As you may have heard, eagle migration has been fantastic along western Lake
Superior this week. I hoped to get a taste of it today by visiting the
shoreline town of Herbster in northern Bayfield County. It did not disappoint!
From 10:30-5:00 I tallied 267 Bald Eagles and 23 Golden Eagles in active
migration. I'm sure I undercounted Balds as many were very high in a cloudless
sky, and some departed on lake crossings before reaching me. The Goldens were
steady throughout, best being 10 in a 45-minute mid-afternoon stretch. I
believe the total of 23 is a single-day state record but welcome any knowledge
otherwise. It's great to see their populations on the rise!
Red-tailed Hawk migration is just now picking up, while only a few Rough-legs
are moving yet. The first N. Harriers, Turkey Vultures, and Amer. Kestrels are
showing in the region now also. Today saw a good push of Canada Geese and the
vanguard of migrant Amer. Robins, while other area birders noted C. Grackle and
Red-winged Blackbird (1 each!). Trumpeter Swans are moving back in but there's
too much ice yet for most other waterfowl. Pine Grosbeaks have departed, a few
Bohemian Waxwings continue, C. Redpolls are showing better than they have all
year, and Red Crossbills are pairing up in traditional pine-dominated haunts,
albeit in numbers far, far fewer than last year.
Enjoy the migration!
Ryan Brady
Bayfield County
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