Phil Chu and I found several species of interest today (Sunday, 16 March 2003) in the Superior National Forest, including Spruce Grouse in three locations and a total of 5 Black-backed Woodpeckers. Gray Jays, nuthatches, chickadees, and finches were very active and vocal throughout the day. We also checked the St. Louis county road 16 location where Three-toed Woodpecker was found last winter, and spent a few hours in the Sax-Zim bog.
As reported by many others in recent weeks, singing White-winged Crossbills were conspicuous all day long, and were present in every location we visited. Most were paired up and appeared to be on territory in suitable breeding habitat. Purple Finches were almost as numerous and sang vigorously throughout the day. Specific locations for some species are as follows: Spruce Grouse - one male 30.5 miles north of Two Harbors on Lake CR 2; two females 37.0 miles north of Two Harbors on Lake CR 2; and two males along state highway 1, 10.0 miles northwest of its intersection with Lake CR 2. Black-backed Woodpecker - one along Spruce Rd, just south of its intersection with Endless Waters Rd, Lake County; one just south of the Lake CR 2/state highway 1 intersection; one just east of Jenkins Creek along St. Louis CR 16; and a pair along McDavitt Rd in the Sax-Zim bog. No Three-toed Woodpeckers were found. Gray Jay - total of 18 scattered among all locations mentioned. Boreal Chickadee - along the Spruce Rd near its intersection with Endless Waters Rd, Lake County. Brown Creeper - one seen by Phil along state highway 1, Lake County. Snow Bunting - two perched in tamarack along the Spruce Rd, Lake County. Red Crossbill - two observed 45.5 miles north of Two Harbors on Lake CR 2. Evening Grosbeak - flock seen and heard along state highway 1, about one mile southeast of Spruce Rd, Lake County. -- Peder H. Svingen - [email protected] - Duluth, MN
