IOS is coordinating a winter field trip to Sax-Zim Bog! For those of you that have not been following their Facebook page, many of the targeted species are being seen there this winter.
Sax-Zim Bog is about 300 square miles of not only bog, but aspen uplands, rivers, lakes, meadows, farms and even a couple towns! It is not just a giant bog, but rather a “magic mix” of habitats that boreal birds love. The Sax-Zim Bog is prime habitat for bog specialists such as Great Gray Owl, Black-backed Woodpecker, Boreal Chickadee, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher and Connecticut Warbler. Bobcat, Lynx, Pine Marten, Fisher also use this habitat. Mature bogs are also important wintering habitat for Great Gray Owl, Northern Hawk Owl, White-winged Crossbill, Pine Grosbeak, Common Redpoll and Hoary Redpoll.
You won’t want to miss this opportunity to explore this amazing habitat with a two-day guided trip from a local birding expert. Finding the many wonderful birds of this area can, at times, be difficult due to weather or a lack of area knowledge. Acquiring a local guide will provide you with your best opportunity to capture a glimpse of these magnificent creatures.
You will be responsible for your own hotel and travel arrangements. Carpooling is encouraged, and a roster will be made available later to assist you in this process. I have lodging recommendations below which are limited to 15 people. We will be meeting the guide on Friday and Saturday morning at the Alesches’ Accommodations. These lodges can only accommodate 15 people. Later registrations will need to book elsewhere (Recommendations below).
Alesches’ Accommodations: Phone number 218-591-9630. Web site: http://www.alesches.com
These lodges have a common bathroom, kitchen and living area. Muffins, Cereal, Coffee and Juice are made available for breakfast, and refrigerators may be used for lunch and/or dinner. The lodges are located 8 miles from the Sax-Zim Bog Visitor Center and also 8 miles from Meadowlands where the Trailside Restaurant is located for a dinner out if preferred. These lodges are not like hotel rooms. They have common areas and private bedrooms.
** We are unable to block these rooms, so register early and make your arrangements with Alesches’ to hold your rooms!
West Lodge
1 room with two twin beds $89.00 per night ($45 per person)
1 small room with one twin bed $69.00 per night
1 room with 1 queen bed and private bath $129.00 per night
East Lodge
first floor features two bedrooms, each with a queen bed. All linens and bedding are furnished. The East Lodge features a full bath, complete kitchen with all dishes, cookware, fridge, range and oven, Keurig, drip coffee maker, toaster, microwave and dishwasher. A laundry room is available plus ironing board and iron. Complimentary wi-fi is available throughout the unit.
2 bedrooms, each bedroom has 1 queen bed. $150.00 per night
North Lodge
is the newest addition to Alesches’. The first floor contains TV area, half bath and a breakfast/snack bar equipped with microwave, toaster, Keurig and drip coffeemakers, electric skillet, and refrigerator/freezer. On the second floor, the North Lodge has three bedrooms: Room 1 has a queen with private bath, Room 2 has two doubles, and Room 5 has two twins. All linens and bedding are furnished. There is also a full bath and lounge area on the 2nd floor. Complimentary wi-fi is available throughout the unit.
1 room with 2 twins for $89.00 per night
1 room with 2 double beds $109.00 per night
1 room with Queen bed and bath $129.00 per night
Rent entire units or individual rooms. 2-night minimum for entire unit.
Should you register late and find that the Alesche’s Accommodations are full, there is of course additional accommodations in Duluth, MN which is 40-50 miles away from rendezvous point. In addition, you may be able to find accommodations north along US-53 (20-30 miles). I am told that the Days Inn in Duluth has special rates for bird watchers.
Registration for this memorable field trip is $40 for IOS members and $30 for ILYB members. IOS members will be given three weeks to register prior to opening this field trip to the general birding community. Non-IOS members will pay the $40 registration fee plus $25 for IOS membership.
**Registration for this event is limited to 20 people!