Category Archives: Year 9

Nest Selection Time! Red-Headed Woodpeckers

Year 9,

For the second year in a row it appears that Red-Headed Woodpeckers will nest in Duluth, which is at the very extreme edge of this species’ northern range! To keep things fair, the birds seem to be sharing themselves across our fair city … one on the Western Waterfront Trail (this pair), and another looking for a mate inland from Lake Superior along the Lester River (private land). In both instances, these are the same locations as last year’s successful nesting birds.

Making their home selection: Red-Headed Woodpeckers

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Earlier this morning up at Hawk Ridge: Chestnut-Sided Warbler

Natural Blinds or Fish for Lunch

Year 9

Give some thought to where you like to go birding. Does the location provide the opportunity to utilize “natural blinds”? One such location in northeastern Minnesota on the edge of Duluth is the mouth of the Lester River. Many birders stop at the waysides that look out over Lake Superior, but opportunity awaits for those who go a tiny bit inland. From the NorthShore Information booth, take the Lakewalk Tunnel to safely cross under Minnesota Highway 61. Shortly upon exiting the tunnel at the top of the hill you may either descend some stairs into the ravine and hike upstream along the river (using many trees to hide behind), or just walk next to the ravine’s edge (be careful … it’s a long killing fall).

I used both opportunities around noon today to watch this Common Merganser fish. The current is still super fast from runoff, and the birds (and other wildlife) are still not numerous (slower water = easier food opportunities). In fact, it’s now June 1st and I’m not certain if there has been a decent steelhead or smelt run.

Fish for Lunch: Common Merganser

Another Foggy Day in Owl Town

Year 9

When the fog sort burned off I went hiking this morning at 6:30 am. Overnight there had been huge thunderstorms, heavy rain, and strong winds … and of course … fog. The forest is drenched, and one gets quite wet walking beneath the canopy, and the trails are a combination of streams and ponds. I found the owl family, and I somehow imagined the Great Horned Owl family conversation going like this …

Owlet: “Yeeech … Mom, … living near Lake Superior is horrible! Tomorrow is June 1st. It’s only 48 degrees, and I’m all wet”

Mom: “Junior! Stop complaining and eat your morning crow!”

Owlet: “I’m outta here!

15 minutes later Mom had a crow trapped low in the forest below her. The crows have the advantage out in the open but within the deep pines, the crows have to be very careful as the advantage switches to the owls.