November is starting with mild weather. Although there has been ice developing on the shorelines of lakes, there are still good numbers of mallards, goldeneyes and hooded mergansers and even a couple of black ducks on the Ely Area lakes. Snow buntings and American robins still common around the area. Little sign of sparrows since last week. Evening grosbeaks are seen throughout the year at the Blue Heron B & B, but they have been joined this week by pine grosbeaks at the feeders. Pine grosbeaks are feeding on the bright red crab apples and visiting local bird feeders. Pine siskins and American goldfinches and common redpolls are also showing up at feeders but in small numbers.
Yesterday, the ravens came to watch and comment on the football game between the Vermilion Ironmen and the Minnesota West Bluejays. A meadowlark (maybe a stow-away that came from Worthington) flew past the stands a couple of times. The bluejays lost out in Raven Country. Bill Tefft Parks and Recreation Instructor Vermilion Community College 1900 E. Camp Street Ely, MN 55731 Phone: 218-365-7241 Fax: 218-365-7207
