Tundra Swan and Black-capped Chickadee

The bird migration has begun, but is still not in full swing in northern Minnesota.  On the Gunflint Trail, the winter birds (Pine Grosbeaks, Common Redpolls, and Hoary Redpolls) have departed for lands to the north.  The birds that have returned to the Gunflint Trail for the summer are: the Common Crow, American Robin, and Red-tailed Hawk.  I also spotted a Snow Bunting on its way north.

On March 15th, I saw species 131 of my Big Year, the Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus).  I was driving on Highway 35, just north of North Branch, MN, when several of these beautiful birds flew in front of me.  Unfortunately, I could not get a picture (since I was driving at 70 mph.) but did get a good enough look for identification.

Earlier this month, I did get a series of rapid shots of a black-capped chickadee, which are featured below.  In this series of pictures, it is breaking into a sunflower seed:

Beginning of Migration

The bird migration on the Gunflint Trail has officially begun.  On my walk today, I saw the first Bald Eagle of the season at Gunflint Lake.  I've also heard numerous reports of American Crows returning as well.

The winter birds are still present.  Three of the species will be heading back to the Arctic in the next few months, and others will be staying here for the summer.

Female Pine Grosbeak
These birds will head back to the Arctic for their breeding season.

Female Common Redpoll
These birds are Arctic breeders.

Male Common Redpoll
Hoary Redpolls are also present at this time.

Male Pine Grosbeak

 The birds below are here throughout the year:

Downy Woodpecker

Black-capped Chickadee

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Black-capped Chickadee and Red-breasted Nuthatch

Blue Jay

Hairy Woodpecker

Also spotted this month are the Gray Jay, Common Raven, and Pileated Woodpecker.