Inca Dove's North Shore Vacation

Inca doves are common in the southwestern United States. They thrive in an area that stretches from Central America to the American Southwest. That range does not include any part of Minnesota. So it was a really big deal when Jim Lind spotted one at his neighbor's bird feeder on Oct. 30 in Two Harbors. Since then at least 100 birders have made the trek for a glimpse of the first ever Inca dove reported in Minnesota.

The bird, which has orange on its wings, is a small bird; comparable in size to a sparrow. One of its more odd behaviors is that of pyramid roosting. Pairs or groups will huddle together in the sunshine, with some sitting on the back of the others. The pyramid may be three layers high and include up to 12 birds.

Working for Wolves

My wife Cathy and I spent a wonderful weekend in Ely, Minnesota. We volunteered at the International Wolf Center, spending an educational and satisfying two days cleaning out the wolf enclosures, hauling out last winter's straw and doing other chores. The retired pack enclosure got cedar chips and grass seed, some new fencing in the holding area, plus we got to hide bonedust meatballs in the Ambassador pack's enclosure. When the animals--the two gray wolves and two arctic wolves--were let back in, they trotted excitedly around the enclosure in search of treats. Fun to watch them sniff out the meatballs.

We got to observe the wolf curator, Lori Schimidt, give the animals their daily check and meds, plus got to see the animals closer than visitors to the center usually do.

The wolves were much more active than I'd seen on previous visits, moving around, quite visible. Shadow, the pack leader, started getting agitated with the intruders---us. He started to bark, then bark-howl. Lori said if you hear this in the woods you know you've really upset a wolf. The other animals rallied around their leader and chimed in. Shadow hopped onto the large rock in the enclosure and led the other three animals in howls and bark-howls. Position is important. The pack leader has to be up front or above the other animals to demonstrate his authority. When Shadow stopped the others ceased.

Minnesota has a population of over 3,300 wolves. We were the only state in the continental United States that didn't exterminate all it's wolves back in the early to mid twentieth century. They're fascinating animals. Great trip. Our second book deals with the wolves of northern Minnesota. ---Michael