I am glad that either Richard Gibson or I usually check the softball complex on the edge of Ely each day. Today he discoved a Franklin's Gull among all the Herring and Ring-billed Gulls feeding there and a lone white-rumped sandpiper. I see from other postings that there have been some shorebirds showing up across the state.
It is also a tough time of year for nesting goldeneyes. Some have already hatched their young and it is fortunate for them. I heard two reports today of pine martens raiding nests - one was a cavity in an aspen and another was a duck box that has been raided the past two years. After all pine martens have to eat also and I haven't seen any "Pine Marten Guards" for aspen trees at bird stores. Bill Tefft Parks and Recreation Instructor Vermilion Community College 1900 E. Camp Street Ely, MN 55731 Phone: 218-365-7241 Fax: 218-365-7207
