Tag Archives: MN North: Duluth

Mayfly Madness Woodpeckers

Year 8

I found two Red-Headed Woodpecker chicks sticking their heads out of the nest hole yesterday afternoon! Thus, Duluth’s first known Red-Headed Woodpecker nest has been successful. Better yet, there may be a second nest! (location to remain equally anonymous)

The chicks were gorging themselves yesterday on Mayflies. Red-Headed Woodpeckers are unique among woodpecker in that they snag insects out of the air just like flycatchers. Read more via Cornell’s All About Birds.

Here are a few pics from yesterday afternoon.

Is Mom up there?!

Duluth Red-Headed Woodpecker

Year 1
These photographs taken a few days ago are cool for a number of reasons:
  • This may be the first time ever that a Red-Headed Woodpecker has nested in Duluth.
  • Audubon has designated the Red-Headed Woodpecker a bird of “special concern” due to a decrease in numbers … mainly due to habitat loss.
  • Ever since I was a young boy and was given the book, Song and Garden Books of North America, I have had a special place in my heart for “red”. There were about eight birds in the book which I found extremely neat, and wanted to see in my life. This woodpecker is one of those eight bird species. What are your special birds and why?
My thanks to the folks who helped me find this woodpecker (not named on purpose), and the location other than saying “Duluth” is stated in a general way to protect the nesting location.

Red-Headed Woodpecker Feeding its Young

Cover of National Geographic Book

Lupines and Steam Engines!

Year 8

Okay, not a bird but still a visual treat. With the Pandemic winding down the North Shore Scenic Railroad will once again be running their steam engine up the shores of Lake Superior. In addition, the Lupine are beginning to bloom in the Northland (and many other wildflowers).

While I could have taken a photo of the Lupines in my yard, somehow this combination of a steam engine and lupines is way cool! I actually took this pic two years ago … the last spring before the Pandemic.

Even if you would not yet be comfortable taking an excursion train, watching the train is almost as fun! One of my favorite viewing spots is the Sucker River Trestle. I took this pic elsewhere … a private vantage point I shall reserve for myself! Follow this link to track the Steam Engine Schedule.