Any nesting boxes in the Northland?

I am Ed Zlonis, a Gunflint Trail visitor and occasional homebody. I am currently conducting research for a graduate program at the University of Minnesota, Duluth. My research will inevitably pertain to birds; however, I am still in the process of developing a thesis.

One of the subjects that I am interested in is the population, distribution, and species abundance of waterfowl in the northeastern part of the state. I know that some cabin owners and lodges have erected waterfowl nest boxes along the shorelines of their respective lakes. The species that use these are usually common golden eyes and several merganser species.

I would like to know where and how many nest boxes people have in the area. Depending on circumstances, it might be possible that I use this information in future research.

So, if you have a nest box or know of where any are, please let me know.

Please send the general nest box location (don’t worry, I won’t be tromping around your property); lake/river name or pond location, if unnamed; estimated time it has been present and any anecdotal information you might find interesting, such as usage by birds.

Please e-mail information to me at zloni011@umn.edu or ezlonis@gmail.com,
Ed Zlonis

Graduate Teaching Assistant

UMD Biology