Minnesota Trip Report

Minnesota Trip Report

By Andy Bankert

Five lucky birders got to take the trip of a lifetime up to northern Minnesota and Wisconsin this Christmas break. The main attraction was the enormous invasion of northern owls that had errupted into the bogs north of Duluth. Other amazing birds were also prime attractions, as winter finches and woodpeckers were likely suspects and much wanted birds for all. We spent five days birding and every day every person got at least one lifer. Altogether, excellent looks at many of the lifers seen on the trip made it a trip we were not soon going to forget.

On the way from Madison to Duluth the group planned to make a short stop for Greater Prairie Chicken near Steven’s Point, Wisconsin. Our short stop lasted for about three hours and took us through many snow-covered fields, and by one very angry feeder watchers house. Less than a half-hour after getting yelled at, our driver spotted a large flock of birds on the ground. As we advanced, a group of about ninety chickens flew from the ground up into a group of trees. Finally, the group was pleased, and proceeded to the hotel in Duluth. After arriving at the hotel, we met up with another group of birders who would be traveling with us up to Ely the next day.

Dawn was spent on Lake County Road 2 along with five other groups. The one bird in everyone’s mind was Spruce Grouse. Only Ruffed Grouse were seen that day, but several species of finches were seen. Some finches included Pine Grosbeak, Red Crossbill, and Common Redpoll. Once the hope was lost for Spruce Grouse on Road 2, the group moved on to Spruce Road. A few Gray Jays came over to visit us, and we rewarded them with cookies and oatmeal. While investigating an area where Boreal Chickadees have bred in the past, somebody heard the tapping of a woodpecker. After a minute someone called, “Black-backed Woodpecker!” Observing the woodpecker’s back, we noticed some barring. This was not a Black-backed, it was an American Three-toed. When everyone was pleased with their new life bird, the group moved on. The only plans for the afternoon were to hit a few feeders in the city of Ely. Bohemian Waxwing and Evening Grosbeak were basically the only noteworthy species.