Yesterday at Carpenter Nature Center we trapped oodles of Harris sparrows. When I came home and checked the MN bird listservs, people were reporting Harris sparrows around the metro area.

I love these guys, the remind me of Pluto from the Popeye Cartoons. They're bigger than other sparrows and adults have plumage that looks like a big burly beard.

More on sparrows we trapped later. Right now, I'm off to set up for The Raptor Release at Carptenter. Word is that they are releasing four birds at 1pm. It's a beautiful day, so spend it outdoors along the river and stop by the binocular booth to say, "Hi!"

Sorry, Cinnamon Fans, she will not be around dozens of birds of prey today.