The neotropical birds are back and busy nesting. These days when I go out on country roads for my runs, I heard sedge wrens and savannah sparrows, bluebirds and song sparrows. This year, there seem to be many more bobolinks than have been here in past Junes-a real treat to see their brilliant gold and black plumage and hear their tinkling, “breaking glass” song. Many of the birds that make Chisago and Isanti Counties special places are those nesting in hayfields and open areas. These are the birds that will not find a place to nest, if we allow all our open space to be developed into residential lots. If you value bird diversity and an evocative sense of place, speak out for the birds! Press your county commissioner for plans to preserve habitat-in the form of parks, green space, and preserved farms. Summer is a wonderful time to take stock of the abundance of life here in east central Minnesota. Have a great summer! We'll be back in the fall.

Sue Leaf, WRA President