Canal Park Golden Eyes

Year 12

Yesterday afternoon about 3 pm I paid a visit to Duluth’s biggest bird feeder, Canal Park. I to watch Goldeneyes and there was a flock of over 400 ducks feasting on the Zebra Mussels on the sides of the ship canal. This feasting continues as long as the canal stays ice free. I like late afternoon because the sun shines straight down the canal, and also gets in the duck’s eyes. As Goldeneyes spook very easily, the lower sun out of the southwest allows me to get closer to the birds. However, dress warmly. You will be out in the open and be bashed by the cruel winter wind.

Make certain you watch this video … the Goldeneyes all reappear, and then disappear. Ducks moving to the right are finished eating. Ducks moving to the right are about to go find their meal. (video link for email subscribers)

Canal Park Golden Eyes

Scoring the Owl Trifecta: Boreal, Great Gray & Great Horned Owls

Year 12, ,

The Owl Irruption means crazy birding excursions like mine yesterday afternoon are possible. In just over one hour, I saw all three species of these owls: Boreal, Great Gray & Great Horned Owls. I consider myself lucky to live in the Northland where all three of these owls species both live, but also some of their cousins from north of the border will occasionally pay us a visit. Normally owl irruptions end on or about March 1st, which is only 11 days away. Anyhow, yesterday’s terrific trio! Did I mention it was cold? All three owls wanted sun, but also to avoid the fierce Northwest wind. This morning it is -15F to 25F below zero depending upon where you live (real cold air collects at the bottom of hills).

Boreal Owl (sleeping in the sun … it did apparently not move for the next four hours)

Great Gray Owl (trying to get comfortable within its pine needle mattress before a snooze)

Amy! My local Great Horned Owl

The sun is finally peeking out between the trees at 7:20 am. Time to go make my rounds of all three bird feeder stations. My feathered friends should all be hungry after such a cold night.

Signs of Spring Birding

Year 12

As I type this post the temperature is depth charging to the minus teens below zero (not including windchill). In addition snowstorms will be hitting the northland at least through the end of March. Yet here we are midway through February and birds are starting to think of spring:

  • Black-Capped Chickadees are singing their mating calls
  • Great Horned Owls have ALREADY nested
  • Snow Bunting are migrating north through the area on their way up to the Arctic Ocean (yes … the Northward Spring Migration IS in progress)
  • Sharp-Tailed Grouse are starting to dance on their LEK’s

Finally,  Tom Turkeys are now strutting, displaying and courting their lady loves! This guy was doing his best to impress a female gaggle of turkeys. Regardless, enjoy the current blast of winter and start looking for spring activity.