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Monday, November 16, 2009 At about 8:30 PM, Diane saw three bucks chasing a doe, from the lake behind us to the middle of the college.

At about 8:30 that evening we heard the coyotes howling in the backyard, and a half hour later Diane saw 3 reddish half grown young ones, and a reddish adult and a gray adult. Lster she saw three bucks chasing a doe.

Saturday, November 14, 2009 Diane and I drove along Black Dog Road, Burnsville, MN where we saw Mallards, American Wigeons, Gadwalls, American Coots, giant Canada Geese, 1 Cackling Goose, 2 adult Bald Eagles and 1 two-year-old Bald Eagle, American Crows, a Red-tailed Hawk and a light phase red-tailed Hawk. All within a half mile of each other.

Monday, November 01, 2009 Diane and I went to the Cedar Avenue bridge, where people were seeing a "late" male Prothonotary Warbler - which we did not see. We saw several Bald Eagles, ranging from 1- 4+ years of age, Ring-billed Gulls and a Red-shouldered Hawk. At the pond east of the parking lot we saw several Giant Canada Geese Green-winged Teal, Mallards and Gadwalls.

As we drove over the Cedar Avenue Bridge, I saw about 20 swans on the lake east of the bridge, and south of the river. They could have been either Tundra's or Trumpeter's, but were too far away to identify.

We saw these same waterfowl on the ponds on Black Dog Road, east of the Cedar Avenue Bridge. West of the viewing platform we say a very pale Red-tailed Hawk I could not tell if it was a light morph bird, or a Krider's subspecies. The head was very light.

A half hour after we got home, I looked out the living room window, and spotted a mature Bald Eagle, soaring over Hwy, 52m about a half mile from the house.

Monday, October 026, 2009 I took a stroll through the park behind the house and was greeted by the scream f a Red-tailed Hawk. I heard White-breasted Nuthatch, Black-capped Chickadee, Blue Jay, and a late Eastern Bluebird. There were Mallards and Canada Geese, and some unidentified sparrows. I also saw some Coyote tracks.

The only flowers still blooming were white, pink and purple asters.

Wednesday, October 07, 2009 I finally felt well enough to go for a short walk in the park behind the house. The only flowers still blooming were a few spotted knapweed, which had been mowed down and then grown back, some white, pink and purple asters, a few goldenrod, and some yellow composite flower. At the larger pond there were about a dozen mallards, 50 giant Canada geese, and several bluebirds catching insects. Overhead a turkey vulture soared, and I caught a glimpse of the upper half of a very orange colored coyote.

Sunday, September 27, 2009 I've been pretty laid up for the last month, due to playing around with my meds, trying to find the right combination for my pain levels. We went for a short walk in the park yesterday, eastern bluebirds are still here, mallards and Canada geese have returned to the larger pond. There were several smaller birds in the treetops, but I could not identify them. Hopefully some of then were migrating boreal wood warblers. Pink blue and lavender asters are in bloom, along with he last of the goldenrods We are getting our first taste of sub 70 degree weather this week, and the leaves are starting to turn, the sumac is a beautiful scarlet.

Sunday, September 06, 2009 I've been down and out with medical problems for the last month, as we try to figure out which narcotics will alleviate my chronic pain, yet leave me functioning enough to enjoy life.

Anyhow, I took a short walk through the park, and found most of the previous wildflowers gone, replaced by yellow goldenrods. There were some black-eyed Susans, some spotted tickweed, and some lilac monardia, with 2-3 species of white flowers. Several mallards were feeding on one of the ponds, and I heard BC Chickadee, and crows, not much else. If I feel up to it we may swing by the Cedar Ave, Bridge and Blackdog Road - to see what is there. I suppose some migrating waterfowl and shorebirds could be showing up.

The bucks in the Arkansas Wildlife Activity Research Project, have shed their velvet, and are doing a lot of kicking, antler thrusts and chasing, as they she out their social hierarchy positions in preparation for the rut. I actually saw one buck rubbing a 4-6 inch tree this week. But, the bucks re not interested in following or chasing does year, which tells me the does are not in estrus yet. I expect the first ones to show signs of estrus in the next week or two. The bears are becoming more nocturnal, as hibernation season approaches. However, no one seem to know why this happens. The turkeys are starting to form larger flocks as fall approaches. And some fall waterfowl have shown up.

You can watch all of this yourself at UseeWildlife.com. It is the best live animal website on the internet.

Thursday, September 03, 2009 11:18 PM - The coyotes in the backyard made a terrible racket, howling for about two minutes. The way it sounded there must be at least 2 pups with the male and female, maybe more. Solunar Table time is 11:12 M to 1:12 AM, so there was a correlation. But this is the first time we have heard tem in a long time. And the closets they have ever been, probably in the meadow, no more than 200 yards away. It was very exciting.

Wednesday, August 05, 2009 I've been hearing Blue Jays, at least 2, right outside my window ll morning. Normally they are in the pine trees by the Library, about 1/4 mile away, along with the WB Nuthatches and BC Chickadees. But I have not seen them on the bird seed. I wonder what brings them over here today?

We have had Song Sparrows and Chipping Sparrows, along with Crows on the bird seed for the last week. Surprisingly the Mourning Doves do mot seem to have found it.

Tuesday, August 04, 2009 It is 1:49 AM, my face hurts and I guess the Eastern Bluebird in my backyard can't sleep either, because he keeps singing. I just checked the wildlife cameras in Arkansas. Not deer or bear sighted, but lots of raccoons and a couple of opossums. Yesterday I saw a male Blue Grosbeak sitting right next to and Indigo Bunting. It was quite the site for someone from Minnesota. Wish I had cameras where I could se Painted Buntings, I think they are fantastically beautiful.

Friday, July 31, 2009 2:30 The doe and her fawn were feeding in the meadow behind the house. The Solunar Table predicted feeding times were 8:02-10:02 AM and 8:27-10:27 PM,. I guess the deer did not get the note. Temp 76, Heat Index 78.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009 1:32 AM I heard the squawking of the GH Owl. 10:41 I heard at least a pair of Canada Geese in the pond behind the house. I heard them all day long, it appears they may have taken up summer residence on the pond.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009 12:47 I have a Red-tailed Hawk screaming out behind the house. I took a walk through the park, and the first meadow is now covered with lilac Mint, with a few Purple Coneflower, lots of lilac Spotted Tickweed, Purple Praire Clover, White Prairie Clover, Yellow Field Clover, White Field Clover, Red Clover, a tall spiky, lilac and fuchsia colored flower, plus yellow Black-eyed Susans, and another yellow composite flower. It is a beautiful sight.

I saw my first Yellow Swallowtail butterfly of the year there too. In the pines by the library I heard BC Chickadee, WB Nuthatch, and Blue Jay. Some unidentified specie of sparrow flew up from the depths of the flowers in the meadow, and I heard Song Sparrow and House Wren. .

 Saturday, July 25, 2009 3:32 AM, I'm checking the game cameras in Arkansas, and I hear the coyotes howling behind the house here n MInnesota. The Solunar Table predicts 2:42-4:42 as the best time for feeding activity, I guess the coyotes did not get the memo.

Thursday, July 23, 2009 1:16 Great Horned Owl calling outside my window. I'm watching a tall 10 point buck and a wide 8 point buck down in Arkansas, on the UseeWildlife.com cameras. 6:13 AM I put out bird seed a day and a half ago, of course the squirrels found it in a half a day, but we have our first bird this morning, a Chipping Sparrow. I hear Killdeer over by the school, have heard Blue Jay, Northern Cardinal, Brown Thrasher and Song Sparrow earlier. 6:55 Common Yellowthroat and Cardinal singing, and a White-breasted Nuthatch calling. .

I took a walk through the park the other day, and found a flower oddity, a black eyed Susan that had double petals, it was beautiful. I suspect that if collected the seed from this flower I could propagate double petaled Black Eyed Susan - which is how many double petaled species, such as roses, are propagated.

I walked through the park today, where I heard Song Sparrow, BC Chickadee, N Cardinal, House Wren, Mallard, WB Nuthatch, Robin, House Wren and added a Northern Flicker to my backyard bird list, which brings me up to 39 species seen or heard in the backyard.

8:30 There was a fight between a sow bear with 2 cubs and a big boar bear. The sow eventually let and the big bear is now chowing down at the feeder.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009 10:04 PM Doe and 2 fawns crossed the driveway to go to the gully. 11:31 PM Great-horned Owl calling in the back yard. 1:06 The Great-horned Owl is calling again.

Sunday, July 19, 2009 7:45 Diane just spotted a male House Finch (first time here), that makes 38 species seen or heard in the backyard.

I'm totally involved in this new Wildlife Activity Study, because I check the cameras every hour if I can. You can view the findings and latest conclusions here.

Monday, July 13, 2009 Solunar Table 4:12 - 6:12 AM, 4:32 - 6:32 PM, Sunrise 5:39, Sunset 5:57, Morning Twilight 5:03, Evening Twilight 9:33, Moon Rise 1:33 PM, Moon Set 12:00 PM, Full Moon

5:20 Tree Swallows are flying by my window.

7:00 I have a bear, 2 tom turkeys and a doe at the feeders in Arkansas, the temp is 56, wind 0, clear skies. Full moon correlation

10:00 AM, I'm seeing a lot of turkeys and deer, m ore than should be expected, but, there is a storm coming in. Temp 73, Humid 88, Dew point 70, Wind 13 mph E, Barom 29.94 rising. It may be the east wind, relatively lower temperature or dew point that is triggering this activity, or it could be the animals feel the Barometric Pressure Change occurring.

Sunday, July 12, 2009 Solunar Table 3:27 - 5:27 AM, 3:37 - 5:47 PM, Full Moon

12:44 AM 1 raccoon at the feeders in Arkansas, 3 6 point bucks. .

9:20 Doe and two fawns come out of the gully and go across the meadow. No correlation with the moon set or rise. Termp 65, humid 69, Dewpoint 55, wind 0, Barom 30.09 falling, twilight 5:02 Sunrise 5:38, moon rise 11:14, Full moon

8:10 PM The doe with two fawns is at the big pond. Temp 75, Heat Index 77, Barom 29.09 steady, wind 0, Sunset 8:57 twilight 9:53. Full moon (correlated) Solunar Table (no correlation)

Saturday, July 11, 2009 The Solunar Table 2:42 - 4:42 AM and 3:02 - 4:02 PM. Full Moon

At 2:39 AM a robin just called. 2:42 it just called again. Correlation. 2:50 AM I have 2 does, and a large raccoon and her 2 babies at feeder in Arkansas. Full Moon correlated.

4:36 The first Cardinal sounded off - a half hour late for the Solunar Table prediction, but right on cue for the normal twilight / sunrise time. 5:24 The Brown Thrasher is singing away. .

5:50 In Arkansas, I had 6 bucks and 2 does at on feeder, several raccoons, and one big, black, sleek, shiny, black bear. No correlation with the Solunar Table, about an hour late for it.

9:37 In Arkansas I have a bear on camera, a 6 point buck, a doe and 2 jake (1-year-old male) turkeys at another, and a sow black bear with 3 cute cubs at a third camera. Sometimes research can be both informative and entertaining, fun even,

At 2:00 in Arkansas, it was 97 degrees with a 107 degree Heat Index, and there are still two bears moving about, looking for food. You'd think they would wait to eat until after the sun goes down, and it cools off.

At 4:16 I heard a Red-tailed Hawk screaming. It must be sitting in a tree by the larger pond.

8:28 catbird calling and meowing outside my window. I'm just starring to see some deer and bears down in Arkansas.

Friday, July 10, 2009 After being up most of the night, watching the wildlife cameras in Arkansas, for my new wildlife research project, I slept until 9:30, checked the cameras again, and decided to go for a walk in the park. Not a great idea, It was 83 degrees, with 58% humidity, for a heat index of 86.

As I left the front door a Barn Swallow zipped by overhead, and then I saw a Great Egret. In the meadow there were a lot of flowers, in spite of the fact that we are down about 6 inches of rain for the years, and over 1 inch low for the month. There were golden Black-eyed Susan, white Daisy, some other gold flower, small yellow and small white flowers yellow , purple Lead Plant, Purple Coneflower, Purple Prairie Clover, narrow leafed Purple Clover, with a variant in a medium blue color (that I have never seen before), White Cover, Yellow Clover, Purple Vetch, yellow Bird's Foot Trefoil, a shrub that had delicate pink bells on it, a spreading ground plant with a yellow-orange flower, and tow types of purple flowered Thistle. It seems to be a yellow-purple season.

I also heard several Song Sparrows, several House Wrens, the one and only Common Yellowthroat, the one and only Brown Thrasher, Robins, Chickadees and two or three other species which I could not identify. Time to start listening to all of the calls on my North American Bird Photo and Calls List I guess -so I can identify those sounds.

At the cameras in Arkansas I was seeing an abundance of Black Bears from 9 to 10 AM. I don't know how it is down there, but I see no correlation with the Solunar Table, or any factor of the moon. When I see an abundance of animals - I like to figure out why. Maybe more sightings and m more data over the next few months will reveal an answer.

Thursday, July 09, 2009 The Solunar Table predicts 1230-12:30 for game activity. At 12:04 there is a Black Bear with three cubs at one of the feeders in Arkansas. But, by 12:20 they are gone - I guess they didn't read the memo. According to other members, night sightings of black bears is rare this time of the year, they often see them during the day, and near sunset. .

12: 25AM At another feeder there are 3 Whitetail bucks feeding, and several raccoons at other feeders.

12:50 Although I do have 2 bucks and a doe at the feeders in Arkansas, correlated with the Solunar Table, this activity falls within the normal movement times at midnight, sunrise, noon and sunset.

3:54 AM There are to big Whitetail bucks, 9 does, two Gray Foxes and an Opossum at the feeders in Arkansas. Solunar Table predicted time was over at 2:42 AM - I guess they did not get the memo. .At another feeder I have a 6 point buck and two does, one with a fawn.

4:30 still lots of deer at the feeders in Arkansas. This is well within normal deer activity time, which is from 2 hours before to 2 hours after sunrise and sunset. And I just heard the first bird here in our backyard, A Northern Cardinal.

 Wednesday, July 08, 2009 3:48 AM I'm up looking at the 8 cameras at UseeWidlife.com, working on our NEW WILDLIFE RESEARCH STUDY, counting the number of deer, raccoons, bears and opossums at the feeders in Arkansas, comparing the sightings to times, Solunar Table predictions, and weather, and I hear a coyote howl in our backyard, then several more howls, some of them high-pitched. It appears our coyotes have pups. Solunar Table 12:21 - 1:21 AM, no correlation, Mostly cloudy, temperature 64, winds 0, Barometer 29.84 steady, Full moon.

Down in Arkansas - I'm seeing very few deer (relative to what I saw at sunset) at the feeders, at the times predicted by the Solunar Table. My guess is (without graphing it yet) that there will be no peak in deer activity during the Solunar Table times. I am seeing a lot of raccoons and opossums throughout the night.

Tuesday, July 07, 2009 11:23 a Tree Swallow just landed in the tree outside my window. Either there is a nest close by, or they like to roost nearby, because I can hear them most of the day, on most days. And now the pair of White Breasted Nuthatches are calling close to the window too.

Monday, July 06, 2009 Diane and I took a walk through one of the meadows behind the house after she got off work at 4:30. Many of the flowers that were blooming last week, have been replaced by Purple Coneflower, Purple Clover, Purple Prairie Clover, Yellow Clover, white Ox-eye Daisies, white Fleabane, Purple Leadplant and other small white and yellow flowers. It was an enjoyable walk - with my wife. .

Sunday, July 05, 2009 At 4:50 AM the Northern Cardinal stated out with to-whit tu-whit tu-whit call, then after he got warmed up he switched wheet wheet wheet chew chew chew chew call. Anothr male is answering with just a chew chew chew chew. Now the first one is doing a che-woo che-woo che-woo call.

I also heard the House Wren, Eastern Bluebird and Robin. At 5:06 I heard the first Chipping Sparrow. At 5:11 I heard a Common Yellowthroat. At 5:15 I heard the first Song Sparrow. At 5:18 I heard a Brown-headed Cowbird. At 5:23 I heard an American Goldfinch. At 5:25 I heard the Great-crested Flycatcher. At 5:29 I heard a Crow and two Eastern Bluebirds are calling back and forth. At 6:10 I heard a Blue Jay and a Tree Swallow. A total of 13 different species heard between 4:50 AM and 6:10 AM.

I've logged on to the cameras at USeeWildlife.com and am seeing lots of deer and raccoons. Last night I caught a bear at one of the feeders.

There is a light fog over the meadow this morning, with a clear sky after last night's rain. Solunar Table 9:10 - 11:10. Temperature 54, wind 0, dewpoint 53, Barometer 29.97 steady. Sunrise 5:32, twilight 4:56

At 6:15 I took a walk through the park, where I heard the Common Yellowthroat, added the Brown Thrasher, Red-winged Blackbird, Blue Jay, White-breasted Nuthatch, Gray Catbird, and two Downy woodpeckers. Both the Great-crested Flycatcher and the Brown Thrasher were sitting in dead tree between the to ponds.

At the smaller pond I saw a Great Egret, a Great Blue Heron and a Green Heron (new). I got them all in the same photo.

21 bird species between 4:50 and 7:00 AM

There were a lot of wildflowers blooming in the meadow behind the house, including Purple Prairie Clover. Black-eyed Susan and Purple Coneflower.

And just as I was coming down the hill through the pines at 6:58, the doe caught site of me, turned around and trotted about 5 yards, until she could no longer see me. Knowing from my past experience with deer, that if you hold still for about three minutes, and they don't smell you, they will not realize what you are - I held still. Sure enough, the doe snorted in alarm, but did not run off, but ambled away in the other direction instead.

I saw her again, behind the house, as she ambled down the hill toward the pond, and I got a photo.

At 7:00 I heard two White-breasted Nuthatches, and at 7:17 the Brown Thrasher began singing. At 7:20 the Black-capped Chickadees began calling right behind the house. At 7:25 several Blue Jays began scolding. 7:41 Mourning Dove feeding on the driveway, Brown-headed Cowbirds in a tree and an unidentified bird singing. 26 species in the morning.

12:48 A Tree Swallow flew by, and I heard an American Goldfinch. At 1:39 I heard the cry of a Red-tailed Hawk. 28 Species for the day. 37 species seen or heard in the backyard.

7:33 At the UseeWildlife.com cameras in Arkansas I see a black bear with 3 cubs, and another bear. Also a Cardinal and Red-eyed Vireos singing.

7:35. The Great-crested Flycatcher is flying around the meadow, just outside our window.

Saturday, July 04, 2009 At 1:05 AM the doe crossed the driveway from the meadow to the gully. Solunar Table 8:20 - 10:20 AM, Astro Table 10:42 - 11:28 AM, No correlation.

At 9:45 M there were two song Sparrows, a Northern Cardinal, a female eastern Bluebird and a Mourning Cove sitting on the ground near the driveway. And I heard a Blue Jay and the Brown Thrasher calling. There was a male Goldfinch in a nearby bush.

Friday, July 03, 2009 When Diane got out of the car at about 10:00, something hissed at her from the woods. Having been hissed at before, by an Opossum, she believes it was an Opossum.

It is 1:11 AM and up until about 10 minutes ago, the Toads were still singing, but now I don't hear a single one. I had thought they were singing all night long, because I usually hear them in the morning. Solunar Table 7:35 - 9:35AM. Scattered clouds, temperature 58, wind 0, Barometer 30.03 rising,

At 4:32 AM the first American Robin and Eastern Bluebird began singing (they both belong to the thrush family). At 4:42 the first Northern Cardinal started singing, right outside my window. Sometimes all he gets out is the cheet or whew. Now he is doing a whew-whew-whew-whew, and then a wheet-wheet-wheet-wheet. Some of the Toads are starting to sing again. At 4:42 the Brown Thrasher and the House Wren started singing. At 5:01 I heard the first Song Sparrow. At 5:22 the first American Crow sounded off. At 5:27 the first Black-capped Chickadee called. At 5:36 I heard a Yellow Warbler. At 5:40 the Great-crested Flycatcher began calling. At 5:53 two White-breasted Nuthatchs began their brrrt call. At 6:02 I heard the first Red-winged Blackbird, and the first Gray Squirrel showed up. At 6:06 I had an unidentified bird singing, several times, and I got it on video, to put on YouTube.

A total of 13 different bird species sounded off in the backyard between 4:32 and 6:06m AM.I really enjoy listening to the birds in the morning. Solunar Table 7:35 - 935 AM. Scattered clouds, temperature 56, wind 0, Barometer 30.06 steady. Sunrise 5:31, twilight 4:54.

Thursday, July 02, 2009 At 10:31 I heard a Killdeer over by the school ball fields. At 10:48 I hear the Brown Thrasher singing, it is warmer than it has been. (it had been 55 and 62 degrees), but the wind was not correlated with non-singing (it had been 0 mph and 1 mph). Temperature 69 degrees, wind 0.

At 12:37 I heard an American Goldfinch (new) fly by my window.

At noon I went for a walk in the park. I heard Yellow Warbler (new), CommonYellowthroat (new) and a bird I could not identify, and saw Black-capped Chickadees in the pine grove, two Great Blue Herons and a Great Egret in one pond, and another Great Egret in the other pond. There was also a Red-tailed Hawk (new) soaring over the library.

Several of the wildflowers that were blooming the last two weeks including the purple Lupines, are no longer blooming, but they are replaced by several new species of wildflowers, such as yellow daisy like flowers and white Yarrow. There is also a thin leafed variety of Thistle.

I ate my first purple raspberries. They are a hybrid between red and black raspberries, often found at the edge of woods and meadows. Red raspberries are often found in wooded areas; black raspberries are often found in very open areas. They were just a bit on the "tart" side.

A 10:51 PM a Great Horned Owl is screeching outside the bedroom window. And it is being answered by another bird farther away.

At 6:51 the doe ran through the meadow, by the lone tree, from west to east. Something spooked her, probably the coyote. At 7:03 the fawn was in the meadow, gong form west to east, looking back, and then it ran in the same direction, along the same path as the doe. They will probably get separated, and will have to get back together, using some type of social contact call.

At 7:32 the doe was right outside the living room window, about 10 yards from the house. She walked west, then ran toward the are where she usually enters the west woods before crossing the driveway and going into the gully. She stopped near the woods, then walked across the meadow going northwest, and went into the woods above the lake. She was probably looking for the fawn, which had gone east.

At 7:41 there were two Mourning doves feeding on the driveway by the meadow. 31 bird species in the backyard.

Solunar Table 6:05 - 8:05, correlation. Cloudy skies, temperature 55, wind 1 mph wsw, Barometer, 29.82 steady. Full moon. Sunrise 5:30, twilight 4:53.

Tuesday, July 1, 2009 At 5:00AM the Northern Cardinal, American Robin, House Wren and Chipping Sparrow area actively singing in the backyard. Those birds seem to start singing right around daylight everyday. I think they start a little later when it is cloudy, due to the lower light factor. The Brown Thrasher seems to start later- I'll take note of when he starts today. If you have notes on weather conditions that affect bird behavior, especially singing - e-mail me at TRMichels@yahoo.com

I'm also logged on to USeeWildlife com, watching their eight cameras and listening to the birds in Arkansas. Right now I hear American Robin, Killdeer and at least three species of frogs and toads singing. There are also raccoon and deer at the feeders.

Last night I saw black bears, gray foxes and several deer at the feeders. I've seen and heard a wide variety of birds on their cameras too. If you can't hear birds where you are, or can't watch deer, squirrels and rabbits where you are, you can get your "wildlife fix" on their cameras.

Here in Minnesota the Crows are mobbing, cawing loudly - I'm guessing they have spotted the coyote, since they quit within a few minutes of starting. When they see an owl or hawk, they generally caw angrily for several minutes, because they keep the bird in sight for along time.

5:39 I just heard the Great-crested Flycatcher for the first time.5:46 Chipping Sparrow. 5:48 Eastern Bluebird. 5:50 Northern Oriole. 5:53 Blue Jay.

By 8:50 I still had not heard a note from the Brown Thrasher. The temperature is 56 degrees, the wind is 3 mph from the NW with gusts up to 13 mph. I have to wonder if it is not too cold for the thrasher to sing.

Since my research studies on deer, turkey and ducks and geese suggest that the activity of those animals is affected by the meteorological conditions of the day - I have to wonder if meteorology affects how active birds are going to be (including singing),and when and where they will be active. I suspect, since Thrashers like to sing from a high, fairly open limb, that the wind speeds may have contributed to its unwillingness to sit out in the open on a swaying perch.

At 8:55 PM the doe (no fawn) crossed the meadow from north to south, right where she generally crosses, and went into the trees, presumably to cross the driveway and into the gully. Astro Table 7:34- 8:52 PM, correlation. Clear skies, wind 0 mph, temperature 62 degrees, Barometer 29.74 steady. Sunset 9:02 Twilight 9:39.

At 8:00 we decided to head south on I 35 to look for the Bobolinks. First we headed south out of IGH on Hwy 52, until we got to 160th street, and went east to Emery, where we spotted one Loggerhead Shrike. We then went back to 52 and headed west on 140th past U More Park, where we heard Grasshopper and Song Sparrows, but did not hear the hoped for Dickcissels or Bobolink. We did see a Turkey Vulture, several Eastern Bluebirds and a Red-tailed Hawk.

