Cooper's Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel (I did not see it), Ring-necked Pheasant (heard at least two), American Coot, Killdeer (Dakota). The Semipalmated Sandpiper, White-rumped Sandpiper, Franklin's Gull, Ring-billed Gull and Caspian Tern were all seen on Sand Point at Frontenac Lake.

We also saw Rock Dove (first time I had seen them roosting in a tree), Mourning Dove, Ruby-throated Hummingbird (I did not see), Belted Kingfisher, Red-headed Woodpecker (on the dead trees at the west side of the north slough in the marshes along Old Frontenac Road), Red-bellied Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (at nest hole), Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker (at least two, sighted several times, in the woods south of the Frontenac SP Kiosk east of Hwy. 61).

Plus we saw Eastern Wood-Pewee, Eastern Phoebe, Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Loggerhead Shrike (my first sighting in 40 years. South of the intersection of 160th and Emery, Dakota), Bell's Vireo (my second sighting), Yellow-throated Vireo (my Lifer ID), Warbling Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo (my Lifer ID), Blue Jay, American Crow, Horned Lark, Tree Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Bank Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Barn Swallow, Black-capped Chickadee (heard), White-breasted Nuthatch, House Wren, Marsh Wren,Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, right above the Kiosk), Eastern Bluebird, American Robin, Gray Catbird, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Blue-winged Warbler.

To get there take the gravel road near Cty. 19 on Hwy 61, down to a paved trail, head south), Yellow Warbler, American Redstart, Common Yellowthroat, Scarlet Tanager (heard), Chipping Sparrow, Clay-colored Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Dickcissel, Bobolink (a pair, just north of the Buffalo farm across from Frontenac, in the open field) Red-winged Blackbird, Eastern Meadowlark, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, Orchard Oriole, in the line of red oaks, along the east trail, across Cty 2 from the Frontenac headquarters), Baltimore Oriole, House Finch, American Goldfinch and House Sparrow.

Many of the sparrows were seen on the meadow/prairie at Frontenac SP, while many of the vireos and warblers were seen in the woods there. The Lark Sparrow, Ring-necked Duck, Kildeer and Loggerhead Shrike were all victims of "drive-by birding" in Dakota County, east of Hwy 52 and south of 160th street. As we drove down Emery Avenue, we saw the shrike, sitting on the telephone lines. It was easily identified by its large head, hooked bill and black and gray coloration.

I will warn you, you could probably spend the whole day at Frontenac. We were there about 6 hours, and we didn't even go up on top of the bluff.

We also sighted several butterflies and a striking caterpillar. Identification is courtesy of Joel Dunnette.

June 16, 2007 We drove south on I-35 to CR 70 west, and took an immediate left (south) onto Keokuk. We followed Keokuk until it turned into 215, which turned into Laigle. We saw 4 male and 1 female Bobolink at the corner of 215th and Laigle; 1 male in the west field, and a male and female, and 2 males, in the east field.

The only time I've seen more bobolinks was about 4 years ago at the Hoehne elk farm north of Pine Island, MN, when we saw about 20 males sitting on the high fence around one of the elk pastures. We've often seen a summering male in one the cow pastures there.

We also saw a hen turkey with her poults and a jake (1 year old male) at Pine Bend SNA just north of the Conoco truck stop in Inver Grove Heights. From the Hwy 52 and 117th Street bridge, follow Courthouse Blvd (between Conoco and Hwy 52) north, until it turns to gravel; and you are there. Birds include indigo bunting, redstart, ovenbird, gnatcatcher, eastern towhee and scarlet tanager, and fantastic views of the river. Rugged terrain and no clear trails.

June 23, 2007 We drove to Crex Meadows in Grantsburg, where we saw 3 common loons, several alder and willow flycatchers, several eastern kingbirds, several yellow warblers, 7 ring-necked ducks, a male blue-winged teal, at least 50 sandhill cranes (very brown in color), 1 black tern, 1 sharp-tailed grouse, 3 American bittern (got photos), a one-year old bald eagle, 1 red-tailed hawk, 1 male northern harrier, and several killdeer. A pair of red-necked grebes has been seen on one of the lakes, but we did not find them. Lots of prairie wildflowers were blooming, including orange butterfly weed, harebells, and at least two other blue flower species I have yet to identify.

We'll go back in October to photograph migrating shorebirds, wading birds, 100's of sandhill cranes, waterfowl and trumpeter swans.

June 24, 2007 Diane wanted to see indigo buntings (I.have a great spot). We stopped south of Burnsville to see the bobolinks on Laigle Ave. But, when we got there it was foggy, so I did not expect to see them. I stopped the car by the willows on the north side of the east field, and when I looked toward the field a male was singing on one of the white fence posts, 30 feet away (I got several photos). When the bobolink flew off a common yellow throat male landed right in the willows, about 30 feet from the car, but flew too

While we were there we met a couple of older ladies originally from ND, who now live in Burnsville and Bloomington. I stayed long enough to show them a male bobolink in the east field. We heard a cock ring-necked pheasant while we were there, saw bluebirds and eastern kingbirds.

We then drove to 170th and Emery, east of Hwy 52, south of Inver Grove Heights, to see the loggerhead shrikes, and found one between 170th and 180th, just north of the white rail fence.

Near our old farm in Goodhue County, MN, (on Hwy 56) we saw at least 20 male indigo buntings, a male red-headed woodpecker that has been there for at least 10 years and a brown thrasher in the bushes nearby.

