Tag Archives: WI North: NW Wisconsin

Grassland Shorebirds

Year 10

Sounds like a naming conflict, but not! On this last day of Spring I drove over to the Wisconsin Grasslands (quite different habitat from the Boreal Forest near my home). I enjoyed seeing the bug eating grassland birds which are normally the last to arrive in the Northland, and the first to leave. While most shorebirds hang out near bodies of water, a smaller number of species call the grasslands their home. The Upland Sandpiper and Killdeer are two such birds. Unfortunately as grasslands have disappeared across North America, the Upland Sandpiper is becoming more rare.

Thus, I was thrilled this morning when not one, but two sandpipers perched on fence posts only ten yards from my car (see map for location … must be a nesting pair). In addition, there were lots of Killdeer at the Cloverland Town Hall area. In fact, driving any back road slowly in this region will yield fun finds. I saw Indigo Buntings, Eastern Meadowlarks, Bobolinks and many, many more species. Take Wisconsin Hwy 13 towards Bayfield, which is the first exit after you leave Superior on US Hwy 53/2.

 

Killdeer at Cloverland Town Hall

Upland Sandpiper

TakeOff and Flight (I thought I had perhaps spooked the bird, but it actually flew over to within ten yards of me, and then its mate flew up from the grass and landed on the next nearest fencepost. Some years I am lucky to see even one of these birds, and today I had the happy couple within ten yards!)

Buy a Vowel Birding!

Year 9,

I forgot to utilize “Buy a Vowel Birding” over the past few days. Many Arctic birds are now visitors near the Head of Lakes, including the first Snowy Owls of the season (one in Superior, and one in Ashland). I went looking for the Snowy Owl in Ashland, but missed seeing the bird. I know the owl is still in the area. I forgot to buy a vowel … the letter “Y” (sometimes a vowel) to make Snowy.

  • I found Snow Geese
  • I saw lots of Snow Buntings
  • I missed seeing the Snow”y” owl.

Anyhow, the other snow birds from the past two days.

Snow Bunting (these birds are some of the first to migrate back north in February)

Snow Geese (two very unusual morphs in terms of their coloration)

I also went out birding this morning which was the Deer Hunting Opener. One should never be worried about birding during hunting season. Just use common sense:

  1. If you are birding the Boreal Forest and its bogs, you won’t find many hunters. Deer do not like bog habitat. Thus, deer hunters do not like bog habitat
  2. Should you bird areas that are deer habitat, ensure you bird 2+ miles from any location where trucks and SUV’s are parked.
  3. Wear Blaze Orange or Bright Red
  4. You will be safer in the woods, that most cities!

Blue Moons and Birds!

Year 2,

I consider myself lucky to live in the Northland. Photographic opportunities abound, and the day of the Blue Moon was no different (Friday, July 31st). After a session with my kingfisher family, I awaited moonrise and sunset. In both instances, my photoshoot locations were Northland Rivers that provided my both beauty and opportunity.

Over the past week I’ve had fun watching the kingfisher kids on the Lester River at the edge of Duluth. Between London Road and Superior Street along 61st Avenue East there are a number of ravine overlooks. Kingfishers, a bird which spooks very easily, occationally don’t look up which thus provides me my photo ops!

Finishing with the kingfishers, I drove over to the Amnicon River just outside of Superior Wisconsin. Located high above the river is the Davidson Windmill. This windmill was completed in 1904 by Finnish immigrants to the area. Thanks to the use of PlanIt! I knew when and where the moon would be rising … thus the reason for my trip to the local windmill.

The Kingfisher Kids
Y2-M07-Lester-River-Kingfishers-5 Y2-M07-Lester-River-Kingfisher-2

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Blue Moon!
Davidson-Windmill-Blue-Moon