We saw two male Bobolinks southwest of Lakeville, along with Bluebirds, Tree and Barn Swallows, Red-winged Blackbirds, European Starlings and Brown-headed Cowbirds. At the Soberg WMA we saw Northern Oriole, Cedar Waxwing, Mourning Dove, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, and had a close up encounter with a Grasshopper Sparrow. But, not a single Common Yellowthroat or Yellow Warbler was heard or seen.

At 7:10 the coyote was drinking at the larger pond in our backyard. At 8:45 PM a flock of about 10 crows flew over the house, going north. Other crows joined them, including some from our woods, until there were about 20 birds, all heading north - to a roost somewhere?

At 9:00PM the doe came out of the west side of the meadow, without the fawn.

At 9:45 Diane heard the 6 hoots of Great-horned Owl. 30 Bird species.

Saturday, June 28, 2009 Diane saw the doe and fawn at 9:15 PM. The doe was feeding, but the fawn looked nervous, looking west. The coyote trotted into view from the west, and the dawn and fawn ran southwest. Astro Table 4:45 - 7:03, no correlation.

Friday, June 27, 2009 At 7:09 six Giant Canada Geese flew by my window. My first sightings. I'm also listening to the vast repertoire of the Brown Thrasher, that has been singing incessantly for the last half hour.

Thursday, June 26, 2009 At 9:20 AM I saw the doe suckling the fawn in the meadow. And I got it on video. They eventually went into the trees, toward the lake. Astro Table 2:44 - 5:44 PM, no correlation. It rained this morning. Clear sky, temperature 74, wind 0, Barometer 29.83 rising. Sunrise 5:27, twilight 4:50.

At 9:50 the doe and the fawn crossed the driveway, from the meadow to the gully going south. This is the first time we've seen the fawn traveling with the doe. Astro Table 12:55-4:27 PM, no correlation. Clear sky, temperature 70 degrees, wind 0, Barometer 29.79 steady. Sunset 9:02, twilight 9:40.

Wednesday, June 25, 2009 At 10:20 AM I noticed a fawn in the meadow, on the west side, right where the doe crosses the meadow going to the south. Astro Table 1:27- 4:57 PM, no correlation. New moon. Cloudy, temperature 71, humidity 83%, no wind, Barometer 29.95 rising. Sunrise 5:27, twilight 4:49.

At 9:50 PM the doe came out of the meadow, going south, and crossed to the gully going east. She had to cross the meadow within 5 yards of where the fawn was seen. Astro Table 12:55- 4:27 AM, no correlation. Clear sky, temperature 70, humidity 87%, wind 0, Barometer 29.82 falling. Sunset 9:02, twilight 9:40.

Tuesday, June 24, 2009 8:49 AM, it is already 80 degrees, clear with no wind.

At 8:14 PM the doe came into the meadow from the south, and crossed into the trees near the lake, going north. Astro Table 11:45 - midnight, no correlation. New Moon. Clear skies, no wind, temperature 76 degrees, Barometer 29.8 rising. Sunset 9:02, twilight 9:40.

Monday, June 23, 2009 At 3:44 AM a Northern Cardinal called. At 5:15 the Coyote was in the meadow. Astro Table 11:20AM - 3:02 PM, no correlation. New Moon. Clear, no wind.

Sunday, June 22, 2009 At 8:20 AM Diane saw the doe come out of the ravine south and east of the meadow, cross the driveway, and head toward the meadow. Astro Time 10:13 M - 1:55 PM, no correlation, Perigee of the moon, correlation. Cloudy, temperature 72, winds 0, Barometer 29.75 steady, sunrise 5:26, twilight 4:49.

At 9:00 we headed for the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge in Bloomington, MN, where there is some very nice riparian (water) habitat, along with a long boardwalk and viewing platform right out on the phragmites and cattail marsh. As we left the house we saw a House Sparrow, American Crow, Brown Thrasher and Brown Headed Cowbird.

In the bridge parking lot we saw Cedar Waxwing, Northern Flicker, American Robin, White-breasted Nuthatch, Gray Catbird and Warbling Vireo. We heard Song Sparrow, Great Crested Flycatcher, Baltimore Oriole, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Yellowthroat, Red-eyed Vireo, Brown Thrasher and House Wren.

Along the boardwalk we saw or heard Barn Swallow, Sedge Wren, Swamp Sparrow and Great Egret, but the water was still low, so we did not see any Sora or Virginia Rail near the viewing platform; and uncharacteristically, no Mallards or Canada Geese in the open water.

East of the parking lot we saw a lot of flowers, Purple Vetch, lilac -colored Crown Vetch, purple-colored Crown Vetch, yellow Birdsfoot Trefoil, and several unidentified white flowers. And we saw Cliff Swallows around their gourd-shaped mud nests under the Cedar Avenue Bridge. We did not see or hear any Black-capped Chickadees.

We then drove to Black Dog Road in Burnsville, where we saw both the male and female Osprey on the nest, with one chick. And we added two beautiful blue male Indigo Buntings, sitting on the power lines, about a half mile east of the power plant. They were nice to see, because they are Diane's favorite birds, and one of my favorites. And we saw Tree Swallows, Canada Geese and Mallards.

While we were watching the Osprey, we met Vanessa Greene, of Osprey Watch, who has been doing Osprey research for 10 years, and is currently monitoring 60 Osprey nests in the 8 county metro area. Some of her unusual findings include the fact that Ospreys are not monogamous -some females may mate with more than one male. Vanessa is hoping for some DNA studies on chicks in the nest, to see if they were all fathered by the same male. She also told me that Ospreys often mate for life, but not always (sometimes they do get, as she called it, divorced); that they migrate independently, often leaving in September to go to South America; and that they know of one bird in the study that was 21 years old.

If you see Ospreys, or want to help Vanessa in her research; or need a speaker for your club or birding organization, contact Vanessa Greene, 952-935-1883, osprey.mn@att.net.

Thursday, June 19, 2009 I took a walk through the park, looking for deer sign, and whatever else I might come across. As I walked out the door I heard a Baltimore Oriole (first hearing). White Daisies were blooming in one of the meadows along with the purple Lupine and yellow Bird's Foot Trefoil. I found two deer beds north of the north lake. One was new (probably within the last two days), and in the open, which tells me it was probably used at night. In the pine trees by the city library I saw a Downy Woodpecker (first sighting) and a Blue Jay. 28 species of birds.

At 9:40 PM Diane saw the coyote crossing the driveway, coming from the wooded gully south and east of the house, and going to the meadow behind the house. From previous observations I suspect it was coming from a hunting trip and returning to its core area. Lightning bugs are flashing all over the yard - and in the trees. Astro Table 7:58 - 11:06 PM correlation with coyote, partly cloudy, temperature 76, Barometer 29.29 falling, twilight 9:39, sunset 9:01.

Wednesday, June 18, 2009 Diane saw the deer at the larger of the two ponds when she went to work at 6:00 AM this morning. The doe may have switched her feeding places, or she just stopped off for a drink, but she is not on her previous travel route. And if she heads to her daytime core area from there, she my not go through the meadow. Astro 6:44-9:47 AM, no correlation, cloudy skies, temperature 59, wind 0, Barometer 29.8 falling, sunrise 5:25, twilight 4:48.

At 1:25 PM I heard a Warbling Vireo outside the window. 26 Bird species in the backyard. Still no woodpeckers or Finch or Mourning Dove.

At 8:53 PM the Coyote was in the meadow for a few minutes before it stepped into the woods. Astro Table 7:19- 10:09 PM correlation with coyote. Cloudy skies, temperature 71, wind 0, Barometer 29.73 rising, twilight 9:38, sunset 9:01.

Tuesday, June 18, 2009 at 5:30 there was Gray Squirrel in the backyard. This makes four mammals in the backyard so far.

Monday, June 17, 2009 By 4:32, the American Toads, which had been singing all night long, had quit, and a Robin had already sounded off. At 5:20 there was a Cottontail in the meadow feeding. Astro Table 5:46-7:28, correlation with the cottontail, clear skies, temperature 52, Winds ), Barometric pressure 29.94 steady, twilight 4:48, sunrise 5:25.

Sunday, June 16, 2009 At 8:30 AM I heard an (first time for the bird count) Eastern Wood Peewee call outside the window At 8:35 Diane and I walked through the park, we saw or heard several of the usual birds, but added a Great Egret (to our backyard bird count) at the smaller of the two ponds. At the larger pond we watched the coyote come out of the woods, spot us, run around the pond on the far side, and into the woods by the city Library. It probably has a den in those woods. Astro Table 5:24-5;06 AM, no correlation with the coyote. Sunny skies, temperature 72, wind east at 2 mph, Barometer 29.95 steady. Twilight 4:48, Sunrise 5:25.

I'm hearing a White-breasted Nuthatch as I type this at 10:06 AM. 25 bird species in the backyard.

At 5:17 PM the doe came out of the woods north of the meadow, and headed south across the meadow, and then across street (where I thought she was going) to the woods south of the apartments. Astro Table 5:39- 7:31 PM. It is a Sunday evening, not much human activity. Partly cloudy skies, Temperature 76, wind 0 mph, Twilight 9:37. Sunset 9:00. No Correlation.

I've seen this unusual deer activity before. Suburban deer become accustomed to human-related sounds and sights, and when they don't hear or see them (often on Saturday and Sunday evening) they may mover earlier than normal.

Saturday, June 15, 2009 At 3:35 AM the birds started singing, Robins first.. As a result of my studies on turkeys, I expected the birds to start singing earlier today, which was a clear day, than they had on cloudy days. They proved me right - by starting to sing about 20 minutes earlier on this clear day, than they had on cloudy days. Astro Times 4:41- 6:17 AM. 45 degrees, clear skies, no wind, Twilight 4:48 AM, Sunrise 5:25

If the time when breeding/nesting songbirds begin calling, affects when they quit calling, and they normally quit calling within 5 hours of sunrise (as scientific research suggests), then they will quit calling earlier on clear days than they do on cloudy days.

Friday, June 14, 2009 In the evening the roofers were cleaning up the yard until about 9:10 PM. With all of that human activity I did not expect to see the doe at 50 yards away, and I didn't.

Thursday, June 13, 2009 At 5.36 AM the doe was leaving the meadow going north. Astro Table 2:47-3:43 AM, no correlation. Cloudy, no wind, 51 degrees, Twilight 4:48 AM, Sunrise 5:25 AM.

It appears that the deer is somewhat predictably active within 2 hours sunrise and sunset, but is unpredictable as to how often it will be seen each week at those times. In the last week the doe has been in the meadow within 2 hours of sunrise 5 times; and was in the meadow within 2 hours of sunset 3 times. None of those times was within the timeframe given by the Astro Table for those days.

These sightings do not prove that this doe did not feed at times correlating with the overhead or underfoot position of the moon, or the times predicted by several popular Game Activity Tables that use the position (or other factors) of the moon, in their predictions. But, since several scientific studies show that deer are most active on a daily basis within 1-2 hours of sunrise and sunset, I think it is unlikely that this deer was also active at those times.

At the very least this study shows that Game Activity Tables do not provide the best times to see deer, at least this particular deer.

Diane saw the doe in the meadow at 8:30 PM; it came from the woods north of meadow and left going to the woods south of the meadow. Astro Table 3:54-5:00 PM, no correlation. Solunar Table

Wednesday, June 12, 2009 Astro Table 2:47-3:43, partly cloudy, no wind, 58 degrees, Barometer 29.87, Twilight 4:50M. The Brown Thrasher, Robin, Cardinal and Chickadee began calling at 4:49 this morning. The Crow and Eastern Bluebird began calling at 5:00AM. Blue Jays began calling at 6:00 23 bird species

Tuesday, June 11, 2009 Researchers have found that breeding/nesting birds reduce their calling within 4 hours of sunrise - which means that if you want to hear or see birds in the spring, the best time is from sunrise to 9:30-10:00 AM.

The birds started calling in our backyard at 4:54 AM this morning. At 5:41 I heard the first Brown Thrasher. At 6:20 a Bluebird started calling. At 5:24 I heard the first Blue Jay and House Finch. At 6:35 I heard the first Common Grackle (first time) and Chipping Sparrow. At 7:33 I heard a Song Sparrow. Astro Table 2:02- 2:49 partly cloudy, no wind, temperature 43 degrees, Barometer 28.85. Civil Twilight 4:50, Sunrise 5:27. The first bird I heard was a Cardinal, then a Robin, Chickadees, House Finch and Crows. 22 Bird Species in the backyard - so far.

At 7:54 PM the doe stepped into the meadow from the woods on the north and fed there until 8:02, when she left going south. Astro Table 2:28 - 3:14, no correlation. Solunar Table Full moon, correlation. Apogee, correlation. PM, partly cloudy, no wind, temperature 60 degrees.

Beginning about an hour after sunset, and for several hours, I hear American Toads calling on most nights. You can listen to what they sound like here.

Monday, June 10, 2009 The whitetail doe was in the meadow at 7:44 AM; she came from the woods south of the meadow and went to the woods north of the meadow. Astro Table 2:02 - 2:49, no correlation. Solunar Table 12:00 - 2:00, no correlation. Full moon, correlation. Apogee, correlation. So far, out of 6 deer sightings, none of them have correlated with the Astro Feeding Times.

Sunday, June 09, 2009 At about noon, we headed south on Hwy 52 out of Inver Grove Heights, MN. We took a short detour at 140th street, to go to Emery Avenue, to see if we could spot the Loggerhead Shrikes - to no avail.

At Hampton we took Hwy 56 south to Randolph, where we hoped to find Dickcissels, Bobolinks, Horned Larks and other grassland birds at the industrial park. We heard or saw at least 10 male Dickcissels singing, 4-8 Western Meadowlarks, 3 Horned Larks, several Chipping, Song, Savannah and Grasshopper Sparrows, 1 Great Blue Heron and several Kildeer. We got several great audio files of the Meadowlarks, Savannah Sparrow and Grasshopper Sparrow.

Dickcissel

We then headed south to Cty Rds. 44 and 49 where we found one male Bobolink and two Indigo Buntings.

The whitetail doe was in the meadow at 8:50 PM. She left going south. Astro Table 1:37-2:23 PM, no correlation with the deer. Solunar Table none, co correlation. Full moon, correlation with the deer. Apogee correlation with the deer.

Sunday, June 08 2009 The whitetail doe was in the meadow feeding at 6:20AM; it came from woods to the south of the meadow and left at 6:31 going north into the woods This is a normal morning sighting. Astro Table 12:21-1:07AM, no correlation with the deer. Solunar Table 10:40 - 12:40, no correlation. Full Moon, correlation with the deer. Apogee, correlation with the deer.

Saturday, June 7 2009 The whitetail doe was in the meadow feeding at 7:23PM; it came from the woods north of the meadow and left at 7:29 going south toward another patch of woods. This is a normal evening sighting. Astro Table Midnight - 12:18 AM no Correlation with the deer. Solunar Table 9:55 - 11:55 no correlation. Full moon, correlation with the deer. Apogee, correlation with the deer.

Friday, June 06 2009 At 3:15 AM we heard a Coyote howling, presumably in the woods behind the house. Astro Table 10:57PM - midnight, No correlation. Solunar Table 9:35-11:35, no correlation. Apogee, Correlation with coyote.

I took an early afternoon walk through South Valley Park, which is about a half mile away from the apartment. My notable birds included Warbling, Red-eyed and Yellow-throated Vireos, and Red-bellied Woodpeckers. I also saw dark pink, light pink, and white Wood Phlox. And the wild strawberries and raspberries are blooming.

Thursday, June 05, 2009 I added Eastern Bluebird, House Wren and a White-breasted Nuthatch to my "heard" list. And I added Tree and Barn Swallow, and Brown-headed Cowbird to my "seen" list. 20 species so far in the backyard.

There are several groves of pines nearby, and I hope to see Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers and Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers in the woods. I'll let you know as time passes. Other notable "not seen or heard" birds include Rose-breasted Grosbeak, House Finch, Baltimore Oriole, Mourning Dove and Common Grackle.

At about 5:45 AM I saw a Coyote sniffing the air right near our apartment. It was a lot of fun watching the animal look for the source of my burnt bacon, which I am sure wafted out the kitchen window to the meadow below. Astro Table 10:32 - 11:34 AM. No correlation with coyote. Apogee, correlation with coyote

From 6:30 AM until 6:50 AM I watched a doe White-tailed Deer feeding in the meadow. I did not see where the deer came from, but when it left, it went west into the trees, down a hill headed toward on of the lakes. You can view the video here. I hope to the does fawn in the next few weeks. This a normal morning sighting. Astro Table 10:32-11:34 AM, no Correlation with the deer. Solunar Table 8:20 -10:20, no correlation. Full Moon, Correlation with the deer. Perigee correlation with deer.

Wednesday, June 04, 2009 We've spent the last three days moving into our new apartment near Inver Hills college in Inver Grove Heights, MN. As I look out the front of the apartment I see the woods and meadows of a small park, and there are two more meadows and two lakes nearby.

The first morning I heard American Crow, American Robin, Blue Jay, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Northern Flicker, Great Crested Flycatcher, Chipping, Field and Song Sparrow, Brown Thrasher, Gray Catbird, Barn Swallow, Mallard and Wood Duck. 14 species so far in the backyard.

Saturday, May, 2009 At 6AM we headed for the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge. The water was still low at the viewing platform, so we did not see, or even hear, any Soras or Virginia Rails, but we did see American Redstart, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Tree and Barn Swallow, Mallards with ducklings, Marsh Wren, Swamp and Chipping Sparrow and Gray Catbird.

We then drove to the Fens Unit of the MVWR, where we looked for and found white Lady's Slippers, about 280 yards past the second power line tower. They were on the south side of the trail, about 10 yards from a dusting bowl. We also heard at least three Bell's Vireo's; chip burr.

We also saw one male Indigo Bunting, two Yellow Warblers and two Common Yellowthroats, along with Catbirds, Goldfinches, Wood Ducks, Red-winged Blackbirds and Gray Catbirds.

Sunday, May 17, 2009 We started out the day at the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge. As soon as I got out of the car I heard a Gray Catbird, a House Wren, a Common Yellowthroat and a Downy Woodpecker. At the pond west of the parking lot we saw 6 Green Herons, a Great Egret with long aigrettes (breeding plumage on the wings), a Sora, several Mallards (one hen with ducklings), Song Sparrows, Tree Swallows,2 Solitary Sandpipers, and an American Robin - all foraging in the mud of the drained of pond.

Along the boardwalk we saw Tree Swallows, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Barn Swallows, Marsh Wren (teed up and singing), Swamp Sparrows (teed up), Giant Canada Geese, a pair of Wood Ducks, several Greater Yellowlegs, a Broad-winged Hawk (soaring) and several more Mallards.

West of the parking lot we saw Gray Catbird, at least a dozen Northern Orioles, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warblers, Tree and Barn Swallows. House Wren, Cedar Waxwing, American Redstart and Chipping and Song Sparrow.

We then drove to the boat landing on the north side of Black Dog road and I-35. Along the way we saw Red-winged Blackbird, Blue-winged Teal, Mallards, more Giant Canada Geese, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Song and Chipping Sparrow and a Hairy Woodpecker.

At the landing we heard our first Red-bellied Woodpecker and Northern Flicker of the day, along with American Redstart, a pair of Mallards, Common Yellowthroat, Great Crested Flycatcher and Yellow Warbler. 27

Next we drove to 215ths St. and Keokuk, because I wanted to video-tape a Bobolink singing. We saw one on a fence in the cow pasture, and heard another one west of Keokuk, where I got out of the car and walked to the fence and leaned on a wooden fence post. As if on cue a male Bobolink flew up out of the grass, landed tow fence posts away from me, and began singing. And I go the whole thing on tape, which will go on Youtube. While were there we also heard Common Yellowthroat, and heard Ring-necked Pheasant and saw Tree and Barn Swallows and Eastern Bluebirds. Total 30

We then drove to Murphy-Hanrahan park, where we saw Great Crested Flycatcher- and then found Steve Weston standing in the middle of the road, listening for warblers. He asked me if I wanted to go "walkabout" (my word not his); and of course I said "yes".

We parked at the Horse Trailer parking lot, and took the trail east past the lakes. We saw Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler, Cedar Waxwing, Eastern Bluebird, Wood Duck, Wild Turkey and Chipping and Song Sparrow - between the parking lot and the first meadow. We also saw a group of about 16 migrating Nighthawks overhead. 32

In the meadow we saw at least 5 male Bobolink, Sedge Wren, Chipping and Song Sparrow, Tree and Barn Swallows, and I heard a Western Meadowlark, and we saw Killdeer, Red-winged Blackbird, Blue-winged Teal and Wood Duck (in the small pond). At the far end of the meadow, near the creek, we saw Tree Swallows, Common Yellowthroat and Chipping Sparrow.

In the big cattail marsh we saw our only (and a rare) Yellow-headed Blackbird male, Red-winged Blackbirds, Canada Geese, Blue-winged Teal, and I saw a male Hooded Merganser.

In the woods - on the way back to the parking lot - we heard Yellow-throated Vireo, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler, American Redstart, Baltimore Oriole, and saw a Broad-winged Hawk, Common Crow and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. Back at the parking lot, near the horse corrals, we saw a White-throated Sparrow. Total 37

Saturday, May 16, 2009 I decided I wanted to check on places to photograph Bobolinks, Dickcissels, Horned Larks, Red-headed Woodpeckers, and Upland Sandpipers - places where I had found them in that past - near our old farm, north of Kenyon. The first bird we saw, as we passed Ritter Farm Park on I-35, was a Bald Eagle. Not a bad start to a very clear, but very windy day.

I did not have much hope for many of the birds, because we did not get started until 7:45, and it was extremely windy - not conducive to birding in open areas.

We stopped first at the corner of 120^th Street and Keokuk, and saw Rock Dove, Red-winged Blackbirds, Bobolink and Marsh Wrens.

We drove past the CRP fields near the Northfield Hospital, but did not see or hear any birds, other than a Ring-necked Pheasant. Then we drove to our old farm on Hwy 57, where I heard an Eastern Meadowlark and an Common Yellowthroat, and saw Red-winged Blackbird, Common Crow, Mourning Dove, Brown-headed Cowbirds, House Finches and House Sparrows.

Heading west on Cty 44 we saw a Kestrel, Kildeer, Eastern Bluebird and a Great Blue Heron. On Hwy 14, going north we heard Bobolinks and Western Meadowlark, and saw Tree, Cliff and Barn Swallows.

Near the village of Sogn we saw to male Red-headed Woodpeckers, and several Wild Turkey.

Heading back north again we stopped at the Industrial Park north of Randolph, were we saw Red-tailed Hawk, two unidentified Sandpipers, Dickcissel, Horned Lark and some unidentified Sparrows, and heard another Western Meadowlark.

Friday, May 15, 2009 A half mile from the house we got video of gobbling and strutting Wild Turkeys. On a drive though of Murphy-Hanrahan Park we saw a Blue Jay, heard the Common Loon at Murphy lake, saw 4 Ring-necked Pheasants, Mallard, Wood Duck, Canada Goose, Great Egret, Tree and Barn Swallow, House Sparrow, heard House Wren and Hairy Woodpecker, saw American Robin, American Goldfinch, Black-capped Chickadee, Clay-colored, Savannah and Song Sparrow, heard Grasshopper Sparrow, saw Eastern Bluebird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Red-winged Blackbird, Rock Dove, Common Crow, and heard Common Yellowthroat.

I hope I got the street names correct, anyhow from I-35 south of Burnsville, take the County 70 exit to the west (where the new overpass construction is going on), take the first left on the gravel road (Keokuk), which turns into 215th.Where the road (215^th Street) curves for the second time (at Keokuk, again) stop.

We saw 6 male Bobolinks (playing tag) behind the metal shed north of the road. Another male was in the field around the corner of the road (going south). We also heard a Barred Owl in the woods, and saw Tree and Barn Swallows, Chickadees, Chipping and House Sparrows, Eastern Bluebirds, two Turkey Vultures, a pair of Northern Harriers, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Red-winged Blackbirds, American Crows Mourning Doves, and heard Ring-necked Pheasant - all from the road. At one point we had a male Bobolink and male Bluebird sitting on the same wooden cross bar, but too far for a photo shot. I've also seen Common Yellowthroats and Yellow Warblers in the willows next to the road here in the past, and Indigo Buntings on the wires, and heard Sora's in the marshes.

Drivng about a half mile south - we came to Soberg WMA, where we saw Northern Orioles, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Common Yellowthroat, Northern Cardinal Catbird, Mallards and Grasshopper Sparrows. In the past I've seen Field Sparrow, Clay-colored Sparrow, Cedar Waxwing, Kildeer, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle here. Much of this was seen from the site of the old farm house. We also saw several Gray Squirrels and a Cottontail.

Heading back to Burnsville we stopped at Ritter Farm Park, west of the freeway, were we saw the Bald Eagle on the nest, and in the first pond a Green Heron - right next to an eastern Kingbird - but of course - as soon as we stopped the car, they both flew. But, we did see a Beaver in the same pond. And later we saw a Rock Dove (Pigeon).

