FOLSR Winter Weather Activities
A Superior Snowy Owl, one of the species spotted during the 2025 Christmas Bird Count. (credit: Will Mowchan)
Superior winters don't stop our community from spending time outside. In fact, it’s just the opposite. The Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve have found several ways to get outside this winter season, including breaking out the binoculars to look for birds during the 2026 Christmas Bird Count and celebrating winter’s majesty at the 10th Annual Lake Superior Ice Festival.
2025 Christmas Bird Count
FOLSR was so fortunate to have 25 birders join in Superior for the 126th Annual Christmas Bird Count on December 27. The count circle in Superior has been hosted by the Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve for three years, and birders are assigned a section of a 15 mile diameter circle in the city of Superior to count as many birds as possible. Afterwards, this data is compiled and sent to the National Audubon Society to help track bird populations over time and by region. With count circle all across the US, Canada, and Mexico, the Christmas Bird Count is one of the largest and longest-running community science projects in the world.
In Superior, 38 species and 6,930 individual birds were recorded on Saturday, December 27. These are incredible numbers considering the overcast, gloomy conditions of the day. Several species of ducks, like Goldeneyes and Mallards, could be spotted where there was still open water. Bald Eagles were spotted in large numbers around Wisconsin Point, and even several species of owls were seen perching in the daylight.
Steve and Laura LaValley, residents of Superior, WI and longtime birders, have assisted with coordination efforts since FOLSR took on the role of compiling data and recruiting volunteers. Here’s what they have to say about the annual event:
"Christmas Bird Counts include anticipation of what birds might be seen each new year, uncertainty over weather and surprises by the end of the day. Devoting hours or an entire day to looking for birds equals a great way to slow down and focus on a winter day, and the gift of birds. Family or a friend to share the search with is even more enjoyable."
Whether you are a beginner birder or have years of experience, the Christmas Bird Count is a great way to get outside and get connected with other birders in the area. To see some press coverage of the event, check out these stories from Northern News Now and WDIO.
The total species list can be found below:
Mallard, Common Goldeneye, Canada Goose, Long-tailed Duck, Red-breasted Merganser, Herring Gull, Thayer’s Gull, Ruffed Grouse, Wild Turkey, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Bald Eagle, Rough-legged Hawk, Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl, Snowy Owl, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Northern Shrike, American Crow, Raven, Blue Jay, Black-capped Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Tree Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Goldfinch, Common Redpoll, Northern Cardinal, Pine Grosbeak, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Common Grackle, European Starling.
Lake Superior Ice Festival
Winter fun continued as the 10th Annual Lake Superior Ice Festival returned to Barker’s Island on January 30 and 31. Hosted annually by the City of Superior, the festival provides community members with the opportunity to experience some of winter’s best outdoor activities. Participants could skate on the ice, watch curling competitions, learn how to camp in the snow, and check out the various vendors from the Twin Ports area.
Two participants accept the challenge of the Lake Superior Reserve’s snowshoe obstacle course. (credit: Lake Superior Reserve)
Lake Superior Reserve staff and FOLSR members were located at the Estuarium to greet visitors, answer questions, and host several activities. Located both indoors and outdoors, activities included looking at cyanobacteria under a microscope and a snowshoe obstacle course. Inside the Estuarium exhibit hall, community members could learn more about the water that surrounds their community and what the Lake Superior Reserve is doing to take care of the estuary. Overall, 1,054 people visited the Estuarium during the Ice Festival, and many more were able to visit Barker’s Island.
Will Mowchan, a FOLSR board member, volunteered outside the Estuarium on Saturday, January 31 and found the experience to be fun and fulfilling.
“I got to spend the morning helping very young kids and also adult kids try out snowshoes on ten huge piles of snow. Their delight and laughter were perfect additions to the bright sun, perfect winter temps and abundant snow,” says Mowchan.
Volunteering is one of the easiest ways to get connected with FOLSR and the St. Louis River estuary. Interested in volunteering with FOLSR? Visit our website at folsr.org/volunteer and fill out a form to be added to our volunteer email list.