For the past month I have seen an amazing number of Spruce Grouse. However, I would contend that even here in northeastern Minnesota, the Ruffed Grouse reigns supreme. In addition, one month ago I could almost walk right up to a grouse before it would flush. Hunting season has changed that; the birds are more wary, but still kind of stupid (as noted before, I am not anti hunting).
This morning I knew most logging operations would be on hold for Sunday. I explored some of the side roads off Stony River Forest Road. I am very glad I did not try these roads when there had been recent rains, and on logging operations days. Suffice it to say I will not return to any of these roads till next summer.
Anyhow … a Ruffed Grouse from this morning.
The Rusty Blackbirds were back at the mud flats of my local cemetery pond. I am really enjoying the Glenwood / Jean Duluth Round About being completed. I am now able to make a quick visit to the Forest Hill Ponds with only an eight minute drive.
Rich, what is your observation on the effect for wildlife of these logging operations you’ve visited? There is an extensive review in today’s StarTribune on the 2018 DNR “cave in” to the timber industry on greater harvesting quotas and faster rotations on harvest, including in Wildlife Management Areas. Much concern was expressed that the benefit from these WMA reserves has tilted towards the timber industry and away from primary benefit to wildlife.
That is a superb question, and the answer depends heavily on the specific logger involved. There are companies like Rajala Lumber (headquartered in Deer River) which understand that harvesting a forest must be sustainable, and clear cutting is harmful to both the logging company, and wildlife. Jack Rajala was a pioneer in managing our white pine forests. His obituary from the Duluth News Tribune is worth a read (his family is carrying on his forest management methods). https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/jack-rajala-leader-in-logging-and-lumber-dies-at-77
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I am lucky that my cabin is in the heart of the area where Rajala Lumber owns 1,000’s of acres and runs their operations.
Which Cemetery please. Thank you.
Forest Hill Cemetery in Duluth’s Hunters Park neighborhood. It is called out on my Mn Birding Locations page which may be easily accessed via the main menu of this web site on any page.