Tuesday, May 12, 2009 By 7AM we were on the road, headed for Willmar in Kandiyohi County, west of the Twin Cities about 100 miles, looking for places to photograph Yellow-headed Blackbirds and Upland Sandpipers. As we crossed the MN river on I-35E, I looked across Shepherd Road to see if the Bank Swallows (that nest in the cliff on the north side of Cliff Road - east of I- 35E) had arrived yet, but did not see them. I did however see a white Rock Dove (pigeon, we call them 'barn ducks"). Although it was fairly warm and sunny, we saw very few birds along Hwy 12, even though all of the construction zones and detours between Delano and Cokato.

We did see an American White Pelican over the marsh west of the lake at Howard Lake (I've seen them there for years). But, the proverbial "bird on a wire" was noticeably absent. No Bluebirds, no sparrows, not even House Sparrows, and very few Red-winged Blackbirds. But, we did see them, and Brown-headed Cowbird, Common Grackle, American Crow and American Robin, along with Canada Geese, Mallards, Blue-winged Teal, Wood Ducks, Great Egret and Great Blue Heron.

Just west of Delano, south side of Hwy 12, we spotted a pair of Trumpeter Swans. Just west of Cokato, north of Hwy 12, we spotted another Trumpeter Swan, and its mate - nesting on a "rat hive" (muskrat) far out across the open water. A Double-crested Cormorant landed in the water as Blue-winged Teal paddled about, Canada Geese floated by with their fuzzy yellow goslings, and Mallards quacked.

A few miles past the Kandiyohi County line, over the bridge across the railroad tracks, there were several marshes right along Hwy 12. In the first marsh on the right (north side of HWY 12), at 55mph, I spotted a male Yellow-headed Blackbird. I came to a screeching halt, turned the car around, and around once again, and parked near the marsh. The bird was "teed up" on a cattail spike - just right for a photo op.

And of course, as I reached for the Canon XTi and tried to hook up the Tamron 2x converter and the Tamron 70-300mm lens, the beautiful male dropped down low, into the cattails, where I could barely see him. I got a few photos, moved, and got a better shots. Further down the marsh I spotted another male, and a third flew across the road behind us. They were brilliant - with the sun shining on their golden yellow heads. It made my day...

West of Willmar, north west of the intersection of Hwy 12 and 60^th Street, we found a WMA, which consisted of a cattail marsh, surrounded by plantings of shrubs, forbs and grasses. There were more geese, mallards and teal. We watched as a Red-tailed Hawk and Northern Harrier soared overhead, and then the hawk "dive-bombed" the Harrier. The Harrier wheeled to avoid the charge, and they both resumed soaring. I could hear several Yellow-headed Blackbird males making their harsh rattling call across the swamp, and the loud whistle of Upland Sandpipers in the plowed field west of the marsh. We'd found what we were looking for. It was a great day.

Sunday, May 11, 2009 As we drove north on the Cedar Avenue Bridge, I looked toward the viewing platform and saw a bald eagle soaring over head. Then, as we passed a tree that towered above the bridge, another eagle landed in the tree, almost beside us.

When we got out of the car on the west side of the parking lot, I noticed several Cedar Waxwings in the dead tree next to the pond. And in another tree a Hairy Woodpecker, and then I heard a Red-bellied Woodpecker. Then we saw a Yellow-rumped Warbler and a Swamp Sparrow. As we watched them a drake Mallard dropped out of the sky, and a Green Heron moved around the swamp.

On the boardwalk along the way to the viewing platform, we saw Marsh Wren, Song, Swamp and Savannah Sparrow, and heard a Yellow Warbler, a Northern Cardinal and Wood Ducks. At the viewing platform we saw Solitary and Common sandpiper, and Lesser Yellowlegs, along with Canada Geese, and Tree and Barn Swallows. As we drove south on Cedar Avenue I looked back to my right, and on the green lawn of the big house on the hill, I saw several Turkeys, including a strutting tom.

On Black Dog Road we saw Red-winged Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, European Starling, American Crow, Great Egret, American Robin, House Sparrow, Cliff Swallow and Chipping Sparrow. We also saw the Peregrine soaring around the smoke stack at the power plant (they now have 4 eggs), and an Osprey on the nest on the power-line tower in the lake in front of the power plant.

Sunday, May 3, 2009 We took a run along Back Dog Road, where the only notable additions to Saturdays sightings were a Chipping Sparrow, a pair of 2 year old Bald Eagles flying together, one more Palm Warbler and an early Tennessee Warbler, a House Finch, a White-breasted Nuthatch and a Hairy Woodpecker.

Saturday, May 2, 2009 6:10 AM found us at the parking lot of the Cedar Avenue Bridge. I was hoping to get video of Sora and Virginia Rail, but did not see or hear either. But, in the parking lot we saw Yellow-rumped Warblers, Northern Cardinal, Cedar Waxwing and Downy Woodpecker, along the trail west of the parking lot we saw more Yellow-rumped Warblers, American Redstart, Palm Warbler and Northern Waterthrush. I "guess-timate" there was 1 Redstart for every 50 Yellow-rumps, and 1 Waterthrush and 1 Palm Warbler for every 100 Yellow-rumps. We also saw Downy and Red-bellied Woodpeckers, and heard Northern Flicker and Wild Turkey.

Within minutes of the sun being up we were walking along the boardwalk to the viewing platform, where I did video Swamp Sparrows and Marsh Wrens singing - several of both were "teed" up on the Phragmites (the tall grassy looking stuff), and singing away. There were also American Goldfinch and Red-winged Blackbirds.

Swamp Sparrow

By the way, if you did not notice it in one of my earlier e-mails; a study by a bird biologist in Yellowstone Park, found that the singing of birds was drastically reduced 3-4 hours after sunrise. So, if you want to identify birds by sound, go birding before 10 AM (Standard Time). "Ya gotta get up early - if you want to hear (or see) the birds."

From the viewing platform we saw literally hundreds of Tree Swallows whirling and milling in the air - at times right over our heads. There were also Blue-winged Teal, Mallard, Canada Geese, American Coot, one unidentified sandpiper, and a Cooper's Hawk.

West of the parking lot we heard Starlings, and saw a Great Egret and Wood Ducks.

Along Black Dog Road we saw House Sparrow, Mourning Dove, Crow, Starling, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Brown-headed Cowbird, and Song Sparrow, and more Canada Geese and Yellow-rumps.

Saturday, April 18, 2009 I parked the car under the Cedar Avenue bridge, and walked the trail east from the Jens A. Casperson Landing of Ft. Snelling State Park, on Black Dog Road - where I saw a pair of Common Goldeneye, a drake Ring-necked Duck, Wood Duck, Mallard, Blue-winged Teal, Canada Geese, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Bald Eagle, Black-capped Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Red-tailed Hawk, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, House Wren (FOY) Eastern Phoebee, Eastern Bluebird, American Robin, Red-winged Blackbird (with FOY sighting of females), House Finch, American Goldfinch, Northern Flicker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, and some unidentified sparrows. Plus a Beaver, a Cottontail, a Red Squirrel ad tow White-tailed Deer.

Along Black Dog Road I saw Wild Turkey, Sora (FOY) a Barred Owl near last year's Cooper's Hawk nest, two Ospreys on the nest on the tower in the lake near the power plant, House Sparrow, Brown-headed Blackbird, European Starling, and a Bald Eagle on the nest near the west sluice gate.

I just checked the Excel Energy Bird Cams on our web cam page, and the Peregrine egg count is: Blackdog-2, Sherco-3, and King-2.

Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009 We walked part of the newly graveled trail north of the Minnesota River, at the MV NWR, east of I-35W. We heard Eastern Bluebirds, Song Sparrows, a Barred Owl, a Belted Kingfisher and saw a Bald Eagle and a Red-tailed Hawk. Along Black Dog Road we saw American Tree Sparrows, Song Sparrows, Mallards, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shovelers, Canada Geese, Red-winged Blackbirds and a pair of Downy Woodpeckers. We heard a Northern Flicker and a Red-bellied Woodpecker.

Saturday, April 11, 2009 We did a quick drive through of Murphy-Hanrahan Park - late in the day. AT Murphy Lake we saw a Beaver, 3 Turkey Vultures, a pair of Canada Geese, a Cooper's Hawk and heard a Hairy Woodpecker. Walking the east trail from the Horse Parking Lot we heard Song Sparrow and American Goldfinch, and saw Cottontail, a pair of Mallards, a hen and a pair of Wood Ducks, a Blue Jay, a Red-bellied Woodpecker, Northern Cardinal and 3 Eastern Bluebirds.

Sunday, March 29, 2009 Before driving to the MN Valley NWR, we stopped and got several photos of Wild Turkey toms strutting. At the Refuge on Black Dog Road we saw 3 adult Bald Eagles, American Tree Sparrows, E. Starlings, N. Cardinals, BE Juncos, RW Blackbirds, BC Chickadees, C. Geese, Mallards, Ring-necked Ducks, and heard N. Flickers and RB Woodpeckers. At the model boat pond east of the Cedar Ave. bridge were several pair of N. Shoveler, and a pair of Bufflehead.

While in Inver Grove Heights, MN today, my wife and daughter saw this years first Great Egret.

April Birding Tours: If you are interested in watching or photographing/videoing the mating behavior of Wild Turkey, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Prairie Chicken, Rugged Grouse, ring-necked Pheasant, Spruce Grouse or Gray Partiridge - the next month is prime time. I'm available almost any day if you need a guide. There are still blinds available for Sharp-tailed Grouse at Crex Meadows, and I have three different turkey flocks to view in the southern Metro area/Burnsville. They will be from 3 feet to 40 yards away.

Woodcock will begin their aerial mating displays in the evenings (right at sunset), at the Fens Unit on Cliff Road - if you are interested.

Saturday, March 21, 2009 At 2:00 PM we did a drive through of Murphy-Hanrahan Park. While driving we saw E. Bluebirds, BC Chickadees N. Cardinals, A. Crow, W, Turkey, RT Hawk and a Gray Squirrel. We heard Red-belied and Hariy Woodpeckers. At Murphy Lake we saw Canada Geese, A. Coot, L. Scaup, a pair of Buffleheads and RW Blackbirds.

Monday, March 15, 2009 We made our customary run along Black Dog Road, in Burnsville, MN. While other birders, and photographers reported seeing only 1 or 3 eagles, we saw a total of 8, and possibly 10 (2 probably seen before). There was one perched in the top of one of the cottonwood trees, right over the road, which presented a clear photo op. We saw at least 4 adults and 2 (completely dark) one-year olds soaring over Black Dog Lake. The 1 year olds eventually landed near single adults, and I can only conclude that the adult was one of their parents. We also saw two "light-headed" 3 year old eagles, with the dark stripe through the eye. I've only seen two "light-bellied", dark headed 2 year olds here, in 3 years. I wonder if they don't generally winter down south.

The key to seeing eagles - is patience, and checking the air over the lake for soaring birds, and checking the ice, or the shore of the lake, for sitting birds. It may take 1-2 hours, but you will probably see them. With the nest being built near the west flowage/sluice gate, and another one apparently being built on the most westerly power line tower (in the lake), we may see more resident eagles in the coming years. We may not see the Osprey for a while yet, because typical return time is mid-April. I also noted a nesting Cooper's Hawk near the east end of the lake last year.

Also seen on the lake were rafts of dozens of Common Mergansers, a small raft (20) of Lesser Scaup (Bluebills for you hunters), about 8 Redheads, A Coots, Mallards and Canada Geese. Two gulls of unknown species were also seen ( Ring Billed or Herring?).

On the river, across from the power plant, were several more Common Mergansers (drakes and hens), at least 20 Hooded Merganser drakes, with their hoods spread wide open, along with several females. Two males were noted bobbing their heads back and forth in mating displays. There were also at least 4 drake Common Goldeneyes. As another photographer and I watched the ducks and talked, Diane pointed one of the Peregrines flying near the smoke stacks.

Several hundred unidentified ducks were spotted on the far shore (out of the wind) at the east end of the lake. At the marsh east of the Cedar Avenue Bridge, we spotted Mallards and Canada Geese, and an early pair of Wood Ducks. Since there were the only Woodies we saw, I can only conclude that they migrated north together.

At the first two houses on the east end of the road, where it intersects with Silver Creek Road, we saw Dark-eyed Juncos, Black-capped Chickadees, Robins, Red-winged Blackbirds, Cedar Waxwings, female Goldfinches, House Finches, and a pair of Mourning Doves, and a "black" gray squirrel.

When we lived north of Kenyon, the neighbor put shucked corn in his open corn cribs; the flock of 30+ Mourning Doves there stayed all winter - so did the male Belted Kingfisher, because the creek was open all winter.

The "experience" of the day came as we were watching 4 eagles on the ice. As I looked at them through my Simmons Gold Series 10x40 binoculars, I noticed something moving in front of them. As I looked closer, I saw that a Coyote had fallen through the ice. It struggled to get back on solid ice for about 20 seconds, then got back on the ice, looking like a "drowned rat".

We then drove to Farmington, to see the nesting Great-horned Owls. We only saw the female on the nest, but it was a first time sighting for Diane.

We also got some photos of 4 Wild Turkey toms.

You can see many of my bird and wildflower photos by going to the T.R. Michels Outdoor Photography link at www.TRMichels.com .

March 8, 2009 I haven't had a chance to get out birding since November 30, 2008, due to arthritis in my neck and pinched nerves in both my arms. I was actually in Urgent Care and the ER four times getting steroid and narcotic shots for the pain. But, we finally got out birding today, and a short trip to the MVNWR along Black Dog Road, between the MN River and Black Dog Lake.

On our first pass through- from I 35W we saw 5 adult Bald Eagles, and one 3 year old Bald Eagle (with a dirty white head and a large dark stripe though the eye). One pair of eagles performed and aerial mating display (dipping and diving together) as we watched No other raptors were seen. However, according to the people at the XCEL power plant, Belinda the female Peregrine, stayed in the area all winter long, and a male Peregrine visited the nest box on the west side of the tallest emissions tower (near the top) on February 17. You can view the camera on the nest box here: http://birdcam.xcelenergy.com/falcon.html.

At the ponds near the overpass of the Cedar Avenue bridge, we heard a Cardinal, and saw several Canada Geese and Mallards. On the way back spotted several Common Mergansers o n the river, and one Hooded Merganser and one Common Goldneye on the river - across from the power plant

At the west flowage from the lake to the river, we noted several people standing near the lake. When we joined them we met Linda Whyte and several others, who were examining a few ducks and a pair of trumpeter swans across the lake. Close examination of the ducks revealed several Mallards and at least four Gadwalls. Further east on the lake were large rafts of Common Mergansers and Lesser Scaup (Blue-bills for you hunters). We were all watching the rafts of ducks, when Linda suddenly proclaimed that the swans were nearby. When we turned around the swans were within 40 yards of us, and eventually came to within about 20 yards. They were not shy, and appeared as if they were looking for handouts of corn. I got some great photos of them.

Linda stated she had not seen the Belted Kingfisher, but, that a Northern Shrike has been seen near the river - several times.

On the way home we spotted some Common Crows, a flock of Starlings, several Dark -eyed Juncos (of the slate-colored variety) and four Black-capped Chickadees.

November 30, 2008 At the MVNWR along Black Dog Road in Burnsville, MN, we spotted 5 juvenile and 2 adult Bald Eagles, 4-8 Trumpeter Swans, 1 Red-tailed Hawk, several Hooded Mergansers and 4-10 Common Loons along the river and in Black Dog Lake, and several Wild Turkeys at the first house on the east end of the road.

September, 26, 2008 Sunrise found us at the viewing platform near the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge, where we heard Soras and saw Mallards, 1 first of the year Gadwall (FOY), American Coots, Woodducks (FOY) and American Wigeons (FOY). We also saw Lincoln's (FOY) and Swamp Sparrows.

At the swamp just west of the parking lot we found a juvenile and adult White-crowned Sparrow (FOY). We did not see the one Neslon's Sharp-tailed Sparrow or the Whimbrels that had been seen in the area that day.

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We also saw or heard Black-capped Chickadees, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Northern Cardinals, Blue Jays, Red-bellied and Downy Woodpeckers, juvenile Red-winged Blackbirds, American Robins, Catbirds and Great Egrets on the trail east of the parking lot.

As we were going back to the car - what appeared to be an eastern Kingbird landed in one of the dead trees north of the trail. But, when Diane looked at it through the Simmon's binoculars - and I looked through the viewfinder of my Canon XTi with the 70-300 Tamron lens - it appeared gray. Because it was too far off for quick identification, I waited until

I got home to look at it on my Adobe Photoshop. It was not a great photo - but, both of my first impressions were correct - it was a Kingbird, and it was gray with a yellow belly - our first ever sighting of a Western Kingbird in Minnesota!

September 1, 2008 We started off the day with a drive-through of Murphy-Hanrahan Park. It was definitely the doldrums of late August - early September, because we had a hard time seeing - or hearing - much of anything.

The normal eastern Bluebirds, Yellow Warblers, Common Yellowthroats, Eastern Kingbirds, Great-crested Flycatchers, Horned Larks, and Grasshopper, Chipping and Savannah Sparrows were basically non-existent. We did see one female Hooded Merganser, one small flock of Canada Geese, Mallards, Song Sparrows, one Green Heron, several Great Egrets, Blue Jays, Northern Cardinals, and heard Black-capped Chickadees and Common Crows. We also heard what appeared to be no more than 10 Sandhill Cranes flying southeast of the southern border of the park.

I wish the fall migration would start - so we can look for migrant shorebirds, gulls, raptors, wood warblers and other boreal (northern or Canadian birds).

August 30 - 31, 2008 After seeing the Virginia Rails and Soras at the viewing platform east of the Old Cedar Avenue bridge in Bloomington, MN the weekend before, we decided to go back and try to photograph the birds again. Between sunrise and sunset sessions on Friday morning and evening and Saturday morning we literally had dozens of sightings and photographs of Soras, but not one sighting of the Virginia rail. We spent about 23 hours each session, listening to the sounds around us and watching the birds.

We also got some video and audio of the Soras. I also got a few more photos of the Lincoln's Sparrow.

We then did a drive-through of the MVNWR on Black dog Road, where we spotted Mallards, Wood Ducks, Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, Ring-billed Gulls, Double-crested Cormorants, a 1-year old Bald Eagle, the pair of Ospreys, European Starlings, Blackbirds, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Cardinal, Northern Flicker, Belted Kingfisher, and Song and Chipping Sparrows.

As we drove home, south across the Cedar Avenue Bridge, I glanced toward Black dog Lake, and noticed a large patch of white on the east side of the lake. I immediately knew it was a flock of American White pelicans- I estimated it had to be 500+ birds. So we drove to the Black Dog road, where we could see the large flock of pelicans from the east sluice gate to Black Dog Lake.

I'd never seen pelicans there that early. The earliest I can remember seeing hem on Black Dog Lake was the first week of October. One person with a spotting scope estimated that there were 1300+ pelicans on the lake.

August 24, 2008 Diane needed some relief from work, so she wanted to go to the Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge to unwind. Our first stop was at the beaver lodge on Black dog Road - about a quarter mile east of the Cedar Avenue Bridge. As we stopped Diane spotted a bird at the waters edge. It turned out to be our first ever sighting of a Sora - I did not get photos

And then we noticed a Green Heron sitting in a tree over the marsh. It eventually flew - landed in the little opening right next to the road, where I got some good photos of it - and another Green Heron.

We also saw a Great Blue Heron and a Great Egret, and then several small flocks of Mallards buzzed by overhead before they dropped into the marsh.

Then I noticed some large birds approaching - I assumed they were Canada Geese, but they turned out to be Sandhill Cranes - our first ever sighting in the Twin Cities. They may have been the birds I'd heard several weeks earlier as I walked the Ft. Snelling trail east from the Cedar Avenue bridge. There were three birds, so I assume it was a pair and their "colt" (a young Sandhill). Unfortunately they were too far away for a photo.

We then drove to the observation platform west of the power plant - where we saw several Gulls - probably Ring-billed Gulls - out on the lake. A flock of Double Crested Cormorants flew by overhead.

Just west of the Black Dog power plant we parked in the pull-out west of the plant - and immediately spotted a bird sitting on one of the towers - and a nest with another bird in it on another tower. A view of the birds with my Simmons Gold Series 10x42 binoculars revealed two Ospreys.

We then decided to drive to the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge - to see what was there. On the trail east of the old bridge we saw a brilliant blue male Indigo Bunting. There were several ducks, geese and herons and egrets on Gun Dog Lake.

Then we walked to the observation platform west of the bridge, where we - along with several birders and photographers - were treated to the sight of a Virginia Rail with three downy, black, young chicks. They walked through the Arrow Leaf, rushes and Cattails near the platform for about an hour. And, as we watched them, two Soras flew up. It was a lot of fun watching the birds, and waiting for good photos.

We also saw an early migrant Lincoln's Sparrow, Swamp Sparrows, Marsh Wrens, American Coots, Mallards, Red-winged Blackbirds, Common Yellowthroats, Eastern Phoebees, Tree Swallows, Barn Swallows, Great Egrets and migrating Hummingbirds and one male Indigo Bunting.  

July 2008. I spent several weekends photographing birds and wildflowers over the last few weeks; including Eastern Bluebird, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Dickcissel and Sedge Wren at the Fens Unit of the MVWR in Burnsville, MN, and Northern Cardinals, Cedar Waxwings and sparrows at Murphy-Hanrahan Park and Ritter Farm Park.

Common Yellowthroat

While Attempting to photograph these birds I employed a few of my deer and turkey behavior research techniques. When I got close to a bird, or it appeared close to me I stayed quiet and moved very little. If I wanted to get closer to the birds I moved slowly, and tried to use available terrain, vegetation or the car to conceal my self and my movements.

One other asset in wildlife research and photography - is patience. When I hear or see a bird or animal I stay still, and keep looking until I locate it. I'll wait as long an hour - as long as the bird or animal is still nearby, I will wait until it becomes accustomed to me - or until it shows itself. If it is too far off for a shot I slowly move toward it, watching to see how it reacts to me, and I try to anticipate where it may go, so I can be in a position to photograph it when it is in the open.

Sunday, June 15, 2008 On Fathers Day Diane and I did a little birding and photography. We first drove the MN Valley Wildlife Refuge in Burnsville, MN, where we saw and got photos of Great Egret and Great Blue Heron. We also saw 4 large female Snapping Turtles on the road, one of them actually digging a nest in the gravel of the shoulder. It must be nesting time for Snapping Turtles. We also saw or heard Canada Geese and their goslings, Mallards, Wood Ducks, Coots, American Redstarts, Common Yellowthroats, Yellow Warblers, as well as the usual Redwing Blackbirds, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Common Grackles, Tree, Bank, Barn and Cliff Swallows, Song, Chipping, Grasshopper, Savannah and House Sparrows, Red-tailed Hawks, Sora (rail), Baltimore Orioles, Northern Cardinals, Northern Flickers, Hairy Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadee, Eastern Kingbird, Western Meadowlark, Eastern Bluebird, American Goldfinch, Ring-necked Pheasant, Wild Turkey, Common, Crow, Gray Catbird, Turkey Vulture, Rock Dove and Cedar Waxing. Total - 44 species, not bad for not trying.

But, what we were really looking for, and wanted to photograph, were Bobolinks and Dickcissels. We haven't seen or heard a Dickcissel all year. So we drove to one of our usual Bobolink grassy fields, where we did see a male Bobolink "teed up" and signing on a clump of grass, but he was too far out and would not hold still for a photo. Then we sawn another one, and another one, but the both landed down in the grass. I could hear them singing, so, I put the 2x Tamron teleconverter on the Tamron 70-300mm lens on my Canon Rebel XTi, and waited, and waited, and waited, while the birds flew around in the air chasing each other, out of range. So we drove a half-mile to a WPA where we have seen Bobolinks and Eastern Bluebirds in the past, but saw neither.

Then we drove back to the Bobolink grassy prairie, and when we pulled the car over to listen, we heard several Bobolinks, Tree and Barn Swallows and Western Meadolwarks. I hoped they would show themselves. And we waited, and waited - listening to the birds around us and enjoying the beautiful, windless, blue-sky morning in the hinterland - away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. It was nice to enjoy the solitude.

And then, suddenly, one of the male Bobolinks landed on the barbed-wire fence not 40 yards away, one my side of the car. So, I grabbed the camera, switched it manual focus ('cause it won't work in AF mode with the teleconverter), grabbed my shirt to use as a rest on the car window, and began to shoot. And then three other male Bobolinks sat on the wires within six feet of the first one, and they all began to preen and sing. I must have shot 40 photos of them. The problem was there was some tall grass between them and me, and I had to wait for the wind to blow hard enough that the grass bent down below the birds, or did not cover them up. But, we got some photos; and just watching and listening to them and the pair of Barn Swallows and Tree Swallows near them - made the whole day and unforgettable experience.

A lot of patience paid off. Now if I can find a place where the Indigo Buntings, Dickcissels, Eastern and Western Meadowlarks, Cerulean Warbler, Grasshopper, Field and Savannah Sparrows will cooperate - I'll be a happy man.
As in hunting, when you are looking for birds, or wanting to photograph them, you go to a place where you know you can find them, set up your equipment, and wait, and wait, and then wait some more. And sooner or later, you may be rewarded with the shot you were hoping for.

