Major Update to Minnesota Birding News

Background, Year 8

A major update has been implemented to the Minnesota Birding News Service (not an app anymore, but an online news service). Via this free service which I created two years ago and maintain for the Minnesota birding community, you are automatically informed (with a short synopsis of the new content) when any birding service from these categories posts new content:

  • Mn Bird Areas
  • Mn Bird Blogs
  • Mn Bird Orgs
  • USA Bird Blogs
  • USA Bird Orgs
  • Int’l Birding

Anyone already using the service should delete their content and download / install the OPML with today’s date (October 1, 2021).

For those of you who already have the service installed, there was a major change in Facebook’s format. Failure to replace your feeds will result in them failing to provide updates, if that in fact has not already happened.

Cemeteries and Septic Ponds: Ross’s Goose

Year 1,

Yup, I like to hang out at Cemeteries and Septic Ponds (Sewage Treatment Ponds). Yesterday afternoon I struck paydirt at the LakeView Cemetery in Two Harbors when I saw a rare northeastern Minnesota migrant, a Ross’s Goose.

This Ross’s Goose was hanging out with about 1,000+ of its Canadian buddies yesterday afternoon at the cemetery. While Ross’s and Snow Geese might be a common sight in the western Minnesota border region with the Dakotas, it is rare in NE Minnesota. If you wondered how I was able to get close to the goose with so many birds around, the answer is to NEVER walk directly towards a bird. I spent ten minutes walking in oblique, non direct lines towards the geese. They would look at me, but decide I was not a threat. I made sure to stop every few feet.

Later this morning I plan on driving up to the Castle Danger Sewage Treatment Ponds. I generally hike / bird the area outside the fenced in ponds. It is at Castle Dangle four years ago when I found / rescued Silver the Snowy Owl while hiking.

Even with my propensity to hang out at these aforementioned unusual locations, I was “bog bound” two mornings ago. The combination of heavy ground fog overnight, plus light winds in the first two hours after dawn led me to believe my favorite Great Gray Owl would be out hunting after sunrise as the fog cleared. I was not disappointed. It was beautiful to watch the owl hunt with all the fall colors around.

Langley River Road

Year 8,

Everyone in Minnesota seems to know about the Gunflint Trail, and most likely the Sawbill Trail. While both of these roads are gorgeous, you need to drive way north before heading inland. There is an option much closer to Duluth. Take Lake County #2 north out of Two Harbors for 21 miles. Turn left onto Langley River Road and enjoy a true wilderness drive. The road was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the mid 1930’s, and it is very unlikely you will see even one other car (exceptions being hunting seasons). The dirt road is in excellent shape, and does not require four wheel or all wheel drive. Actually, drive 600 yards past the turn for the road. You will reach the Lake County 2 bridge over the Langley River where you may stop and enjoy the view. I took this photograph just minutes after the sun came above the treetops this morning.

Here is a map. Follow the loop indicated and enjoy your drive. This area is often a good region for watching Great Gray Owls in the late Fall and early Winter. Please note the road is NOT plowed in the winter.

I have also done some birding in the past 24 hours. Bald Eagles are migrating through the area (they also nest in our region). I found this individual near my house. It had just snacked on “roadkill cafe” (dead skunk).

Finally, I always head to Forest HIll Cemetery during the duck migration. I never know what I will see, but the results are often good. This kingfisher caught a minnow while I watching.