Yesterday morning I was up a bit before 5 am, and left shortly thereafter for Pine Island State Forest which is about a one hour drive from my cabin. While Mr. Moose (see blog post) did not make a repeat visit, I discovered that the local Spruce Grouse population was worried that I might be considering an attempt to become the “top male” of the forest. Even though it was the 2nd of September, just like their cousins, the Ruffed Grouse (see post), the Spruce Grouse were in a courting mode. Twice, I managed to walk within ten yards of two different birds, and each time the local challenged me and strutted!

The grouse need to be careful, the number of raptors in the forest was HUGE, and I’m sure most of them, including this Red-Tailed Hawk (photographed at Moose Land) would love grouse for breakfast.

Time now to review some Northern Lights photographs. I was not planning on heading outside at 3:45 am, but when one looks out the window of one’s bedroom, and realizes the Aurora is dancing over the lake, who could go back to bed?!