Spring migration brings daily arrival of new birds to Grand Marais harbor

Every spring, the Grand Marais harbor becomes a busy layover for migrating ducks and birds heading to their summer breeding grounds.

Various species of birds will stockpile in the harbor, eagerly waiting for inland ice conditions to fade throughout the Superior National Forest and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

While ice conditions have dissipated recently, ice remains on many inland lakes as of the first week in May, providing ample spring birding opportunities for Grand Marais residents and visitors.

“Every day, there’s a new bird,” said Ann Russ, a Grand Marais resident and local birder. Russ also teaches ‘Birding by Ear’ at the North House Folk School.

In recent weeks, there have been sightings of Buffleheads, Ring-necked ducks, Red-breasted Mergansers, Goldeneyes, Northern Shovelers, Belted Kingfishers, and Common Loons in the harbor.

Common Merganser in harbor | Photo by Kalli Hawkins

Belted Kingfisher in harbor | Photo by Kalli Hawkins

Blue-Winged Teal in harbor | Photo by Kalli Hawkins

Russ said this time of the year is “definitely a good time to be stopping and looking at places along the lake” for birds. “You just never know what ducks will show up.”

Russ said while new birds arrive each day, “we have so much migration yet” ahead. So far this spring, she said the migration feels fairly average and within range.

Ann Russ in the Grand Marais harbor | Photo by M Baxley

WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins met Ann Russ down at the Grand Marais harbor to talk about the spring migration, what species she is seeing, and, as a local birder, what she enjoys about this time of the year. The audio is below.

Kalli Hawkins May 6, 2025