Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society The Source Summer_2012...Mississippi Headwaters Audubon...
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Transcript of Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society The Source Summer_2012...Mississippi Headwaters Audubon...
Miss iss ippi Headwaters Audubon Society
The Source
Last year was a great one for MHAS. We’ve been busy, and the ball just got rolling.
A delayed summary of last year’s accomplishments is long overdue!
One primary mission of MHAS is environmental education. We have several types
of organized activities for people of all ages. This year our Young Naturalist Pro-
gram had 89 kids out canoeing, camping, hiking, and exploring. Our two school
year events, Snow Snakes and Animal Tracking reached a smaller audience of 22
people who braved a not-so-cold winter day to have fun in the snow. A big thanks to
George-Ann who presented on Orchids, and Bill Patnaude who came and spoke to
us about Beltrami Environmental Services. A total of 31 folks came out to listen
and learn. We also had a couple of great social events at the Neilson Spearhead
Center, last summer and fall with 25 folks enjoying our wonderful nature preserve.
Last year we also began working with our adjacent landowners, including the Hub-
bard County Forestry Department and several small private landowners. Hopefully
this partnership will flourish more conservation and collaboration in the future. We
are also working with the Minnesota DNR on the management plan for LaSalle
Lake State Recreation Area.
The Neilson Spearhead Center also had a facelift. Thanks to funds from the Neilson
Foundation, we were able to construct a proper garage and storage facility for our
caretakers and MHAS volunteers. The caretaker house also had a facelift: new win-
dows and siding make their earthen home look like a little hobbit hole! We also
started a new website, which has already received over 400 visitors since it went
public! Check it out at www.spearheadMHAS.org.
Finally, a new trail is being foraged on the west side of Spearhead Lake! The Con-
servation Corps of Minnesota cleared several miles of those trails for us this spring
and we hope to have the trail finished before next spring.
What’s next:
We are working with area schools to get kids outside learning through hands-on,
project-driven activities. Voyageurs Charter School has enjoyed the solitude and
freedom of coming to the Neilson Spearhead Center starting this spring and will
continue to do so next fall. We hope to expand these types of activities to a variety
of organizations and schools. The education committee is drafting a plan to increase
education resources we can offer the community.
And a special thank you to all who have contributed financially, volunteered time
or supplies, and attended our functions. With your help, we are looking forward to
another exciting and productive year!
Jaime Thibodeaux—President
Proud to Announcement our FY2011 Accomplishments
MHAS Board
President - Jaime Thibodeaux 225-810-5591
Vice President - John Eggers Treasurer - George-Ann Maxson 218-586-3414
Secretary - Trista Little Board Members - Mary Comfort, Christine Herwig, Becky Marty, Annette Drewes Neilson Spearhead Center Caretakers - Lee & Julie Patten 218-444-8672
Inside this issue:
Common Loon 2
Young Naturalist Prog. 3
Thanks to Dan Bera 4
Volume 36, Issue 3 Summer 2012
Want to be added to our email list for events!
Send an email to: [email protected]
Or checkout our events
schedule at
www.spearheadMHAS.org
Suggestions for the
newsletter? Contact
List of Services or
Supplies Needed:
Seeking donations or
low-cost services:
Snow plowing, road mow-
ing, brush blade (weed
whip), hand weed whip,
loppers (4), work gloves,
angle grinder, tools
(socket set, screw driver,
wrench set), portable air
compressor, wall shelving,
tool hanger for rakes, etc.,
compasses (15), PFDs
(15), computer, camera
Minnesota’s state bird, the Common Loon
(Gavia immer) or Great Northern Loon is 1 of 5
loon species in the world. The name "loon" re-
fers to the bird's clumsiness on land. Found
throughout northern U.S. and Canada during
the breeding season, these birds are easily ob-
served in much of northern Minnesota. Many
of us have seen these iconic birds and if not
seen them, then surely heard their enchanting
and eerie call on a quiet summer’s night.
Built like a torpedo, these 8-12 pound birds
dive deeply (up to 200 feet) using their feet to
propel them to find their preferred prey - fish.
These piscivorous birds can feed in both fresh
and salt water when they breed on inland wa-
ters and winter on the coasts of the U.S. Loons have pro-
jections on the roof of their mouth and tongue that allow
them to capture and hang on to slippery fish. Loons may
also eat other aquatic species such as mollusks, frogs,
leeches and crayfish.
