Even though it is  almost 60 degrees out in the Northland this afternoon, and the weather the past few days has been delightful, the first wave of Arctic birds are arriving in Northeastern Minnesota. Several Rough-Legged Hawks and Northern Shrikes have been reported in the area. While I missed seeing those species, I have been lucky enough to find several snow buntings which were not part of larger flocks (making them almost impossible to approach). This little gem was foraging for food inland from Castle Danger on the North Shore of Lake Superior.

Snow Bunting

There are still a lot of Bald Eagles and Red-Tailed Hawks migrating south through the area. Two days ago I saw both of these individuals within fifteen minutes of sunup at Sax-Zim Bog

One great note … my new sclera contact lenses seem to be helping my eyesight immensely (read back story). Without going into great detail, given their locations I would have missed seeing each of these three birds. The Snow Bunting was by itself flitting in shaded tall grasses. It’s great to have decent vision again, and I am up to seven hours wearing the lenses per day. Just as importantly I am able to be outside or drive a car (air within a car is very, very dry).

In fact, I spent yesterday afternoon doing maintenance on my ski trail just off Old Vermilion. During my 2.6 mile hike clearing deadfall, and cutting down trees which threatened the ski trail, I scared up four Rufffed Grouse (almost stepped upon them), and found this very unusual bird for NE Minnesota.

Ring-Necked Pheasant on Old Vermilion Trail

Remember … I maintain some winter bird feeders on Old Vermilion Trail. It is about 15 miles north of Duluth, and you can even go Nordic Skiing on the trails I maintain (classic only). Here is a photo I took yesterday afternoon. You can see my bow saw hanging from the small while pine on the left.