The wind is blowing strongly out of the northwest, which means fall migration is upon us. Actually, birds have been migrating south since July, but strong NW winds in September and October mean birds being pushed against Lake Superior on their southward journey. As most birds don’t want to head out over the lake, birding near the lakeshore can bee excellent. Remember … think migration highways!

This morning I took one of my favorite autumn birding drives, which I document here for you. This route is excellent because of the birds, natural beauty, and low traffic volumes. In late September one gets to add Autumn colors into the equation. Here are two screenshots of my route, and  GPS way points:

All links in these directions are Google Maps waypoints. Make CERTAIN you take this birding drive IN THIS DIRECTION! The sun will be behind you in the early morning.

• Start in Two Harbors
  • Fall birding stops
    • Lake View Cemetery
    • Two Harbors Waterfront
    • Lake View National Golf Course
    • Flood Bay State Wayside
    • Note: These birding stops are hit or miss. The golf course’s birding gets better after golfers hang it up for the year.
• Turn left inland onto Lake County #3 at the mouth of the Stewart River
  • In late October through the winter, watch for Great Gray Owls on this road
  • Pay particular attention near any farm fields or boreal wetlands
  • Take a very short side jaunt onto West Castle Danger Road to bird Crow Creek. Immediately after the creek, reverse directions back to Lake County #3.
• Turn left onto East Alger Grade / Silver Lake Township #24 (towards Lake County #2)
  • Excellent dirt road (no need for 4 Wheel Drive or All Wheel Drive vehicles)
  • No logging trucks on this dirt road!
• Turn left onto Lake  County #2 (back towards Two Harbors)

As I drive back to Duluth, I like to drive past Stony Point (exit Two Harbors Expressway at Alseth Road), and then I take Scenic 61 back to Duluth. Get onto Stoney Point Drive at its northern end. Drive the short distance back to Alseth Road. Turn back (uphill) towards Scenic 61. With the right wave conditions, watch for surfers at Stoney Point.

This morning, I found this Sandhill Crane family on Lake County 3. I ALWAYS love birding freshly mowed hay fields in the fall. There was also a huge flock of Canada Geese feeding in the same field, but with no unusual additions to the flock (i.e. snow geese, etc.)