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Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge
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Friday, May 9, 2008
11:17:00 PM EDT
Hi spring lovers!!
We took a three and one half hour hike this morning up to Sherburne County to the National wildlife refuge. We were last there back in September of last year with Gary from Anoka county.
We wanted to see what it was like in the spring. We stopped at the refuge main building first and asked the naturalist there what to look for. She told us of various ducks and other birds recently spotted. We asked if there were any Osprey nesting and she said that they had a platform there but it had not had a nest in years. She told us of a huge eagles nest that could be seen with the telescopes provided by the park. We thanked her and headed for the seven mile drive through. You can drive very slow, one way and stop when you want. We did see the eagles nest from several locations. We also saw our first Eastern Meadowlark. I could have wished for better pictures but they are at least recognizable.
We also caught a glimpse of a wild turkey running in front of the car across the road.
A pair of Sandhill cranes romped around the prairie not far from us for several minutes
and we saw many teals and ring necked ducks like these
Now I may get corrected on this and if I'm wrong I hope to be but I believe this to be a Swainsons thrush. 
We found the hike/ride very exhilarating and for that three plus hours barely saw another human being. The sounds of the prairie and the sight of many colorful birds will leave a nice memory for both of us.
Picture 17 in the box above will show you how much Carolyn loved it.
I recommend a visit to this huge wildlife refuge to anyone in the area. It is located fourteen miles north of Zimmerman Minnesota and west about five miles. Tomorrow, weather permitting we hope to get outon ahike or maybe even a bird banding.
Happy Trails to you
Ron
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11:17:00 PM EDT
Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge
We took a three and one half hour hike this morning up to Sherburne County to the National wildlife refuge. We were last there back in September of last year with Gary from Anoka county.
We wanted to see what it was like in the spring. We stopped at the refuge main building first and asked the naturalist there what to look for. She told us of various ducks and other birds recently spotted. We asked if there were any Osprey nesting and she said that they had a platform there but it had not had a nest in years. She told us of a huge eagles nest that could be seen with the telescopes provided by the park. We thanked her and headed for the seven mile drive through. You can drive very slow, one way and stop when you want. We did see the eagles nest from several locations. We also saw our first Eastern Meadowlark. I could have wished for better pictures but they are at least recognizable.
We also caught a glimpse of a wild turkey running in front of the car across the road.
Picture 17 in the box above will show you how much Carolyn loved it.
I recommend a visit to this huge wildlife refuge to anyone in the area. It is located fourteen miles north of Zimmerman Minnesota and west about five miles. Tomorrow, weather permitting we hope to get outon ahike or maybe even a bird banding.
Happy Trails to you
Ron
Written by rontaube Blog about this entry |
Add to del.icio.us | digg this
