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Birding
Birding here
in the Northwoods has quickly become one of our favorite activities.
This is especially true in the winter when there is less foliage
on the trees. Winter provides us with a unique setting in which
to see and hear our feathered friends. The Superior National
Forest offers an abundant variety with more than 155 known species
nesting here each spring. Be sure to bring along your binoculars
or camera whenever you take a walk in the area.
Early
spring is undoubtedly the most exciting and rewarding birding
time for us - the beauty and song of the birds as they return
home to our Northwoods is glorious. For us, one of the first
signs of spring is the return of our loons to Bear Island Lake.
We have been fortunate to have a pair of them nesting right
below the lodge. Eagles are frequently spotted soaring overhead
or perched upon the rock as they sample their catch-don't be
surprised if you see a daring gull gliding nearby. Another regal
favorite is the Pileated woodpecker featured below:
In the winter
many of our birds migrate. However, guests have been treated
to visits from the pine grosbeak, evening grosbeak, black-backed
woodpecker, nuthatch, chickadee, LeConte's sparrow and blue
jays. The gray jays have been known to eat from our hands. During
a stroll through the woods, be sure to listen to the whooshing
sweep of a snowy owl overhead.
There
are numerous birding and wildlife sites nearby. Here are some
of our favorites:
Sax-Zim
Bog - South of Eveleth: This is thought to be one of the
best birding locations in the Midwest. Three wildlife management
areas, public, and private land play host to snow owls, northern
hawk owls, northern shrike, sedge wren, LeConte's sparrow, yellow-bellied
flycatcher, upland sad pipers, boreal chickadee, snow bunting,
gray jay, cross bills, redpolls and gray owls. Easy access road
and trails.
Bear Head
State Park - Near Soudan: The wildlife viewing possibilities
here include bald eagles, moose and deer. Eagle nesting areas
are marked and easily accessible. The park also offers twenty-six
miles of scenic hiking trails and cross-country ski trails along
with boat and canoe access.
Great Scott
Wildlife Area - Near Buhl: This beautiful wetland area is
located approximately 10 miles from Virginia. Bring binoculars
for an the opportunity to migratory waterfowl, loons, osprey
and eagles. The area has walking access only.
Big Aspen
Recreation Area - Near Britt: The US Forest Service area
offers twenty miles of hiking, ATV, cross-country ski trails
and challenging mountain bike trails. With scenic overlooks
of Rice River Valley, the trail system travels through tall
pine and hardwood forests. A diversity of wildlife and birds
can be seen.
Grouse Dancing
Grounds - Near Palo/Cook: Watch the intriguing rituals of
sharp-tailed grouse from observation blinds maintained by the
Minnesota DNR. The primitive ritual of ventriloquial cooing
is a stirring event to witness.
Peloquin
Wildlife Area - Near Nashwauk: Two small reservoirs, one
with an observation platform, offer viewing of beavers, muskrats,
river otters, waterfowl and other wildlife. The platform provides
excellent viewing of waterfowl migration in April and May.
"Superior
National Forest .... one of the top 100 globally bird areas"
- American Bird Conservancy
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