A Migration Ride on Lake Superior’s NE Wind: Plovers, Willets and Yellowlegs

Year 2

The fall shorebird migration is in full force riding yesterday’s strong NE wind off Lake Superior. These birds spend very little time on their northern breeding grounds in the Arctic and Sub-Arctic, and are now working their way south to the Gulf Coast, Central and in some cases South America. Over the past two days in the Duluth area, we have had significant rainfall which has turned the playing fields at the end of Park Point (also known at Minnesota Point) into a large wetlands / puddles which are a perfect bug hunting area for shorebirds.

A Willet
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Lesser Yellowlegs
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Black-Bellied Plover
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Backyard Birding

Year 2

We birders / photographers often make the mistake of travelling miles to find and take pictures of birds. We need to remember that our own back yards are often a great spot to spend time. The last two evenings at golden hour I have sat outside, hiding myself in the tall grass. Thus, it was possible to insure I was birding when the light was perfect. My local birds did not disappoint!

First the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird photograph which I have been trying to get for weeks:
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In the second instance I watched a house wren learning to hunt. Perhaps the conversation went something like this:

Immature House Wren learning to hunt bugs:

1. Find dead birch tree
2. Put head in hole to look for bugs
3. Flash one wing to scare bugs
4. Eat supper.

Mom, is that right?!

Answer: No … first flash both wings … then find scared bugs in hole.
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Birding Duluth’s Industrial Past

Year 2

Let the fall migration begin! While one might not expect to find beautiful birding areas in the old industrial heartland of West Duluth, this is in fact exactly what one will find … gorgeous areas where one may spend hours without being disturbed by another human.

This morning I found two flocks of Least Sandpipers out at the end of the abandoned pier off Waseca Industrial Blvd Rd. In addition there were lots of warblers, cedar waxwings, and hummingbirds present. Better yet, the hike out to the end of the pier is a wildflower lover’s dream. Just park in the “ugly” abandoned pier; walk across a mucky connector path, and then you will hike amongst grass and wildflowers often over six feet tall! Take a look at the “map” for more directions, but follow the old tire ruts. It will lead you ultimately up into a grove of trees and to the end of the pier. Don’t miss checking out the opening in the grove of trees at the end of the pier … lots of wildflowers, milkweed,  and berry producing trees. The birds love this spot.

Least Sandpipers … first fall migrants … off to Central and South American
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Directions to the Abandoned Pier
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