The Northern Waterthrushes Return

June 15, 2014

We  had a surprise Nothern Waterthrush family at Cedar Lake in 2012, but the songs were missing last year.  We thought it might be a one-year wonder, but no, they were singing loudly on Saturday - there seemed to be several.

On Sunday morning, it was cool and breezy, with little bird song.  Nevertheless, I played the Sibley on my phone a couple of times and one showed up and started singing back.

We walked up the road a short way hearing constant Red-eyed Vireos, but seeing none.  We could also hear occasional Black and White Warblers, and one showed up for a photo op.  While searching for more warblers, a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker came by and entertained us, as did a lone Turkey Vulture.  We saw many Tiger Swallowtails.

Out on the lake, I spotted a distant Broad-winged Hawk soaring.  Back at the feeders, Purple Finches and Red-breasted Nuthatches were abundant.

Birding and Other Nature at Grand Lac des Cèdres

June 8, 2014

There are many wood warblers and other species that make their home around our cottage.  This spring, the predominant singing was by Chestnut-sided Warblers, Eastern Phoebes and Red-eyed Vireos.  From time to time, we also heard Black-and White Warblers, but could not see them.  We went for a walk and saw many bass  that had just finished spawning., and a Tiger Swallowtail perched obligingly on a lilac bloom.   An Eastern Phoebe entertained us and a Rose-breasted Grosbeak responded to the taped call.  A Common Loon swam right behind our parked boat.

We went for a Loon Count, and saw several including one on the nest.  We always hope for a good breeding year.  The Herring Gulls already has to chicks, and a lone male Common Merganser seemed to have missed finding a mate.

The trout fishing was rather slow, but patience was finally rewarded when a 6-pounder came to net.