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

Minnesota Point, also known as Park Point, is an excellent place to hike and enjoy the morning sun. Shortly after dawn I hiked out to the Superior entry through thick pine forests, and along beach dunes looking out over Lake Superior. For folks who like birding, Minnesota Point can be an excellent spot as birds work their way along the “longest freshwater sand bar” in the world. This morning I found huge flocks of blue jays working their way along the point during their northward migration. Yellow-shafted flickers were also making their presence known as their call echoed through the woods. It was a great morning.

Yellow-Shafted Flicker Singing to the Sun!

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An Early Morning Row on the Harbor

One makes one own luck!

I spent almost 1/2 hour this afternoon slowly getting close to a flock of Goldeneyes at the end of the Duluth Interstate Bridge. This Goldeneye trio swam to the end of an open water channel, and were blocked by ice. They had three options: turn around, dive or fly. I hoped for the third option and was rewarded! It’s nice to have open water again.

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The Approach

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The Take-Off

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Frozen in Flight!