[mou] Gunflint Trail: Black-backed woodpeckers, etc.

[jtanamachi at comcast.net]

We spotted two Black-Backed Woodpeckers while birding along the Gunflint Trail before the rains came on Saturday. The first one was at the spot called the Moose Viewing Area (we have never seen a moose there) maybe 15 or 20 miles back along the Gunflint. We were about halfway between the parking lot and the viewing area when it was seen. Unfortunately a group of ATVs, which are not supposed to be on that trail, scared it away. The second BBWP was seen at the National Forest Service campground at Iron Lake. We were at the water access point at the time. The campground was burned over during last year's fire but the birds didn't seem to care. Palm and Yellow-Rumped Warblers were frequently seen as well as many White-Throated Sparrows.

Jeanne Tanamachi
Lauderdale MN