Update on a number of subjects

Bald Eagle Island

I came across a few items this week that might be of interest to you.  I happened upon an article on the potential future owner of the island (Hans) just posted on the White Bear Press page.  It looks like Hans is moving forward with his plans.

Purple Loosestrife

It turns out that there hasn't been much progress on it this year.  I do know that there are some biological measures that we can take via a beetle that eats the plant.  These beetles have to be collected from other sites where they exist and then transplanted to our infestation.  This will need to happen in June or July when the beetles are most active.

From Rice Creek Watershed's Facebook page

Rice Creek Watershed District

September 22

DNR Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist Keegan Lund examines an aquatic plant sampling rake held by RCWD District Technician Catherine Nester on Bald Eagle Lake. The RCWD and DNR recently collaborated to complete a plant survey on Bald Eagle Lake. Water clarity has been markedly better on Bald Eagle Lake this year, in large part due to the spring application of aluminum sulfate (“alum”). With increased water clarity, the RCWD and DNR hopes to find an increase in native aquatic vegetation – especially at deeper depths. The results of the survey are being complied, but early indications are promising. While on Bald Eagle, the DNR and RCWD also worked to remove (by hand) an invasive plant – flowering rush.

Horseshoe cattail bed concern

This is the large cattail bed east of the island in the middle of the lake.  Concern was espressed that this bed has been getting smaller.  I happen to have a few pictures from 1945, which show the cattail bed to be pretty much the same size. So, I don't think there is any change in its size.

And, of course... A Bald Eagle Lake sunset.

I happened to be canoeing in Quetico Provincial Park in August and took this photo at McAree Lake.

Click an any of the images to get a larger version.

Regards,

Jim

Huge flock of Purple Martins roosting on Bald Eagle Lake

I'm not sure if this is an annual event, or the first time.  We happened to be out on the lake this weekend near the horse shoe shaped weed bed on the lake.  There were several thousand Purple Martins bedding down for the night. But, prior to bedding down, from 7:55 to 8:15, the sky was thick with them as they were flying in waves overhead and they even zoomed right through our pontoon boat. In the end, they came to roost like squadrons, hundreds at a time. There was a huge whoosh as each squadron swooped in. It was an amazing sight.  We were right up against the weed bed and had front row seats.  Last night was our second night watching it.

This video doesn't do it justice.  It's tough to really capture the experience.

The DNR has delayed their visit to the lake with regards to the Purple Loosestrife.  I'll post an update at a later date.

Regards,
Jim