How now, black cow! This was the scene early this morning at a farm just south of the Sax-Zim Bog boreal forest. Magpies have been steadily expanding their range westward, and here in northern Minnesota it appears I always find magpies near a farm.  While in the summer there is lots of food in the forest, the cow’s fodder also provides an excellent meal for the magpie! At one point I even saw the magpies landing right on the cows. I’m not sure the cow looks pleased with sharing its meal.

I did also see this morning the traditional “bog bird”, the Great Gray Owl!