Walked portions of Blue Hill Trail and the Ann Lake snowmobile trail this morning, also toured the Wildlife Drive.
Highlight was the Townsend's Solitaire at Ann Lake, also a Northern Shrike scattering a flock of waxwings. An Eastern Screech Owl called twice before dawn on Blue Hill; single Redpoll flew over. The Wildlife Drive continues very quiet (where are the Rough-leggeds this winter?). For those interested in seeing the Solitaire, best strategy seems to be take the access road off of Sherburne CR 5 (near CR 4), drive in about a mile to the small parking lot on the right, then walk the southern snowmobile trail while scanning the tops of the trees. I've found it as close as 10-20 feet from the trail, and as far as 150 yards. Good birding to all! Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties
