Meet: 5:00 am at the Shell gas station in Mellen, WI. The gas station is on the west side of Highway 13, just north of the railroad tracks and just south of the intersection with Cty Hwy GG.

This trip will explore north woods habitats in vicinity of the Penokee Hills of eastern Ashland and western Iron County, the area that would be affected at least in some way by a proposed iron ore mine. We will caravan from Mellen on gravel roads to 2-3 birding destinations throughout the morning. These destinations will feature a range of habitats from boreal forests and bogs to emergent wetlands and maple forests. At each location we will take short hikes (~1-2 miles) in search of birds. Some hikes will be on remote gravel roads or trails; however, some (especially the bog portion) will involve off-road "bushwhacking" on uneven and/or wet terrain.

Participants should be physically fit and have waterproof footwear such as knee-high rubber boots to accommodate these conditions. 

The trip leaders will not be experts on mining or the proposed GTAC mine. However, we will explore the area to showcase its natural features and seek for a wide variety of mostly forest bird species. Possibilities include Gray Jay, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Palm Warbler, Lincoln's Sparrow and other bog specialists, as well as Black-throated Blue Warbler, Swainson's Thrush, Ruffed Grouse, Common Loon, and more than a dozen nesting warbler species. In addition to birding, this trip will focus on the second Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas project. In fact, the proposed mine area sits directly within a priority atlas block. We will bird this general area (as access allows) and contribute data to WBBAII, all while discussing the ins and outs of atlasing in your hometown. 

We anticipate ending the trip around late morning before lunch. However, participants should be sure to bring plenty of snacks and water, as well as a full dose of your favorite mosquito & tick repellants. There will be limited bathroom facilities available throughout the trip. Led by Ryan Brady ryanbrady10@hotmail.com and Nick Anich.