100 miles!

 

After what has seemed like forever, I took advantage of the first decent forecast in some time to finally get back out on the bike. As fun as it has been watching stuff arrive in the immediate vicinity of my yard, the fun of exploring new areas and covering some miles on the road and trail has been calling to me. My plan this time was to split the ride up into two separate trips, one to nearby Spring Lake for loons, waterfowl, etc., and one to the nearby Louisville Swamp unit of Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge for both waterbirds (hopefully Tundra Swan) and songbirds, and maybe even a first American Woodcock?

It was a bit cool to start early on, but a nice day overall. So great to get out and ride under blue skies and sunshine. In order to avoid more busy roads, I took a route through farmland and woodlots, even though it was a little bit of a longer ride. I got an American Kestrel right away, which was good. I'm yet to get one from my yard, but there is lots of good open habitat nearby for them thankfully. There seems to be a bird setting up shop pretty close by. I'll have to make an effort to have my camera ready next time I'm there. 

The rest of the ride to Spring Lake was pretty quiet but pleasant. Horned Larks flying overhead making their high, tinkling song, and Red-winged Blackbird males all over, squabbling over newly established territories. As I approached the lake, a loud, clear, almost hooting call caught my ear - Tundra Swan! I stopped and looked up and sure enough, there was a flock of about 30 birds flying overhead. That was a major bonus. These birds do not breed in Minnesota, and while relatively common in migration, I was beginning to worry that I'd missed my chance at them. Not anymore! 

Spring Lake - a 580 acre lake with a little bit deeper water

After a bit longer I made it to the park on the north shore of Spring Lake. This medium sized lake is a little deeper than other nearby lakes and can be good for divers at times. I immediately got my first Common Loon for the green big year, nice. Unfortunately the light wasn't great, so you'll have to excuse the quality of my photos - but you're used to that, aren't you? :)

Common Loon - Minnesota's State Bird

I quickly scanned the main body of the lake, hoping for the Red-breasted Mergansers that had been here. Nothing right away, in fact the lake was pretty empty. Hmmm. Maybe stuff was hiding further out and/or in the sun. I decided to change positions and get closer to the water. It paid off - Red-breasted Merganser! They were distant, but their unique "crazy hair" profile was obvious. A flock of about 15 birds moved around the lake, occasionally getting flushed by a few fishing boats out early to try for some crappies. 

Distant but distinctive

I hung around and scanned several more times, hoping for a Canvasback. No luck. All that I could find was a very distant flock of Lesser Scaup. A few Double-crested Cormorants flew overhead, and a Ruby-crowned Kinglet called from the woodlot across the road. Both new species for the year, but not anything I was worried about really. I decided to walk around and see what else was around the park, maybe I could snag an early White-throated Sparrow, or maybe even a Winter Wren or something. 

Northern Cardinal, resting in the morning sun

There were some expected species around - lots of Song Sparrows, seemed like there was one around every bend in the trail! American Tree Sparrows and Dark-eyed Juncos were still around in decent numbers. They will likely be leaving soon with the next warm front, probably next week? After a short and sunny hike, I decided it was time to head out. 

Better enjoy the juncos while we can!

I took a different route back through Spring Lake Regional Park - a mostly wooded network of trails, hoping a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker or something. The woods were very quiet, just a few chickadees and woodpeckers. As I emerged from the other side of the park though, I saw a large white bird walking along a trail on a golf course - Great Egret! While not entirely unexpected, seeing one walking along a mowed trail was strange. Oh well. The rest of the ride was a breezy, uneventful few miles. I got back home, had some lunch and debated whether it was worth going to Louisville Swamp or not. 

Prairie and savanna of Louisville Swamp

While relaxing the rest of the afternoon was tempting, I decided to get back after it and head over to Louisville Swamp. It's a relatively short ride, but with a very steep bluff that I knew would be a challenge biking back up on the way home (which it was, ugh). An easy ride over at least.

There were good numbers of waterfowl in the pools there, and a lone Greater Yellowlegs called from way far away - first new shorebird in a while! A flock of American White Pelicans flew overhead shortly after - nice! The sun was gone now, unfortunately, but the temperature was still pleasant. Time to scan for Red-headed Woodpeckers in the savanna and open woodlands along the uplands. 

Such a beautiful duck

No Red-headed Woodpeckers revealed themselves, but a couple of Hermit Thrushes did, which was great! Not terribly difficult to find them, but good not to assume anything. There were a few Eastern Phoebes and Eastern Bluebirds feeding in the snags and open areas around the wetland edges there. A passing helicopter spooked the waterfowl on the main wetland unit - and thousands of ducks took flight. A good variety of dabbling ducks, including some Northern Pintails, but nothing new - and no Canvasbacks. Fun to see though. A flyover Rough-legged Hawk was another treat, but my tired legs were ready to start the trek back. 

This female Eastern Bluebird was investigating nest cavities. Spring is here, indeed.

The hike back was pleasant, but nothing else new. I tallied up the species in my mind and came up with 10 new green species through the day! Really great to nail down the swans and mergansers. I may yet get a Canvasback before spring migration ends, but it's time to start focusing on grebes, shorebirds, and landbirds now. Next week promises some warmer weather and south winds, so I fully expect more new arrivals. Today's 21.5 miles by bike and 4.1 miles on foot put me over 100 miles for the year, and up to 94 green species. I'm pleased with that. Hopefully, I can break the 100 species mark by the end of the following week. Wish me luck!

Tired but satisfied at the trailhead after the afternoon walk.