Tag Archives: MN South: Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge

Birds that Hide from the Wind!

Year 9,

Essentially that would be all birds. Over the past two days winds swung to being out of the south with gusts over 40 mph. The remaining migration came to a screeching halt, and birds that were in the area tried to forage and feed in areas protected from the wind.

Yesterday I had to go down and back to the Twin Cities for an appointment, and I made certain to leave long before sunrise such that I could circle in to Minneapolis from the Northwest. This allowed me to visit the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge. I made two circuits of Wildlife Drive, and the ONLY place I found songbirds was where they could hide somewhat from the wind.

Wind Blown Bluebird

I also found some lazy Sandhill Cranes which even after 10 am had not made their escape to the local farm fields for foraging.

This morning I was north of Two Harbors exploring some new back roads. I was looking for nice bog areas which should be great spots once the owl season is upon us. This Bald Eagle was kind enough to take off in front of some spruce … rather that busy deciduous trees.

Fog Bound Birding

Year 7

When I left the house before sunrise yesterday morning there were beautifully clear skies, but as the temperature dipped to 26F with calm winds ground fog appeared at my targeted wetlands. Although I could not see much, I felt able to hike without much pain for the first time since my bicycle crash. Thus, I headed off into the mist. Birds were few and far between at first (or at least I could not see them!). I could hear Sandhill Cranes and Trumpeter Swans calling through the mist.

It was a beautiful, eerie morning. I did not see another human, animal or bird during my foggy hike … at least till the fog lifted and I found these Canada Geese at a small pond.

Green Heron Day!

Year 7,

Yesterday was a great day … another successful eye treatment which continues to prevent my going blind, and a fantastic dawn visit to Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge. If you live in the NW Twin Cities this refuge MUST be on your bucket list. It is approximately 25 miles north of Elk River, and there a great trails and the Prairie’s Edge Wildlife Drive.

I utilized the wildlife drive yesterday morning, and although most of the grassland birds have already migrated south, the number of water birds was amazing. In addition, the water levels are down in the wetlands which really congregated the fishing birds. I don’t think I have ever seen so many Great Herons. I lost track of the numbers.

I really liked all the dead snags and their shapes.

Green Herons

While Pelicans

Bald Eagle (there was a pair of Bald Eagles trying to catch Cormorants)

I also found this image on my camera from a trip to the Joyce Estate one week ago. This Common Merganser Family was quite wet due to the morning fog. They never saw me till they swam within 5 yards.

Spending a sunrise on the wildlife drive was heavenly. I felt so blessed to have my eyesight and to be able to watch nature. Even better, not another person used the dirt road for the two hours I was birding. It was all mine! Upon getting back to my daughter’s house, my wife and I took our four grandchildren who live in Plymouth bicycle riding. The day ended with frozen pizza and a glass of Chardonnay back in Duluth. Life is good!