4/21/04--Winona and Wabasha Counties This afternoon, thanks to several tips from Jeff Stephenson and Chuck Krulas(aka J Big and Dr. K), I decided to take a trip to the Whitewater Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The weather was a mix of sun and clouds but mild enough to be in a t-shirt and barefoot with sandals. I noticed that yellow-bellied sapsuckers, ruby-crowned kinglets, and eastern towhees were abundant. Other year birds included:
@Louisiana Waterthrush--atleast 2 pairs along the Trout Run Trail at Whitewater State Park. @Virginia Rail--atleast six individuals found in appropriate habitat in the WMA. @Sora--fewer than Virginia, only three birds. @Blue-gray Gnatcatcher--one bird. @Bank Swallow--one bird in Wabasha portion of the WMA. @Cliff Swallow--outside of the WMA in Wabasha County. I also refound the Ross's Goose at one of the Dorer Pools. Interestingly, I believe this to be the same bird I originally found at Silver Lake back on Februaury 29th. It has been seen at Viola Pond, Olmsted County; near the WMA Hdqtrs, Winona County; and now the Dorer Pools, Wabasha County. It has been seen by numerous others on many different occasions since the 29th. I also bumped into Dr. Don Mahle. It was great fun! It has been nearly 20 years since Dr. Risser first introduced Chris and I to Dr. Mahle. The Drs. first met in medical school (I think) back in the early 1930's. Dr. Mahle practiced medicine in Plainview while Dr. Risser practiced medicine in Stewartville. They were great friends! I think I'll be helping Dr. Mahle check his bluebird trail in the near future. I'm excited about the opportunity!! I then went to Lewiston and saw: @Spotted Sandpiper--one bird (2nd of the year). @Solitary Sandpiper--one bird. @Wilson's Phalarope--one bird. The Lewiston Sewage Ponds continue to be the most consistent spot for shorebirds in the SE. I think it is rivaling Lake Byllesby in terms of diversity and consistency. Personally, I have recorded 12 different species this spring including 4 Hudsonian Godwits last Friday. There continues to be, since last Friday, over 100 pecs, tens of both yellowlegs, 3 baird's, a few least, and several snipe. Good Birding! John Hockema (TheWren) _________________________________________________________________ FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar get it now! http://toolbar.msn.com/go/onm00200415ave/direct/01/