I had not planned on spending much of the morning watching Yellow-Headed Blackbirds, but when the drizzle stopped and the sun shone at 7 am, how could I resist?! See yesterday’s post if you would explicit directions on how to find the Duluth Yellow-Headed Blackbirds. Anyhow, here are some photos from today’s session.
Hanging Out Looking for a Good Mate!
Are You Listening to Me?!
Shows Off the Wing Feathers
Yellow-Headed Blackbird Take-Off
They’re back! After not being around for a few years, Yellow-Headed Blackbirds are back nesting on Mud Lake (St. Louis River backwaters). Our group of five was treated to great views from as close as 10 yards. We lost track of the number of males, and saw several recently arrived females which were being actively courted. Leaving the pull out at 7:05 am for the 20 minute hike was perfect timing. As we arrived at the colony the males increasingly stopped their morning feed and started advertising for a mate!
Directions:
We also saw a pair of courting Green Herons and an Osprey fishing as well as many other birds. The birding excursion was fun for everyone and I will host more of these events later in the Spring / Summer.
Here are some photographs from this morning:
Yellow-Headed Blackbirds looking for a mate
Yellow-Headed Blackbird (female)
Some more pics of the guys!
For the first time in years, Yellow-Headed Blackbirds seem to be reestablishing a breeding territory at Mud Lake (St. Louis River). Folks often ask to bird with me. At 7 am on Tuesday morning, June 1st, I will meet at the pull-out on the left at one faces Wisconsin just before the Oliver Bridge in an attempt to see the blackbirds. In addition rails, soras and bitterns are being seen in that area. Anyone is welcome to join me. Stout shoes for walking the RR tracks out into Mud Lake are recommended. The RR tracks are not in use.