In breeding plumage, these birds are black with a neck-
lace of white and black feathers, a white breast, and a
checkerboard of white and black feathers on their back.
Their red eye may help them see under water. Males and
females are similar in appearance, but males are larger.
Loons come to Minnesota to
breed. They typically begin
breeding when ~3 years old.
Both adults make the nest,
which is often close to the
water’s edge. These birds are
very clumsy on shore, be-
cause their feet are far back
on their body, an adaptation
for swimming underwater. One to four tan eggs with
brown speckles are laid by the female and incubated by
both adults for ~28 days. When hatched the young are
black to chocolate brown. Parents carry young on their
backs to protect them from predators, keep
them warm, and allow them to rest. Juvenile
loons can dive when they are 2-3 days old but
cannot fly until they are ~2 months old during
which time parents feed them and show them
how to catch fish.
In fall, it is not unusual to see loons in groups
of 20-50 birds or more on some of the larger
lakes in the area. They are staging before fall
migration either south or to the coast. By win-
ter, loons lose their white necklace and check-
ered back for a drab gray appearance.
Minnesota currently has a healthy loon popula-
tion numbering ~12,000 birds. Threats to loons
include human disturbance and pollutants such as lead
and mercury. Loons are highly sensitive to human dis-
turbance. Boating and wave action are challenges for
loons, particularly May through July when they are nest-
ing and raising young. Additionally, development that is
occurring on formerly secluded lakes may lead to dis-
turbance and declines in water quality. Loons are visual
predators. Because they rely on sight to hunt, clear wa-
ter is critical. While feeding in aquatic habitats, they
often ingest lead sinkers or shot or can be entangled in
fishing lines or commercial fishing nets. Poisoning by
mercury in aquatic ecosystems and by lead from fishing
sinkers can be significant causes of death. Loons are also
threatened by industrial pollutants, such as mercury and
other heavy metals that accumulate in their bodies and
slowly poison them. Oil spills are deadly to loons, which
are unable to fly, dive or swim when their plumage be-
comes saturated with oil.
While boating around Minnesota’s lakes, give loons
space to fish and raise their young!
Bird in Focus: Common Loon By Christine Herwig
Common Loon on nest (Photo: Wikipedia)
PAGE 2 THE SOU RC E VOL UME 36 , I SSUE 3
Want to know more?
The Loon Preservation Committee: http://www.loon.org/ MN DNR: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/birds/commonloon.html Wildlife Conservation Society: http://www.wcs.org/saving-wildlife/birds/common-loon.aspx
Common Loon with young (Photo: Wikipedia)
ADVERTISEMENT Northwoods Log Lodge on Milton Lake—Minnesota Vacation Rental, Remer, MN
Nestled in the Chippewa National Forest is 17 acres with a handscribed log lodge on Upper Milton Lake waiting for
you to come relax and enjoy nature. It is a birdwatcher’s paradise with eagles, osprey, bitterns and songbirds calling it
home. The North Country National Scenic Trail intersects the driveway lending access to miles of trails and wilder-
ness where you’ll find wildflowers, berries, grouse, woodcock, deer, bear, and timber wolves. Whether you want to cast
a line off the floating dock in everyone’s “secret” fishing lake, gather around the campfire watching the northern lights
or sit cozily inside by the fireplace this Northwood’s retreat is the place for you. Birdwatchers: Species seen in the
area include: Great Gray Owl, Boreal Owl, Northern Goshawk, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Black-backed Woodpecker,
Boreal Chickadee, Connecticut Warbler, Yellow Rail, Snowy Owl, Northern Hawk Owl, Northern Shrike, Gyrfalcon,
and Snow Bunting, crossbills, redpolls and winter finches.
Want more information? http://www.vrbo.com/354309 Or call Eileen Menefee—218-259-0414
PAGE 3
Young Naturalist Program—A Few Spots Left!
THE SOU RC E VOL UME 36 , I SSUE 3
We still have a few spots left in the last 3 sessions of the YNP. Please join us! For youth entering
grades 2 -12. Students hike the extensive trail network, canoe the spring-fed waters of Spearhead
Lake, identify plants and animals in woods and wetlands, and learn ecology by playing games, lis-
tening to stories, and crafting art. The Neilson Spearhead Center, located ~9 miles from Bemidji
and just west of Lake Plantagenet, is a perfect setting for young people to experience Minnesota's
Northwoods. Enrollment limited to 15 students (12 for Ecology Week) per session.