Sunday, June 1, 2008 I wanted to get more photos of the turkeys on Black Dog Road. However, the turkeys were not there (but I did get photos of the nesting Cliff Swallows). So, we drove south on Hwy 52 and then south on Hwy 56, to our old farm, and the gravel road loop along County Rd. 44, Bow Trail and east to County Rd. 14. We stopped at the farm - to see if I could hear the Upland Sandpipers and the Bobolink in the meadow behind where the house stood, but it was too late in the morning. I did hear a House Wren, and for the first time there, I heard an Eastern Meadowlark (Lifer for Diane).

Diane wanted to see Indigo Buntings, but we only saw four, and I could not focus on them fast enough to get photos. I did get (poor) photos of Savannah Sparrow (Lifer for Diane), Bobolink and Western Meadowlark.

We stopped by Don and Nordis Estrem's house, to find them and friends having coffee on the deck, not far from their bird feeders. While we drank coffee we saw Ruby-throated Hummingbird (FOY), Chipmunks, Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrels, White-breasted Nuthatch, Downy Woodpecker, Mourning Dove, Brown-headed Cowbird, Eastern Phoebee and Red-winged Blackbird; and across the road a flock of Wild Turkeys.

Along the gravel roads, two different Red-headed Woodpeckers presented themselves for photo opportunities.

We then drove by the Randolph Industrial Park, to look for Bobolinks and Dickcissels. We saw one female Boblink, and Chipping, Clay-colored and Grasshopper Sparrows. I have not seen a Dickcissel yet this year, including at the field off of Pilot Knob Road.

For some reason, I decided to take Hwy 50 to Farmington (instead of Hwy 52 to Cty 46). As we drove past the cattail marsh east of Farmington, I noticed a flash of bright yellow, and immediately pulled over to the side of the road. It was (as I instinctively knew it was) the first Yellow-headed Blackbird I had seen in years. And, overhead, an Osprey passed over us several times. I got photos of both.

Total 20

Weekend total 66 Species

Saturday. May 31, 2008 Diane and I arrived at Ritter Farm Park at 6:37, and as soon as we got out of the car we heard a Sora in the Marsh. There were Common Grackles and House Sparrows near the trail leading to the picnic area. Taking the trail south, past the marsh big marsh in front of the parking lot, we saw Red-winged Blackbird; and heard Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler and American Redstart.

At the intersection to trail that leads toward the lake we heard Blue Jay Northern Flicker and Brown Thrasher. Walking up the hill we saw Chipping Sparrow, Black-capped Chickadee and several of the previous warblers. Where the trail leads through the trees, we saw an Eastern Towhee and a Northern Cardinal singing.

We also heard Gray Catbird, House Finch and Rose-breasted Grosbeak At the barbed wire fence near the pasture we saw a Grasshopper Sparrow, and of course the Llamas and a herd of Sheep, and we heard a Ring-necked Pheasant.

We took the longer trail through the southwest woods, where we saw a White-breasted Nuthatch, Red-bellied and Hairy Woodpeckers, Yellow-throated and Red-eyed Vireos, and Eastern Wood Peewee. We also heard, but did not see, House Wren, House Finch, Scarlet Tanager, Blue Jay and Cerulean Warbler.

In the east meadows we saw Brown-headed Cowbird, American Goldfinch, Eastern Kingbird, Great Crested Flycatcher, Clay-colored, Chipping and Grasshopper Sparrows, Eastern Bluebird, Baltimore Oriole, and Tree and Barn Swallows. Three Great Blue Herons flew by overhead.

In the trees at the entrance to the Archery Range we got great views (and not so great photos) of a singing male Scarlet Tanager, just as photographer Bruce Abrahamson walked by.

Bruce told us he was going to take photos of the Bald Eagle eaglet, in the nest on the lake, so we walked with him. As we waited to see if the eaglet would show itself a Pileated Woodpecker flew right in front of us, and a Common Yellowthroat landed in a nearby tree. Overhead we saw one of the Bald eagles, and a Red-tailed Hawk, which was being harassed by an American Crow. As we continued to watch the nest for any sign of the eaglet, a Great Egret landed in a Cottonwood near the nest.

Bruce mentioned that he had never watched the nest for so long without seeing the eaglet, and he wondered if it had fallen out of the nest. Finally we saw a dark wing rise above the nest. We waited for quite a long while, but the eaglet did not show itself. Bruce mentioned that he had to leave, and that he was sure that when he drove by the nest on his way out, the eaglet would be sitting on the edge of the nest. We walked back to the parking lot with him, where I met Linda Whyte, who was going to join the bird banding near the lake.

When she asked how I was doing, I told hear about the arthritis in my neck, which wasn't helped by the fact that I had been looking up into trees for warblers for the last several weeks. She laughed and said, "You've got warbler-neck". As we drove by the lake, I saw the eaglet sitting on the edge of the nest, just as Bruce had predicted.

Total 42 species

As we drove home through Murphy-Hanrahan Park, we heard Ring-necked Pheasant, and saw Red-tailed Hawk, Tree and Barn Swallows, House, Chipping and Grasshopper Sparrows, Common Yellowthroat and Yellow Warbler, Eastern Bluebird, House and Chipping Sparrows, Eastern Kingbird, Mallard and Canada Geese.

Total for the day 46 species

Wednesday, May 28, 2008 We took a walk through different areas of Murphy-Hanrahan, hoping to add some photos of empids (flycatcher species) to my list. We first stopped at the Horse Trailer Parking lot, where I took the east trail into the woods. In the opening near the lake we got photos of Great Crested Flycatcher and a Blue-winged Warbler.

In the parking lot at Murphy Lake we watched as a pair of Eastern Bluebirds brought food to their young in one of the next boxes, and I got good photos of an Eastern Kingbird sitting on the barbed-wire fence.

As we drove south on Murphy Lake Road I got photos of Eastern Bluebirds on the utility lines near the horse farms. At the marsh past the first of the horse farms, we heard (but did not see) a Sora, which is a secretive "rail" found in marches.

Further south on the road, near the alfalfa field, I spotted a bird on the road, so I came to a screeching halt (if you can do that on gravel). Despite the noise and flying gravel the bird stayed on the road, and I got great (rare) photos of a Horned Lark.

Monday, May 26, 2008 At 6:20 AM I began walking through the Fens Unit of the MN Valley NWR. I photographed Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler, American Goldfinch and Gray Catbird in the shrub area. I did not see last year's Bell's Vireo, Sedge Wren (which I was hoping for), or the Yellow-breasted Chat.

Further along the trail, where it winds through the trees, I saw Red-winged Blackbird, Northern Cardinal, Baltimore Oriole, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Song Sparrows and Chipping Sparrows. And I heard Hairy Woodpecker, Wood Duck, Northern Flicker, Northern Cardinal, Mallard and House Finch.

Brilliant yellow Puccoon, and purple Creeping Charlie and Violets were blooming along the trail.

In the evening I walked the trail east from the Jens Casperson Landing of Ft. Snelling State Park, which begins under the Cedar Avenue bridge on Black Dog Road. I saw Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler, American Redstart, Great Egret, Wood Duck, Canada Goose, Red-winged Blackbird, Gray Catbird, House Wren and an empid. I heard Northern Flicker, Northern Cardinal, House Finch and Wood

Duck.

About a mile east of the Cedar Avenue bridge, off to the southeast - I heard a pair (at least) of Sandhill Cranes. Since it is unlikely these birds were on migration, they may be nesting in the area.

16 species

Sunday, May 24, 2008 Charles Ashley wanted to go on a Bird Photography Tour. We started out at the MN Valley NWR, where we did not see the turkeys, but we did photograph a pair of Killdeer standing 20 feet from the car.

Along Black Dog Road we saw the Cooper's Hawk on the nest, and, as Charles snapped a photo, the other one flew by overhead. He also got photos of a great Egret at the pond near the Cedar Avenue Bridge.

We took the trail under the bridge and saw male House Finch singing, the Cliff Swallows nesting, and Canada Geese, Red-wing Blackbirds, Mallards, Tree Swallows, Robins and House Wrens. Where the trail T's we saw a brilliant black and red American Redstart. Further east we saw Common Grackles, European Starling Song Sparrows and Brown-headed Cowbirds; and heard Wood Duck, Common Yellowthroat and Yellow Warbler.

At the east sluice gate we saw more American Redstarts, Yellow Warblers, and an unidentified shore bird. Near the observation platform we saw unidentified sparrows, and more Common Yellowthroats and Yellow Warblers.

We then drove south on I-35W, to see the Bobolinks off of 215th Street (?). One male was sitting about 5 yards from the fence when we arrived, but it would not hold long enough for a close photo. He did fly across the road to the east, where he offered a view (but not good photos) as he foraged in the grass.

A half mile south, at the Soberg WPA, we saw and heard several male Baltimore Orioles singing, and saw a pair of Eastern Bluebirds, Cedar Waxwings, ad Blue Jays. We heard several Common Yellowthroats and Yellow Warblers. The most exciting part of this stop was when two Baltimore Oriole males hooked their feet together and spiraled toward the ground in a fluttering "free-fall", and letting go before they hit the ground.

Back at the Bobolinks, the Tree Swallows buzzed around our heads, and then a male Bobolink chased a female across the road right in front of us, and out into the field. The female landed on a dry weed - and the male tried to land there with her, several times, with no success. As we started to leave a Killdeer ran out onto the road, where it performed a "broken-wing" display as it tried to lead us further down the road, presumably further from its nest. We saw a pair of unidentified raptors soaring on the thermals north of us.

We then drove through Murphy-Hanrahan, where we saw an unidentified hawk.

27 Species

Saturday, May 23, 2008 Diane and I started off at the west end of Silver Bell road in Eagan, where I photographed two tom turkeys strutting, and two deer. While I was there I heard White-breasted Nuthatch, Northern Cardinal, Chickadee and House Sparrow. Along Black Dog Road we saw Red-winged Blackbirds, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Common Grackles and European Starlings.

At the ponds under the Cedar Avenue Bridge we saw a Green Heron, Tree Swallows, Cliff Swallows (nesting, FOY), Mallards, Canada Geese, American Robin, and a Pileated Woodpecker. We heard a House Finch, American Redstart, Common Yellowthroat and Yellow Warbler. At the east sluice gate we saw Redstart, one Blackpoll Warbler, and in the pond one male Wood Duck. We heard a Northern Flicker.

Next we drove south on I 35W to Ritter Farm Park. Just across the wooden bridge by the lake we saw Red-winged Blackbirds, Tree Swallows and a Brown Thrasher, which was singing loudly.

Down in the first valley we saw a Blue Jay. We saw American Redstart, Chipping Sparrow, Eastern Kingbird (FOY), Tree Swallow, Eastern Bluebird, Rose-breasted Grosbeak (FOY), Grasshopper Sparrow (FOY), two Yellow Warblers, song Sparrows and one Eastern Wood Peewee (FOY). We heard Red-bellied Woodpecker and Great Crested Flycatcher.

We then drove south on I35 to 210th street and then south to 215th, where we saw one male Red-winged Blackbird, Bobolink, one male Indigo Bunting, Tree Swallows and a Kildeer. We heard a Grasshopper Sparrow, Indigo Bunting, Yellow Warbler and a Common Yellowthroat (FOY). And of course we heard Guinea Hens at the farm.

A half mile south, at Soberg WPA, we saw Eastern Bluebirds, Tree and Barn Swallows, and one male Boblink just south of the parking lot. At the old farm site we saw Blue-winged Teal, Catbird, Cedar Waxwing, Blue Jay, Baltimore Oriole, and one male Orchard Oriole.

Close to the lake, from the top of the hill, we saw Field Sparrows and Clay-colored Sparrows, Yellow Warblers, Red-tailed Hawk and American Goldfinch. In the pond south of the lake we saw Canada Geese, a Green Heron, two Great Egrets, and one Common Yellowthroat.

At Murphy-Hanrahan I walked down the trail off of Natchez, but did not see the Bluebirds. But, I did see a Cooper's Hawk, Yellow Warbler and an Eastern Kingbird. And I heard American Redstarts, and Common Yellowthroat. At the trail going north near the river I saw a female Hairy Woodpecker and Great Crested Flycatcher. I heard one Ring-necked Pheasant, American Redstarts and Song Sparrows.

The most enjoyable experience of the day was watching a pair of Chickadees carrying stuff out a hole at the base of a dead Cottonwood, presumably it was a nesting hole they were cleaning out. And right next to them was the Indigo Bunting eating small flower buds.

44 Species

Sunday, May 18, 2008 A group accompanied us on a 1/2-day birding tour. May of them wanted to see Bobolinks, Dickcissels and Indigo Buntings.

As we drove through Murphy-Hanrahan Park we heard Black-capped Chickadee, Blue Jay, Cardinal, Great-crested Kingbird; and saw Common Yellowthroat, House Wren, Ring-necked Pheasant, Tree Swallow, Chipping Sparrow, Canada Goose, Mallard House Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Goldfinch, Robin, Mourning Dove, Brown-headed Cowbird, Tree Swallow, Great Egret, Common Grackle, Starling and Savannah Sparrow (which I was only able to identify by zooming-in in Photo Shop).

I did not see the Bobolinks in the burned field south of Murphy Lake (I suspect they may have to move to the fields west of the road), but did see a Kildeer there. Usually we see Red-tailed Hawk, Vulture, Bald Eagle, Turkey, Bluebird, Eastern Kingbird and Thrasher here, but not on this drive through. If I had stopped at Ritter Farm Park, we could have seen Blue Jay and possibly other birds, but we wanted to get further south.

Southwest of County 70 and I 35 we found that the east field had been burned, but found two male Bobolinks (poor ID photo) in the west field. We also heard a Sora and Common Yellowthroat; and we saw R-W Blackbirds and Tree Swallows (which buzzed my head as I stood near their nest boxes).

At the Soberg WPA about a mile south of there we saw Baltimore Oriole, Eastern Bluebird, Tree Swallows, Barn Swallows, Chipping Sparrows, White-breasted Nuthatch, Blue-winged Teal, Catbird, 1 Field Sparrow, Canada Geese, and an unidentified Hawk. We also heard Cardinals.

Baltimore Oriole

We did not walk in farther than the old building site, so we missed a lot. Usually we see Cedar Waxwing, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Kildeer, Mallard, Wood Duck and up to 5 Sparrow species here.

We stopped at the grasslands near the Northfield Hospital, where I hoped to find Dickcissel, to no avail. But, we did see R-W Blackbird and several unidentified Sparrows.

At the Canon River Wilderness Area we saw Northern Cardinal, Swainson's Thrush on the gravel road in. In the large tree in the mowed area in front of the parking lot we saw a Chestnut-sided Warbler (Lifer for Diane), Robins, more Swainson's Thrush and Yellow-rumped Warbler. Just west of the bridge, on the north side of the river, we ran into a hoard of Y-R Warblers, and then we saw several Redstarts, Blackpoll Warblers, Black and White Warblers (which would not hold still, hence the lousy photos) and Magnolia Warblers, a half dozen or so Common Yellowthroats, 1 Wilson's Warbler (poor photo, because it was too far, but god enough for an ID), and possibly 1 Hooded Warbler (same problem).

We also saw several Eastern Phoebees and Bank Swallows feeding, while a group of 5 Turkey Vultures and a large flock of unidentified Gulls rode the thermals far overhead.

We heard Wood Duck, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Northern Flicker and Great Crested Flycatcher. We also saw some beautiful white Violets with blue centers - among the purple Violets. We often see or hear Pileated Woodpecker and Belted Kingfisher here. Near the bridge we also saw some beautiful white with purple center Violets among the purple Violets. I'd seen white with blue center Violets before, Yellow Violets and white Violets, but never white and purple Violets.

We quickly stopped by Big Woods State Park, to see the rare and endangered Minnesota Dwarf Trout Lily, which is found only in this area of southeast Minnesota. While most lilies have 6 petals, this one generally has 4-5 petals, with only 17 % having 6 petals. The flowers are aabout the size of a dime when open, whereas the Trout Lilly flower is about the size of a nickel.

I also saw one American Redstart feeding on the ground near the parking lot.

On the way to our old farm north of Kenyon we saw Rock Dove and American Kestrel (aka Sparrow Hawk). At the farm we found the Downy Yellow Violets (Viola pubescens) I was looking for.

As we drove the gravel roads near the farm we saw Kildeer, Eastern Phoebee, House Sparrow, Tree Swallows, Barn Swallow, Hairy Woodpecker, White-throated Sparrow, 2 male Bobolinks, 1 Indigo Bunting and 1 Western Meadowlark.

We did not get to the farm until about 12:30, but when we get there between sunrise and 9 AM we often see Brown Thrasher, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Eastern Kingbird, Turkey and Cliff Swallows.

We stopped off at the Randolph Industrial Park, where we again hoped to see Dickcissel (to no avail), where we saw 2 male and 1 female Bobolink, Kildeer, 1 Red-tailed Hawk, 1 male (gray) Northern Harrier, R-W Blackbirds and one Savannah Sparrow.

On the way home we heard a Sora and Ring-necked Pheasant at the 180th Street marsh; and saw Kildeer, Mallard and R-W Blackbirds. We did not see the Loggerhead Shrikes or the Brown Thrasher along Emery between 190th and 170the Streets.

Total bird species for the day: 54 - between 7AM and 2PM. With a walk through several of these areas - this could easily be a 70-90 bird a day area in the spring (mid-April through mid-May); 50+ would be a normal summer count.

Saturday, May 17, 2008 Diane and I walked through Snail Lake Reserve, on the northeast corner of I 694 and Victoria. I've looked at the cattail lake many time on my way to Game Fair each August, but never got into the area. It consists of hardwoods and softwoods, grassy meadows and cattail marsh. Just below the parking lot we got into a group of Yellow-rumped warblers. In the underbrush near the lake I jumped a cottontail rabbit, and saw a Common Yellowthroat, while hearing a Baltimore Oriole. Near the swampy area west of the parking lot I heard House Finches, and saw Chipping Sparrows, giant Canada Geese, Wood Ducks, Mallards and Red-winged Blackbirds. In an opening near the corner of Victoria and I 694 we saw a Magnolia Warbler (Diane's Lifer).

Magnolia Warbler

Friday, May 16, 2008 Diane was visiting relatives on a farm in Pennock, west of Willmar. They had a bird feeder and Diane got photos of 1 Harris' Sparrow (lifer), 1 White-Crowned Sparrow (lifer), 4 Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Cardinals, 1 Hairy Woodpecker, 2 House Finches, and 1 Baltimore Oriole.

Diane was told that Yellow-headed Blackbirds could be found nearby, and she heard Upland Sandpipers near the farm. We will be going back for photos.

Friday, May 16, 2008 I took a walk in the park behind the LivInn Suites, hoping to get photos of a Northern Cardinal, because I had seen a pair of them here before. And I did see a pair feeding on the ground at almost the same location I saw them before. But, I did not get a hot before they flew off. I did see a couple of Yellow-rumped Wablers, heard a House Wren and got one good photo of a Common Grackle near the woods.

As I left the woods to walk round the pond, I saw a Yellow Warbler high in a tree, and then a Common Yellowthroat flitting in the cattails at the pond's edge.

And then, about 30 yards in front of me, a brilliant red male Northern Cardinal. He flew from the trees to the ground several times as he kept a 20-30- yard buffer-zone between us each time I approached. But, I did get several good photos.

Saturday, May 10, 2008 We took a group of six people for a leisurely stroll through Dodge Nature Center in West St. Paul. The first thing we heard was the haunting cry of a Sora Rail, which we did not see. Other than that and our first of the year (FOY) sighting and hearing of a bright orange male Baltimore Oriole, there was nothing we had not seen before this year.

Then we drove to Scharrs Bluff, off of Dakota County 42 and Idell Avenue. As we took the trail head west near the heavy rail fence, we saw a group of warblers flitting in the trees. Upon inspection we found several Yellow-rumped warblers, with one notable exception.

Among them, within 30 feet of us, and not much above 30 feet up, was a bird that Diane said had an orange head (she had the binoculars, while I had both the Canon S3 IS and the Canon XTi with the Tamron 70-300 mm lens hanging heavily around my neck). I quickly focused the XTi on the bird - and was amazed to see the bright orange and black head of my first ever (Lifer) Blackburnian Warbler.

As the bird flitted through the branches, searching for God only knows what small insects, I positioned myself (several times) for a clear shot. Even after 15 minutes of waiting, moving and hoping - and about 20 shots - I only got two good photos. But, they were clear evidence of what we had seen.

Further up the trail we spotted white Dutchmens' Breeches flowers, white-with-pink-center Wild Violets, and a beautiful pink flower I have yet to identify. Of course there were more YR Warblers, Tree Swallows, Turkey Vultures, two pair of Cardinals, several Blue Jays and Chipping Sparrows, but no Eastern Bluebirds. And there was one Empid (Flycatcher) - a Least Flycatcher.

As we rounded a corner in one of the small trails leading toward the meadow near the bluff edge, a Bald Eagle left its perch about 30 yards away. I'm not sure if it - or we - were more scared. Of course I was too startled to get a photo. But it would have been great!

As we headed back toward the parking lot, I heard a bird (that I could not identify) calling loudly from below the cliff. I did not see it, but I did hit the video record button on the S3 IS, so I could get an audio recording to play back later. I'll send it to a bird vocalization expert to identify. But, while looking for the bird, we saw a male American Redstart (FOY).

Sunday, May 11, 2008 After a fantastic Pentecost Sunday / Mother's Day Mass, and a great breakfast of biscuits and gravy, provided by my oldest daughter Lissa's husband, Greg Boehmer, Diane and I decided to take a couple of short walks in Murphy-Hanrahan Park (that was my present to her for Mother's Day).

Our first walk was on the trail on 175th St. E, about a quarter of the way between Murphy Lake Road and Natchez Ave. It is right next to the Credit River, where it intersects with a creek flowing in from the east.

About 300 yards down the trail we began to see warblers in the trees on either side of us. They were mostly Yellow-rumped Warblers, but we did spot, and I got a couple of photos each; of a Black-billed Cuckoo (FOY, and Lifer for Diane), a Magnolia Warbler (FOY, and Lifer for Diane), a warbler I have yet to positively identify (looks like a female Mourning Warbler), an Empid (fllycatcher) I hve yet to identify, and a Great Crested Flycatcher (FOY). The photos of the Cuckoo and Magnolia Warbler were not good, but good enough for a positive ID.

Right at the trailhead on Natchez Ave. we got better photos of a Great Crested Flycatcher, and down the hill, in the meadow, I saw Tree Swallows, a pair of Eastern Bluebirds (the male in a vibrant blue coat and rusty bib), and I played hide-and-go-seek with a Yellow Warbler. I was hoping to see a Common Yellowthroat - to no avail.

Tuesday, April 5, 2008 We took a late afternoon tour through Ritter Farm Park in Lakeville. The first thing we saw and heard was a Red Squirrel. As we took the path through the picnic area we saw a pair of Cardinals. Past the bridge and up the hill we saw a pair of Blue Jays, and a Cottontail. Several Yellow-rumped Warblers were feeding in the bushes and trees, and several Chipping Sparrows were seen feeding on the ground.

Along the west boundary we played hide and go seek with a pair of Eastern Towhees. They would tempt us with a partially obscured photography shot, and then go - and we'd try to catch up to them. We repeated this process for about 15 minutes as they fed in the leaf litter beneath the bushes.

I also heard a Northern Flicker, and some type of woodpecker tapping on a tree. In the meadows we saw both Tree Swallows and Barn Swallows tearing through the air, along with Goldfinches playfully chasing each other.

Sunday, April 4, 2008 We arrived later than normal at Crex Meadows, because we had to wait for some of our party. So we missed sunrise, but not much else.

At Phantom Lake we saw dozens of Yellow-rumped and a handful of Palm Warblers; abundant Redwing Blackbirds, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Ring-necked Ducks; one Redhead (FOY and lifer for many), one loon (FOY) and several pairs of Trumpeter swans.

Redhead

At other places we saw White-tailed Deer, 1 Fisher (lifer for all), several Bald Eagles, an unidentified hawk circling on a thermal, 3 pairs of Sandhill Cranes feeding, a half dozen or so Pied-billed Grebes and one Eared Grebe (lifer for many people) at Riegel Outlook.

We watched a trio of Northern Harriers ride the wind, and saw a nesting Trumpeter Swan and a nesting Bald Eagle. We also saw 1 Kestrel, 4 Northern Shoveler drakes, 3-4 pair of Bufflehead, a pair of Hooded Mergansers and one lone ellow Warbler male. The topper was a Black Bear spotted by Diane at our last stop of the day.

Saturday, April 3, 2008 Diane and I took a drive through the MN Valley NWR. We stopped for about 45 minutes to try out the new Canon Rebel XTi and Tamron 70-300 lens on a flock of about 15 turkeys, including 6 toms that put on a gobbling an strutting display for us. The photos turned out great - you can view them on my Turkey Photos link.

We also saw Mallards, Canada Geese, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler and Great White Egrets at the beaver ponds. At the east sluice gate we were entertained by some denizens of the watery woodlands, such as Palm Warblers (lifer for Diane and I), Yellow-rumped Warblers and Song Sparrows - as they searched the branches and ground for things to eat. I'd guess that in the 50 or so Yellow-rumps, there were only about 10 Palm Warblers.

