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. While canoeing on the Bear Island River JR and Marie were treated to a 15 minute aerial show performed by three eagles. 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

We are pleased to be a Members of
Audubon and the National Wildlife Foundation.