We often see yellow-bellied sapsuckers, cardinals, rose-breasted grosbeaks, northern orioles, wild turkeys and a pair of pileated woodpeckers in this area. There is a pair of nesting bald eagles nearby.

For a birding and wildflower tour you can stop off at the Maltby Nature Preserve on Hwy 56 south of Hampton MN. Head west (instead of east) when you see the sign for the Public Water Access to Lake Byllesby, just south of the Cannon River. It is about 1/2 mile west of Hwy 56. There is a beautiful wildflower prairie and wooded trails to walk.

On the way back we stopped to see the shrike, and found 3 of them on the wires north of the white rail fence (again).

June 26, 2007 We drove to a weedy field at 180th and Pilot Knob Road in Lakeville, MN, where we found a people-friendly brown headed-cowbird and tree swallow, plus at least three dickcissels, a clay-colored sparrow, eastern kingbirds and a great white egret.

June 30, 2007 I decided to go to the Fens Unit of the Minnesota valley NWR, to find the yellow-breasted chat. As we headed for the first power-line tower we saw a sedge wren singing, and, near the first tower we saw catbirds and the Bell's vireo. As we continued east along the trail we saw tree swallows, song sparrows, American goldfinches, butterfly weed, twisted blazing star, purple prairie clover, phlox and several other flowers.

Then I saw a common yellowthroat about 100 yards past the first tower, on the north side of the trail in the willows, and what appeared to be a goldfinch, but a closer look with the binoculars revealed it had a dark colored back, and a yellow breast; it was the male yellow breasted chat.

Near the second tower Diane pointed out a common yellowthroat, about 10 feet away. Then we heard another yellow-breasted chat, song sparrows, warbling vireos, cardinals and red-wined blackbirds.

We then drove to Black Dog Road, where we saw a hen turkey on the off ramp to Black Dog Road. We parked under the Cedar Avenue bridge, where, for the first time this year, we saw cliff swallows under the bridge. In the marshes we saw great egrets, great blue herons, mallards and wood ducks.

Where the trail under the bridge meets the trail coming from the State Park boat landing parking lot, we saw a male American redstart. As we took the trail east a male indigo bunting landed in the trees next to the meadow on the north side of the trail. Just past the first bridge we saw another American redstart. Past the third bridge we climbed onto the boardwalk overlooking the cattail sloughs, where I saw and heard a male yellow-headed blackbird.

July 1, 2007 We drove to 140th Street southeast of Inver Grove Heights to look for the loggerhead shrikes, and found an adult and a younger bird sitting on the wires just south of the CRP field, and another one just north of the white rail fence, a mile south. The younger bird sat long enough to get his picture taken.

Then we drove to the Schaar's Bluff Nature area, on the south side of the Mississippi River, between Inver Grove Heights and Hastings. This is a beautiful park with trails leading through grassy prairies, and wooded bluffs along the river. I don't know if it was a poor day or bad time of the year, but we saw and heard very few birds.

We parked the car and I noticed a pair of eastern bluebirds sitting on one of the barbecues in the picnic area (got photos), and a plump gray squirrel. We took the trail west, and at the first switchback around the ravine, we found two Baltimore Oriole males, and a female Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Further along we saw a female Downy Woodpecker. In the prairie we saw Eastern Kingbirds, and lots of Tree Swallows.

Next we drove to the Cannon River Trail, east of the Anderson Sculpture Garden (just before the turn off to 19 going to Cannon Falls. We took the trail south, and in a dead tree near the tall evergreens, in the same place where I have seen one before, I found a male Ruby-throated Hummingbird. We heard several Catbirds, Cardinals and Yellow Warblers, and saw two Yellow Warblers, two male American Redstarts, and a male Indigo Bunting.

We also saw one Bald Eagle high above the river, and heard another one screaming across the river. A couple of bikers reported two owls seen by a slough at Mile 89, north of the parking lot, but we could not locate them.

We took 19 back toward Vasa and found a family of four American Kestrels that cooperated long enough to get their pictures taken. Then we saw three turkey vultures and a Red-tailed Hawk.

For you wildflower enthusiasts there is a beautifully restored wildflower prairie between Welch and Vasa, with Purple Coneflower, orange Butterflyweed, Black-eyed Susans, and other flowers. You can also pick up the Cannon Valley Trail for a birding walk just east or west of the Welch Ski Area.

I've found that a digital camera, with video and audio capability, is a great way to identify birds by sight and sound, when you get home. Plus, if you see a "rare" bird you have documentation of it.

July 7, 2007 In defiance of the heat, my wife Diane and I drove to Murphy-Hanrehan Park. We took the first trail south of 175th St and Natchez corner, and saw Cardinals, House Sparrows, Tree Swallows as we got out of the car. Just before we got out of the woods, into the large meadow, we heard a Baltimore Oriole, another Cardinal, Crows, Blue Jays, Great-crested Flycatchers, and saw a pair of American Redstarts. Between markers 41 and 40 we heard four Common Yellowthroats (saw one of them) in the buckthorn and neighboring trees.

If you didn't know I've got most of the MN and NA terrestrial bird photos - and their songs or calls - available for you to view and listen to at the Minnesota Bird List & Calls and North America Bird List & Calls links.

We've got some beautiful photos of Sandhill Cranes, Bald Eagles, Osprey, Red-tailed Hawks, Northern Harriers