We also heard a House Wren (FOY), Northern Flicker and saw Robins, Brown Headed Cowbirds, Redwing Blackbirds, Tree Swallows, 4 Bald Eagles, one Red-tailed Hawk, and a brightly colored House Finch.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008 I took a walk around the park behind InnTown Suites on West County Rd. 42. Redwing Blackbirds were clinging to the tattered brown remnants of last year's cattails, and Black-capped Chickadees played tag in a large cedar tree, and a couple of unidentified sparrows flew by on the wind. In the woods I spooked a hen turkey, probably on her way to eat after leaving her nest. I also spooked a pair of Gray Squirrels and a female Cardinal, as a large black Crow cawed hoarsely overhead.

On the pond three female and one male Ring-necked Ducks dove, while a small flock of Canada Geese honked loudly at a passing dog. And - as I watched a Green Heron landed on the island.

Across the street in a small marshy, brushy area, a Song Sparrow sat atop a small tree singing, and a pair of American Goldfinches chatted in the tall trees. And - just before I left I saw a pair of Barn Swallows (FOY) chasing insects on the wind. .

Tuesday, April 22, 2008 We drove south on Highway 52, to Highway 56, and took the first right past the Cannon River down a gravel road - past the Maltby Nature Preserve, and took the first left. Where the road curved right, we went left and pulled into the parking lot of the Christmas tree farm. At the corner of the fence east of the parking lot there was an opening, and a grassy path that led through the goat prairie. At the top of the first hill, we found what were looking for - a patch of pale bluish-purple Crocus in full bloom.

As we climbed down the hill I heard a bluebird, and then a pair of them flew by us - as a brown female Northern Harrier (FOY) tilted on the wind overhead.

Further to the west I heard an Eastern Meadowlark. As we drove back past the Nature Preserve, Diane spotted a flock of about 10 American White Pelicans overhead, and I heard, and then saw - a single Sandhill Crane (FOY), and then a Red-tailed Hawk. We did not see any Dickcissels or Bobolinks at the Industrial Park north of Randolph. At Lake Byllesby we saw Mallards, American Coots, more Pelicans, Coots, Blue-winged Teal, a pair of Wood Ducks and Ring-billed Gulls.

On the way back to Inver Grove Heights we stopped at the 180th Street ponds, where we saw 3 Lesser Yellowlegs, several Northern Shovelers and Canada geese, a single Mallard drake, a Pied-bill Grebe, and a male Brown-headed Cowbird. We did not see the Loggerhead Shrikes on Emery Avenue.

Sunday, April 20, 2008 We had planned on going to Crex Meadows, in Grantsburg, Wisconsin this weekend, but our daughter Tawnya had to go to the emergency room Friday night. So we stayed home and drove to the MN Valley NWR once again.

It was supposed to be a warn day, getting up to 71 degrees, but when we left the house at 6 AM it was cold and gray, with high fog - or very low clouds. We saw 2 toms turkeys roosted (all by themselves) near home. I'm guessing the hens have gone of to nest by now.

At the refuge we saw or heard Song Sparrows, European Starlings, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Redwing Blackbirds, Black-capped Chickadees, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker (FOY) and Red-bellied Woodpecker along Black Dog Road. On Black Dog Lake we saw 18 American White Pelicans, 20+ Double-crested Cormorants, 20 Ruddy Ducks (FOY) and 10+ pairs of Lesser Scaup. Near the viewing platform we saw a Ruby-crowned Kinglet (FOY and Lifer). In the pond near the east sluice gate we saw several pair of Blue-winged Teal, Tree Swallows and several American Coots and Canada Geese.

A Yellow-rumped Warbler male (FOY) entertained us for awhile, as a mature Bald Eagle flew by overhead.

In the marsh under Cedar Avenue, a Green Heron (FOY) landed within 15 yard of us, and I got some fair photos; there were also 5 Great Egrets. Farther east in the marsh we spotted 5+ pair of Bullfelhead, 3 pair of Gadwalls and a Belted Kingfisher (FOY sighting).

In one of the holding ponds east of the power plant I got some great photos of a Pelican, complete with breeding colors and breeding knob on the bill, and breeding plumes on the top of the head. I never realized how colorful they were until I looked at the photos.

To top the day off we, as we were stopped near the power plant we heard the scream of a Peregrine (FOY), and we watched as it spiraled higher and higher around the tallest exhaust stack, where the nest box is located.

I just checked the link to the Nest Camera on the Black Dog Plant, but did not see a bird in the nest box.

There is a Peregrine in the nest box, and Ospreys on the nest platform - at the King Plant in Oak Grove. You can access these live cameras by clicking on the "Xcel Energy Cameras" link on the "Live Animal Cams" page on our site at http://www.trmichels.com/AnimalCams.htm. There are links to 120+ other live animal cams there too.

April 13, 2008 At the MN Valley NWR we saw 1 beaver, 1 muskrat, several White-tailed Deer, 1 Eastern Phoebe (FOY sighting; heard last weekend), 3 American White Pelicans (FOY), 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker male (FOY), a pair of Brown-headed Cowbirds (FOY), 5 pair of Bufflehead, a 2 year old Bald Eagle, a 3 year old Bald Eagle, 3 adult Bald Eagles, and 1 Great Egret. There were also several Bufflehead, Mallards, Northern Shovelers, Ring-necked Ducks and American Coots. Plus Song Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos, Cardinals - plus Downy Woodpeckers, White-breasted Nuthatch, Black-capped Chickadee, Ringbilled Gulls and American Goldfinch.

The giant Canada Geese are nesting and lots of male Red-winged Blackbirds were displaying. We heard a turkey gobbling about 15 minutes before sunrise - near the last house on the east end of the road, and later heard a turkey gobble east of the west sluice gate, probably on the south side of the river.

April 12, 2008 We photographed turkeys strutting at the MN Valley NWR for about 3 hours. However, where we saw toms, jakes (1-year-old males) and hens last weekend, we only saw 6 toms and 4 jakes. I suspect the hens have gone off to look for nesting sites and spring home ranges.

Driving along Black Dog Road we saw the usual birds, including Starlings (FOY) and 5 Great Egrets (FOY), Northern Shovelers and a 1-year old Bald Eagle.

April 6, 2008 At the MN Valley NWR we arrived just after sunrise, but did not see or hear any Turkeys until about 8 AM, when 6 toms and about 15 hens arrived. There were also 6 White-tailed Deer does and fawns. Almost immediately tow of the subdominant toms began to chase each other, neck-wrestling, wing-slapping and pecking each other. Then one of the hens began chasing other hens around.

The hens eventually left and crossed the street, the toms followed. As soon as the toms got across the street - the two toms began fighting in earnest. For the next 15 minutes they neck-wrestled, pushed each other, slapped at each other with their wings, and jumped into the air and tried to spur each other. Most of the time they spent neck-wrestling, pushing and grabbing each other's neck with their beaks. Eventually one of the toms tried to run off - with the other bird still holding onto the neck with its beak.

I got several photos of the fight, plus some video, and a few photos of the other birds strutting, but nowhere near the number of strutting photos I had taken the day before. But, all in all it was a fantastic learning experience, and I got some rare photos of a turkey fight.

You can view the Turkey photos here

As we drove down Black Dog Road we saw a mink, a mature Bald Eagle, Song Sparrows, Red-winged Blackbirds, Northern Shovelers, Blue-winged Teal (FOY), Double-crested Cormorants (FOY), Pied-billed Grebe (FOY), Mallards, Canada Geese, American Coots, Ring-necked Ducks, Lesser Scaup, 2 pair of Buflehead, Ring-billed Gulls and a pair of Bluebirds (FOY). We also saw or heard Cardinals and Black-capped Chickadees.

At the west sluice gate we heard an Eastern Phoebe (FOY). Between the west sluice gate and the parking area to the viewing platform- I heard a bird I could not identify, and it was too far away to identify with 8x binoculars. So, I took a photo with my Canon PowerShot S3 IS. When I got home I discovered it was a Ruby-crowned Kinglet (FOY). Both the Phoebe and the Kinglet were first of life birds for my wife.

April 5, 2008 Because I wanted to photograph wild turkeys near the MN Valley NWR in Burnsville, MN, we drove to the far east end of Black Dog Road, where we arrived at about 6 AM. We listened for turkey calls for about a half-hour. We did not here the turkeys , but we did see Northern Cardinals, Black-capped Chickadees and Red-Winged Blackbirds (fires to year), and we heard a Red-Bellied Woodpecker (first of year. We also saw two normal colored Gray Squirrels, and a black Gray squirrel feeding on the driveway of the house on the west side of the road.

We then drove west to the beaver lodge in the first marsh past the railroad tracks - where we spotted a Beaver feeding. Farther west we spotted 5+ pair of Hooded Mergansers (first of year), 20+ Ring-necked Ducks (first of year), several Mallards and Canada Geese, 2 pair of Northern Shovelers (first of year), Wood Ducks (first of year) and several American Coots (first of year).

Along the river we spotted one mature Bald Eagle in the trees above the river, plus Song Sparrows, Swamp Sparrows (both first of year), Dark Eyed Juncos, Black-capped Chickadees, Ring-billed Gulls and 1 Hairy Woodpecker. On the river we spotted several Common Mergansers, two pair of Bufflehead (first of year), and a drake Red-breasted Merganser (first one ever spotted there).

Then we drove back to the house where the turkeys can be found - and saw a tom and 5hens, Minutes later there were a total of 6 toms, a couple of jakes (one year old males) and about 5 hens. There were also 8 White-tailed Deer does and fawns. We got several photos, including strutting toms, which is what I was hoping for. Unfortunately when I got back home, I found that none of the 226 photos of the turkeys were in focus. I was quite disgusted - the lens may have been dirty- so I cleaned it - with a resolve to go back the next morning in the hopes of getting more photos.

Next we drove through Murphy-Hanrahan Park in Scott County, just south of Burnsville, where we saw a flock of 5 hen Turkeys followed by a large male. Diane spotted a 1-year-old Bald Eagle soaring overhead, and we saw and heard the normal birds, but nothing new for the day.

Then we made a short circuit of Ritter Farm Park, off of I-35W in Lakeville. There was still some snow on the ground, and the trails were quite muddy. The only addition was a pair of Great Blue Herons flying high overhead (first of year).

That evening we drove to the Fens Unit of the MN Valley NWR, just south of Black Dog Road, on Cliff Road, in the hopes of seeing and hearing the mating display of American Woodcock. We walked into the marsh, about 300 yards past the first pair of power towers l- and waited. We heard or saw Cardinals, Chickadees, Red-winged Blackbirds, Swamp Sparrows, Song Sparrows, Mallards, Wood Ducks and Ring-necked Pheasants.

Sunset was at about 7:45 PM - at which time we began hearing the "beep" of Woodcocks around us. At about 8 PM a woodcock made a fly-by above our heads at about 15 yards. And then the fun began - in the next 15-20 minutes we witnessed three aerial displays by the males. They would appear overhead at about 30-40 yards, and then start a series of wide circles, each circle spiraling higher, until the birds were literally out of sigh in the twilight - and then they would hurtle straight down - until they were almost on the ground before pulling out of their power dives.

It was the first time either of us had witnessed the display, although I had heard the birds "beeping" several times while I was spring turkey spring hunting in the past. It was a great experience. .

March 29, 2008 At the MN Valley NWR in Burnsville, MN, we spotted a mature bald eagle. Near the power plant we spotted 30+ Common Mergansers, a drake Red-breasted Merganser, 2 pair of Bufflehead, and 10+ Lesser Scaup. Along Black Dog Road near the ponds east of the Cedar Ave. bridge we spotted several Coots, Mallards, 20+ Ring-necked Ducks and Giant Canada Geese. There were also some unidentified Gulls. We also spotted and photographed about 30 turkeys, including a half dozen long-bearded toms. We watched as they strutted, and fought while producing the "fighting purr". They also gobbled, putted, purred and whined. If you have never really "observed" wild turkeys - it is a lot of fun. Feel free to contact us if you want to go on a wild turkey tour - or any other tour.

At Murphy-Hanrahan Park south of Burnsville we saw or heard Red-tailed Hawk, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Red-Bellied Woodpecker, Dark-eyed Junco, Black-capped Chickadee, Blue Jay, Northern Cardinal, American Robin, American Coot, Mallard, Giant Canada Geese, Mallards, and unidentified Sparrows.

Check Bird Migration Radar - as it Occurs. Check this in the evening, as dusk migration starts - look for winds blowing north to your location. Here

Peregrine shatters 200 mph mark Video

View over 100 live bird and wildlife cameras. Live Bird & Wildlife Cams

View over 100 videos of birds and animals. Bird and Animal Videos.

 USeeWildlife.com has 8 cameras with sound and night vision capability in Arkansas, everything from birds, to rattlesnakes, to black bears and cubs, to white-tailed deer.

Too Many Snow Geese? Read the story here.

 Am I Different?

Because I am both a hunter, and a nature lover, who does a lot of looking for and photographing of birds, wildflowers, wildlife and nature scenes, I spend much of my time outdoors - much more than most people who have "real" jobs do. My "job" is comprised of being a hunter and a hunting guide/outfitter; a natural history tour guide; a freelance outdoor writer, hunting book author and seminar speaker; web site manager and magazine publisher; wildlife researcher; and nature photographer. It is a tough job - but someone has to sacrifice ...

Anyhow, my job is all about the out-of-doors, experiencing it, enjoying it, researching it and sharing my love of it through what I write and talk about. It is not a 9-5 job, and I don't have anyone telling me what time I have to be at work, what to do, or what project to work on. I choose what time I get up and go to work (I'm usually awake by 4:30 AM and on the computer by 5). I choose which one of several unfinished projects I have to work on, or start off the day by going on a nature hike in the park behind the house. But, that is not to say I don't' have a lot to do.

This past week I had to write a 2500 word article for a hunting magazine, and dig through hundreds of my photos to find photo support for the article. And I had to send out five articles to each of the 57 websites I write for. Plus I posted 4 different articles on the 44 talk forums that I run on-line seminars on - which means I have to answer 10-30 e-mails in response to those seminars - everyday. And then I have to come up with some new and inspiring (or at least informational) articles for the hunting magazine and natural history magazines on our (this) website. And I have to update the magazines and several pages of the website with news items and press releases from other outdoor related companies. But, sometimes, I just sit, and watch and listen to the birds and animals outside my window.

This morning, as I sit at my computer (which is in front of a window from which I can see the woods and meadows behind our house), and listen to the calling of the Brown Thrasher, American Robin, Northern Cardinal, House Wren, American Crow and other birds, I realized that I have always enjoyed the early morning sounds of nature. As I write this I hear the scolding cries of a gray squirrel, and I'm guessing it is because the squirrel has caught sight of the coyote that frequents the woods and the meadow. The coyote is probably still looking for something to eat, on an early morning "mousing" session to feed its family.

By the way, if you can't see or hear the early morning sounds of wildlife from where you are at, you can always log on to the wildlife cams on our Wildlife Camera Page to watch wild birds, mammals, and zoo animals, fish, reptiles and insects. The site I most frequently log on to is www.useewildlife.com which features 8 cameras in different areas of a large private wildlife preserve. The cameras have both night vision and audio capabilities, so you can watch and listen to the animals day and night. Right now I'm watching deer, wild turkeys, gray squirrels, crows, coots and a brown -colored black bear cub. And I'm listening to a Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jays and woodpeckers drumming, along with frogs singing. It is lots of fun. And you can get your wildlife "fix" whether it is morning, midday, evening or the middle of the night.

Anyhow, back to my thoughts ...

Whether I am just sitting, listening out the window, as I am on this spring morning, or walking on a birding trip or casual stroll - or hunting on a cattail marsh (or "sloughs" as we called them in west-central Minnesota) listening to the lazy quacks of a hen mallard before sunrise, and the splashing of a coot as it ran across the water, or turkey hunting in the bluffs and coulees of southeastern Minnesota, or the ravines of the Niobrara River as it meanders through the prairies of north central Nebraska, listening to the sounds of many of the same birds I hear from my window, along with the thundering gobble of an amorous tom turkey rolling down the hillside, and the drumming of a Downy or Hairy Woodpecker in the nearby trees. - I enjoy the sounds of early morning.

In Nebraska I have heard the booming of Prairie Chickens from their "leks" on the prairie, and the calling of a Long-billed Curlew, sitting on a wooden fence post, with the fences stretched out for miles across the grasslands. In Colorado and New Mexico I have heard the howling of a coyote, and the bugling of large-racked bull elk, proclaiming his dominance from a nearby snow-covered mountain.

In northern Minnesota I've heard the mournful howling of a pack of wolves in February, as they welcome the dawn of day, with the sun causing the newly fallen snow to sparkle like miniature diamonds. On special spring days I've heard the plaintive cries of a flock of tundra swans flying high overhead, as they wing their way back to their breeding grounds near the Arctic Circle.

In western Wisconsin I've heard the guttural calls of thousands of sandhill cranes before dawn, as they got ready to leave the roost to feed in the nearby corn fields, while the clouds on the eastern horizon turned from purple to rose, pink and orange. I've also sat in a photography blind, and listened to the whicker-whicker-whicker mating calls of a sharp-tailed grouse, as it danced across the grassland, and the crowing of a cock ring-necked pheasant, its bronze breast shining in the early morning sunlight. - I enjoy the sounds of early mornings.

I have always enjoyed the sounds of natures' early morning.

(Check my video links at the top of this page to watch and listen to the sounds of nature that I've enjoyed.)

I also enjoy the sights of early morning, especially the sight of a purple, rose, pink, sunrise, with the great glorious orange ball of the sun breaking through the clouds just above the horizon. I like the way the clouds are spread across the sky, like tumbled satin bed sheets, left after a night of tossing and turning. They are often a reminder of a storm the night before, that left the air cleansed of the dust and humidity of the day.

(Check our Sunrise/Sunset Photography pages to view the sunrises I've seen.)

And then there is the "feel and smell" of early morning. Whether I'm turkey hunting, or birding, spring mornings are often cool, and crisp, with the smell of clean air, except the times when I'm near a newly plowed field. Then that air has a different smell, the smell of freshly turned earth. Again, whether I am deer hunting or birding, fall mornings are often cool and crisp, sometimes with the smell of freshly cut hay, or the damp but clean smell the fallen leaves give off after a night of rain. - I enjoy the feel and smell of mornings.

I enjoy the sounds, sights, feel and smells of mornings - and the promise they bring of a new day.

 Am I different? I guess when it come to my job, I'm different than most people, but similar to many of my friends, who make their living the same way I do. They are hunters, guides, outfitters, fishing guides, natural history tour guides, outdoor writers, authors, seminar speakers and nature photographers.

When it comes to liking to get up early and enjoy the sounds, sights, feel ands smell of early mornings, I guess I'm like most of my friends, who are accustomed to getting up early to go to work outdoors. And, I'm even like some of the birders and other nature lovers I've met, who enjoy early mornings.

But, I'm also different than most people, and even some of my friends, and some of the birders and nature lovers I meet, who like to sleep in, or who don't bother to get up early to catch an early morning sunrise, or the sounds of nature, as the toads and frogs go to sleep, and the woods, waters, meadows and prairies come alive with the sounds and songs of the animals and birds that call them home.

I hope I never get too old to enjoy the sights, sounds, feel and smell - of nature's early mornings,

God bless, and may you enjoy the great outdoors,

T.R.

After a couple of recent bird photography shoots, I realized that there were some basic differences between "birders" (those who search for birds as a hobby or for enjoyment, to add to their sightings and "yearly" or "life" lists), "bird watchers" (those who like to observe bird behavior - whether in the wilds or in the backyard - to learn how birds interact with each other or observe breeding behavior etc.), and "wildlife photographers".

Many of the "birders" I have met enjoy just seeing birds, especially one that is new to them, or one that is unusual or rare. They often go on birding trips, or tours (with several other people) to hear or see birds to add to their list, or just for relaxation purposes. Many of these people just want to see or hear a bird, but they my not take time to actually observe the bird for more than a few minutes. Their main purpose seems to be see or hear as many birds as they can in the time they spend "birding".

I've also met a few "bird watchers", those people who just like to watch birds as the birds go about their normal daily routines, or they hope to see the birds engaged in breeding behavior, or some unusual behavior. I've been lucky enough to observe eagles, turkeys, ducks, geese, swans and song birds performing mating displays and actually breeding, or fighting - and I've actually been able to video some of those behaviors (check my video links at the top of this page).

And then there are "wildlife photographers". Some of them want to take the best photo they can of any bird they can, for personal satisfaction, to place on the internet, or for sale. I like to take photos for all of those reasons, especially as proof of the birds we see on our Natural History & Photography Tours, as reminders of what we see, for sale as prints, note and post cards, calendars, and for sale to publications.

Some wildlife photographers have also become "animal watchers - people who observe animals, to learn more about them. As a result of my personal research into the biology and behavior of White-tailed Deer, North American Elk, Wild Turkeys and ducks and geese, my interest goes beyond photography. I often spend several hours observing the behavior of the animals, so I can learn more about them. At heart - I suppose I am an "animal behaviorist", a student of the biology and behavior of God's creatures, and what they need and now they interact with our earth.

One big difference I've noticed between these types of nature lovers - is that many "birders", are noisy, even when there are "bird watchers" and "wildlife photographers" present - and trying to observe or photograph the animals.

Please - when you come across an observer or photographer - be courteous. Observing and photographing effectively often relies on everyone nearby keeping there movements, sights, and sometimes there scents - to a minimum, because excess movement, sight and unfamiliar smells - will often alarm the animals (including birds) and cause them to flee.

Anyhow - no matter how you or others classify yourself - get out there and enjoy nature, and the beauty God bestowed on it.

God bless, and enjoy God's great outdoors,

T.R.

As I've gotten older (60 in March 2009) I think I've become more interested in the behavior of birds and animals than I was in the past. After researching white-tailed deer for 10 years, turkeys for 4 years, elk for 3 years and ducks & geese for a year- I suppose it is just my nature.

I still really enjoy seeing birds and animals, and photographing them, but, when I get the chance, I will sit and observe them for hours. I remember doing it when I was young. I'd watch snails, tadpoles, schools of bullheads, those little brown ants - as they grew wings and went on mating flights, pheasants fighting, ducks and coots as they called and chased each other on the water, muskrats building their hives, mink scurrying about, and songbirds nesting.

I think I first realized was enjoying learning bout the animals habits was when I sat for an hour at the edge of the Firehole River in Yellowstone Park, watching a resting bull elk on the other side of the river, hoping to get some shots of the bull standing.

Lately I find myself watching (and hoping to see) the mating displays of different species of birds (bald eagles, hooded mergansers, trumpeter swans and mallards in particular) - you can view some of my videos here, click on the "more from Naturpro" link to see more of my videos).

Last year I was lucky enough to see two bald eagles performing their aerial mating displays, each eagle diving and swooping in the air, and finally locking their talons together before spiraling down from the sky, in a whirling free fall. I also got to watch as several groups of trumpeter swans stood on their tails on the water, bobbed their heads and necks, honked at each other and flapped their wings. I also watched as a pair of swans arched their necks in unison, creating a heart with their necks, and then they both dipped their bills in the water, and the male mounted the female and bred her.

I've also recorded the rarely heard whistle of a drake mallard, as he stood on his tail and bowed his neck in a mating display, and watched as hooded mergansers bobbed their heads back and forth in a mating display, and was lucky enough to watch the turkey fight and goose fight I have on You Tube.

Don't get me wrong, I don't think there is anything wrong with just watching birds at the bird feeder, or in the backyard; or just going out to casually look for birds, because they all can be fun and very relaxing. And there is nothing wrong with "hard core" birding, which may entail long hours, or going to (and through) rough or far-off places, to look for new or rare birds. There is also nothing wrong with photographing birds, which often entails being a "hard core" birder. I say that because it is basically the progression many bird lovers go through (I suppose it is a fairly natural progression). And some of them end up "observing", or studying bird behavior, because it also may be a natural progression for some of us; because learning more about birds, wildflowers, mammals, insects, plants is enjoyable.

In these tough economic times birding and "wildflowering" can be inexpensive ways to have fun, and you can get the whole family involved for some "quality time". You can also teach the young ones the value and enjoyment of nature - and the need for conservation of both the animals and plants, and the pristine nature of the habitat. Plus, the people you meet are great; it seems that nature lovers are just naturally "nice people".

Enjoy God's great outdoors,

T.R.

A photographer e-mailed me the other day, wondering if I knew of a location where he could get close enough to nesting swans to get photos for a project he was working on. I sent an e-mail out to several birders and photographers - to see if anyone knew of such a location.

One photographer e-mailed me back and said he did have a good location. And I told him he was a lucky man. He responded with, "no not lucky, just lots of time spent looking for the right spot."

That got me to thinking ...

I guess I can attribute all of my "lucky" photos and videos to lots of time spent in the field - looking for good subjects and good opportunities. That's what it takes to get some of the best shots - lots of time spent looking for them.

Speaking of being blessed, I've been looking to get a better camera (instead of my PowerShot) - and I happened to see that there was a used (one month) Canon Rebel XTi for $399 ($649 retail) at National Camera - in the store I frequent. One of my daughter's friends asked me to shoot her wedding, and offered me $500 - which gave me the reason (excuse) to buy it.

Since they had a used Tamron 70-300 AF for $129 I bought it too. I can't wait to see what I can do with better equipment.

As I travel around this great country we call the USA, one of the biggest problems I see is habitat destruction for the purpose of rural housing "development" - and this in a time when the housing market is in a huge slump. How much more bird and animal habitat do we need to destroy?

