Spruce Scent Tree (Moose, Lynx, Mink, Raccoons, & Coyotes)

Year 13

In my previous post today I mentioned that I took a birding hike up in the Greenwood Creek Boreal Forest.  As my long time readers know, this is where I recharge my soul and enjoy the wilderness. Over the years I have learned key spots to set up trailcams where wildlife leave their scent marks. Over the past week, one particular 5 foot tall spruce tree has been very busy receiving the attentions of many different species of animals. One difference this time around compared to the other “scent branches” I have discovered is the Bull Moose are now taking part. In total over 8 day and nights three different Bull Moose explored the “scent tree”. The moose featured in the video I have named “Poppa”. This bull moose is obviously the kind of the forest moose. Judging from all the moose activity it is obvious the moose rut is definitely in progress.

This video is quite a bit longer than my normal content. As it was I did not include many different species of animals in the video which also took part in the “scent tree” including Mr. Bear. (video link for email subscribers).

Stony Point Surprise: Flock of Red-Headed Woodpeckers!

Year 13

During the fall migration there are two spots along the North Shore of Lake Superior which I check religiously. The first is 61st Avenue East. This dead-end road has a small parking area near the mouth of the Lester River and its ravine. Stairs directly across from the parking make it easy to descend to the river. Either this spot is “on” or totally birdless. Right now there are lots of Mountain Ash Tree Berries and Spruce Trees loaded with cones. Over the next few weeks this great food source will get eaten.

My other spot is Stony Point including Alseth Road. Even this morning with a 30 mph wind gusting in off Lake Superior, the dead “tuning fork” tree on Alseth Road was fantastic. For over 20 minutes I watched a small flock of Red-Headed Woodpeckers. While there were only three adults in this flock, please understand that seeing even one Red-Headed Woodpecker is rare in NE Minnesota.

Reds x3!

Today was my first “birding day” since surgery. While I still have definite pain, it was fantastic to get back out in the field. I even took a 1.5 mile birding hike just after sunrise at Greenwood!

Time Off to Recover.

Year 13

365 Days of Birds will be taking a short break for a week or two. I need to recover from yesterday’s surgery, which went very well.

Last night we had one of our bears visit the feeders. After 15 minutes of watching “junior bear” (not our HUGE mamma this time), I went back to reading. The bear stuck around for another 10 minutes. Enjoy September and the birds. It’s a lovely day here in northern Minnesota.