August Bog Walk

Yesterday morning (8/9) I led a group of birders on a tour around the Bog Walk on Presque Isle in Marquette for the monthly walk sponsored by the Laughing Whitefish Audubon Society. We had great weather and a wonderful assortment of birds, with some signs that fall is upon us. Apparent family groups of Black-capped Chickadees, Eastern Bluebirds, and Red-winged Blackbirds were wandering throughout. And some species, such as Common Grackle and Black-throated Green Warbler, which had been abundant on my previous walks this summer, were conspicuously absent today. We also had the great fortune to view a couple Cape May Warblers foraging high in a Tamarack. Other highlights included a Merlin which made a pass directly over our heads to harass a couple American Goldfinches, a lone Tree Swallow which may be one of the last I see before they head south, excellent views of a group of five Eastern Bluebirds, and a very cooperative female-type Ruby-throated Hummingbird which perched in front of us for several minutes! Thanks to all the birds and birders who came out today, I look forward to next time, on September 13!

Here’s a complete list of today’s birds.  

Canada Goose
Mallard
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Downy Woodpecker
Merlin
Eastern Phoebe
Blue Jay
American Crow
Tree Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Eastern Bluebird
American Robin
Brown Thrasher
Cedar Waxwing
Nashville Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Cape May Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
American Goldfinch

Gary Palmer