My other beef is "trash". I see it everywhere. I've ridden horses 20 miles into the Teton National Wilderness Area, only to find piles of trash where someone camped. I see it in many county and state parks too.

On a recent tour of the MN Valley NWR, in Burnsville, MN, I noticed that there were not only the usual beer and pop cans and bottles, but lots of styrofoam, plastic and paper. And worse, there was a pile of old tires, TV's, computer monitors, and believe it or not a small refrigerator and a large freezer.

Hey, let's all live by the motto "if you can pack it in, you can pack it out" and "if you left a mark, you may have left too much."

Don't use our parks, Refuges and WMA's as dumps - and the next time you are out there - why not take along a trash bag- and pick up some of the trash (others leave), and pack it out?

 Birding; Locating the Birds

There are a few simple steps you can use, to be more successful as a birder.

1. Be quiet. Birds are easily startled by loud noises and will flee to cover. It is almost impossible to sneak up on a bird, because birds hear much better than humans do. By minimizing noise, you can get much closer to a bird. The overwhelming temptation, when seeing an especially exciting bird, is to yell: "WOW! LOOK AT THAT! IT'S RIGHT OVER THERE!" Bird watchers learn quickly that the same message can be whispered. The result is that the bird is more likely to remain for everyone to see, for a long and leisurely look.

2. Avoid sudden movements. Just as loud noises startle birds, so does sudden movement. Getting close to a bird means stalking it, moving slowly, and moving deliberately. Sudden, jerky movement, even when swinging your binoculars up to your eyes, can make a bird nervous enough to fly away. The closer you are to a bird, the more slowly and quietly you should move.

3. Follow the crowd. In the nonbreeding season (the winter months in most of North America) many small songbirds join flocks of mixed species both for protection and to make finding food easier. Typically these flocks are largely silent, but there will almost always be one or two birds making call notes. Following a single calling bird will often lead you to a larger feeding flock. In fall, a single chip note from high in the trees may signal the presence of a dozen or so warblers. In winter a seep sound from down in the thicket may mean that 20 or more sparrows, towhees, cardinals, and other seed eaters are present. Following a solitary chick-a-dee-dee call may lead you to a mixed flock of chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, kinglets, and woodpeckers.

4. Study the habitat. Each bird is specially adapted to a particular habitat. Meadowlarks prefer large open fields, woodpeckers need trees, sparrows favor thickets. What you see will depend in large part on where you look.

5. Work the flocks. Your chance of finding an unusual bird is far greater in a flock, just because you have more birds to look at. Banding studies have shown that when you think you have ten chickadees in your yard, there are probably 20, and when you think you have seen all 20 sparrows in the brush pile, there are probably 20 more.

6. Be patient. A sparrow hopping around in a bush will eventually move into a spot where you can get a good look. Bird watching is often about being patient and waiting for the birds to show themselves.

7. Get the sun at your back. It is not always possible, but moving around so that the sun is behind you will make it much easier to see and identify birds. When the bird is between you and the sun, color disappears, and the bird you are trying to identify may be just a black silhouette.

8. Try pishing. Sometimes, no matter how patient you are, no matter how slowly and quietly you move, you just cannot get a good look at the bird. When this happens, bird watchers try a technique called pishing. Pishing involves making small, squeaky noises by kissing the back of your hand or making a low whistled pish by blowing air through your closed teeth. Small birds are attracted to such sounds and will often pop into view to investigate. Here's how to pish: Clench your teeth, open your lips and whisper the word pish.

9. Avoid brightly colored clothes. Many birds have poor color vision, but bright clothes, like whites, will contrast with the surrounding environment and enhance the appearance of movement. Wear darker colors or earth tones to blend into the background. There is no evidence that actual camouflage clothing works better than neutral, dark clothing.

10. Look around. Many bird watchers, focused on the flock in the thicket, forget to look at the other habitats around them. In particular, they forget to look up and thus miss the flock of geese or the soaring hawk. Or, while studying the ducks on the lake, unaware  

After years of researching white-tailed deer, elk, turkey and waterfowl, and photographing them, I've learned that in order to observe the natural behavior of birds and animals, and get pictures of them you need to: 1. Understand their behavior, so you know when and where they are most active, 2. Be where they are when they are most active, 3. Get as close as you can without disturbing them, 4. Use good high-powered optics such as binoculars, spotting scopes and camera lenses and, 5. Use amplified earphones to hear their sounds better.

You can learn about the daily and seasonal behavior of birds and animals by reading books about them, going to seminars, learning from others, or by personal experience. I suggest you do the first three before you learn by personal experience, because it will cut down on your learning curve time. Then spend as much time as possible observing and listening to the animals as you can.

For years I've told people in my seminars, "If you let them (meaning if you pay attention to the animals), they will teach you something." I don't think there is any substitute for personal experience, especially when it comes to understanding wildlife.

You can help your chances of seeing more birds and animals, and see them closer, by looking for them where they are either accustomed to human and human related behavior (in which case you may not have to worry as much about disturbing them); or look for them in areas where they are not disturbed by humans and human related behavior (in which case you may have to use ways to avoid alarming the animals, such as camouflage and concealment).

In many instances you may also have to take steps to avoid making loud or unnatural sounds, such as talking, sneezing, coughing, the noise of your feet as they touch the ground, or your clothes rustling as you move or brush up against vegetation. Quietness and stealth are important when you try to get close to birds and animals.

Keep your voice low, open and close the doors of your vehicle as quietly as possible, don't stop your vehicle suddenly if you see something; either slow down until you come to a stop, or go by, turn around and then approach slowly. Use vegetation or terrain to stay out of the visual range of the animals, wear soft, quiet camouflage clothing, or use a blind when you can.

If you are trying to get close to mammals you may also have to use products to help you reduce human and unnatural odors, which will often alert the game to your presence, with the result that they hide or flee. Use unscented antibacterial hair and body washes, antiperspirant, and body sprays designed for hunters, and odor-reducing clothing designed for hunters (not activated carbon suits, they don't work). Use Contain antibacterial clothing, or No Trace or Eliminator scent reduction clothing. Wear latex or rubber gloves on your hands, and rubber or rubber bottom boots to eliminate odors from your hands and feet, especially if you are looking for any mammal. Unnatural scents alert more mammals than most hunters, non-the-less photographers, and animal watchers realize.

In many cases you can look for birds and animals that are accustomed or semi-accustomed to humans in city, county, regional, state or national parks. You can expect many big game animals, migratory waterfowl, and hunted upland birds and small game to be more wary and elusive than some birds, because they are hunted, even if they are in parks. The same can be said about birds and animals in many wildlife management areas (WMA), because some type of hunting is often allowed on management areas.

Since many wildlife refuges (WR, NWR) don't allow human activities within their boundaries, expect the birds and animals to be more wary and elusive there; unless there is a lot of human activity nearby, or the birds and animals have become accustomed to human intrusion.

You can also use food to attract birds and animals to your location. Many wildlife photographers use food, or "bait" as it is called, to get carnivores such as mountain lions, wolves, coyotes, foxes and bears to come to particular areas where blinds are set up. You can also use bait or food plots to attract white-tailed and mule deer. Since hunting and baiting is often prohibited on public land, using bait can be very productive on private land that borders private land, especially for white-tailed deer. Bird feeders are nothing more than bait for bird watchers.

One of the biggest problems I notice when people try to locate, see or watch wildlife, especially at the national parks I visit, is that they wake up at their normal times, have a big breakfast, and then expect to see birds and animals between the hours of 9 AM and 5 PM (which is often the resting or loafing period for many birds and animals). Looking for many birds and animals during midday hours is often futile, because of them are what scientists refer to as "crepuscular"; which means they are most active within a few hours before and after both dawn and dusk. This is particularly true of most big game animals.

If you want to see more animals you have to get up well before sunrise and stay for 1-3 hours, and get to where the animals are most likely to feed, mate or otherwise be active at or before the time when the are active. Or you need to get there 1-2 hours before sunset and stay until you can no longer see.

Scientific studies have shown that some songbirds are most active during particular hours of the day; the only way to figure out when, is to look for information on the internet, or do your own study.  

When you take photos just to show you saw a bird, animal or flower, it doesn't make much difference what the setting or background looks like. But, if you want to have a pleasing photo, one that looks good, or for a photo you may be able to sell, try to look for a contrasting background, or contrasting or bright background colors, to make your pictures "pop" or have eye appeal.

Taking photos of a bald eagle against a gray sky (like the one above) is not very eye-appealing. Compare this photo with a gray sky to the following photos with blue sky.

When you take photos of birds and animals, especially large animals such as deer elk, sheep etc., and many bird and flower shots, you should take at least three different photos:

1. Take a photo at a distance that shows the subject and its surroundings, leaving lots of space around the subject - enough space that an editor can add text to the photo without obscuring the subject.

2. Take a close up photo of the subject with some background around it, preferably with some offsetting color or texture, to make the photo have "eye appeal" and to highlight the subject.

3. Take a "tight shot" of the subject, such as an individual flower, or a bird or animal's head, or head and shoulders, so that you can clearly see the textures, features, horns, antlers or coloring of the subject.

Become part of the Environment

1. Wear natural colors or camouflage, or use a hunting blind.

2. Don't wear scented perfume, lotion or sprays; you don't want the animals to smell you.

3. Try to keep the wind from blowing from you to game animals.

4. Keep movement to a minimum, walk softly, and be quiet, you don't want the animals to be disturbed by the sight or sound of you.

5. Use vegetation and terrain to hide from animals, or break up your outline.

6. Try not to show a shadow.

7. Remember that your reflection may be caught in water; and alert the animals.

1. Choose locations where you can watch and learn, without the birds or animals smelling seeing or hearing you.

2. Be patient. Wait in areas where you think animals may come to, let them come to you, don't purposely spook them in order to see them or get a picture. If you see animals, and they don't present the shot you want, be patient until they do, or wait for another time or place.

3. Use your vehicle as a blind. While animals in many state and national parks are accustomed to humans, and will put up with a lot of human intrusion and disturbances, those in many Wildlife Refuges (WR) and Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) may become alarmed when you stop your vehicle, especially if you get out of the vehicle. Learn to observe and photograph the animals from within the confines of your vehicle.

4. Savor the experience of seeing the animals in their natural environment, and learn from them, and about them.

1. Observing birds and animals and learning about them requires all of you senses. Use your sense of smell, your hearing and your sight to take it all in, and help you locate the animals.

2. Start by taking in the foreground, then take in a wider area. Use binoculars or spotting scopes to view animals better in dark conditions, or when they are far away.

3. Use your peripheral vision rather than moving your head. When you do move, do it slowly, or when the animals aren't looking, or can't see you.

4. Look for out-of-place shapes or colors (bright colors, dark colors in light places, light colors in dark places), horizontal lines in areas of vertical lines, vertical lines in areas of horizontal lines, shapes that don't resemble or fit into the surroundings.

5. Look for out-of-place motions; a sudden movement, a stealthy movement, the jumping around or flight of a bird or small animal may be all that gives it away.

6. Look above and below you; birds and animals inhabit niches from the ground to shrubs, from the lower branches of trees to the tips of trees, and all elevations of the air above you.

7. Increase your hearing ability by cupping your hands behind your ears, and turning around to hear sounds from any direction, or use amplified headphones to hear better, and hear sounds from farther away.

8. Pay attention to your instincts. If you feel a chill, or the hair on the back of you neck stands up, it may mean an animal is nearby. If you think birds or animals might be in one direction or place, instead of another, check it out. The more time you spend observing birds and animals in natural environments, the better your instincts will become.

9. When birds or animals stop moving or calling, or begin calling urgently or loudly, pay attention, it may mean a predator or large animal is nearby.

1. Relax your muscles, walk slowly, going step by step in some situations, and don't swing your arms; birds and animals can detect tension and unnatural movements.

2. Make yourself small or unnoticeable; if birds or animals see you, stop moving. When they aren't looking or can't see you, take cover or slowly lower yourself to the ground or crouch on your heels. If you can hold still (without an animal smelling you) for 3-4 minutes, they will usually forget you are there, or forget exactly where you are.

3. Don't stare at animals; they often interpret a direct stare as a threat or challenge.

4. If you alarm a group of birds feeding or resting in wooded area, and they fly away, hold still for several minutes and be quiet. If nothing more disturbs them they may come back and give you a chance to identify them.

1. Figure out the best time of day to see the animals during particular activities. When do they rest, eat, drink or breed? Dusk and dawn are often good bets. Studies also show that birds often reduce their signing after 9:30 AM. Get out there early. Scientific studies have shown that specific bird species can often be found nesting in the same areas, year often year.

2. Animals and birds may not move when it is too hot, too cold too windy, or too wet; they are generally most active when it is nice. If the weather is inclement think about what you would be doing, and how you would react to the current weather conditions if you were the birds or animals. Where would you go to find forage, to rest, to breed or find protection from the elements. Read field guides and articles or attend seminars to learn more about the normal daily and seasonal activities of the animals, and how they react to the weather. To learn how game animals react to the weather read the "Biology and Behavior" columns in Trinity Mountain Outdoors Hunting Magazine.

3. The edges where two types of habitat meet are good places to look for birds and animals. Generally speaking, birds and animals use edges (the borders between two different types of habitat) because edges provide a wider variety of foods and cover. You may also see species from two or more types of habitat in areas where those habitats meet.

4. Look for birds and animals in "high use" areas; resting areas, forage areas, watering areas, and breeding areas, and trails or travel corridors between them. Look for vegetation, water or terrain that might cause game animals to move through a bottleneck. Game animals often use trails and old roads; look for places where they join or intersect. Birds and animals often use branches, ledges or high terrain overlooking water and forage areas before they come in to drink or eat.

5. Take note of the season and the weather conditions; consider whether the animal may be interested in breeding, feeding, resting, migrating or looking for security or thermal cover. Then use that knowledge to locate the animals and choose the best places to see them. After a rain, snowstorm or strong winds, or after a prolonged hot or cold spell, birds and animals often become active.

6. Know what foods bird and animals eat, and which foods they prefer; and look for them. Many birds and animals feed heavily on berries, nuts and acorns, ripening fruits, flowers, grass seeds and invertebrates and insects during certain portions of the year. Locate those food sources at the right time and you will probably locate the birds and animals. Or "bait" the animals by using their preferred foods to get them to come to specific locations; like bird feeders and deer or bear feeding stations. .

• Warm socks (for winter, preferably wool)
• Sturdy shoes or boots for hiking
• Waterproof hat
• Rain gear
• Wind breaker
• Windpants (optional)
• Warm fleece jacket or sweater, or insulated vest
• Toiletries (toilet paper, moist towelettes)
• Sunglasses
• Leakproof water bottle
• Compass, GPS and topographical map if needed
• Site map for natural areas
• Day pack or fanny pack (large enough to carry water, snacks, toiletries, extra clothing and gear)
• Insect repellent
• Snacks (granola bars, chocolate, peanut butter cups, hard candy)
• Medication (Benadryl, Coricidin, Pseudaphed, Nasal Spray, Aspirin, Tylenol)
• Emergency Medication (epi-pen, asthma inhaler, insulin)
• Camera with 35mm lens for close ups, at least 400mm lens for birds, tripod etc.
• Binoculars, at least 7x35
• Bird, flower, butterfly and animal check lists for specific areas
• Animal, bird, tree flower, butterfly reference books for identification
• Cell phone for emergencies

As I looked out the kitchen window at the farm one warm spring day I was astonished to see three male indigo buntings and five male rose-breasted grosbeaks on the ground. It was the first time I had ever seen an indigo bunting, and I was amazed. Their blue color was astonishing, I don't know that I have ever seen anything as beautiful before.

I quickly called my wife Diane, and my two youngest children Dallas and Tawnya, to see the birds. For the next hour we watched as they fed at the bird feeder, and on the ground underneath it where some seed had fallen.

I don't know what it was about that day, but we saw several other birds. There were the usual house sparrows, black-capped chickadees, white-breasted nuthatches, downy and hairy woodpeckers and mourning doves. But there were also cardinals and blue jays, and a family of four red squirrels. It was a great day of bird watching.

Throughout the spring and summer we have red-headed and red-bellied woodpeckers, yellow-bellied sapsuckers, northern orioles, common grackles, starlings, red-winged blackbirds and brewer's blackbirds, brown-headed cowbirds, chipping, white-throated and white-crowned sparrows, white-breasted nuthatches, dark-eyed juncos, house finches and goldfinches visit the yard.

Since we were living on an old farm site we also had house wrens, cedar waxwings, crows, barn swallows, bank swallows, common Flickers, robins, ring-necked pheasants and wild turkeys visit the yard. At night Diane saw several raccoons, a family of opossums and several white-tailed deer.

Behind the house, in the sky over the old pasture, we regularly saw red-tailed hawks and turkey vultures. In the pasture we had eastern bluebirds, American kestrels, (incorrectly called sparrow hawks), eastern kingbirds, great crested flycatchers, bobolinks, meadowlarks, and common yellowthroats; in the spring we saw and heard upland sandpipers, which are actually a type of curlew - a prairie dwelling "shore bird".

In the grove behind the house I saw catbirds and brown thrashers. I even saw Canada and snow geese, and gray partridge in the bean field not more than a 1/4 mile from the house.

As a hunter and game researcher I spend a lot of time watching animals. I have seen barred and great horned owls, brown creepers and pileated woodpeckers while hunting. I once had a eastern screech owl come within five yards of me while archery hunting for deer. While we were doing turkey and deer research last spring Diane spotted an immature and a mature bald eagle behind the neighbor's house, and we had an osprey hang around the river for about a week one spring.

I'm still hoping to see a scarlet tanager in this area, I've seen only since I was a child near Spicer, Minnesota in the early 1970's. Along the river I regularly see great blue herons, great egrets, black-crowed night herons, mallards, wood ducks, kildeers and sandpipers. In the spring we had a pied-billed Grebe and a pair of common goldeneyes stay on the river. I also saw a horned lark and several snow buntings in the field east of the house.

Obviously I see a lot of wild turkeys and deer while doing my research. But, when I don't see deer or turkeys I use my binoculars to see what birds are making all the noise around me. I spent one whole morning calling turkeys while I watched yellow-rumped and palm warblers catching bugs. I've also been lucky enough to see a pair of coyotes and a pair of cross-phase red foxes while they were hunting.

I've been scared half out of my wits when I jumped several American woodcock while deer hunting, and I've heard ruffed grouse drumming in the woods, but I never saw see one in the three years we lived on the farm. I plan to make bird watching, bird feeding and bird photography a part of our business, through our newly established

Trinity Mountain Outdoor Tours, which you can access by clicking the link.

If you are an avid bird watcher, and want to add a few birds to your Life List, you can view the list or rare and notable birds of Minnesota on our Minnesota Bird List. If you are interested in joining us on a Natural History, Big Game Animal, Birding or Wildfowl Tour, let us know.

Watching birds is a great way to learn about animals and nature. And a great way to get parents and kids involved in the great outdoors.

Enjoy the outdoors,

T.R.

Here is a great site for determining what type of birdseed to use: Seeds and Grains for Birds.

I posted this e-mail on the MN Bird List newsletter on the internet late last year:

"In the few months I posted our bird sightings on the MN Bird newsletter, and the times I have met people who subscribe to that newsletter in the field, or gone with them on field trips, I've met some very nice people. But, I've also been asked not to talk about several things, two of which I cannot understand in light of the fact that it is a birding site. Those two topics were conservation and habitat preservation.

In light of the fact that there are decreasing bird habitats - in not only North America, but also along migration corridors in Central and northern South America, and bird wintering grounds in those areas a s southern South America - I do not understand how either of those two topics would not be of major concern to individual birders, and to birding organizations. It just plain baffles me why I was asked not to talk about conservation and habitat preservation ...

The other topic I was asked not to talk about, which I sign off with but did not "talk" about - was religion. As many of you may have noticed, I sign off with "May God bless you " or "May Yahweh-God bless you", because it is on my signature in my Yahoo account. And it is there because I am a "born again" Christian of the Catholic denomination - which, any of you who have been on my web site or have met me, know is because I tried to commit suicide several years ago, and was spared death by nothing less than miraculous circumstances - by what I believe was the intervention of Yahweh-God.

Because I believe Yahweh saved both my life and my soul, I believe I owe it to him to profess my belief in Jesus and Yawheh - all of the time - as much as possible. One of the ways I do that is through my Yahoo signature, and on every e-mail and letter I send out. In order for t reference to Yahweh-God not to appear on my Yahoo e-mails - I would have to remove it from my Yahoo account. I'm obviously not about to do that just to post bird sightings in an on-line newsletter.

I know that several people who subscribe to this newsletter believe in Yahweh as I do, because they have made mention of it. I don't see how anyone who enjoys nature cannot see the hand of Yahweh-God, the Creator, in what we see around us, in the birds, animals, plants, scenery, and the sky. I also know that when it comes to religion, it is often a very out spoken minority who object or protest when Yahweh is mentioned.

And yet - organizations such as this one allow the objections of the protesting minority to override the beliefs of others, who are often in the majority. It all boils down to "religiously correctness". If I have interpreted the US Constitution correctly, this nation was founded on Christian principles, including the Ten Commandments, with such phrases as "In God We Trust", "One Nation Under God" etc. being used in many of the early documents of this country.

This "religious correctness" seems only to apply when it comes to Christianity, because very few people are offended when it comes to the sayings or beliefs of Moslems, Buddhists, Native American Religions etc. It would seem that we Christians are expected to be more tolerant of non-Christian beliefs - because we are often more tolerant of non-Christian beliefs.

If a non-Christian would bless me in the name of their deity or god, I would not believe I was blessed, because I believe there is only one God - the Judeo-Christian God referred to in the Torah and the Bible as Yahweh. I just do not believe in their gods. On the other hand, I would not take offense at their blessing, because it is meaningless to me. However, those who do not believe in Christianity, or any religion, or those people of some religions or denominations, often take offense at any mention of any other god, denomination or religion. And organizations such as this one appear to bow to their objections and demands.

Since I believe in conservation and habitat preservation, because without it there will be very few birds, and especially because I am a Christian, who will not bow to the requests or demands of this organization, I expressed my views to the "powers that be" here (on MN bird), and got no response. I hve writtten this because I wanted those of you who I have come to know - to understand why I will no longer be posting here (because I have been asked not to make reference to religion). I will no longer be part of the MN Bird newsletter.

If you want to know what we see, or what we are doing, you can find it in the Trinity Mountain Outdoors Natural History Eco-Tours magazine on our web site at www.TRMichels.com.

Thanks to those of you who commented favorably to my posts, whether it was about conservation, habitat preservation or Yahweh-God. No matter what your beliefs are - you are welcome on our web site, and welcome to express your views "openly" on our talk forum.

I get clients asking me how many species they can "expect" to document in a day. The answer to that often depends on whether you see or hear birds. The number of birds seen is often lower than the number heard.

I for one am not into "numbers" in a day or records of any kind. However, some people want to see or hear lots of birds in a day (possibly because they are on a short vacation, and want to see as much as possible).

I enjoy looking for uncommon, occasional or rare birds, or ones of interest to myself or my clients. I also enjoy "watching" birds, to learn about their behavior, as well known bird expert Laura Erickson puts it.

In the past two days we have had the privilege to watch a family of five Red-headed Woodpeckers interacting; and, what I suspect was several families (at least groups) of empids (flycatchers) and goldfinches, while they practiced play-fighting or mating behavior as they tumbled from the air, entertwined in some type of uncontrolled "willy-nilly" free-fall.

I've also watched the mating displays of Canada Geese, Mallards, Hooded Mergansers, and Trumpeter Swans. Hearing the Mallards whistle, I caught (on video) a drake stand up on his tail (on the water) while his head and neck pointed downward toward the water, and he whistled in a mating display. The Mergansers performed the same gesture, but opened their crests and bobbed their heads. The Swans went through tail-standing and wing-stretching, head-dunking and bill-dipping, neck-bending, and then mounting.

I've watched two gander Canada Geese beat the living daylights out of each other for about three minutes. I've also watched the dancing, cooing, rattling and flight display of a Sharp-tailed Grouse; and watched hundreds of gobbling, strutting, fighting and mating Wild Turkeys.

I've watched in fascination as a Pileated Woodpecker hammered large wood chips from a tree, or a group of blackbirds as they "mobbed" an owl or a crow. I enjoy watching Pelicans dipping for fish in unison; or watching a Kingfisher, Osprey or Bald Eagle dive for fish. I've also been mesmerized by the sight of a mass of swallows as they caught insects over a stream - darting and turning - sometimes in unison, sometimes erratically.

These are experiences I will never forget. But, for other people it is simply seeing a "lifer" (sssing a bird for the first time), or a rare bird for the second, third, or "umpteenth" time. For others it is how many birds they "count" in a county - in a state - or in a single day.

I suspect we all go through "stages" in our "Natural History lives". Hopefully we all get to a point where we like to "learn" and enjoy, so we can "wonder" about the biology and behavior of the animals, and contemplate what it takes to preserve/conserve wildlife, plants and the habitats they need to survive.

