Another snowstorm is barreling down upon us here in northern Minnesota, with a second expected this weekend. If the two dumps of white stuff appear as forecast, we will break the all time record for the snowiest February. Thus, somehow it seems appropriate to bring you twelve hours of splendor on the Ice Planet.  The day was glorious with a bright blue sky and powder white snow. As a reminder (see yesterday’s post) it all started with me hiking the woods before 6:00 am in search of my Great Horned Owls perching trees. The day then progressed in this manner:

1. Sunrise Over the Ice Planet (Lake Superior at the Mouth of the Lester River)
2. Northern Hawk Owl in Sax-Zim Bog (who you looking at, bub!)
3. Snowy Owl south of Meadowlands, Minnesota
4. Moonrise Over the Ice Planet  (Lake Superior at the Mouth of the Lester River)

All and all it was a great day. I was in long underwear from before sunrise to after sunset. It was nice to finally get home, take off my warm weather clothes and enjoy a glass of wine with my wife!

Note: In the Lake Superior photographs, in addition to the vista you are seeing the ice fishermen who walk out onto the ice at sunrise, returning at sunset with their catch of lake trout.

Sunrise Over the Ice Planet

Northern Hawk Owl

Snowy Owl (male)

Moonrise Over the Ice Planet