Nathan and I were able to venture into the wilds of Aitkin yesterday - had Evening Grosbeaks (off Kestrel Avenue, north of Tamarack), Pine Grosbeaks (169, couple miles north of CR 18) and a possible Spruce Grouse (snowmobile trail on 18).
Possible Spruce: very unique alarm call as we flushed it (woo-woo-woo or tooting, female?), spread tail with no tail band, fled into the conifers - unlike any Ruffed or Sharp-tailed we'd ever seen or heard. However, encounter was very brief. Boreal Chickadees remain Nathan's jinx bird - missed them both at Rabey Tree Farm and on 18's snowmobile trail. Thanks to Kim Risen, Jo Blanich and others who shared Aitkin birding sites & ideas. Good birding to all. Al & Nathan Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties
