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 BWCAW Wilderness FACTS Wildlife Viewing/Birding Scenic Touring Seasons Outfitters Links 
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 Bird/Wildlife ViewingCook County is blessed with birds! A total of 155 species (give or take a few) breed in Superior National Forest. In 2001, those three million acres were designated a Globally Important Bird Area. The variety of forest and terrain, including deciduous and conifer forest, bogs, streams and lakes, create a huge range in habitat. Add the very large body of water represented by Lake Superior to the mix, and you can understand why spring and fall migrations are times of especially rewarding birding. In spring, you may spot Tundra Swan, Sandhill Crane, Rusty Blackbird along the shore; Boreal Owls and Northern Saw-whet Owls begin nesting in the forest. The summer breeding season, late May through early August, lures birders inland…twenty species of warblers, Evening Grosbeak, Olive-sided, Yellow-bellied, and Alder Flycatchers…that’s just the beginning of the list. The fall migration is larger than the one in spring, beginning with the sight of thousands of Common Nighthawks in late August. The sheer quantity of birds moving down the shore makes this a world-class migration route. Songbirds in August and September, raptors in September and October…actually, October is the biggest month for rarities of any kind. But the remaining species in winter (often begins in November and extends into March or April) are considered to be the most sought-after. Forest specialties include a variety of owls, Boreal Chickadee, Bohemian Waxwing, Red and White-winged Crossbills – to name just a few. Bald Eagles are a real success story in conservation, and they are seen year-round, near lakes in summer, and around the Grand Marais Harbor in winter, as long as there is open water. The Boreal and Fall Migration Birding Festivals, sponsored by North House Folk School, are designed to intrigue birders at all levels (888-387-9762). A Birder’s Guide for Cook County is available for the asking at the Grand Marais Visitor Center (888-922-5000). Come and get your checklist started – or lengthened. Wildlife viewing is on everyone’s list, even if lodging is in town. Moose is at the top, but you may spot wolf, fox, pine marten, lynx, black bear, beaver, otter and deer, depending on your activities. Visit the area often, and you may see a cow moose with her calf (or twins), a bear lunching on blueberries, and hear a loon’s cry announce the end of day. Yes, life gets pretty wild in Grand Marais.
For additional information, call the Grand Marais Area Tourism Association: |
