Mark Junghans, Nathan Schirmacher and I enjoyed the Slaty-backed Gull & Mountain Bluebird in Dakota County on Saturday - however, missed the Gyrfalcon by 1/2 hour.
Noted a flock of 65 turkeys at lunch time today in Isanti County (corner of CR 7 - also known as Feldspar - and 317th) - second largest flock that I've encountered in 15 years in the upper Midwest. Have also noted more Kestrels and Mourning Doves in central MN than previous winters. However, our supply of winter finches (save Purples & the Pine Grosbeak flock on Mille Lacs 142) seems to have dried up since early December. RFI - if anyone runs into a Long-tailed Duck within a couple of hours of central MN, please advise. For some reason (not for lack of Duluth/North Shore trips or checking appropriate winter rivers), Nathan & I are still missing this bird from our state lists - sort of a strange omission (especially with the dozens we've seen in Wisconsin). Many thanks, and good birding to all. Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties