Tag Archives: MN North: Two Harbors Highlands

Birding the Greenwood Forest Fire Region (2 years post fire)

Year 10, ,

Two years ago there was a HUGE forest fire 40 miles north of Two Harbors. While it will take a long time for the pines to grow back, nature is already beginning to recover. Wednesday I drove up Lake County #2 to the McDougal Lake area, which was ground central in terms of the burn area. It was amazing to drive the back roads and see the amount of greenery that has reappeared.  While I did not find any moose, I am certain these majestic creatures are enjoying feasting on the new growth. Last month I did spy a bull moose just south of the burn area. It is also apparent that Black-Backed Woodpeckers have now very much moved into the area judging by the amount of bark stripped off burned trees. My hope is this fall will see Northern Hawk Owls establish a presence in the burn area. They are another bird which loves this burned over habitat.

My favorite sighting of the excursion was this Ruffed Grouse totally mixed up as to the season. Although he was courting his lady love, now is NOT the time to start a family (do we males wen it comes to love ever pay attention to the rules!!?)

I saw quite a few Red-Tailed Hawks hunting in the wildfire area.

Earlier in the morning I stopped to take a sunrise photograph of the Langley River. If you’re interested in seeing this river during the other seasons, browse to this post.

On the way home I birded Two Harbors to Duluth along Scenic 61. Bluebirds and Horned Larks were very much present and migrating. Guess what the bluebirds were using for bug hunting perches?!

Northeastern Minnesota Big Bird Month: October

Year 10,

Data collected over the years up at Hawk Ridge (about 600 feet up and 1/2 mile over from my house) indicates that October is “Big Bird Month” (my name for October). Check out Hawk Ridge’s migration data and you can see if you agree, or disagree with me. However, I am one birder who does not spend much time up at Hawk Ridge. While up at The Ridge may see thousands of hawks but from a distance, I prefer “close up and personal” down below. Thus, this time of year means I take lots of birding drives from my house up to Two Harbors and inland. Lake County 2 heading north from Two Harbors is a favorite of mine, followed by various roads uphill from the lake between my house and Two Harbors (Clover Valley … North … Korkki Nordic … Shore Community School area).

Here are a few pics from the past few days, including this morning …

A Horned Lark Gets its Worm

Broad-Winged Hawk

Wile.E.Coyote

Immature Bald Eagle

Beauty in the Countryside

Year 10, ,

Life has been good to this intrepid wildlife lover over the past 48 hours. If viewing the wildflowers (Black Eyes Susans now appearing) as I cruise and walk the backroads and trails were not enough, beautiful birds keep jumping in front of my camera. One HUGE thing I love about northern Minnesota is the serenity and peacefulness I experience. It is not unusual to drive or hike for over 30 minutes without seeing another car on the road or human on the trail. In addition, no matter what you think you may see, nature provides a different playlist. Yesterday evening while birding an old apple farm just before sunset I was hoping to see Barred Owls I know live in the area. However, much to my surprise male Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers kept landing on fence posts a short distance away. I spent over 20 minutes with the sapsuckers!

Of course my own Great Horned Owls have entered into the equation. In the last 48 hours I have taken four hikes in the Lester / Amity Forest, and found the owls every time. The youngsters are now screeching softly as they beg for a meal.  Thus, if you recognize the sound it really helps find the owl family. In addition, the thimbleberry plants where I hike have leafed out and often provide evidence of owl whitewash on green leaves. Two evenings ago I found Mom Owl based upon the whitewash on the thimbleberry plants at the base of a white pine. I stopped, stared up and guess who was staring right down at me?!  I then paid attention to which way mom owl was looking most of the time and the location of one of the owlets was revealed 100 yards distant. 

Of course, even “ugly” can be beautiful. It would appear Turkey Vulture young have fledged if the number of vultures I am seeing now is any indication … and yes … turkey vultures can be beautiful!

Finally, did I mention wildflowers. Apparently Ruffed Grouse also like flowers. I think these yellow flowers are a kind a pea plant that grows commonly up here in the Northland on the sides of the road.

I was out this morning and had more unexpected finds, but that is a story for tomorrow! I need to work on the photographs I took this morning. Stay tuned …