After seeing how many people have looked for the Yellow-breasted Chat at the Fens Unit of the MN Valley NWR, the Acadian Flycatcher near the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge, and the Loggerhead Shrikes (and the wintering Gyrfalcon) near 180th and Emery south of Inver Grove Heights; I began wondering if, why, and how these birds might return in upcoming years. I suppose as a wildlife researcher "wondering" is part of my nature. (The Gyrfalcon was not seen in the winter of 2008.And up to April 1, neither the Bell's Vireo or the Yellow-breasted Chat have been seen at the Fens, nor last year's Sedge Wren. And I have not spotted the Loggerhead Shrikes on Emery.)

I looked for any information I could find on the net - about "pair bonding" times for passerines, and about migration patterns for individual birds, but came up with very little.

Research suggests that the songs of birds, may induce other birds to nest in the area, because singing by nesting birds implies good breeding habitat -such as the appropriate vegetation for specific bird species - and good food sources.

I did find that some species return to the same area/nesting sites on successive years, and that some males and females even "pair bond" with each other during some of those years.

I suspect this is the case with the Shrikes, since it appears they have been seen in previous years. And, if their young "learn" their migration route when they leave the place where they fledged, and then return to it in subsequent years, we might expect to see more of them in the same general area in following years, provided there is adequate preferred habitat.

I suspect that (like many species of waterfowl), that if there is not adequate preferred habitat, passerines will "pioneer" and look for the nearest preferred habitat, and the males will claim territories. And if a "pioneering" female happens by the two will nest and rear young.

Ducks and geese often "pair bond" in the fall, or in the winter. In the case of "fall pair bonding", both sexes have experienced the migration route previously, and find their way back to their fledging ground. In the case of "winter pair bonding" in geese, the females generally return to their fledging areas, and their (often) unrelated male partner follows them, thus learning a "new" migration route from the female partner.

What I did not find on the internet was whether (possible) individual (non pair bonded) birds would return to sites where they were previously seen during the breeding season the year before (such as possibly the Acadian Flycatcher and Yellow-breasted Chat).

It does not appear that pair bonding in many passerines occurs any earlier than spring; which means that in order for the males to find mates, some females (generally) have to be returning to and using the same area as the male.

The question arises, " What does a bird that does not pair bond on its territory do in the following years?" Does it keep coming back, or will it seek out a new/more "mate productive" location in the following years?

I guess for birders the question is, "Will I find those rare or occasional birds in the same area next year?"

If anyone has answers I'd like to hear them. E-mail me at Trmichels@yahoo.com

In early May, a report was released by the National Academy of Sciences on the environmental impact of wind-energy projects.

Among other things, the report criticized "the lack of any truly coordinated planning" in the rapid growth of wind farms across the country. It specifically encouraged federal, state, and local governments to pay more attention to the planning, regulation, and location of wind-energy projects at sites where there could be threats to wildlife, or where scenic landscapes could be adversely impacted.

Wind currently provides less than one percent of the nation's electricity; however, it is still the fastest-growing alternative to fossil fuel-produced power.

The report noted that the percentage of birds killed by collisions with wind towers and their spinning blades is relatively low compared to the numbers killed by automobiles or collisions with buildings and other lighted structures. As wind power increases during the next two decades, wind turbines could also begin to threaten local populations of certain bat species and continue to impact birds, especially along unspecified "migration corridors."

Although the report failed to break any new ground, it did report that, "In light of the lack of follow-up by environmental impact studies . . . more careful tracking of bird and bat populations, behavior, migration corridors, and other factors that may affect their risk of collisions with turbines is warranted, especially for threatened or endangered species." To provide an organized approach to the use of wind energy and its effects on the environment, the report's evaluation guide recommended using systematic pre- and post-construction studies to explore potential wildlife and other impacts to improve how such facilities are built, located, and operated.

Mandated by Congress, this report was drafted by a group of academics assembled by the National Research Council, an arm of the National Academy of Science.

That the obvious findings were accompanied with trumpet and fanfare came as a surprise to some observers, as did the recommended guidelines on "aesthetic impacts" since the recommendations came from a body ostensibly assigned a "scientific" task.

The Academy's summary can be found here: http://dels.nas.edu

The above article is courtesy of Steiner Birding at http://www.steiner-birding.com

Although this article is primarily about how biofuel production may affect waterfowl nesting, it also applies to many ground-nesting prairie bird species, and other organisms. Read the entire article: http://www.ducks.org/DU_Magazinel

DNA studies reveal new species, and combine other species.

In February of 2007 it was announced that genetic testing among North American birds may have revealed as many as 15 new bird species among 643 types of birds studied between Arctic Canada and Florida.. Scientists from the University of Guelph (the Biodiversity Institute of Ontario) and Rockefeller University, along with colleagues at the Smithsonian Institution, the Canadian Wildlife Service, and the Royal Ontario Museum revealed the Canadian-led results were.

Look-alike species representing 15 potential "splits" into two different species include the Northern Fulmar, Solitary Sandpiper, Western Screech-Owl, Warbling Vireo, Mexican Jay, Western Scrub-Jay, Common Raven, Mountain Chickadee, Bushtit, Winter Wren, Marsh Wren, Bewick's Wren, Hermit Thrush, Curve-billed Thrasher, and Eastern Meadowlark.

The split in these 15 species would result in 30 species, with 15 "new" species.

The study also revealed 14 pairs of birds currently classified as separate species are so genetically similar that they could actually represent varieties of the same species. The 14 pairs of birds with separate identities were almost genetic "twins," a trio of birds representing a DNA "triplet," and eight gull species that were practically identical. The study also determined that many of these species are actually indistinguishable to the human eye and ear.

The "lumps" of "virtually identical" taxa potentially include the Snow Goose and Ross's Goose; Black, Mallard and Mottled Duck; Blue-winged and Cinnamon Teal; King and Common Eider; Western and Clark's Grebe; Laughing and Franklin's Gull; California, Herring, Thayer's, Iceland, Lesser Black-backed, Western, Glaucous-winged and Glaucous Gull; Red-naped and Red-breasted Sapsucker; Black-billed and Yellow-billed Magpie; American and Northwestern Crow; Townsend's and Hermit Warbler; Golden-crowned and White-crowned Sparrow; Dark-eyed and Yellow-eyed Junco; Snow and McKay's Bunting; Great-tailed and Boat-tailed Grackle; and Common and Hoary Redpoll.

The only birds of these species that are so differently marked/colored as to appear to be two distinct species are the King and Common Eider.

The above article is courtesy of Steiner Birding at http://www.steiner-birding.com

Note: This lumping of species would result in 39 species being reduced to 14 species.

The possible result of these DNA studies could be a loss of 10 North American bird species.

I don't claim to know a lot about the mechanics or implementation of habitat conservation, other than to say I know that we need habitat conservation, for a variety of reasons. I've lost at least two good deer hunting areas to development since 1997 (obviously those areas also contained songbirds, small mammals, trees, shrubs, herbs, forbes (wildflowers), butterflies and other invertebrates. I've also noticed the destruction of good wildlife habitat (for housing or business development projects) in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico and many other states. As a result of this I find myself becoming more interested in, and hopefully more knowledgeable about, both wildlife and habitat conservation.

As I've traveled around the country during the past several years on our Natural History Eco-Tours and family adventures, I've had the opportunity to meet and talk to several different outdoorsman. I recently met the biologist for the "Northern Trail" at the Minnesota Zoo, who manages the wolf, tiger and other exhibits. Then I met the Outdoor Education Manager for the Three Rivers Park District in Hennepin and Scott Counties of Minnesota (which includes the recognized IBA [Important Birding Area] of Murphy Hanrahan Park), and an attorney with the state of Minnesota who writes legislation for threatened or endangered species. And with all of them - our conversation got around to habitat and wildlife conservation.

As a result of talking to Minnesota's State Farmland Wildlife Manager, Al Berner, about such various species as deer, ducks, pheasants, turkeys, sharp-tailed grouse and prairie chickens, I've come to realize that the loss of habitat for many game species also means loss of habitat for many non-game species, such as insects, fish, small mammals and songbirds. In other words what is good for the game birds, is also good for the songbirds and other types of birds.

While I was talking to Al he impressed upon me the need for habitat restoration such as Conservation Reserve Program lands, and other habitat conservation, such as preserving or maintaining existing prairie and wetland habitat. Many upland bird (game) species, such as pheasants, sharp-tailed grouse, prairie chickens, gray partridge, and even turkeys, need large areas of prairies, meadows, swamps, sloughs, fens, oak savanna, etc., for breeding and nesting habitat. Those areas also support dickcissel, bobolink, various species of sparrows, and meadowlarks. Many of those areas, because they are often on fairly level ground that might not be suitable for farming, are destroyed to make room for business complexes and housing.

To those outdoorsmen and nature lovers who don't hunt this might not seem like a concern, except that those areas are also prime habitat for many species of birds, small animals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, wildflowers and other plants. As I lead our natural history tours I've begun noticing the wide variety of native plants, wildflowers and birds that use wetlands, meadows and prairies. I've also begun to realize how much of their habitat is destroyed by human encroachment, in the name of progress.

After watching several programs on the Discovery, History and Animal Planet channels, I've come to realize the importance of wetlands (that serve as important habitat for birds) as barriers to the negative effects of storm surges and flooding. Cattail, saw grass, rushes and other wetland plants have the ability not only to reduce erosion due to flooding and storm surges, they also have the ability to reduce the harmful effects of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers on the water and plant life, which provides needed habitat for the wildlife (including birds).

When rain falls on land covered with natural vegetation, the plants can slow the flow of run-off until it has a chance to sink into the ground, resulting in only a 10 per cent run off. However, when rain falls on a parking lot, 55 per cent of the water can run off into local brooks, creeks and wetlands, and from them into larger bodies of water. Run-off water may contain a variety of contaminants including oil, grease, heavy metals and sediments, plus harmful herbicides and pesticides, and fertilizers containing phosphorus, which can promote the growth of algae, often resulting in mass of green scum floating on the surface of the water, and result in algae "blooms" which often turn the water red-brown or blue-green.

Any of these conditions can result in less sunlight entering the water, causing less photosynthesis by native aquatic plants, resulting in less oxygen content in the water, and the possible spread of less beneficial and /or non-native and invasive plants, which do not help maintain the balance of the eco-system.

The preservation or creation of shallow swamps, sloughs, ponds or lagoons, between run-of water and/or streams, and deeper bodies of water, with their native vegetation, can greatly increase the natural filtration of water. Plants such as cattails, saw grass and sedges that may have extensive root systems which survive in shallow water, not only slow the speed of the water, but also trap sediments, and can filter out and use some of the contaminants that may cause a negative impact on the ecosystem plants in deeper waters.

Destruction of prairies and meadows for the development of agricultural, business and residential property reduces grasses, sedges and forbs (wildflowers) that provide seeds, pollen, forage and nesting habitat for birds, habitat for small mammals, which in turn sup port raptors and predatory mammals. Without beneficial ground cover (used by ducks, geese, grouse, songbirds, small mammals, insects, etc.), much of the precipitation that falls on the ground (which would normally soak slowly into the ground) may run off, often eroding the land (which causes further destruction of the habitat) and form gullies that may quickly funnel the water, with any contaminants, into creeks, streams, rivers, sloughs, marshes, ponds, lakes and larger bodied of water.

The construction of even the most primitive of roads in any type of habitat often leads to this same type of erosion, and the same type of habitat destruction and surface and water pollution. Off-road vehicle use often destroys ground cover, which again results in water runoff, and the eventual erosion of the topsoil, and the creation of more gullies; and the cycle continues. I've seen the destruction that the development of gravel roads into the sagebrush flats and foothills of the Rocky Mountains near many towns creates.

Agricultural fields and livestock pastures often allow runoff of pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers and animal waste into creeks, streams, rivers, sloughs, ponds, lakes and rivers; which affects aquatic plants, fish and invertebrates; in turn affecting mammals and birds. This can easily be alleviated by creating buffers of natural vegetation to stop or slow the water from running directly into the water. These buffers can act as habitat for birds and other wildlife. Livestock also cause erosion of the banks of watersheds when they destroy natural vegetation and breakdown the banks. This can be avoided by erecting fences to keep the cattle away from the water

Al Berner informed that by law, the 33 feet on either side of the right of way on all section lines (four of them in on square mile, running from east to west and north to south surrounding the square mile) belongs top the state, and if it was left in natural conditions, would provide thousands of acres of habitat for wildlife in Minnesota. Basically what this means is that the 33 feet on either side of many roads in Minnesota, plus all of the land on section lines without roads, could be left in natural habitat, But, farmers rarely recognize these lines, or honor the laws that forbid them from burning, plowing, mowing and planting those right-of-ways. And to top it off the city, county and state often mow the ditches, effective destroying the habitat, which is not only used by pheasants and ducks to raise young (which often gets the hunters and trappers up in arms), it also is used by many birds and small mammals.

Fires, whether from natural causes such as lighting, or caused by humans (intentionally or unintentionally) on prairies and meadows, and in brushy areas and forests, have been part of the natural process of plant regeneration for centuries. Even naturally caused wildfires can be beneficial as they reduce natural fuels, which in turn reduces the chances of wild fires in the near future. Wildfires also expose mineral soil for seedbeds for regeneration of wind-disseminated species, such as fungi, mosses, grasses, forbs and many tree species. The reduction in vegetation in turn helps in the control of insects, diseases, and competing vegetation. As a result of this wildfires often result in the improvement of natural ecosystems and wildlife habitat as varied as wetlands, prairies, brushy areas and forests.

Native Americans often deliberately set fires to clear the land for horticulture, to improve access to some areas, and to change the composition of the plant community to attract game animals (such as bison). Early settlers set fires to assist in preparing the soil for agriculture and to eliminate stubble from the fields in the fall.

However, because of the destruction of human life, property, and resources by wildfires, the general government policy for most of this century has been to utilize man-made fire for the suppression of wildfires. The use of media campaigns such as Smokey the Bear, and Bambi fleeing from a fire, combined with fire suppression practices has resulted in a build up of vegetative fuels in many areas. Fire ecologists expect it will take several years of wildfires to establish a natural fire regime in many ecosystems.

In some areas where fire has been prevented from conducting its natural role in the environment, private and governmental agencies and scientists are setting controlled fires to mimic natural fire and improve landscape health and community safety. "One of the hard lessons we've learned is that eliminating or suppressing all fires actually increases the risk to people, damages natural habitats and drives up fire fighting costs" said Susan Harris, state director for the Nature Conservancy of Missouri.

Years of forest management practices that have eliminated wildfires has resulted in many forests becoming choked with thick undergrowth and small trees, that naturally occurring fires would normally eliminate. After years without fire, these forests become tinderboxes that are prone to hotter burns that are harder to control and pose a greater risk to communities than normal. These intense fires can have the ability to severely damage plant and wildlife species.

Many plant and animal species need fire to reproduce and thrive. Plants that need fire to reproduce and thrive are referred to as "burn-species". Some of the "burn species" plants are ephemeral annual herbs and forbes that have found an unusual means of adapting to environments that are for the most part unfavorable to their survival.

In the first year after a fire has temporarily diminished dominant forms of vegetation these herbs and forbs may appear and flourish, and upon maturation, they leave their sees behind. Although these plants may disappear from the landscape within a few years of a fire, the seeds can remain viable for up to 100 years or more. The goal of the seeds is to re-colonize the area after another fire. The plants may also appear from time to time in areas disturbed by other means, such as along sections of recently cleared trails, on land slides, and even along the areas of new road construction.

White-tailed deer, doves, quails, turkey, sharp-tailed grouse and prairie chicken are game species that benefit from prescribed fire. Habitat preferences of several endangered species, including the Florida panther, gopher tortoise, indigo snake, and red- cockaded woodpecker, are also enhanced by burning. The benefits to wildlife from fires can be substantial; fruit and seed production is often stimulated; herbage, legumes, and browse from hardwood sprouts may increase in both quality and quantity; and openings are created for feeding, travel, and dusting.

After years of fire suppression in many areas, land managers now have to go back and ignite fires to mimic the natural fires these species depend on. Prior to settlement by the Europeans, occasional fires were an integral part of many ecosystems, and native plants and animals had adapted to the occurrence of wildfires. Forests were a more varied blend of old and young trees, and some forests were more open in character. Fire recycled the nutrients of the dead wood for use by growing plants, and conditioned the forest floor for the regeneration of species that are dependent on disturbance of the forest floor.

Pine trees of many species are a prime example of species that benefit from fire. During high intensity burns, the sealed cones of many pines open up, allowing dispersion of seeds over the fire-cleared ground. Anyone who has visited Yellowstone Park since the latest wildfires there has seen the abundant re-growth of not only the pine trees, but of many grasses, wildfires and shrubs; which have provided new habitat for many species or birds and mammals. In many areas pine trees are failing to regenerate due to past fire control practices.

The federally endangered red-cockaded woodpecker is a fire-dependent species. It nests only in mature pine trees that are free of surrounding underbrush. Researchers believe the red-cockaded woodpecker colonies in many areas have been abandoned because the sites have become too brushy. Periodic fires would control the brush, which may provide predators with access to woodpecker nests.

Entire ecosystems often need fire to maintain their natural diversity of plants and animals. Many pine-oak, oak forests, and oak savannas have poor reproductive success without occasional fires. Little or no oak regeneration has occurred in some areas as a result of fire suppression. Oaks provide acorns in the fall, which are an important food source for black bear, white-tailed deer, turkey, and other wildlife.

Part of the problem with "the idea of conservation" is that we humans may have begun to realize too late that in order for this planet, and us, to survive, we must conserve, and preserve, much more of the native habitat of the entire world, than we ever realized, that is until just the last century, after much of the important and needed habitat has already been destroyed - by us. We need to look at not only saving a particular wildlife or plant species, but saving the surrounding habitat and other species that are all dependent on each other for survival and reproduction.

 In recent years conservationists have begun to realize that in order to properly maintain and manage wildlife habitat, they need to look beyond just the immediate area or species of concern, to a much broader area, in which the microbes, animals, plants, and geology of the habitat interact as an entire system, that interacts within itself.

The Glossary of Forestry Terms for the Province of British Columbia defines an ecosystem as "a functional unit consisting of all the living organisms (plants, animals, and microbes) in a given area, and all the non-living physical and chemical factors of their environment, linked together through nutrient cycling and energy flow. An ecosystem can be of any size-a log, pond, field, forest, or the earth's biosphere - but it always functions as a whole unit"

Most Americans are familiar with the term "Yellowstone Ecosystem" which the US Government uses to define the interaction of microbes, plants and animals of the area surrounding Yellowstone Park. This area encompasses not only the caldera or crater of the Yellowstone volcano, but also stretches of the Bechler, Fall, Firehole, Gallatin, Gardiner, Gibbon, Lamar, Lewis, and Yellowstone rivers. One of the original descriptions of the "ecosystem" of Yellowstone took into account the range of the endangered grizzly bear. The Yellowstone Ecosystem was later defined as the range of the cutthroat trout in the area, and later still to the range of the antelope, bison, elk, whitebark pine and other species - until the ecosystem has grown to what it is today, a large part of northwestern Wyoming, and smaller parts of southern Montana and eastern Idaho.

One definition of ecosystem management was expressed by J. Stan Rowe in 1992. "Ecosystem management is the application of the ecosystem approach in the conservation, management, and restoration of regional and local landscape ecosystems. It means that everyone attends to the conservation and sustainability of ecosystems, instead of sharply focusing on the productivity of individual or competing resources - which has been our traditional mode of operation." An ecosystem can be as small as a backyard or small watershed, or as large as the planet earth.

Ecosystem management can be defined as the integration of ecological, social, and economic objectives for natural resource planning and management. The key to this "definition" lies in defining the objectives that are being integrated into the management plan. The ecological objectives of ecosystem management should address the conservation, preservation, maintenance and/or enhancement of biological diversity and ecosystem integrity; as a whole

Biological diversity is the variety of life and life processes, and includes the levels of landscape, community, species, and genetics. "Ecosystem integrity" is a related term, operating at the community and landscape levels, that addresses the ecological processes that are needed for ecosystems to function in a predictable manner. The focus of ecosystem management on integration of these ecological objectives with the best efforts of the social and economic objectives is what separates if from other natural resource management practices.

Special interest groups (hunters, fishermen, birders, wildflower enthusiasts, butterfly enthusiasts) often adopt narrow and polarized views on resource issues. When this occurs, both human interests and the natural resources can be, and often are, threatened. The spotted owl and the timber industry controversy in the Pacific Northwest forests, the agricultural interests and Everglades restoration/preservation debate in Florida, and the re-introduction of wolves to the yellow system are examples of this.

In the past few years conservationists and resource managers have recognized the need for a new approach to habitat and wildlife management. This approach calls for collaboration between groups, problem solving, and long-term care of our natural resources, which has led to the focus on management strategies commonly referred to as "ecosystem management." The implementation of this new "ecosystem management" based strategy is not yet completely defined, but the shift in why and how natural resources should be managed is beginning to take shape, and it can have beneficial and far-reaching effects for all outdoor lovers.

Ecosystem management is looking at a larger picture than we have looked at in the past. We need to look beyond municipal, county, state and federal agency boundaries, and work closely with land managers, in both the public and private sectors. We need to address the long-term consequences of today's decisions, and consider various resources, such as plant communities, wildlife or watersheds, as interrelating parts of a system, rather than as individual components to be managed separately. It means awareness of all of the components of the ecosystem, from local and national, to international and even global aspects.

The choices conservationists and land managers have to make won't go away. However, a fundamental principle of ecosystem management holds that decisions must be based on the best information science can provide, with sustainability as the goal. This framework provides a means to evaluate objectively the trade-off of different management choices.

More than just federal lands are at stake. We all live in ecosystems of multiple ownership, and the issues addressed on federal lands exist elsewhere. Everyone has a stake in working for diverse, healthy, sustainable ecosystems, and its going to take everyone's support and participation to make it all work.

My opinion is that "birders" are woefully lacking in effective group support of nature. Hunters & fishers, in contrast, are organized in various ways, and have lots to say about nature, as they understand it. However, their views are quite selfish.

I have spoken at public hearings on the Comprehensive Conservation Plan for the Upper Mississippi R. F&W Refuge (Wabasha, MN to Rock Island, IL). A largely hunter/fisher crowd booed me in LaCrescent, MN at a hearing when I spoke up for more effort on the Refuge to conserve & protect passerine birds, migrant & resident, on the Refuge. "Do you buy fishing and/or hunting licenses?" was shouted at me from the mob. Well, yes I do, though I have not hunted for several years, and fish elsewhere, if I do, than the River.

And of course, the right to have an opinion and be heard does not depend on having purchased a license of any kind. Their attitude, and there were dozens of them, is that "We pay, therefore we say." I was told by a member of the crowd that public viewing platforms & auto pull-offs along the Refuge were an extravagance and a waste of money.

I believe that the Upper Mississippi River is a national treasure. It is not the Grand Canyon, but its wetlands & hardwood forest bottomlands & surrounding bluffland forests are not only breathing oxygen, they are presenting sentient human beings with beauty at all seasons and the grace of life other than whatever it is that human beings think they are doing. In my faithful opinion, human beings are dangerous creatures which may destroy the planet. Bird-chasing & listing is not supportive of the environment. It too is short-sighted & selfish.

Alas, I too listed & chased birds for at least 55 years, but I have to conclude that unless bird listers and chasers act and speak up for non-game birds, these birds will suffer. Of course, their numbers are diminishing, and they are suffering. Who cares?

After decades of birding I find I treasure the great experiences more than the numbers of species.

Someone needs to speak out for non-game wildlife & habitat & the non-hunting/fishing public. I get very little support in my views, as far as I know, from anyone. USFWS folks do welcome my views. I think they are under huge pressure from the hunter/fisher lobby to yield on keeping most refuge boundaries & any limitations where, when, how to hunt on the Refuge the way they are.

To repeat, I do not hunt or fish on or even near the Upper Miss. Refuge, so I don't know details of hunter/fisher issues about boundaries & complications for their uses.

My birding has taken me up & down the River birding by car & on foot between Lake Pepin & Clinton, Iowa, Pools 4-13. I am most active birding along Pools 7-9. To my knowledge, no local or state National Audubon Society groups or other state & local birding groups have appeared at hearings about the Mississippi River Comprehensive Conservation Plan. These hearings were held within the past year or two up & down the Upper Miss. Refuge.

Thanks for posting this article. It's a good summary of the issues that are important for everyone who cares about the outdoors. I certainly agree with you that birders and nature lovers need to join together with hunters and anglers because we are all after the same thing; habitat preservation.

Our 15 acres is about 1 acre 'developed', 5 acres planted diverse prairie, 4 acres young trees and shrubs, 5 acres woods (mostly oak), plus a groundwater pond and intermittent stream. It provides pretty good habitat for a variety of species - just as we want it to. I retired early a couple years ago so that I could spend more time on nature oriented projects.

I advise Olmsted county on prairie management and restoration, give talks on butterflies, birds, prairie and native landscaping. Even with all that I do, I still have to wonder if my net affect on wildlife is positive. I do travel by air from time to time, and take several trips each year around the state and region to see birds and attend meetings. Each trip not only affects the area that I travel through, but also those areas that were used to produce the fuel and machines that I use.

I feel that our current culture is terribly selfish, materialistic and short-sighted. As with most people, my best memories are of experiences and relationships - not of material goods. And yet we seem to focus on getting more material goods, to the detriment of wildlife and our relation to the world.

