Tag Archives: MN North: Cloverland

Why Did the Upland Sandpiper Cross the Road?

Year 4

Why … to see the Bobolink! I know, pretty bad, but it was a good days birding two days ago over at the Wisconsin Grasslands along Wisconsin #13 in the Cloverland area. Many of the birds have recently hatched young, which means the parents need to spend a significantly increased amount of time hunting for food. This in turn, makes the birds easier to find and photograph.

This scenario resulted in my finding a relatively rare group of about eight Upland Sandpipers. One hour after sunrise two families of sandpipers, including chicks, were feeding along the side of Wisconsin #13 between Windy and Jack Pine Roads. These birds have seen their numbers decrease over the years due to both hunting and habitat loss (grasslands).

First … my Upland Sandpipers and the Bobolinks

A Cedar Waxwing already finding some berries.

 

Northland Love!

Year 4, , ,

Although our weather can be highly variable … with temperature drops of 30 degrees when the wind shifts off Lake Superior, our local populace has been busy either raising families, or making preparations.

Merlin Hunting for Breakfast (mouth of Lester River on Lake Superior)

Mom Always Liked You Best! (Trumpeter Swan family at MacQuarrie Wetlands)

My Cover Appears to be Blown!

Snapping Turtle Laying Down Eggs

Calling Out for a Mate (Wilson’s Snipe at the Roy Johnson Wetlands)

Searching for a Mate (Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker)

Sherburne National Wildlife Preserve: Cygnets!

Year 4,

Molly and I took a quick overnight trip down to the Twin Cities, which meant before sunrise yesterday I drove northwest to visit the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge. This wildlife refuge / extensive wetlands is about 40 miles NW of Minneapolis, and has a “wildlife drive” which allows one great access. If you go, make certain to arrive at sunrise. You will have better viewing opportunities, and few people around.

Although I was at Sherburne for birding, I had to immediately stop and enjoy the gorgeous prairie grasses. Wild Lupine were in full bloom. This native lupine is smaller than the flower which is normally seen along roadsides in the Northland. The low light / golden hour meant I was presented with a sea of blue, gold and green! Birding had to wait!

After my prairie experience, it was on to birding. The most exciting discovery of the morning was a Trumpeter Swan with newly hatched chicks / cygnets. It was fun to enjoy the young birds enjoy the morning sun.

While watching the Trumpeter Swans, the surrounding reeds suddenly became inundated with new birds. Black Terns and Yellow Headed Blackbirds which I did not even know were present, irrupted into both song and flight. It was fantastic.

To top off the morning in another pond, I had fun watching this Great Blue Heron hunt for breakfast while a male Wood Duck looked on …

Finally two more “blossom” photos from my Saturday morning outing to the Roy Johnson Wetlands. I love this time of year!