Seems like I will go back to posting the same way I did before . That worked and the new approach didn’t sorry that I slowed down the messages , so here goes.
Today was a VERY windy day with 30-35 mph winds blowing all day long. That didn’t stop us from doing some birding in two NWR. The first was Hamden NWR just a few miles from downtown Detroit Lakes MN. It is the only NWR that lies to the immediate west of the forest regions and on the east boundary of the plains where the prairies and grasslands begin. is noticeable all around the “Slough" as it is called that there are ponds, not too deep, and lots of grasses. This is a verdant location for many ducks, shore birds (although the wind kept these from view) some songbirds , eagles,and other raptors. This area has private land that is gradually being bought by the Fish and Wildlife service in cooperation with their wildlife and land organizations. This NWR is small compared to those we have seen thus far at 3,500 acres. We stopped at a very odd mix of buildings that was supposed to be the HQ for the NWR. It was , but as they are in a time of flux, they were in temporary building and the front door was hidden from the parking lot around a delapitated building in front. It seems that they are awaiting a new structure being built at the old HQ some-miles away. They were very helpful and guided us on our way. This area has a lot of farm land in wheat, corn and some hay. One thing I saw was that the fields appeared to be “rolled” as with a roller , but later I found out that they actually run a 4” “hole poker” into the ground with a scraper in tow to make the soil stay in place. Where there is danger of a runoff from water or wind erosion this works and the plants (corn, what) get started Ok. We ate lunch overlooking one of the ponds as the temp had warmed to about 63 F. Today was warmer with a south wind . WOW! The wind kept the birds “down”most of the day. We did observe 42 birds on Monday.
Tamarac NWR is only 15 miles to the east and it’s habitat is in that edge of the MN forest before the prairie starts to the west. This area was a combination of heavy forest and some small ponds and two huge lakes. We took the five mile "loop" road. Loons on the big lakes and Ruth’s “other “ favorite, the Wood Duck were seen abundantly. Trying to get a good picture of the latter is almost impossible , especially up close. They are very edgy and sneak off or fly away when movement is seen. We did see may of them (dozens) but alas you will have to wait for pictures of them.
The drive from East Isle to Detroit Lakes was quite smooth and some on four lane divided (access) highway. The day was rainy in the AM but as we neared the next campgrpund it was partially cloudy and windy. That stretch sees a lot of forested areas and we did see Loons, Osprey, Flickers, and of course lots of Red Winged Blackbirds. On arrival Jim had time to have a horseshoe match with the campground owners father who owned the campground before. Of course Jim lost 19-21.
Tomorrow we head for N Dakota and Devil’s Lake. The Souris River west of there on US 2 has flooded and we will watch that closely. We will take an alternate route in Mn rather than crossing to ND at Fargo as that road north os Fargo is also flooded and no passage along the Red River there.
Toward the end of this week I will post the birds we have seen thus far.
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