We headed to Bayfield as we don't plan on getting up there this week during the fest. Our first stop was Greunke's First Street Inn for white fish. Eric had the fried sandwich, I had the broiled lunch. It was all good! Since we were up that far (15 miles) we went to Red Cliff Casino for a short session. Walked out with a bit of money! Then off to do a bit of birding. We did not really get too many birds. this might be a light year. Our weather is a bit behind average, that could be the cause of the birds hanging further south. We had a great evening, the sun was shining, we used the RV to block the wind so was able to hang outside after dinner.
Solitary Sandpiper
Wed May 16: Today we headed to Ashland (10 miles) after a walk around Washburn's Lake trail. The Warblers were migrating along the coast line at huge numbers. They did not stop for us to take a look at them. We did manage to get ID's on a few. The temp today was 90! and Sunny. Lunch was at Lake Superior Cafe, great burgers made from fresh ground beef. Dinner at home, we wanted to take advantage of the warm weather. But just as we were arriving at the grocery store the temp went from 90 to 73 in 2 minutes! when we got out of the store the temp was at 60! Thunder and rain too! But that passed, the temp was still cold, so a great night for a fire.
Common Merganser
Louisiana Waterthrush
Thurs May 17: the first day of the fest. We went on the Grasslands bird tour in the morning. It was pretty cold and windy. We did find a number of birds. Not a lot of walking but a lot of driving from place to place. Good morning except for the weather. In the afternoon we joined the group at the Jerry Jay Jolly trail where it was a bit warmer. We did manage to see a number of warblers. A great walk in the woods. We went to Ashland for dinner at our usual stop, the Deep Water Grill. Too much food but it was all good. We made a pit stop at Sparky's Bar and Grill to check it out for Saturday nights meal. Nice bar but will pass on food.
Short Billed Dowitcher
Friday May 18: today's bird walk started at our campground and then on to the Big Rock campground. the warblers were out in full force. After a short nap we went to South Shore Brewery for a beer and to Patsy's for white fish Fish fry. As usual it was very good. We began our meal with the Smoked Whitefish spread, this year is was chunks of fish rather than the shredded/blended fish. it was very very good.
Blackburnian warbler
Saturday May 19 our final day.. We had to get up early for a 6:30 am meeting time for Bark Bay. We seen a few "rare" birds, Gray Jay, Long Tailed Ducks and Northern Mockingbird. they are not new to us but rare for this area in the country. Afterwards we went back to Big Rock Campground where we found a lot of warblers. The rain began to fall a little, we headed to the nursery for some veggies to plant in the garden. After a brief rest time we drove to town, it was a bit cool, windy and damp. We stopped at Snags Irish bar, great bar, great bartender before going next door to Dalou's Bistro. Small place, very good salad and pizza. Hand tossed with home made sausage and not too much (if any) red sauce. Good thing we arrived early as the waiting area was so crowded they had to wait outside. The sun came out as we were eating dinner! Eric had a nice fire but it was a bit windy for me..
Sunday we walked to Coco's for a wonderful breakfast, it is so peaceful and beautiful to walk along Lake Superior. Time to go home, chores etc...
Although the weather was kind of weird, Hot then cold. we had a great time. we ended up getting 12 new year birds and 38 month birds. Unfortunately we did not get any new Life birds.
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