Greenwood Creek Nature Conservancy Wilderness by Drone

Year 13

Yesterday , in addition to taking a “drone tour” of the Langley River, I continued the 12 additional miles inland from Lake Superior via Lake County 2 / US Forest Road #15 to the Greenwood Creek boreal forest and bog. Only a few hundred yards of the creek crossing on Hwy 2 are the public bird feeders I maintain year round. While I love hiking USFS #813, I have wanted to explore in more depth Greenwood Creek. The region is part of the much larger Nature Conservancy Sand Lake / 7 Beavers Wilderness Area.

It was a special morning … bright sun with minimal wind but only 35F shortly after sunrise on June 19th! Here are a few still images of Greenwood Creek followed by the tour by drone (note: I never use my drone for wildlife photography)

And of course, this would not be a “birding blog” if I did not post some bird images. This Broad-Winged Hawk was hunting not to far from the creek. I assume it has newly hatched young in its nest. Thus, the hawk is a busy predator.

Langley River Gems (2 Days of Beauty)

Year 13

Over the past two days I have immensely enjoyed the Langley River which is in the Minnesota’s Superior National Forest and reached via Lake County #2 / US Forest Road #15. I always pause at Langley River while heading up to Greenwood (only 12 miles distant), and see what gems are being offered. See this prior post for “four seasons images” of Langley River including moonset.

Yesterday I found two bald eagles which were standing in the shallows of the river having just made a kill. The juxtaposition of the eagles essentially in the water with flowing pads and spring greens was a new experience for me.

Langley River Bald Eagle

This morning I went back shortly after sunrise to conduct some drone flights of the river. While I never use drones for wildlife photography, these cameras provide me the unique perspective to explore wilderness streams and rivers.

Langley River by Drone

And finally the promised Tour of Langley River by Drone (video link for blog email subscribers)

Woodpecker Time! Use your ears!

Year 13,

For the next two to three weeks, have fun birding by using your ears. The various species of woodpeckers will start to fledge their young, and if you listen … you will find their woodpecker holes  nests … just use your ears. Woodpeckers will still be drumming, and normally that occurs near their nest holes. For the final few days the youngsters will start sticking their heads & necks out of the holes and demanding food. I good app to learn both the drumming and chick calls is Cornell’s Merlin. Open the app … select explore … then the desired species … and finally all sounds.

Here is a Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker which has decided a “no parking sign” near my house is a great drumming sound board! (video link for blog subscribers)

Amity Creek Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker

And Bald Eagle Roadkill Cafe … I suspect this eagle is about three years old having just acquired its white head and tailfeathers … amazing how close it was willing to eat next to the highway. Eagles normally flush somewhat quickly. Images taken near my house on the Two Harbors Expressway.