I try to do an unofficial tally of the birds in my local area each June. Saturday and Sunday morning were georgeous days to do it. Due to the dry winter and spring we have no bugs. I covered the rice paddies in Embarrass, Biwabik sewage ponds. Forest highway 11, Partridge river and in-town Hoyt Lakes sites. I had 94 species, with 17 warblers, (no gold.- winged). 3 Conn. on Hwy 11 in 2 spots. 4 Bitterns at the rice paddies and 8 male yel. H. Blkbds. The only unexpected bird was an Eared grebe on the sewage ponds. The most fun was finding 2 young Great Horned owls, partially feathered sitting on a log in the Back bay of White Water Lake in HL and getting pictures of them. Numbers of all species seemed about normal, with plenty of all the usual warblers and sparrows. 3 BB Cuckoos, many Alder flycatchers calling. I think there are fewer Cowbirds and no Purple Martins. Anyone who is curious could certainly email me for more specifics. Audrey L. Evers Hoyt lakes-St. Loius Co.