This morning as we gathered for the Willmar CBC, we learned that Andrew Halbritter had 
seen three Snowy Owls on his drive from Madison, MN to Willmar on 12-19-14.  One owl 
was at the Lac qui Parle Valley High School, and two different owls (one a white male, 
and one a juvenile/female) were seen together in Chippewa County along MN 40 right 
where MN 29 heads north to Benson.  

Late this afternoon I followed up on Andrew's report, though I did not go as far as LqPV 
HS.  I refound the male Snowy perched on a pole top along MN 40/29 at mile post 16.  
This is two miles west of where MN 29 heads north to Benson and about 8 miles from 
where Sue Morton reported a male Snowy on MN 277 at mile marker 8 a few days ago.  
Hwy 40 is very busy, and there is no shoulder.  The owl didn't mind the traffic, though, as 
it swooped down to grab a mouse just off the shoulder.  It flew to the field where it 
consumed its meal and then flew back to a pole to resume hunting.  

Here's a picture of the owl:
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S20969809

The most notable bird in the Willmar CBC is a continuing American Black Duck in the 
Crow River below the dam in New London.  Look below the dam or follow Central Ave 
where the river runs along the road.  Sightings have been sporadic.  It was first found by 
Coralie Jacobson a few weeks ago.

Josh Wallestad
http://www.aboywhocriedheron.com

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