Working the Wetlands!

During the earlier stages of the migration here in northern Minnesota, it seems as if spending times in the wetlands yields more birds. Thus, over the past few days I have visited both the Roy Johnson Wetlands near Cloverland, Wisconsin … and the Big Bog north of Upper Red Lake, Minnesota. My final wetland visit was northwest of Floodwood while driving home last evening where I saw my first ever wolverine (on the forest edge near the wetlands).

I think I gave this White Pelican a few extra hours of life. Stumbling across this bird on the shores of Upper Red Lake, I scared up two bald eagles and this pelican … which I first thought was dead. I am rather certain it had just been taken down by the eagles. The pelican’s wings looked really messed up and it was collapsed on the shore when I first found it.

Over near Cloverland, I had fun watching some Greater Yellowlegs and Barn Swallows near a small pond. A few Barn Swallows seemed to actually do some “shore fishing” for bugs.

Finally, here is my first photograph (a bit fuzzy) of a Northern Harrier. I love watching them hunt, but they are extremely difficult to both get near and capture an image.

3 thoughts on “Working the Wetlands!

  1. Hi Richard, I’ve been enjoying your blog! My husband and I will be visiting Northern Minnesota in early June. Any birdwatching recommendations?

    1. By early June the migration should finally be over here in northern Minnesota, bit birds should still be singing on territories. One of my favorite spots at that time of year to see meadowlarks, bobolinks, snipes, and other birds is the Roy Johnson Mitigation Wetlands on hwy #13 next to the Cloverland municipal building (Wisconsin). Arrive by 90 minutes after Sunrise, or earlier.

      Another favorite early summer spot is the forestimate fire burn area on Tomahawk Road off of MN #1 (NW of Isabella). The forest fire area is 18 miles in via a logging road, but the road is in good shape and one does not need a four wheel drive car. Once again, arrive within an hour after sunrise.

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