[Mnbird] Sax-Zim Bog, 1/14 (long)

[linda whyte]

Yesterday's trip to the Bog was much warmer though less sunny than a
previous one, but as productive as ever. The first stop was at Morse's
feeders on Blue Spruce Road. For once they were deserted, but the N. Shrike
perched just behind the row of conifers was no doubt responsible for that.
Apparently the flock of Evening Grosbeaks retreated to safer quarters; they
were found later in a huge flock at Mary Lou's feeders over on hwy 5, north
of Sax Rd. Abramson's feeders on LIttle Whiteface Road, had abundant
traffic, though, with Purple Finches, Pine Siskins, and C. Redpolls, among
others.

There were 9 Sharp-tailed Grouse around a driveway and feeders at a yellow
house on the west side of CR 29 north of Meadowland's center; they've been
seen there regularly recently, and were seen by observers on another day to
shelter under conifers nearby.

As before, the Welcome Center offered a variety of species. BC Chickadees,
Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers, and RB Nuthatches were sharing feeders with
many C. Redpolls and Pine Siskins. Another birder present there, mentioned
that he had just seen a Great grey Owl on Overton Ave, where one was
shortly found, perched mid-height in a conifer on the roadside, near a
power-pole with a gray transformer box. It swiveled its head many times,
listening, and flew to a mid-height perch in another conifer, where it
continued what appeared to be active scouting for prey.

A stop at the Admiral Road Feeders yielded repeated looks at a Boreal
Chickadee.and a couple of Gray Jays. as well as more common species. The
assorted feeders were all in use, but the peanut butter on the branches was
a big hit. I can't help wondering if any of the many Ravens we saw has ever
sampled it.

As for another Corvid, no Magpies were found on this trip, even in the 3
areas where they were seen last week. However, 2 or 3 Magpie nests were
spotted where they hadn't been seen on that trip. Pine Grosbeaks were
missed this time, too; a couple of distant fly-overs were a possibility
only, pausing briefly to feed in the tops of conifers. (I wanted to make
them into Crossbills, but they were terribly back-lit ;-)

A shorter trek into Duluth's Canal Park gave second looks at the C. Eider,
who displayed great assertiveness---not to say bossiness---in vying with
the many other birds for the bread someone was tossing. She had plenty of
competition from  Mallards, Pintails, a couple of Black Ducks, Herring
Gulls, Thayer's Gull, and one elusive Green-winged Teal whose single
appearance was a brief head-and-neck profile. It popped into view above one
of the many ice chunks, during a free-for-all for the bread.

Chilled fingers and toes prompted a return to the car for another attempt
to find the lifer Golden-crowned Sparrow, a brief effort that was not
successful. That will have to keep, along with a search for Hawk Owls and
Bohemian Waxwings. Thanks to all of you who continue to share your
sightings, and lure us back !
Linda Whyte
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