[mou] Excelsior CBC - Green Heron
The Excelsior CBC was held on windy Saturday, Dec 18. With most precincts reporting, the total species count stands at 59 with 3 additional count week species. The most unusual finding (by far!) was a Green Heron located by Renner Anderson, Abigail Anderson and Doug Kieser. The heron was found along a creek leading to the Minnesota River near Shakopee. This bird is a first for Minnesota CBC's and an apparent late record for the state. Other nice finds for our CBC area included: Wilson's Snipe, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Winter Wren, Canvasback, Redhead, Snow Bunting and a Horned Lark. The Horned Lark, found by Jerry Bonkoski, was the first on the Excelsior CBC since 1974 and with the rate the suburbs are spreading, who knows when the next will be found. Good birding, Howard Towle Golden Valley, MN
[mou] Excelsior CBC
Earlier this year a letter was sent to all participants in the Excelsior CBC notifying them of the need for a new compiler. At this time, while there have been several conversations, there has not been a volunteer to take over the compiler duties. We would truly hate to see this CBC die, after all it is one on the oldest is the state with a 55 year history. The requirements are a modern computer, internet access, an enjoyment for CBCs', and some time. The time requirement is basically what you want to put in it, but, you could expect 10-15 hours in early December organizing and another 10-15 hours in late December and early January compiling and entering the info on a audubon web site. The current compiler will provide you with names, phone numbers, etc. of all the participants and will be available to help you this year. This count is not sponsored by any club. Hennepin Parks (Carver Park) does the count in their area and the rest is through the efforts of various MOU members. As a result the compiler tends to ask for new participants whenever possible but the current number of volunteers have been pretty stable and very skilled so many changes are not anticipated. Contact me for info. Dennis Martin 952 474-4371 dbmar...@skypoint.com
