All posts by richardhoeg@gmail.com

Greenwood Creek Big Forest Fires

Year 12

I was up at the feeders yesterday morning, taking multiple hikes. When I started home I could tell the high winds and dry conditions had really expanded the forest fires. This morning I have now learned my birding area has been added to the evacuation zone. Stay Away from Lake County 2 and US Forest Service Road 11 (Town Line Road). Governor Walz has called out the National Guard (President Trump laid off US Forest Service firefighters earlier this spring). This image is very near where I was hiking yesterday. Prayers for folks who live in the region.

Sherburne National Wildlife Preserve Prairie’s Edge Wildlife Drive

Year 12

The family gathered in the Twin Cities to baptize our eighth grandchild, but as the younger generation when not at work (or school) tends to sleep in on weekends. Thus early mornings I could go birding and my choice both Saturday and Sunday was to visit the Sherburne National Wildlife Preserve (NW of the Twin Cities). I arrived both days around 7 am, and drove the seven mile dirt road loop. The wetlands and hardwoods makes for a birding Mecca. This time of year different birds are arriving back north from migration daily. This is an excellent place to visit from Spring through Fall. Here is the GPS Google Maps Link.

Just a few of the bird species I saw …

Belted Kingfisher (female)

Eastern Kingbird

Green Heron

Red-Winged Blackbird

Sandhill Crane (and blue-winged teal)

Yellow Warbler

My granddaughter’s baptism! (private ceremony before church)

Lake County 2 Highway Reconstruction

Year 12

As a fyi, Lake County 2 will be closed to all traffic at times this summer for reconstruction in the area south of Greenwood Lake. If you ever use this road to reach Ely or Isabella you should stay aware of the construction schedule. The posted detour will be over 50 miles! I will not be able to reach my Greenwood bird feeders; however the road is in horrible condition and needs this project.

Learn more via this article in the North Shore Journal.