Brown Thrasher Nest Building

The strong winds out of the Northeast have finally abated, and this afternoon’s temperature will actually reach 70’s … even next to Lake Superior. The combination of some warmth plus rain and fog over the past two days has created a bug explosion. Trees are finally blossoming here in the Northland, and birds know that means FOOD! Yes, the migrants who like to eat bugs are finally appearing here at the “head of the lakes”. Over the next few days as we approach June 1st, the final “returnees” will reach the Boreal Forest. Believe it or not, once these birds arrive our first southern departures will be only six weeks away. Upland Sandpipers are some of the first birds to head south for their wintering grounds in South America. Folks often joke here in Duluth that if you blink, you miss summer!

Regardless, this morning down on Park Point (Minnesota Point) I had the unique privilege of watching two Brown Thrashers building their nest. These thrashers are one cool bird, or in this case two cool birds. They have an “evil eye” which is set off by their great singing. Normally, I only see thrashers high atop trees in the spring … singing for a mate. When I find them on the ground, they spook very easily. Thus, watching from only ten yards distance was a treat, and I now know where they nest is located! (Learn more about Brown Thrashers … Cornell School of Ornithology)

Brown Thrashers Building a Nest