Although it is only July 17th, when you’re a shorebird that breeds in the Arctic, and winters in South America, it makes sense to already be migrating! Video of SemiPalmated Sandpipers taken this morning. After any big rain the recreation fields at the end of Park Point in Duluth become muck flats / feeding grounds for migrating shore birds. Found a flock of SemiPalmated Sandpipers feeding this morning.
Sunday’s thunder storms brought a rare visitor to Duluth, Minnesota at the head of Lake Superior. For only the second time in known history a visit by a Calliope Hummingbird has graced our state, and the first male in full breeding plumage! This bird should be hanging out in the Rocky Mountains, or even further west. (Cornell Ornithology Lab Information)
Actually it’s kind of amazing this small bird was even found. It’s hanging out at the end of Park Point in an area with tons of blooming shrubs, and some protection from Lake Superior’s strong northeast winds. Quite the celebrity … this little bird … while I was there four people from the Twin Cities arrived (175 miles to our south) just in the hopes of seeing this beautiful bird.
Calliope Hummingbird (2 Videos … preening and sitting … the bouncing branches courtesy of Lake Superior’s strong winds, even in a protected thicket)
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Some still images of the Calliope Hummingbird
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Finally … An American Redstart (lots of color in the Northwoods!)
I’ve been working upon on a major update to my bird, wildlife and landscape video page index. The update is finally completed! See all my videos via this page on my blog … from Black Bears to Bobolinks! In the meantime here are my two latest videos, both taken within the past two weeks.
Northern Lapwing in Scotland
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Sanderlings on a Lake Superior beach (Minnesota Point)
