|
|
Not only is the Keweenaw Peninsula an extremely active migratory fly-way, but it offers a wide variety of bird habitats. Copper Harbor itself is a quiet place of refuge for many migrating species and even sea ducks. One can view numerous water birds on Lake Superior as well as Lake Fanny Hooe and Lake Manganese. Brockway Mountain in known as "Hawk Highway" because of the huge number of migrating raptors observed from it. 17 species of raptor have been spotted from the mountain. There is old growth pine forest at the Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary, home to many nesting warblers and other songbirds and several hiking trails which offer up excellent birding opportunities. Hunter's Point is a jump off point for many songbirds flying over Lake Superior and a great place to find woodland birds. |
 
click on image to enlarge
Not only a beautiful place, but full of great birding and lots to do!
|
This will be our 4th Annual IMBD Festival - The first weekend in May has been great for birds but not so good for weather. It has been pretty cold and after last year when it snowed and fog closed down the mountain drive, we decided that a later date might be better for the festival. Our bird experts assure us that the raptor activity will still be heavy and with a middle of May date, the warblers and other songbirds will be here in great numbers too.
The event will be held Friday evening and Saturday all day and evening. Events includes presentations, workshops, bird walks and more. On Friday evening there will be a chili and cornbread dinner and Saturday evening offers a gourmet burger and chicken sandwich feast with live music and a bon fire.
See schedule linked above for full details.
Pre Festival Happenings:
Raptors of Brockway Mountain / Saturday, May 2nd at 7:00 pm - Raptor expert Vic Berardi will be doing a presentation about the birds of prey that migrate through our area every year at this time. Come and learn more about these fascinating birds and their migration! Held at the Community Hall in Copper Harbor. Coffee and refreshments will be served.
The migration has begun - Here in Copper Harbor we have recently seen:
American robin, Northern flicker, Turkey vulture, Golden eagle, Osprey, Chipping sparrow, Common grackle, Red-winged blackbird, Song sparrow, Merlin, American Kestrel, Snow bunting and lots of Dark-eyed juncos; Slate-colored with a couple Oregon race mixed in.
May 10th - Wow, everything is showing up now! Many species of sparrow, including the Savannah in my yard. Kingfisher, Bufflehead and many Bald Eagles down by the harbor.
An interesting tidbit; Wild turkeys have been sighted as far north as Calumet! This is one bird that has always been south of us but has been moving north for years.
Contact us by E-Mail
Visit these links for more area, birding, IMBD and other information!
