All winter I have been waiting for the dirt into Long Lake NWR to clear.

Marshy creek banks

It was worth the wait. I drove in and immediately came upon a small marshy area with two types of Seagulls: Herring and Ring-Billed. Again, I am amazed how big the migrating flocks are. When birds settle in to nest and raise young, they are more solitary. Migrating, they ban together for a long journey.

Mixed flock of Gulls

Next up, dozens of immature bald eagles on the Long Lake ice. I did not realize young Bald Eagles do not have white heads and tails, but I could tell I was looking at something special. I went up to the NWR office and talked to the Ranger, who educated me about them. I learned that part of the lake was thawed and revealed “winter kill” fish. The ranger told me that the eagles would hang around until all the winter kill is gone.

Immature bald eagle

Gull working on winter kill fish

I drove inland towards another section of Long Lake. There I saw the adult eagles–dozens of them circling around tall trees, back from the water about 1/4 mile.  A bit further along, I found a small nest, possible a hummer nest.

Zoomed in on a tiny nest

Eventually, I parked at a kiosk/parking area, and made some hot coffee with my portable cookstove. It was a windy, chilly day, but just what I dreamed about over the winter.