2010 was my slowest birding year in Minnesota since first full year here
(2004).
Shorebirds were the primary culprit, only netted 18 of the regular 32 (had
29 the year before, Nate had 30). Two factors, our two counties (Mille Lacs
& Sherburne) were very slow during migrations, and visit to Big Stone/Lac
Qui Parle Counties was earlier in May this year.
Also of note - missed five owls (including Screech & Barred, last is a
statistical anomaly over my 18 years of birding, one almost has to
intentionally miss Barred) - three grebes (including Red-necked) - six
warblers (didn't travel to the Cities and south to get the normal
"southerners" like Hooded and Prothonotary) - Greater White-fronted & Ross'
Geese, Philadelphia & Bell's Vireos and Henslow's.
Traveled and chased less this year due to economics and Nate's move to
Illinois for college.
On the positive side did enjoy Ferruginous Hawk, Black-headed Grosbeak and
Common Ground-Dove. Also had the strongest Sherburne/Mille Lacs Field trip
since inception (128 species). Field trips were often the highlight due to
participants.
Last new bird of the year was Evening Grosbeak (unless something new shows
up this week).
Good birding to all, both in this last week and the New Year!
Al Schirmacher
Princeton, MN
Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties
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