Edgerton City Park

This is one of my all time favorite stop ins during spring migration, for it never fails that something interesting is lurking in the small spaces. Spotted Towhee, Blue-winged Warbler, and Lazuli Bunting to name a few in the last 20 years. Its a quick stop for a short walk, and even if the birds are not present it provides a good place for a stretch of the legs, or quick lunch on a long trip.

Lake Maria Lake Sarah

Here’s a couple Murray County lakes worth a visit in migration, and during nesting season. There’s not much to them, but they often seem to hold a surprise. In summer look for nesting Western Grebe, or perhaps Common Loon (seen with young in 2013). The diversion structure gives a vantage point at the busy area between the tow lakes, while the North end of Maria has a quaint little park to explore. (Look for Trumpeter Swan on the wetland North of Maria. During dry times, the South end of Sarah along US Why 59 can be good for shorebirds, and sis usually good for waterfowl. In addition, the gravel road to the North of Lake Sarah can prove to have interesting migrants.

Big Slough WPA

This vast tract of wetland is a glimpse of what the prairie pothole region was all about. As such, the best way to explore this area is by canoe or kayak. To do so might reveal White-faced Ibis, or Trumpeter Swan, but will certainly take you smack in to the world of nesting rails, and Black Terns. During migration hawks, sparrows, and blackbirds are prevalent.

This 800-acre WPA shares its northwestern border with the Minnesota DNR’s Hiram C. Southwick Wildlife Management Area. Numerous wetlands, including several large wetlands, on the WPA provide excellent resting, nesting and feeding habitat for waterfowl.