Tag Archives: MN North: Two Harbors Highlands

North Shore Community School Birding

Year 9

Somehow I don’t believe I have ever blogged about birding the “North Shore Community School“, or “North Shore Elementary” (Google Maps Link). This charter school which is about midways between Duluth and Two Harbors, but inland from the lake, has a mission statement which reads: “NSCS’S mission is to excel in connecting our students’ academics and learning with their natural and social environments in a nurturing community setting.”

Given the schools location with open fields nestled amongst the Boreal Forest, and their focus at having superb wildflower gardens and other natural resources, at any time of the year the school attracts birds. Right now if you walk slowly around the school, viewing all the beautiful wildflower gardens in full bloom, you will find large numbers of birds trying to feed their fledglings. I had a great time yesterday afternoon birding at the school after completing a bike ride  which I had started and finished from their parking lot. If you bird the school, don’t just focus your attention on the gardens. Birds will be using fences, playground equipment, soccer nets, etc as bug ambush sites.

Bluebirds Fledglings … Soon to be Blue!

Dad

Female Baltimore Oriole

Eastern Kingbird

John Beargrease Sled Dog Race 2022

Year 9

Before there were roads on the North Shore, and after the winter shipping season on Lake Superior ended each year due to ice, there was John Beargrease!

“For almost twenty years, between 1879 and 1899, John Beargrease and his brothers delivered the mail between Two Harbors and Grand Marais by sled dog team. With the limited equipment available and loads weighing as much as 700 lbs. The trip was made once a week…an incredible feat for one man to accomplish especially when you consider the constant range of altitude along the shore.” (read more via JohnBeargrease.Com)

Now each winter the sled dog race marathon honors this Anishinabe Native American. This afternoon the race started in rural Duluth. In a few days the marathon will end after 400 miles … up the shore of Lake Superior on the Grand Portage Indian Reservation (this tribe is the major sponsor of the race). The mushers are both male and female, and there is only “one race” (not one for men, and one for women).

Molly and I watched the mushers and their teams for two hours late this morning. Although the trail itself is packed, once you step even inches to the side one is in thigh deep snow! A great time! All of these photos were captured using a wide angle, non telephoto lens. I am standing within a foot of the trail.

Two Different Sled Dog Teams (maximize these photos to get the full effect)

Jennifer Freking: #9

Alice White: #2

A Short Video (50 seconds … slomo of final team)(link for email subscribers)

Langley River Road

Year 8,

Everyone in Minnesota seems to know about the Gunflint Trail, and most likely the Sawbill Trail. While both of these roads are gorgeous, you need to drive way north before heading inland. There is an option much closer to Duluth. Take Lake County #2 north out of Two Harbors for 21 miles. Turn left onto Langley River Road and enjoy a true wilderness drive. The road was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the mid 1930’s, and it is very unlikely you will see even one other car (exceptions being hunting seasons). The dirt road is in excellent shape, and does not require four wheel or all wheel drive. Actually, drive 600 yards past the turn for the road. You will reach the Lake County 2 bridge over the Langley River where you may stop and enjoy the view. I took this photograph just minutes after the sun came above the treetops this morning.

Here is a map. Follow the loop indicated and enjoy your drive. This area is often a good region for watching Great Gray Owls in the late Fall and early Winter. Please note the road is NOT plowed in the winter.

I have also done some birding in the past 24 hours. Bald Eagles are migrating through the area (they also nest in our region). I found this individual near my house. It had just snacked on “roadkill cafe” (dead skunk).

Finally, I always head to Forest HIll Cemetery during the duck migration. I never know what I will see, but the results are often good. This kingfisher caught a minnow while I watching.