Signs of spring in Ely MN and the lodge remodel continues forward!

Geese, pussywillows, and sprouting flowers - things we typically don't see in Ely Minnesota and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in late March, but have arrived early because of our unseasonably warm temperatures this past week.  The ice is receding away from the shoreline and what was once solid white ice, has turned a few shades of grey as the top layer turns slushy and starts to honeycomb the ice.  It might be a first for us, but we might just paddle a couple of canoes up the N Kawishiwi River prior to our Ely MN resort opening and go camping!

This 'warm' weather has been nice to have during the lodge remodel. Easier to replace the lodge windows in 60 degree temps rather than 0, nice to be able to put the table saw outside without having to shovel a spot, and being able to open the windows to air out the poly and stain odor without running up the heat bill. Northwoodsy accents like these antler light fixtures were added in a few places to bring nature inside.  Next week we will be moving on to tiling the 1200 sq ft floor. Then on to baseboards and finishing the check-in desk and we will be looking good for opening in May! 

In addition to completing the lodge remodel, we still have lots to do both inside and out before our official opening!  Raking leaves, cleaning out the flowerbeds, power washing boats & outside of cabins, deep clean the cabins, putting boats in the water, cleaning out the firepits and the Spring Opening 'To Do' list goes on and on..... ;o) 

Timberdoodle Time in Northern Minnesota

April came early this year - not according to our date on our calendar, but by our ice out standards it's two weeks early! The geese migrated by, the walleyes spawned early and the aspen buds are popping. Here at the resort, we finished the big chore of raking the remainder of the fall leaves and continue the tedious list of "Things to do" before the resort guests appear near MN Fishing Opener - May 15th.

After working a 6 straight days, we all took Sunday off to enjoy our early spring weather. Trying to figure out what to do (since we can't go walleye fishing) I skim the pages of Aldo Leopold's "A Sand County Almanac", while sitting outside in the spring sun sipping on some iced tea. I came across a section called "Sky Dance". It covers a small awkward bird, the woodcock. No matter how warm it is, this birds mating flight is determined by our solar table. The woodcock is found throughout the Minnesota forests. It is a ground-dwelling bird that uses its extremely long bill to probe for earthworms in wet woods and nearby low-lying areas. Its eyes, set on the sides of its head, give it 360 degree vision, a protection from predators.

Come early spring, woodcock can be seen performing their magical, musical, breeding display flights against the last light of sunset. They can be seen in meadows, forest clearings and open fields. This little bird will continue his dances well into May.

If you get a chance to see him dance, it will be a worthwhile phenomenon that you will want to see spring after spring. Grab your binoculars and hope to see you in the woods soon!

March Photo Contest - Signs of Spring

The March Category is 'Signs of Spring'.

For us in northern Minnesota, our kids look forward to the month of March because it means it's typically sunny, mild temps and they can run around on the frozen lake with just their snowpants/snowboots (no coat needed) and fly their kites. What better place to fly a kite - no trees or powerlines!

Post your favorite photo and you could be the winner of a Moose Track Adventures t-shirt or ball cap!

Rules:

• You must be a fan of Moose Track Adventures

• You can only enter one photo per person per monthly contest. You can enter the same photo if it did not win in a previous month
• You must be the photographer of the photo
• Please describe in the message the location of the photo
• Judging will be done by owners of Moose Track Adventures
• A fan may win once per year
• Photos must be posted by 7pm on March 31, 2010

Thank you for participating!

First Signs of Spring in Ely Minnesota & the BWCAW

Although it is still only mid February, our first signs of spring are already happening in northern Minnesota and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Not only are the days getting longer, but during the day we have been hearing the distinctive hammering of the Pileated woodpecker beginning to make their nests for spring breeding.

Measuring 16-19 inches long with a red crest and black bill. You'll find these birds in mature forest with large trees. In our area their favorite tree is the Aspen tree.


The male Pileated has a red patch at the base of the bill whereas the female has a black patch at the base of the bill.

The territory of these birds can be 150-200 acres. Signs of their presence can be detected by looking for 3-6 inch holes in trees.

The nest cavity is excavated in dead wood 15-70 feet above ground. The entrance hole is about 3 1/2 inches in diameter. The depth of the cavity is between 10-24 inches deep.

Pileated Woodpeckers mate for life. A pair stays together throughout the whole year. They are territorial and tend to stay in their established territory for long periods of time. During breeding season, the Pileated Woodpecker fiercely defends its territory. However, during the winter, it can tolerate a few “floaters” – birds who just pass by.


The female will lay 3-5 white eggs which will be incubated for 15-16 days by both the male and female birds. Both male and female will also feed the nestlings. After 24 - 28 days the young will leave the nest.

The adults and young will stay together until fall. During this time the adult birds will continue to feed them and teach them how to find their own food. Around September, the family will break up and the young will find territories of their own.


Common predators include: Black snakes, Coopers Hawk, Northern Goshawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Great Horned Owl, Squirrels.

While not a rare bird, they can be quite shy and wary. Listen for a low-pitched drumming that trails off in speed and volume at the end. Follow the sound, and you just may find one.

Interesting Pileated Woodpecker Facts:

• The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest Woodpecker in North America.
• The roost of a Pileated Woodpecker usually has multiple entrance holes.
• The sound that a Pileated Woodpecker makes when boring a hole in a tree is so loud that it can be heard over long distances.
• Pileated Woodpeckers make very large holes in dead trees that sometimes the holes can cause a small tree to break in half!
• Pileated Woodpeckers have been observed to move their eggs which have fallen off the nest to another site. This is a rare habit with other birds.