Observations by lomoloop

Female Lapland Longspur observed on foot path between parking area at the east end of Miners Basin and Lake Superior. Individual not wary, remaining about 12 feet away from observer, who walked very slowly. After ca. 3 minutes the bird flew a few feet into the woods. Behavior: pecking at sandy substrate. Habitat: jack pine dominated, mixed conifers with maples, aspen, and birch.

Approximately six Mountain Chickadees heard and seen flying from tree to tree at margin of Sally's Creek bald and conifer forest. Most spruce were dead from spruce budworm disease but standing. Other observers: Ann Boelter, Dick Boelter, and Walt Loope.

Five rams observed grazing before rut season. They were approximately 3 years old and were not wary. Other observers: Brian Kenner and Walt Loope. Unseasonably warm: appproximately 65 F. Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep were introduced from New Mexico by the National Park Service after the native population (subspecies?) had been extirpated.

Two adult Trumpeter Swans and five cygnets were observed at Scott's Marsh. One cygnet was noticeably larger than the other four. One adult continued feeding, and the cygnets moved with the other adult to the northeast to a screened location with emergent aquatic vegetation between the swans and the observers. Air temperature = 88 degrees F. Wind from SW (leaves and small branches moved). Sunny.

Green frogs vocalizing (code = 2). No mink frogs heard. Air temperature = 57 degrees F. Moon phase = waning crescent. Wind code =1. Sky code = 0 (clear). Unusually cool months of May and June 2015.

Green frogs vocalizing (code = 2). No mink frogs heard. Air temperature = 57 degrees F. Moon phase = waning crescent. Wind code = 0 (calm). Sky code = 0 (clear). Unusually cool months of May and June 2015.

Green frogs vocalizing (code = 2). No mink frogs heard. Air temperature = 57 degrees F. Moon phase = waning crescent. Wind code = 1. Sky code = 0 (clear). last rain 2015-07-06. Unusually cool months of May and June 2015.

American Bittern heard vocalizing. patches of snow in woods. Air temp = 52 degrees F. Sky code = 1 (partly cloudy); wind code = 2. Natural sounds. Woodcock also heard. American Bittern heard at same location on 2015-05-25 at 22:03 (air temp = 61 degrees F). Sky code = 0 (clear); wind code = 0 (calm). Natural sounds. May temperatures below average.

Sora heard vocalizing in shallow, closed basin pond. Air temperature = 64 degrees F. Sky clear. Calm wind. Last rain 2014-06-20. Moon phase: awing crescent. Habitat: shaded pond has emergent vegetation such as Carex spp., and is surrounded by mixed northern hardwood/conifer forest. Partially submerged large woody debris present. Also heard: spring peeper, eastern gray tree frogs, and green frog.

Bull frog heard vocalizing, call index = 1. Air temperature: 74 degrees F. Wind code: 1. Sky Code: 0. Moon phase: waxing crescent. Last rain: 2014-07-02. Also observed: adult Bald Eagle, Hermit Thrush vocalizing, Pileated Woodpecker.

One adult red fox and 3 kits were observed for a several minutes beginning at 04:43. Two kits crossed County Road H-58 several times and were active and "frolicking". The third kit stayed closer to the adult, whose coat did not appear particularly reddish, although its black legs and a white tip of the tail were apparent. The adult fox and one kit remained on the west side of the road, where the kit placed its front paws on the adult's upper flank,the adult responded in such a way that the kit backed away. At 04:47 all four foxes walked into the forest on the west side of the road. Moon phase - full. Habitat: mixed conifer/hardwood forest (dominated by conifers) near inland lake.

Observation was within the Inland Buffer Zone of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Green frog vocalizations heard: call index = 2. Air temperature = 62 degrees F. Wind code = 3. Sky code = 1. Last rain 2014-07-11. Moon phase = full.

No mink frogs heard.

Location is in the Inland Buffer Zone of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Green frog vocalization heard; call index = 1. Air temperature = 62 degrees F. Wind code = 1. Sky code = 1. Last rain 2014-07-11. Moon phase = full. Mink frog may have been vocalizing from distant ponds to the northeast, but the observer could not be certain.

Eastern Milk Snake was ca. 1 m in length with a V-shaped grayish-tan mark at base of dorsal side of head. Large, black-ringed spots were evident along back. Smaller spots visible on sides. Habitat: near granite outcrop, not far from a stone building, an old barn, and an open field (no longer cultivated). Moon phase: full. Sky condition: clear.