The Friends of Sax-Zim Bog staff and volunteers had our annual training day yesterday. Many of us birded the Bog starting at sunrise and then arrived at the Welcome Center mid morning. All the feeders are now filled at the Center, and the deer carcasses are out. There are a good number of Pine Grosbeaks (including the one pictured), and lots of Gray Jays at the Welcome Center. However, the Redpolls count is very low.
One Great Gray Owl was seen by a volunteer while birding, but the numbers and frequency of sightings right now are not high. I am convinced the Great Gray Owls being seen at this point are local birds (no migrants).
Over the last 24 hours of the first Northern Hawk Owls have been seen in northern Minnesota. One of the sightings was in the Bog on McDavitt, but the bird could not be re-found. I looked hard 30 minutes after the reported sighting including a few hikes.
The Welcome Center will open at 10:00 am on Saturday, December 8th, but as noted the feeders are now filled. Remember, in addition to stopping by the Welcome Center during your trip to the Bog, use my Google Map overlay.
Two Rough-Legged Hawks having a Disagreement over a prime hunting spot
I think in your previous life you were Audubon. What intriguing photos you capture of our bird friends.
Ah … but I am a lousy painter!
Sitting on the window seat at 5:30 am … two hours before sunrise … only inside light provided by the roaring fire in the fireplace. The yard including its six bird feeders are lit by the flood lights. Wondering what might walk in out of the woods to have a pre-dawn snack! In an hour or so, I will get ready to go owling … just another day in the Northwoods!
Yeah, and Audubon killed some birds so he could paint them. You would never do that.
Thanks so much for all your lovely pics. Always look forward to your posts.