I spent much of today visiting various spots in southeast Minnesota, in 

search of birds and some slightly warmer weather.



I saw two Snowy Owls in southwestern Dodge County this afternoon, in the 

same area where they've been reported previously. Both were sitting out 

in the fields, and both within about 1/2 mile of the intersection of 

690th St and 120th Ave intersection. The heavily marked owl was east of 

120th Ave, about 1/2 mile south of 690th St. The very lightly marked owl 

was north of 690th St, about 1/2 mile east of 120th Ave. They were 

present around 3:00, and still present at 3:30 when I left. Snowy Owl 

has been a serious jinx bird for me in Minnesota, so I was thrilled to 

see two in the span of 10 minutes!



Earlier, I found 2-3 Tufted Titmice along Hay Creek Trail south of Red 

Wing. Near the south end of the road, maybe 1/4 mile from where it meets 

Hwy 58, there's a feeding station.  It's up the slope, right at the 

driveway for house number 31365 (IIRC). It was being frequented by lots 

of chickadees and the usual suspects, plus several titmice.



I also heard, but didn't see, a Carolina Wren along 4th Street in 

Hastings. This neighborhood was really birdy, with lots of feeders being 

visited by a ton of birds. A short ways down the road to the east, 

there's a pull-off where a number of deer carcasses have been dumped. 

They were also attracting birds, including a flicker.



I was pleased with the diversity of birds for the middle of winter, even 

with bad luck on waterbirds. The wind and cold were creating lots of 

steam over the water, making it nearly impossible to see birds except at 

the edges.



Good birding,

Matt Dufort

Minneapolis



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