The birding advice we received was that this Spirit Mountain area would have a few species that we had not seen yet. Would this hold true?
Spirit Mountain is both a very scenic and rural road (mostly gravel) on a long ridge SW of Duluth, MN. It was established in the 19th century by two very visionary mayors of Duluth ** (See below), who determined that some land should be set aside for recreation and seeing the Natural world that was also close to the city. This ridge that stretches some 10 miles was the place they selected. Today it not only includes a very large ski lodge and resort, but other amusements as a zip line, cable cars and other assortments of entertainment both in the summer and winter. Like many large ski resorts the parking lots are “Super sized” for loads of skiers in the winter. (very empty today as the snow was not very deep!).
Also, we traversed this Natural area. "Once six separate parks, Magney-Snively Park consists of 728 undeveloped acres that stand above several neighborhoods in western Duluth. It is named for former Duluth mayors—and park supporters—Clarence Magney and Samuel F. Snively.” It is a gravel road and winds its way around the mountain for about 8 miles.
 |
| View from on the Mountain, The ridge is on the left. St Louis River . |
 |
| Better view of the ridge. |
 |
| A Chestnut Sided Warbler seen today. |
 |
| The Ruby Throated Hummingbird came again today |
 |
| A young Rose Breasted female Grosbeak. |
One technique we use in looking for birds is to find any open space where birds can be seen flying across the open spaces and parking lots are one of them. The forests, if you are on a trail are great, but along the road a forest is difficult to ”bird”. One must stop and listen to what’s there or visualize any movement. Patience is the key.
Our two best stops today were at a small stream where puddling has been created and at lunch when we stopped by an open area in the shade. Here we talked to the horses and ladies (See) and observed three new species of birds (for this trip) . We did not get many birds today but the quality was excellent.
 |
| View of the St.Louis River from the Mountain |
 |
| The Parkway Road |
 |
| We did meet a few horses and riders on the way. |
After the drive and coming back through the “back way” to Superior though the town of OLIVER, I took the time to call ahead for reservations in Canada. Their Labor Day coincides with ours so that end of August gets busy. It was a good thing I did, as one lady said I was the last reservation she could take. That was seven reservations that I made today, that will take us until September 5.
 |
| A double bridge that goes across the St Louis River to Oliver, WI- Train (above left) and car. |
 |
| Dedicated to my great grndson OLIVER |
 |
| On the trip I have tried to capture as many family member's names on signs as posisble This is number six. OLIVER our great grand child. Oliver WI. |
 |
| Harebells |
 |
| White water lily .Many of these. |
 |
| Pin Cherry now in full fruit. |
 |
| Monarch on Milkweed |
 |
| Along the Canal Rd. were many gardens close to the road. This is one example of Oriental lily. |
The day went from mostly cloudy to clear by this evening and the temperature remained at 73 F as the high. There was a nice gentle north breeze that was dry and comfortable.
Tomorrow we head for Marquette MI and ALMOST make a complete circle of the trip. We won’t close the circle until October. Two more stops and we will be in Canada again until October.
No comments:
Post a Comment