December 8, 2008 Minnesota River Valley Audubon Chapter Metro Birding Day Field Trip Report Enjoyed a trip to Wright and Sherburne counties today. Our group relocated several of the species reported from the area this year and also located some additional late migrants or wintering species of birds. Here are a few of the species we observed today. Trumpeter Swans - Monticello along the Mississippi river and many other locations. Wood Duck - Monticello along the Mississippi river. American Kestrel Golden-crowned Kinglet Bohemian Waxwing - Sherburne County - 10:30am - Sand Dunes State Forest - South end of 180th St. A single Bohemian Waxwing was observed in with a flock of 100+ Cedar Waxwings. Eastern Bluebird - Wright County - Monticello - River Terrace Park, near office - 3 birds were observed at this location. American Robin - observed at a number of locations. Brown Creeper - Same location as the Eastern Bluebirds. Northern Shrike - Sherburne County - Sand Dunes State Forest - 253rd Ave NW, about a 1/2 mile East of 180th St. *Common Raven - Wright County - Monticello - Montissippi County Park - 9:30am - A common Raven was first heard and then observed at Montissippi County park. The bird was first heard several times near the model flying plane field in the park and later observed along the access road in the park just South of this location. Potential second county record. White-winged Crossbill - a flock of about 20 White-winged Crossbills were observed in the Spruce trees just North of the location where we observed the Waxwings, along 180th St. Common Redpoll - Sherburne County - CR 5 & CR 9 Lapland Longspur/Snow Bunting/Horned Lark - Sherburne County - CR17 - a mixed flock of Horned Larks, Snow Buntings and a few Lapland Longspurs were observed along CR 17, just South of Highway 10. Craig Mandel, Minnetonka, Hennepin County, MN [log in to unmask]