I just returned from a grueling drive back from the Wabasha CBC. Despite heavy rains and heavy fog the Wabasha CBC turned up a respectable 42 species (preliminary returns). Missed species that usually are found included Rough-legged Hawk, Common Merganser and Common Goldeneye. Extensive open water in the Mississippi allowed the Bald Eagles to remain dispersed resulting in low numbers on the count. Notible high numbers include 4 Kingfishers. Other finds included Eastern Bluebird, Varied Thrush, and Snowy Owl. The Snowy Owl was found about a mile to the west of where it was reported by Lori Slindee on Friday (thanks). The Owl was about 100 yards east of CR 14 and 595th Street, about 2.1 miles north of Highway 42.
The Varied Thrush was heard singing just north of the Zumbro River at the end of the road going east from Highway 61. The weather probably reminded it of spring in the northwest. The bird was on private land and not seen. Steve Weston on Quiggley Lake in Eagan, MN [email protected]
