Yesterday I spent six hours in the Bog, leaving well before 6 am. Visiting Sax-Zim in the winter is very popular, but the Spring and Summer should be on birder’s “to do list. The Bog generates bugs which means lots of warblers, including the rare Connecticut Warbler. With some bug repellant, or restricting your visits to walking back roads, the mosquitoes are not too bad.
Great Grays Owls are busy feeding before sunset and after sunrise given they have hungry young mouths to feed. If you can find a cloudy (even foggy) day without rain, one may even see the owls out in the middle of the day (personal experience).
Regardless, it was a great time at the Bog yesterday. I found a Belted Kingfisher nest hole where I may stay concealed, but close. It will be fun in a little over a month when the babies hatch. The parents were courting yesterday morning.
Approaching at the Nest Hole
Leaving the Nest Hole
Great Grey Owl hunting after sunrise
Great images as always. Thanks. Don
How long will the Warblers stay at the bog? I am coming to Duluth Memorial Day weekend but I hate ticks, so I stick to widest paths or gravel roads.
If not the bog where in Duluth can we see warbles? Put at the airport on the point or up by Hawks ridge?
I will only have a limited time that visit
As always, it depends on weather. If not blustery, try the pines and shrubs behind the Park Point Recreation Pavilion. Walk over the dunes and also check for shorebirds.
Memorial Day Weekend is not too late. Based upon what weather we have leading up to that weekend, the main warbler migration may have moved north.
Birding the Bog from the back roads would be tick free. Use your ears!