I drove the Greenwood Forest Fire Area (see map) from the RR Tracks just north of Greenwood Lake, to Mn #1. Even though there are some hot pockets in the backcountry, Lake County 2 is open (not the back roads). I was interested to see the effect of a 26,000 acre fire, and determine if any birds were present (saw zero birds). In the past this area was good for Spruce Grouse and other Boreal birds. My intention is to bird this area over the months and years to come … determining how fast the forest regrows and birds repopulate same. I did submit an eBird report for my excursion using the Lake CR 2–Sand River hot spot. My expectation is by next summer Black-Backed Woodpeckers will move into the area.
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Here is the actual area I birded … from the out of service RR Tracks a bit north of Greenwood Lake to Mn Hwy 1 (16 miles roundtrip). Let me stress I only drove Lake County 2 which is legal & open to all traffic, and at no time was anywhere near fire fighting crews.
Terrifying to think of zero birds in such a large area! Thanks for your concern in checking. I know the birds will return, but am thinking of all the huge fire areas around the country & world & how many animals lose their homes. 😢
many thanks for going there and for keeping records of regrowth and birds returning.