Bernice and Earl Hall got a call from a friend in rural McLeod Cty. to report
an unusual large blackbird making strange clicking and clacking and clucking noises.
We identified it as a Great-tailed Grackle. The calls and sound effects were diagnostic, 
and it was much bigger than the Common Grackles nearby. There might also have been
a female there, seen only briefly. If so, maybe they are sticking around?

We believe this would be a 1st McLeod Cty. record.
The homeowners said they have been hearing and seeing this bird since Sunday (4/28).
This site is about 5 miles west of Hutchinson near the Renville Cty. line.

Bernice and Earl Hall also found a Cattle Egret today on the west side of Hutchinson, 
again in McLeod Cty.

A nice daily double for such a dreary chilly May day!

Pete Hoeger, Hutchinson
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