106 birds sighted/heard in Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties over the last week. Highlights included:
* Probable Wilson's Plover (reported earlier), Mille Lacs Lake. Further comparisons with Internet photos have only served to strengthen our personal opinions of the ID. Unfortunately not refound the day after. * 21 warbler species. This might be a bit deceiving, since 20 were on Saturday - have only averaged 6-7 per day this week while walking once or twice a day. Missed Blue-winged (which nest in Sherburne), Orange-crowned, Northern Parula, Black-throated Green and Blackpoll. * Flock of 15+ Wild Turkeys in Mille Lacs County (where they're considered unusual). When I do see turkeys in Mille Lacs, they're invariably along the Rum River. * Only nine shorebirds sighted. * Common Terns were very active along the ML lakefront. Purple Martins have all but vanished (only one for week). Sparrows and other grassland birds rather quiet or gone. Good birding to all! Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties
