The Mississippi and Henslow's Sparrow

I have gone as far north east as I am going to go. Two days ago I walked across the 10 feet wide Mississippi and today I am camped beside the river 250 miles down stream (as the crow flies) and it is about a quarter of a mile wide. I am in Winona on highway 61 next to the Mississippi. The river is about 20 feet from my window. I ate breakfast watching the Mississippi flow by and listening to the birds sing in the reeds. (Mostly Red-wing Blackbirds) The hills here are much higher and are covered with trees. Not much farm land. Ever hill has a cliff sticking out of it. Yesterday a local birder from the Twin Cities took me out and I photographed a Henslow's Sparrow up close and personal. Very nice! He just sat on his small shrub and called, preaned and looked at me. I took his picture and backed off and he was still there. The way to find them is to listen for their call which is distinctive. The weather is cool and wonderful. I am headed to Baraboo, Wisconsin to visit the International Crane Foundation. I fell in love with cranes after reading the book Birds of Heaven about the 15 kinds of cranes in the world and their struggles. I will be interested in learning more. I do not have far to go and laundry needs doing. Guess I need to stop looking at the river flowing past and get busy. Later. My back door on the truck does not lock correctly so I am sitting at a dealership. Hope they can fix it soon. Take care. Donelda
Doneldaw@gmail.com
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