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A birder's paradise awaits you in Door County, Wisconsin...Anything that reaches the grand old age of 100, gets my respect. To have existed for a continuous century is quite an accomplishment in today's "throw-away" world. Peninsula State Park, located in Fish Creek, WI (County of Door) is celebrating a significant birthday (all year) with various activities surrounding its centennial. You can purchase all kinds of neato-cool merchandise too if you are the type of person who is predisposed to the "shopping gene." I personally am a hat and tee shirt (hoarder) "collector" and am not afraid to admit to this teensy bit of self-indulgence. Heck, I truly do "wear" the things I purchase too, so...(um...am I pathetically justifying my OCD behavior here?) Anyway, there's all sorts of...ahh...ways to "support" their cause HERE if you are so inclined.
The family recently took its annual vacation to this favorite destination; utilizing two vehicles (one pulling the Jayco) to accommodate for all the necessary creature comforts which six people would require for the four days we would be camped there. 
Were there "extra" items brought along which would not be used? Sure there always are, however if there's "room" in the vehicles...what the heck...throw them in too. Bicycles, lawn-chairs, beach towels, blow-up rafts, tarps, coolers, grills, you name it...stow it in. Don't forget the ladder-golf (AKA: testicle toss, Bola, Polish golf, hillbilly horseshoes, etc.) either, as we planned to have intense on site competition. You don't know about "TT?" Well, it's just about the most revolutionary campground activity since the deadly beloved steel-tipped lawn "Jart" was banned by the "safety nannies" in the 80s. There is truly no replacement "danger factor" offered by this new creative game, but playing it still offers the stalwart camper many of the same ingredients for some lively fun: competition, chance, hilarity, and one hand free for an "adult beverage." There's even a few serious tournaments across the country dedicated to it's play. I would hazard a guess that one day, any potential patron of any camping facility in America would be carefully screened upon check-in, to ensure that said plastic paragon of entertainment, was a part of their larder before being granted entry. (No, just kidding, but you sure see a lot of these set-ups as you drive the posted 10 MPH through the many circles of campsites.) It sure as heck-fire beats "Cornhole" as the best form of entertainment introduced to the camper in many years. Enough of that! How the heck did I get off on THAT tangent anyway? (..., it's easy Birdstud...you are easily distracted...you might as well add ADHD to your OCD profile while you're at it).
Were there "extra" items brought along which would not be used? Sure there always are, however if there's "room" in the vehicles...what the heck...throw them in too. Bicycles, lawn-chairs, beach towels, blow-up rafts, tarps, coolers, grills, you name it...stow it in. Don't forget the ladder-golf (AKA: testicle toss, Bola, Polish golf, hillbilly horseshoes, etc.) either, as we planned to have intense on site competition. You don't know about "TT?" Well, it's just about the most revolutionary campground activity since the deadly beloved steel-tipped lawn "Jart" was banned by the "safety nannies" in the 80s. There is truly no replacement "danger factor" offered by this new creative game, but playing it still offers the stalwart camper many of the same ingredients for some lively fun: competition, chance, hilarity, and one hand free for an "adult beverage." There's even a few serious tournaments across the country dedicated to it's play. I would hazard a guess that one day, any potential patron of any camping facility in America would be carefully screened upon check-in, to ensure that said plastic paragon of entertainment, was a part of their larder before being granted entry. (No, just kidding, but you sure see a lot of these set-ups as you drive the posted 10 MPH through the many circles of campsites.) It sure as heck-fire beats "Cornhole" as the best form of entertainment introduced to the camper in many years. Enough of that! How the heck did I get off on THAT tangent anyway? (...Packing up the necessary "birding gear" the first full morning, I sidled my leg over the bar on the Giant (my "comfort bike") and headed out of Welckers Point Campground just as the sun was getting going for the day. I pedaled onto the scenic Sunset Trail heading towards the Eagle Bluff lighthouse in hopes of seeing wild turkeys. Upon bicycling the relative short distance to the 
lighthouse drive, I was treated to a group of three splendid Toms walking and pecking their way along just off the pavement. (Video below) I stood quietly watching (and filming) in the cool Lake Michigan morning breeze as they moved off into the woods. It
always amazes me each time I see them in the wild of the Park; their long black beards blowing in the wind as they look for acorns and other favorite foodstuffs that litter the forest floor. They are so doggone big (and probably tasty) to see they take flight is another head-shaker. You just don't figure them to be able to do it, for as much time as they spend on the ground walking from place to place. Of the 59 total bird species I have seen while in the park, they are among the most interesting to watch. White pelicans were seen in the various bays and flying overhead throughout this particular visit. A few warblers also made an appearance: Black-throated greens, American 
redstarts, and Ovenbirds among them. Don't forget to visit the 1904 Blossomberg Cemetary too. There are many species of birds to be seen on and around the ancient tombstones. I saw many, many immature Robins basking in the dappled sunlight, and "washing-up" in a handy water-filled dirt depression. Plus, reading the markers is truly educational too.
lighthouse drive, I was treated to a group of three splendid Toms walking and pecking their way along just off the pavement. (Video below) I stood quietly watching (and filming) in the cool Lake Michigan morning breeze as they moved off into the woods. It
always amazes me each time I see them in the wild of the Park; their long black beards blowing in the wind as they look for acorns and other favorite foodstuffs that litter the forest floor. They are so doggone big (and probably tasty) to see they take flight is another head-shaker. You just don't figure them to be able to do it, for as much time as they spend on the ground walking from place to place. Of the 59 total bird species I have seen while in the park, they are among the most interesting to watch. White pelicans were seen in the various bays and flying overhead throughout this particular visit. A few warblers also made an appearance: Black-throated greens, American 
redstarts, and Ovenbirds among them. Don't forget to visit the 1904 Blossomberg Cemetary too. There are many species of birds to be seen on and around the ancient tombstones. I saw many, many immature Robins basking in the dappled sunlight, and "washing-up" in a handy water-filled dirt depression. Plus, reading the markers is truly educational too.So dear reader, my (can't miss) prescription for a wonderfully relaxing, and entertaining way to spend some quality family-time, and recharge from your busy schedules is to pack up the Woody with the kitchen sink, and head to north eastern Wisconsin's "thumb." P.S...and don't forget to pack your TT too...remember, that day is coming and where you read about it first.
Happy [100th] Birthday Peninsula State Park: from the Birdstud and (all) his readers
Now...Gobble-up this Birdstud Original Video!!
Now...Gobble-up this Birdstud Original Video!!
The Turkeys of Eagle Bluff Lighthouse
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