It’s that time of year … time for the twice annual Lake Superior shorebird invasion. During the spring and fall migrations these small birds make their way from the Arctic shoreline and the northern tundra south, many via Lake Superior. I had hoped I would see lots of shorebirds last week while working as a volunteer keeper at Crisp Point Lighthouse, but such was not the case. These birds are smart, and although they are present in large numbers at Whitefish Point (20 miles to the East), they understand it is smarter to work one’s way south via Lake Michigan rather than West Southwest via Crisp Point. I saw only a few Baird’s Sandpipers.

Arriving home in Duluth was the ticket. Birds are blown against the Lake Superior shoreline by North and Northwest winds. The shore birds then work their way southwest till they reach Duluth at the end of the lake. This morning after a good day’s blow from the north, my friends were very much in evidence … lots of lots of Sanderlings and even one SemiPalmated Plover. Two days ago it was the Lesser Yellowlegs turn which I spotted up at the Castle Danger treatment ponds. I love migration!

Sanderlings

Semipalmated Plover

Lesser Yellowlegs