Birders are part of this. Some birders are responsible and considerate, although often in a narrow sense. Others are frankly very self-centered, self-justifying, and narrow minded. We have to find better ways of living together with other people and with the rest of the creatures of the world.

There is only one earth, and we have to learn to share it better. Sorry about the ranting. It helps me to vent sometimes.

Thanks for caring about the broad whole of wildlife T.R.

Actually, I think the term "habitat conservation" has a different meaning for birders than it does for hunters.

Hunters conserve habitat so they have somewhere to hunt, whereas birders want to conserve habitat so that no one dies.

My Response: I'm sure there is a wide range of meanings and /or definitions of what habitat conservation is.

While it may be that hunters want to preserve habitat primarily for hunting, they may be one of the largest influences behind "habitat conservation" for deer, turkeys and waterfowl; which in turn is habitat for hundreds of species of birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates, flowers plants and other species.

Many of the WMA's (Wildlife Management Areas) and possibly all of the WPA's (Waterfowl Production Areas) are there due in large part to the efforts of hunters. So, without them even thinking about it, their efforts to conserve habitat benefit many other species.

And then you can add the fact that the Federal Migratory Bird Licenses and State Waterfowl, Small Game, Upland Bird, Turkey, Deer, Bear, Elk, on and on and on Licenses, plus part of the taxes on firearms and ammunition, are dedicated to the Natural Resources Departments of US and each State, means there a literally thousands (if not hundreds of thousands nationally) of dollars paid out annually by hunters, trappers and fisherman, to preserve habitat.

So, hunters may have a right to "feel" they contribute a little more than their fair share when it comes to habitat conservation, because they contribute a lot. Which is why they may get a little defensive when it comes to the views of birders, wildflower lovers, butterfly enthusiasts, and "tree huggers" (conservationists).

I'm not trying to say that hunters, trappers and fishermen "knowingly" help birds, flowers and butterflies, but the fact is they do help. I suspect many birders may not realize how much habitat is conserved by, and due to, those who hunt and fish, as a result of their hunting and fishing. I also suspect some birders do realize it.

And while it may be true that some birders look at habitat conservation as it affects the earth, air pollution, ozone levels, carbon dioxide - oxygen exchanges, ozone levels etc, there are those who don't think about it at all, and are only interested in birds.

Having been a hunter for over 40 years, and being involved in the hunting industry, including guiding, designing camouflage and other products, writing articles and books, and giving seminars since 1989, I have to say that many hunters, trappers and fishermen don't think about species or habitats they can't or don't hunt, which may be seen as selfishness. However, I suspect it has more to do with single-mindedness of purpose and ignorance, than with selfishness.

There are however, other hunters, who realize that there is more to habitat conservation than "game animals" and their "needs" for habitat conservation. I know I am not the only hunter who enjoys scenic areas, birds and butterflies.

So, I suppose there is a lot of education that needs to be done, before hunters, fishers, trappers and other nature lovers can see the benefits of each other's efforts when it comes to conservation. As an outdoor writer and seminar speaker I'm willing to try to educate all sides (in my own small way), and it looks like others here are doing their part to advance the cause of habitat conservation from the birders and /or nature lovers point of view. But, we can't do it alone. So - what are the rest of "us" (including all of you who love birds, flowers, butterflies etc.) going to do to help.

Do we need to meet with the MDHA Minnesota Deer Hunter's Association) which I write for, and the State Chapters of Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, the National Turkey Federation, the Ruffed Grouse, Sharp-tailed Grouse and Prairie Chicken Societies, Trout Unlimited, etc., all of which are contributing time, effort and dollars to habitat conservation? I suspect it might be a good idea for the lobbyists or "powers that be" of each of those groups already know each other, and may be working together, but we may have to educate the members and/or participators of each group and faction, so they understand the needs and desires, and the efforts and funds, that each contributes to conserve habitat. We need to find a way get through to each other, make each understand the broader impact and consequences of not doing anything, and the benefits of doing something, as an integrated group.

I think this exchange could make a good article in the MN DNR publications, as well as in Ornithological, Audubon, Isaac Walton, Sierra Club, Safari Club and other publications. And I will try to get it in to them. The problem is once it goes into one publication; many other publications will not publish it. They all want "first rights" or "exclusive rights" and rarely want to "reprint" a "previously published" article.

However, since I write for over 40 Internet hunting web sites and magazines (two of which I own), I can send it out to them (if all else fails). So I can guarantee that it will be out there.

If anyone has some "pull" with any publication, or know of other publications where this subject can be talked about and advanced, please post it here or contact me.

I think all of your comments should be posted here, so we all gain by the input.

Any other ideas?

(I think I feel another "cause" coming into my life.)

No one is ever going to convince me that any good ever comes out of killing animals for "sport".

Again, I have worked in retail, and have spoken first hand with hunters about this subject, and some of them did allude to the fact that having to pay to do their "sport" was something they were upset about. Some even referred to the people that make them buy a license as "tree huggers". There are also those hunters that buy "deer corn" and feed it to the deer, the deer then come to trust these people, then the people hunt them.

My response: You may not understand the fact that deer must be eliminated on a regular basis, or they will overpopulate and destroy habitat, which is needed by many species, including birds. The forbes (wildflowers), herbs, grasses, sedges and leaves, berries, fruits and nuts they eat, are also eaten by birds and small mammals.

If deer overpopulate, they can eliminate much of the habitat and forage base, including reducing the forest under-story that is so vital to many birds.

Deer Licenses pay a large part of the DNR bill for wildlife management, which in turn helps birds. Deer hunting is needed to control deer populations, and the money generated by license sales are needed DNR funds.

As to feeding corn to deer; some people do it because they like to see deer (like birders use bird feeders). Some people feed deer to help them get through the winter, which in many cases they need help with. However, I must point out that deer that are hunted do not often "trust" the people who put out corn, they are wary by nature, but some deer become semi-tame. And it is illegal to use corn as "bait" deer to come in to a hunter, thereby making it easy to shoot, Any hunter who feeds deer during the hunting season for the purpose of hunting is breaking the law, and should be prosecuted.

I'm not looking for "negatives" on other factions here, I'm looking for reasons why other factions should understand why they should listen to birders.

T.R.

We do not share every view on the hunter/birder discussion. Saying that it is understandable that they get a "little defensive" about the views of "tree huggers" (including me) is a mis-statement. At the hearing I attended & at which I dared to speak my views, they were very offensive, rude & crude.

Unlike what your correspondent claims, that birders "want to preserve habitat so that no one dies," which is a typical stereotyping of those who care about the whole system, not primarily about game animals, many birders are well educated about the natural world.

I know that hunting & fishing licenses etc. paid by those who hunt & fish make up a large share of moneys going to habitat preservation. But what percent also comes from what I think is called "general revenue sharing", coming from elsewhere among taxpayers? I don't think hunters & fishers pay for habitat preservation, including wildlife areas and parks, entirely on their own.

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During the last weekend of August we decided to check out the Native American Indian Petroglyphs (rock carvings) in southeast Minnesota near the little town of Jeffers, where there is a remnant of tallgrass prairie with an abundance of wildflowers, then head over to Pipestone National Monument to see where the red stone for Native American Indian Peace Pipes is quarried, and then head south to Blue Mounds State Park where there is a herd of buffalo on a large remnant of tall grass prairie and river bottom woodlands, and also some Native American Indian architecture.

Jeffers, Minnesota is about 150 miles from Minneapolis/St. Paul, a few miles west of the intersection of MN State Hwy. 30 and US 71, west of Lake Shetek State Park and the Des Moines River.

As we pulled into the entrance to the Jeffers State Historic Site it didn't look very impressive. A large wooden and concrete building sat in the middle of a wide-open grassy prairie, with one or two small trees visible, and some exposed patches of bare rock. As we parked the car in the gravel parking lot I noticed the tall grass prairie was marked with white plaques designating several species of wild flowers, many of which were still in bloom.

I eagerly headed toward the plaques, anxious to find flowers I had never seen before. There were several species of goldenrod, 4-5 species of blue or purple asters, rough blazingstar, leadplant, 2-3 species of sunfower, prickly pear cactus, and several other flowers, many of them in brilliant colors. I took several pictures, which I will add to the wildflower section of our Outdoor Photography. There are also numerous species of grasses, including switchgrass, big blue stem, small bluestem, buffalo grass, cordgrass, sideoats grama, dropseed and others.

According to the naturalist there are also bobwhite, ring-necked pheasants, bobolink, dickcissles, and several species of sparrows that frequent the prairie of about 1600 acres. She also informed me they only receive about 12,000 visitors a year, meaning it never crowded.

Eventually we made our way along the mowed path through the grasses and flowers to the exposed underlying cap of rock, about a quarter of a mile from the visitor center. Once we reached the flat rocks we noticed that not only were they scarred by the action of the glaciers that had moved through the area thousands of year ago, but in some places you could see ripples in the rock, where the sand of an ancient sea had petrified while preserving the undulations of a beach or sea bed.

And then there were the rock carvings, literally hundreds of them that were in excess of 5000 years old, and from the way they were placed on top of each other, some showing more wear than others, they had obviously been made over a span of several generations. There were carvings of thunderbirds, turtles, deer, elk, buffalo, stick figures of humans, and numerous symbols. There were also several impressions of hands, probably a way of the carver leaving his signature on his carvings.

From viewing other such carvings I suspect the carvings were not so much "carved" into the rock as one would hammer a chisel into wood an a low angle, but rather these rock carvings were the result of pounding a hard small pointed or blunt object, such as antler or bone, to make individual dots into the rock, with 3-5 dots each required to make a thin line. One can only imagine how time consuming and tedious it must have been to hammer out some of the larger or more complex carvings.

We took several pictures of the carvings, that I hope turn out, because the light was overhead. I suspect the carvings would show up better with a low sun, so that a shadow would be cast on their depressions. For this reason it is suggested that the carvings be viewed in the early morning or late afternoon hours, or during the winter when the sun is low in the sky.

As we left Jeffers and headed toward our next destination, Pipestone, Minnesota and the Sioux Quartzite quarries, we all agreed that the stop at Jeffers to see the carvings had been will worth the trip, In fact, my 20 year old daughter Tawnya said she would like to go back in early winter, when we could make out the carvings more easily. This is a great destination for anyone interested in Minnesota or Native American History.

We all agreed that the tall grass prairie with its abundant wildflowers was an added bonus to a fascinating destination. For those interested in wildflowers this has to be one of the premiere dry tallgrass prairie wildflower locations in Minnesota. 

Pipestone National Monument is located just outside of the town of Pipestone, in southwest Minnesota. The site is on a Sioux quartzite prairie, which the Nature Conservancy considers a unique, rare and threatened habitat that is only found in the upper Midwest. Underneath the layers of quartzite is the hardened red clay known as Pipestone, which is used to make the ceremonial pipes used by many early Native American Indian Tribes.

The prairie is home to 154 species of plants, 133 of which are native. Several of the native grasses, such as big and little bluestem are in display in the visitors center, which also houses a display of various types of rocks on the site, an exhaustive display of Native American Pipes, and a museum of Native American Indian culture in the area.

An interesting feature of the center are several stalls where Native American pipe makers actually carve the bowls for pipes from the red Pipestone and carve the stems for the pipes from different species of wood, one of which is often preferred (Sumac) because it is often soft in the middle, making it easy to create the hollow tube necessary for the pipe stem.

The carver I spoke to said he was a third generation Lakota (often referred to as Sioux by many people, and referred to as Dakota by Midwesterners) who lived nearby. He told me that although Pipestone is naturally hardened clay, it is soft enough to be carved with a sharpened piece of rock, flint, bone or antler; or metal. Listening to his explanation of how the rock was quarried, carved into pipes, and was traded was extremely interesting. I suggest that anyone who stops here and sees a carver take time to ask them about their craft.

As we left the visitor center and walked across the prairie I noticed several wildflowers, some of which I had seen at the Jeffers Petroglyph site, and some I had not seen before. I took several pictures, which will be posted on the Wildflower pages on the Outdoor Photography web site.

I also saw huge cracks or fissures in the rock underlying the grasses of the prairie, with piles of broken-up lrock near the fissures. Looking into these holes I could see several layers of rock, which I assumed were Sioux quartzite. The bottom of the holes was often strewn with more broken up rock, some of which was reddish in color. The bottom of the holes were covered with stagnant water, probably from recent rains or ground water.

I didn't realize these holes or fissures were the Pipestone quarries, until I heard the sound of a sledge hammer coming from one of them, and looked into it to see a heavyset dark-haired, dark-skinned man swinging a sledge as he broke up layers of quartzite.

When he saw me watching him he stopped a minute, and I commented that it looked like a lot of hard work. He said it was, and added that he needed a break and a drink of water. As we continued to talk he informed he was an Objibwa (often referred to as a Chippewa), and said that while many Native Americans quarried the rock to sell, others quarried and carved it, and others only carved it.

He told me that while the rock sold for a substantial price, the real money was in making pipes, which were then sold, or bartered for antlers, skins or furs that were often used to make ceremonial clothing. Again, taking time to ask questions provided me with a valuable and informative lesson on Native American History and practices.

The prairie of this site has approximately 50 species of grasses including bluestem, cordgrass, brome, threeawn, grama and dropgrass. In addition there are approximately 70 species of forbs (wildflowers); two species of sedges, eight species of woody shrubs; and one species each of fern, quillwort, spikerush and spikemoss.

Over 100 species of birds have been recorded here, including bobolink, western meadowlark, sedge wren, cedar waxwing, yellow-headed blackbird, broad-winged and Swainsons' hawks, common bobwite, and common yellowthroat.

As a result of the fantastic array of native flora and fauna this, and the geology and history of the site, Pipestone National Monument should be on the "must see" list of American and Native American history buffs, birders and wildflower enthusiasts.  

As we left Pipestone, MN we headed south on US Hwy. 75, about 18 miles to the turn-off to Blue Mounds State Park At the visitor center we bought a yearly State Park Permit, and I inquired where I could find the buffalo (properly called bison), about bird sightings, and other features of the park.

I was told that one of the bison herds was near the road a little farther into the park. I was also informed that there had been recent sightings of many birds associated with western Minnesota, and that the Blue Mound itself (a large cliff of Sioux quartzite, which appeared blue from a distance as seen by the settlers) could be viewed by driving around to the south entrance to the park.

Just as the park rangers had said there was a herd of about 30 bison near the road, complete with a couple of large bulls and several small, cute calves. I took several pictures of the herd, then walked across the tall grass prairie, noticing grasses and wildflowers I had seen at both Jeffers and Pipestone. Because it was getting late we didn't take time to explore the parks two lakes and oak woods. I knew, we would be back, but we did drive around to the south entrance to see the cliffs.

Driving up the road leading to the interpretative center at the top of the cliff we saw several small quarries of green, yellow, orange, red and almost purple rock. We parked the car in the lot and hiked a trail that led down the cliff through a burr oak woods.

As we followed the trail it seemed unreal to be walking through a hardwood forest that was literally strewn with large chunks of rocks, some of them as big as a garage. The trail wound across the face of the cliff, where we saw several species of wildflowers and grasses. In places the trails led us to the edge of the cliff, where we could see the surrounding prairie and farmland for miles.

As we continued to follow the trail it led back up to the top of the cliff, where I saw a western kingbird and several species of sparrows I could not identify. Along the top of the cliff we came across a 1,250-foot, short, rock wall, laid out so that it lines up with the rising and setting of the sun on the summer and fall equinox.

There seems to be some skepticism by the local historical society that this wall could have been made by Native Americans. However, after seeing the Medicine Wheel on top of the Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming, which also has lines of rock which point to the rising and setting of the sun on those same days, there is little doubt in my mind.

Along with its vast array of native tall grass prairie wild flowers (over 100), over 200 species of birds have been sighted in the park. It is the most reliable place in the state to view the blue grosbeak, and it is the only place in the state where Brewer's sparrow has been seen. Other notable birds include broad-winged, Swainson's and rough-legged hawks; merlin, peregrine and prairie falcon; American avocet and several sandpipers.

Although we did get to visit three natural history, scenic, birding and wildflower areas in one day, I suggest anyone interested in wildflowers, and especially birds, make this a two-day trip. Jeffers should be seen during the early morning hours in the spring or fall, when there are abundant wildflowers blooming, when the petroglyphs are easily seen, and when the birds are most active and likely to be singing, especially in the spring. Then I would stay in a motel in Pipestone, and spend two days visiting the Pipestone prairies and quarries, and Blue Mound State Park with its variety of terrain and habitat, where you can look for birds and wildflowers.

Why not join us on a 1 or 2 day tour of this area? For information contact TRMichels@Yahoo.com

As we drove north out of Minneapolis, Minnesota in mid-January I spotted a flock of large white birds. I knew immediately by the long length of their necks that they were swans. When my wife Diane stopped the car at a gas station I could hear their plaintive calls; whoo - whoo - whoo.

We followed the flock to the Mississippi River, where we saw hundreds of giant Canada geese, dozens of mallards, and dozens of the large beautiful trumpeter swans - the most I had ever seen in my life outside of North Dakota. And these were landing, resting, displaying and feeding within 30 yards of where I stood with my camera.

Diane and my youngest daughter Tawnya watched the birds while I took pictures for the next hour, and got some great shots.

I also met several other photographers who were interested in joining me for our Bald Eagle, Elk, Turkey, Upland Sandpiper and birding tours. I think half the fun of being a nature lover is sharing the experience with other nature lovers. I hope you will consider joining us on one of our tours.

We took our first trip to Read's Landing in southern Minnesota to see the wintering bald eagles on Lake Pepin and the Mississippi river in the mid 1980's; and we have taken the trip at least every other year since then. Heading south out of St. Paul, Minnesota we usually take US Highway 52 to State Highway 50, east to US Highway 61 and follow it south through the town of Red Wing and the scenic bluff and coulee country of the Mississippi River.

Bald eagles can often be seen from Red Wing to Winona, but the highest concentrations of the these magnificent birds are generally seen from Lake City to Wabasha, where the National Eagle Center is located. The viewing areas just north of Read's Landing, overlooking beautiful Lake Pepin, are where you are often to find tourists and birders using binoculars to locate eagles on the ice or perched in the trees along the edge of the lake. On weekends you may also find volunteers from the Eagle Center with their spotting scopes, which they will gladly let you use to look at the eagles.

The weather often dictates how many eagles spend the winter in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. When cold weather causes the northern lakes and rivers to freeze up, many eagles migrate to Lake Pepin, which stays open year round. They begin arriving in early November, with peak numbers from December through March.

We have seen as many as 157 eagles in one day between Lake City and Wabasha, with most of them seen from the viewing areas just north of Read's Landing. During the morning and early evening you may see the birds soaring over the river, and diving to snatch fish from the river. During middy they often sit on the ice or perch in the trees.

You should always have a good pair of 7 power or better binoculars or a spotting scope on this trip, and a camera with at least a 200mm lens (400mm or stronger is best) so you can get a good view of the eagles. Be sure to look west into the tops of the trees at the south entrance to Read's Landing. If you look carefully you will see a large eagles nest in one of the trees.

You should also look for migrating tundra swans and diver ducks, from south of Lake City to La Crosse Wisconsin. We often see common goldeneyes and common mergansers on the river too. Alma, Wisconsin is a good place to look for tundra swans, as are the lakes and ponds just north of I-90 on the Wisconsin side of the Mississippi river.

The best time to see Tundra Swans will be the last weekend of November through December, and through February for Trumpeter Swans and Bald Eagles.

Click here for current Bald Eagle and Swan Sightings & Tours

For Father's Day my daughter Tawnya and my wife Diane took me to the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden in north Minneapolis. I went primarily to look for and photograph wild flowers, and we found several of them, many of which I had never seen before. But, one of the first things I saw was a male Scarlet Tanager. It was the first one my wife and daughter had ever seen, and the first one I had seen in about 40 years.

I saw red-bellied woodpeckers, cardinals and blue jays. I also took several photos of wild flowers, a far off shot of the tanager, and it was a great day.

If you are a bird or flower lover this is a little slice of "paradise" in the city. The area does have the Minnesota State Flower, the showy lady's slipper, and I saw my first yellow flag iris, false indigo and several other flowers.

During the first and second weekends of July we drove down toward Rochester, MN, where we saw male indigo buntings, meadowlarks, my first male dickcissel, and some birds I have yet to identify. I can always count on the indigo buntings in this one specific area. We also saw a couple of bald eagle nests, with the adult birds sitting in the tree, and the downy-headed chicks popping there head above the side the nest.

On our way back to the Twin Cities we often stop at several little known wildflower areas, and at Big Woods & Frontenac State Parks where we look for and photograph such wildflowers as the lilac colored large-beard tongue (pentsemon), yellow hoary puccoon, blue-eyed grass, purple asters, purple harebells, purple cow vetch, pink crown vetch, yellow birds-foot trefoil, yellow violet, Trout Lily, and the rare Minnesota Trout Lily which is indigenous to this area.

If you are a wildflower enthusiast, these tours have a wide variety of flowers. Why not join us on one of these trips? 

During the third weekend of September we drove southeast out of St. Paul, MN on US Highway 52, then east on State Highway 50 to Redwing, then south along US Highway 61 to Frontenac State Park. The leaves were just starting to turn along the bluffs and coulees of the Mississippi River, hinting of the fall colors of scarlet, red, orange, yellow and green that would bathe the hills within a few weeks.

South of Weaver we doubled back on US Highway 61 and took State Highway 74 to the Whitewater Wildlife Management Area, which is made up of towering wooded bluffs, marshes, riparian and a variety of other wetland habitats.

The 2,700-acre park and the several thousand acres of the Wildlife Management Area that surround it feature scenic overlooks and excellent trout fishing in the spring fed Whitewater River and Trout Run Creek. The area in and around the Wildlife Area and the State Park is home to about 50 species of mammals and 250 species of birds.

In the spring you can listen and look for the rare Louisiana waterthrush. Of Minnesota's rare animals and plants, 43 percent live in the blufflands in and around this area. Thirty-five species of migrant neotropical birds have been recorded in the park.

This area is home to the rare Leedy's Roseroot (Sedum integrifolium ssp. Leedyi), a cliffside wildflower found only in six locations in two widely separated states. Two populations are in upstate New York, a large population on the shores of Seneca Lake and a single plant at Watkins Glen. The other four populations of several thousand plants each are found in Fillmore and Olmstead Counties, Minnesota.

The dirt road through the north part of the Management Area follows the lower end of the Whitewater River, which flows through wet prairies and marshes. The southern part of the Management area and the State Park is made up mostly of towering wooded bluffs and ravines. In addition there are several water impoundments that provide habitat for a wide variety of wading and shorebirds, including several species of ducks and Canada geese. In the fall tundra swans are often found on the marshes. There are also abundant wild turkey, ruffed grouse, ring-necked pheasant and occasionally gray partridge in the area.

One of the favorite spring rituals here, from late March through early June, is looking for wild turkeys within a few hours of sunrise, to watch the toms show off the red, white and blue colors of their heads, fan their tails and strut as they gobble, spit and boom to attract the hens during the mating season.

You can also look for and listen to male ruffed grouse as they stand on a log and rapidly flap their wings as they "drum" to proclaim dominance and attract females. While many people don't know it, male ring-necked pheasants also drum by flapping their wings, often after they crow shortly after sunrise to attract females in the spring.

As we drove slowly down the road in the northern part of the valley, alongside the river and several marshes, we saw painted turtles sunning themselves on logs, one large snapping turtle, Canada geese, great blue herons, great egrets, a pair or tundra swans, and a red-tailed hawk. In the southern part of the valley we saw goldfinches, a pine siskin and several eastern bluebirds. We also saw several species of beautiful blue and purple asters, and yellow goldenrods still in bloom.

We will make it a point to come back when the fall bird migration is in full swing, when you can see tundra swans, several species of ducks, hawks, bald and golden eagles, and several species of songbirds.

In early September we began our Elk Bugling Tours near Rochester, Minnesota. There were about 200 bull elk stripping the velvet from their antlers, and just beginning to bugle. Listening to all those elk bugling was a fantastic experience, evoking memories of a more primitive time in man's existence.

We also watched several pairs of bull elk involved in sparring and fights, and participating in dominance displays; where two bulls walk side by side, with their noses pointed upward so their heads are parallel to the ground. The bulls then turn their heads slightly away form each other so they don't have eye contact with each other. After walking for 20-100 yards one of the bulls often turns away from the other bull, and then begins to walk back in the other direction, followed closely by the other bull.

This often continues for several minutes, until one of the bulls defeats the other, or they get interrupted by another bull, or they actually make contact, at which time they may bob their head and antlers at each other, and may actually touch antlers and begin a sparring match.

Sparring matches may just break off my mutual consent, or one of the bulls may prevail, at which point the other bull may turn tail and run, sometimes being pursued by the other bull.

There were also hundreds of young elk calves, in colors ranging from white, to cream, to light gold and tawny brown. They often run, jump and skip around as they play in the early morning or late afternoon hours.

On the way back to Minneapolis and St. Paul we stopped by a friend's farm, where we often look and dig for fossils along the riverbed flowing through his property, including shells of snails. There are also strange fossils that look like branched tree twigs, but which are actually the petrified remains of burrows that worms left in the earth several thousand years ago. And, where the highway cuts through a large hill on his property, we often find petrified clams and ammonites in the exposed sandstone layers of the hill.

If you are interested in joining us on any of these tours contact us at TRMichels@yahoo.com.

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