Programs: Young Naturalist Program - An introduction to the natural history of Spearhead. Expect lots of
hands on, engaging outdoor experiences, rain or shine. Ecology Week - An advanced version of YNP, including
overnight camping on Thursday night. Dan’s Crew/WoodsLore - High school students work on Spearhead im-
provements and trail clearing in the morning and explore the backwoods and strengthen basic outdoor skills in
the afternoon. Sign up for 1 to 5 days. Family Week - Grades 2-12, par-
ents/guardians welcome to attend. Adults $65, no charge for Audubon members.
Sessions with spaces:
Session 7 July 30-Aug 3 Grades 6-8 Ecology Week (Overnight) $145
Session 8 Aug 6-10 Grades 2-12 Family Week $130
Session 9 Aug 13-17 Grades 8-12 Dan’s Crew/WoodsLore $20/day; $80/week
Sessions run
Monday through Friday
9:00 am to 3:30 pm
We encourage
carpooling!
Questions? Contact George-
Ann Maxson 218-586-3414
[email protected] 10% discount for Audubon members
Highlights from the First Session of YNP—Katie Houg and Mary Comfort
On Monday, we checked for turtle eggs and filled holes in the access road. We looked for edi-
ble plants and played camouflage and capture the flag. We all ate cattails, skipped rocks, and
looked at flowers and bugs. We swept the lab, while drinking hot cocoa. Tuesday we gathered
the tools needed and paddled to the south access to work on the trail. With 1 hr left, we prac-
ticed backcountry medicine and splinted each other's legs! We ended the day swimming and
playing in the water. Wednesday was another fast and fun day. We worked on the new trail
around the lake and worked on a sail for a “catamaran” (2 canoes joined, with a sail). We also
hung a deer camera, set a crayfish trap, and played a card game inside when it started to rain.
It poured Thursday morning so we made a fire, cooked wild herb tea from herbs picked earli-
er , and played games around the fire. When the rain
cleared, we worked on our catamaran. Kids took turns
sawing, nailing boards, and measuring; they learned
basic carpentry skills. Friday! We played new games
including “fox and goose”. We finished the sail! The
maiden voyage proved wildly successful. We learned
about the fickleness of wind patterns, parts of a sail,
and some basic sailing techniques. Kids worked together
and learned basic carpentry and safety skills. Because it
was so hot, everyone jumped in. We cleaned up our tools
and organized camp before taking one more voyage on
the “Spearheadamaran”. Gorgeous day.—Katie & Mary
Spearhead Clean-up—Help Still Needed
On July 2, like many other parts of the region, Neilson Spearhead Center suffered storm damage rendering our trails
nearly unusable. Many trees have been cleared off the access road, and electricity has been restored. We still need
your help! Many branches and trees still block trails throughout Spearhead. If you have time to help clear trails,
please contact Jaime Thibideaux or George-Ann Maxson. We can pay a nominal fee for your time and effort.
Katie above; Mary to
the right
AUDUBON SOCIETY – MISSISSIPPI HEADWATERS CHAPTER PO BO X 19 3 BEM IDJI , MN 56619
Fostering environmental education and resource protection in Northern Minnesota
We’re on the Web!
www.spearheadMHAS.org
Non-profit organization
US Postage paid
Bemidji, MN 56601
Permit #28 Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society's
mission is to conserve and restore natural
ecosystems, focusing on birds, other
wildlife and their habitats.
A sad good-bye to Dan Bera, but a exuberant hello to Katie Houg!
The always exciting, nature-loving, Dan Bera is leaving us this
summer for a great opportunity with the Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources. We’ll definitely miss Dan’s edible plant finding,
scat-dissecting, and animal tracking enthusiasm among many other
skills! Thank you Dan for your inspiration to well over a decade’s
worth of Young Naturalists.
Please welcome Katie Houg as the new naturalist for the YNP!
Katie assisted Dan for several summers and has a passion for the
Neilson Spearhead Center and outdoor education. Katie has led her
first week of “Dan’s Crew” with rave reviews! We’re also pleased
that Mary Comfort and Michelle Jipson have returned for a second
summer as assistant naturalists.
Thanks to Dan Bera!