I birded Carlton and Aitkin Counties with Jim Otto today. Many highlights during the morning, then a very slow afternoon. Carlton County: Three Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches in front of the Fond du Lac Conservation office (7:50 am). Aitkin County: Nine Sharp-tailed Grouse on the lek 0.4 miles south of Tamarack on County Hwy 16 (8:30 - 8:45 am). Evening Grosbeaks and Pine Siskins on Kestrel Ave. Pine Grosbeaks and Common Redpolls on western and central areas of Hedblom Forest Rd. One American Three-toed Woodpecker (male) and 3 Black-backed Woodpeckers (2 male, 1 female) - south side of Hedblom Forest Rd. (11:00 am - noon). We started from the west gate, but from talking to others at this spot I guess this around 2.2 miles west of the east gate. Red Crossbills - Large pines near the Hedblom Rd. west gate (12:30 pm). The birding really slowed down after this point. We drove to the Rabey tree farm, but did no birding due to some lumbering operations. 2 flocks of Snow Buntings were on County Hwy 10 south of 200. 2 Rough-legged Hawks and a large flock (50+) of Black-capped Chickadees on County 18.
Doug Kieser Minneapolis