Ventured out for my last 2006 birding trip yesterday (sans Nathan, who was enjoying sleeping in), covering portions of Sherburne & northern Wright Counties. Highlights included a Short-eared Owl & Great Horned in the refuge (different location than the Auto Tour SE, "cemetery" road just west of the headquarters on CR 9) - 440+ Trumpeter Swans at Mississippi Drive Park in Monticello (not much diversity otherwise) - 24 Trumpeters in Lake Maria State Park. Missed the Peregrine Falcon at Monticello Power Plant. Had a single Robin at Ann Lake/Sand Dunes (first have seen in the two county are in a couple of weeks), however, have not been able to relocate the Townsend's Solitaire there since late November (unlike the last few winters - gone? Raptor lunch?).
Will be checking out a Varied Thrush reported in Isanti County tomorrow; so far, the homeowner has not given permission for general access to the feeders. 2006 was a solid year, 279 without much chasing - after three years starting to think of myself (happily) as a Minnesotan birder. Wonder when such designation becomes official? Thanks to each of you who posted interesting birds over the year - Nathan & and I enjoyed Eurasian Wigeon - Snowy & Piping Plovers (and a probable Wilson's) - Parasitic & Pomarine Jaegers - Little & Sabine's Gulls - Snowy, Northern Hawk & Great Gray Owls - Three-toed & Black-backed Woodpeckers - Mountain Bluebird - Summer Tanager - and numerous other goodies - primarily because you shared. Blessings on your 2007 birding! Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties