I have relatives in town, and they would like me to take them birding. A few questions on my part of them determined my habit of hiking well off trail and bushwhacking was perhaps not the best idea for a “more casual birdwatchers!”. Thus, this morning starting at 5:30 am I started my “pre-birding hikes”. My first target bird are Merlin fledglings. However both a drive to a known Merlin location, and a 16 mile bike ride along the shore both failed to turn up any youngsters. I may still be a bit early for Merlin chicks, but when they become a bit older their screeching gives them away from a HUGE distance. My third strike out this morning was an attempt to find my owls. However, at least my hike in the woods was almost mosquito free.

My final search was to check the Western Waterfront Trail and discover the status of my nesting Red-Headed Woodpeckers. Originally I thought it might be a bit early for seeing youngsters poking their heads out of the nest hole, but I checked my July posts from last year. The woodpecker chicks should be shortly announcing themselves to the world.

As a reminder, anyone planning on visiting / birding northern Minnesota, might be well advised to check their target months on my blog. My archive stretches back to January 2014, and may be easily viewed my your target month. July from last year reminded me that the Red-Headed Woodpecker chicks would soon be sticking their heads out of the nest hole. Depending upon the platform upon which you are viewing my blog (phone, tablet, or PC), the date archive moves around, but it is a prime object either in the right margin or bottom of the my blog.

In July, one of the best ways to bird is by ear. Chicks in the nest often make a commotion, and help one learn where to look. I walk trails, stopping frequently to listen.

Red-Headed Woodpecker (image taken around noon today)