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AMC's 100 Mile Wilderness Tour
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Very cute: a Spruce Grouse hen with four chicks proved to be the highlight of another successful stay at the Appalachian Mountain Club's Medawisla cabins. (Medawisla is an old Indian name for Loon.) Other tough birds popped up with regularity. In fact, a Bay-breasted Warbler was unexpectedly waiting for us as we parked the van for the second morning's warbler walk. A stone's throw further, Boreal Chickadees were noted carrying food, a sure sign that their young had just hatched, as well. Gray Jays hatch their young in early June and these curious birds become even more curious when their juveniles are around. Medawisla enjoys a special abundance of species because of its location. It is the only development on Second Roach Pond, east of Moosehead Lake. Besides the Bald Eagles, Ospreys, and Common Loons that nest on the Lake, the surrounding forest is in the heart of the boreal transition zone. That means that species that thrive in hardwood, softwood, and mixed forests are all within walking distance of the cabin. It's an area that sees a lot of moose, too, as we were reminded during the evening's first supper when a moose emerged from the Roach River outlet and wandered through the yard. It was a brief distraction from dessert, as John and Amy enhanced their reputations for preparing impressive feasts for guests. Whether you like it or not, morning comes early at Medawisla. Near the summer solstice, the sun rises before 4:30am and the birds begin their morning chorus even earlier. Least Flycatchers were particularly noisy outside of Cabin #4. Upland bogs and black spruce zones are typical places to find Lincoln's Sparrows and we found ourselves scolded by multiple individuals as we walked along the road. Generally, if there are Lincoln's Sparrows around, then there are Palm Warblers, too, and we certainly didn't lack for good sightings. Nashville Warblers are plentiful in such zones and we were always within earshot of a singing male. It was also a good chance for participants to compare the songs of the Red-eyed and Blue-headed Vireos, since one was always present. Altogether, the group scored 16 warblers, including the most difficult: a Mourning Warbler found just north of Kokadjo. No sooner had we taken our eyes off a lovely Black-throated Blue Warbler than the Mourning Warbler popped up. Canada Warblers are more common but they are equally secretive. Nonetheless, the tour encountered several. Olive-sided Flycatchers are also a treat, and this fella obligingly returned to the same branch over and over for easy observation. This trip is always a winner and is certain to be repeated next year. |
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