On this day in Ken’s journal – August 17 to August 29, 1982
Ken and Molly Hoffman were local surveyors and naturalists known for their knowledge of wild birds and plants. Ken recorded their daily observations in his journals from 1981 to 2011, quietly documenting thirty-years of naturalist history on the North Shore.
In these journal entries from August of 1982, Ken and Molly lived in the Poplar Lake area on the Gunflint Trail, where they often visited with neighbors Lydia Miller, Carl and Luana Brandt of Nor’Wester Lodge and other friends.
The pages of Ken’s journals are read by community members, friends and neighbors. Journal entries are read and recorded chronologically in two-year blocks, beginning with 1981 and 1982. Pictured are Yafa Napadensky and Bob Shannon.
From the pages of Ken Hoffman’s journal, August 17 to August 29, 1982
August 17, 1982 Leo Lake on the Gunflint Trail
Quite a few warblers in the morning, but the flocks are still quite loose. Including a Philadelphia Vireo, Red Eyes, Tennessee, Nashville, Parula, Magnolia, Black-throated-green Warbler, Blackburnian, Bay-breasted, Waterthrush (singing). Our mysterious sound appears to be a White-throated Sparrow (eenk!) (maybe). Visited with Meyers. They are going back to Illinois next week. Also stopped to check Ted Young’s progress on the cabin (slow). Then bicycled to West Pope to see if L. Ecklund needs a survey (she doesn’t). Some warblers along the way. Sharp-shinned Hawk near Voyageurs Point on Poplar. Gordon M. brought us some beans. In the evening we ate picnic dinner with C & P, then to the dump to see bears. Beautiful evening.
August 22, 1982 Leo Lake on the Gunflint Trail
At least one inch of rain yesterday and during the night, as both rain barrels are full. Did not see an adult male Hummingbird yesterday or today. Lots—four or five—of young birds still around and active. Sun is trying to come out between dark and scudding clouds from the north. Molly is working on the bathhouse—also designing the roof over the deck. Walked down Leo Road to the end. Met Mrs. Barnabee. She says they will move up here “permanently” in about one or two years. Looking for puffballs but they were overmature. Saw and heard a Canada Warbler and Magnolia. Back home there were Blackburnian, Parulas, Tennessee Warbler. Solitary Sandpiper by Leo Swamp. Rain showers in the evening. Broad-wing calling overhead.
August 23, 1982 Leo Lake on the Gunflint Trail
To Grand Marais, mostly for Loon article research. Good numbers of shorebirds: Semipalmated Plovers, Killdeer, Semipalmated Sandpipers, Baird’s, Least Flycatcher, Rock Dove! Very few warblers anywhere this year. Back home by 2:30. After eating we went to Loon Lake to tell R. Smith we will do the survey (price not to exceed $2,000!) Found South-1/4 corner after several tries. Ulland Brothers putting gravel shoulder on the west side of the road. Bruce called this evening—will be here tomorrow.
August 27, 1982 Leo Lake on the Gunflint Trail
37 degrees at 6:30am, but ice on the car, and house roof. Gardens seem to be okay, but they have stopped doing anything anyway. Solitary Sandpiper by our pond, same as yesterday. Flickers more noticeable along the roadside. Cutting wood for porch roof. Molly made cinnamon rolls and we had Lydia over here for a visit. Visited Beatties in the afternoon.
August 28, Leo Lake on the Gunflint Trail
35 degrees but some flowers had frosted leaves, as did a few of the vegetables. Painting our lumber and after it dried began construction. Got much of it put together—frame is up as are 12 of 18 roof boards. Isadore the cat out most of day watching grasshoppers. Sharp-shinned hawk, Red-eyed Vireo with a short song. Solitary Vireo. No warblers.
August 29, 1982 Leo Lake on the Gunflint Trail
Dolly got us up about 3am when she heard an approaching thunderstorm. Not a lot of rain but it was still misting in the morning. Not a very pleasant day. Heard a Solitary Sandpiper; then saw one in the pit pond. Short walk on Leo Road—saw a Blackburnian Warbler, Bay-breasted and Red-eye Vireo. Walked to Meyers and looked at their gardens. Then went to Trail Center for bread. Still misty and cold with temps in the low 50s. Mist let up after lunch so we finished our deck roof project. Watching a young male Hummingbird—he has a few small red spots under his throat. Also watching a Boreal (?) Vole feeding on some wheat we had thrown out.
Reader’s note: Lydia is Lydia Miller, the Hoffman’s neighbor. The Beatties were originally from Colorado. Bruce is Ken’s brother. Dolly is one of the Hoffman’s dogs.
On this Day in Ken’s Journal is supported in part by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
