Day 10, Saturday June 18,022 At East Bay Devils Lake ND

 Day 10, Saturday June 18,022 At East Bay Devils Lake ND

Today was a day to drive around the Lake (Devil’s) and see what birds we could find on the ponds , potholes and small lakes of the region.

It was a good plan that garnered good results. Around the Lake are many of the above and they were near enough to the road so we could pull off with safety to observe. Amazingly at 9:30 in the morning there was almost no traffic on the macadam roads of Ramsay County. Traffic was never a problem. I think the first 25 miles we saw 3 autos and all of them passed us.

The ponds yielded great results as we started to identify birds that we had hoped to see, but hadn’t thus far.

One of many pothole lakes in ND

Some large ,some small, Pot hole lakes

 

There were many ducks as the Widgeon, Black, Blue Winger Teal, Red Head, Lesser Scaup, Shoveler, Ruddy, and many more. We did notice the absence of woodpecker types as we were in open plain and prairie environment.

This continued  until we reached White Horse Hill Game Reserve  (formerly Sully’s Hill) where the buffalo (bison) roam and have since 1919 when a few were placed there to start a herd. It is carefully documented and cared for, and is doing well. We did see the 7 calves that were born this year with their moms just beside the truck while driving the loop. A wonderful sight to see.
 

We belived this to be the daddy

The Prairie Dogs are entertaining

One of the seven calves of this season.

Ruth was right on top of this mom. (In the truck)

 A few turns further are the Prairie Dogs  who greeted us with chatter of course.

On some of the larger ponds beyond the Game Preserve we saw Western Grebes, and two Tern species, the Common Tern (mostly white) and the Black tern which we did see yesterday.
 

A Western Grebe, one of many

"Buddies"? A Double Crested Cormorant and a White Pelican (They nest here)

The entry to the wildlife area.

 

 

 

That brought us to a road heading back east again to see a Bald Eagle, but there were none to be seen, even though we were told they would be on that road. A side road took us to the little village of Winniewaukan which was totally American Native. (More on Native tribes tomorrow).

Some art work in Minniwaukan

 

 Then, finally, back to the east ,through Devil’s Lake city (gas at $4.74) and to the trailer. A great day and we counted 45 species seen .

Ruth had a meat loaf and vegges ready to go for supper and that was a good meal for us.

The wind seemed to have lessened a bit to 35-40 mph but is still able to knock you off your feet should you be holding a door open!

The campground is full, and “Bill” the owner/manager, indicated that there are 450 sites in three large areas besides the original sites we are camped in.

Tomorrow we will look for some sites closer in and avoid a long drive as we did today. (90miles)

Happy weekend.—Jim
P.S. Ruth’s great nephew’s team (Forest Hills Eastern) won the Michigan State High School Baseball Championship in Division 2, beating GR Christian 3-0.