Today was a great migration day … just not perhaps for hawks. Okay, I understand that Spruce Grouse do not migrate, but if you enjoy seeing amazing spectacles spend some time on the North Shore of Lake Superior between Duluth’s Lester River and Two Harbors. Folks already know I like Stony Point, but today anywhere along Scenic 61 resulted in amazing numbers where one found the combination of:

• Protection from the strong NW Wind
• Flowers
• Safe place to stop your car

The strong NW wind blew both monarchs and dragonflies down against the shore in amazing numbers. In a few minutes one might see “tens” of monarchs & dragonflies. While most people know that Monarchs are long distance migrants, dragonflies are also migrating and often fly 80 to 100 miles south in one day. Eventually the monarchs reach Mexico (may take multiple generations); conversely dragonflies reach ponds in American’s Deep South through Central America. Once again this is a multiple generation migration. When the right pond presents itself, dragonflies lay eggs and their offspring will eventually fly north to Boreal ponds. Read more about the dragonfly migration via the Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center in NE Minnesota.

Oh yes … Spruce Grouse. Now is the time for the Moose rut. This morning I was inland well away from Two Harbors on boggy back roads well before sunrise. I was looking for Poppa Moose in various locations where I already know Bullwinkle hangs out. However, I saw no moose … just Spruce Grouse (which do not migrate).

Finally … this Pileated Woodpecker near my house wanted its photograph taken. I obliged.