Pinfeathers by Sue Leaf, Wild River Audubon President

The first horned larks, the earliest migratory birds to appear in spring, were spotted February 12, along Chisago County 12, in a plowed field. Watch for these early visitors: they’re often seen along roadsides, in small groups, and rise together, flashing brown backs and white underneath as they fly.

There have been reports of dead redpolls at feeders. It appears to be a viral, and not a fungal disease. Some dead birds were reported to have infected eyes, similar to those seen in house finches a few winters ago. We have no more information at the time we go to press.

Is there an Auduboner who doesn’t know that great gray owls from Canada have invaded Chisago County? At least five birds were reported hanging out at Wild River State Park and the park has been busy with slow-driving cars at sunset, filled with people eager to spot these rare visitors. Please practice good Owl Manners: don’t chase the birds, speak loudly in their presence or interfere at all with their hunting activity. View at a distance and let them get on with business: catching mice.

It has also been a great shrike year. Reports of northern shrikes have been numerous. Look for the robin-sized, pale gray birds perching on wires or at the tops of trees in open fields. Shrikes are predatory songbirds. They are especially keen on English sparrows. They’re known as “butcher birds” because of their habitat of hanging uneaten carcasses on the thorns of bushes, as in a meat market.

Saturday, April 16 is the date for the annual Bluebird Recovery Project Conference in Faribault. A great lineup of speakers make this a great event. There is no registration fee, though advance lunch reservations must be paid by April 1. registration begins at 8 am, at Faribault Middle School.