In general, In general, June is a great time for avid and novice birders to jump in a canoe and check-out the shallow prairie marshes in search of the many species of waterfowl and waterbirds. Sightings may include grebes, coots, ducks, geese and swans, as well as wrens, rails, minks, raccoons and otters.
The following is a list of recent, significant sightings:
The ROCK WREN and the two SAY’S PHOEBES are still being seen at Felton Prairie in Clay County. From the town of Felton, travel south on State Highway 9, then east to the end of pavement on Clay County Road 108, and turn left to the gravel pit entrance. Look for the Phoebes around the north and east rim of the pit. The wren can be seen near Rock Pile #6002.
A GREAT GRAY OWL was found by Kim Eckert along Stickney Road in the Sax-Zim Bog area of St. Louis County on June 22nd, roughly one-tenth of a mile north of Arkola Avenue. Another was along McDavitt Road, two and one-half miles north of Sax Road. Also in the bog were two LONG-EARED OWLS that were seen hunting at mid-morning along Owl Avenue, just south of Overton Road.
A female BLACK-BACKED WOODPECKER was found by Linda Sparling along Net Lake Road, three-quarters of a mile west of Carlton County 146.
Jim Fitzpatrick found a CAROLINA WREN in Clearwater County on June 11th, at the north end of Minerva Lake.
Two HENSLOW’S SPARROWS have been heard singing along the Pet Trails at Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington, in Hennepin County. Another was at Elm Creek Park Reserve, in Hennepin County, on June 20th along the bike path, and two Henslow’s Sparrows have been seen in Kandiyohi County for a couple of weeks. The birds have been seen near the towns of Hawick and Regal. From Hawick, travel southwest on State Highway 23 for one mile, then turn north on County Road 2 to County Road 33, and head west one mile to County Road 135. At least two birds have been heard at this intersection. And a Henslow’s Sparrow was located on June 17th east of State Highway 32 on Polk County Road 45, just south of the first grove of aspen trees.