Ottertail County Cty. Rd. 72 on S. end of Otter Tail Lake I watched a large flock of Common Golden-eyes displaying this afternoon. There was one male (possibly 2) who had the markings of a Common, but his head was quite definitely not green but blue or bluish purple. Is that enough to suggest he is a cross between the 2 types? Also, how much yellow on the female's bill suggests Common vs. Barrow's? There were several with mostly yellow bills but the majority had just the tips yellow. (Obviously, I REALLY want to be able to count a new life bird.)
Also, farther north of Otter Tail Lake on Cty. 1 about 2 miles from the Cty 14 intersection is a flock of 8 trumpeter swans. If you turn north on 14 and go 2 1/2 mi. to Cty 32 and turn left you can find a Great Horned Owl on the nest (left side of the road ~1/2 mi.). Farther along 32 Great Blue Herons are taking up residence in a small rookery (before the large hill, maybe 3 mi. from the GHO?). Amy Drake