Temps above freezing - No ice yet

TEMPS ABOVE FREEZING – NO ICE YET

Horned larks and Lapland longspurs appeared in migration along with large numbers of American robins and common grackles. They will move on but must feed to sustain their October travels south. A high school student enrolled in an Environmental Science class discovered a bird on the water while bicycling the trail between Ely and Eagles Nest. He brought a sketch of the bird to class and had identified it as a pied-billed grebe that may be on a stopover on the way to a wintering location.

This month invites walking or biking to any natural area in or out of town. A destination like Semers Park in early morning this week was perfect to explore one public Ely place with history, lake, shoreline and islands.

Morning sun lights the water, seaplane base, park buildings built in the 1940s, an angler working the bays, and islands bridged to the mainland. Gulls work the area in search of food, and a building displayed some graffiti and surrounding colorful woodbine and its fruit.

Thinking ahead to Sunday, Oct. 11 and the Big Sit

A plan exists for another day at Shagawa Lake.

This will be the annual bird count that will take place at the public boat access on the south shore of the lake. It will run all day, with the Ely Field Naturalists setting up at the landing from sunrise to sunset.

The weather forecast looks promising for International Migratory Bird Day to engage anyone who wants to drop in for a short or long participation in this very social activity at this time in autumn.

Bring whatever you need to be comfortable sitting, standing, exploring, and tallying all the birds see from this shoreline, surrounded by Sandy Point to the east and open lake, islands, and shorelines to the west and north. There is usually a lot going on at this boat landing in October, on the lake and in and around the parking lot area.

Spotting scopes and binoculars will be provided. Bird feeders and field guides will be displayed and used for attracting and identifying birds and any plants or animals seen during the day. Feel free to bring snacks or beverages and come and go as desired. All ages are welcome.

You can call 218-235-8078 for more information.