Snowmageddon is supposed to hit the Northland in a few hours. By early this afternoon it is supposed to be snowing at a rate of 1/2 inch of white stuff per hour as the winds clock in off Lake Superior over 40 mph. Right now it is Sunday morning and some gentle white fluff is falling through the air, and the winds are somewhat calm. Even my owls are still hooting a bit after sunrise. However, the storm is supposed to continue for over 48 hours.

This preamble leads me to today’s topic, Transition Birding. Over the past few days I have visiting some of my favorite winter haunts … both in Sax-Zim Bog and north towards the Greenwood Forest Fire Burn Area. At times the forest is devoid of a single bird, and then I come across unexpected pleasures … with bird species that are still hanging down in the area like the Northern Hawk Owl (mid Manitoba bound) to Greater White-Fronted Geese which are early migration arrivals as they push to arrive on the shores of the Arctic Ocean and their breeding grounds. Thus, I never know what I am going to see … and sometimes I see nothing. However, while out birding yesterday morning north of Two Harbors I noted that even though I was on paved roads for much of the time, in 60 miles of driving I only saw four cars. The end result is I enjoy peace and solitude out in nature.

Transition Birding – Passing Through

Greater White-Fronter Geese

Transition Birding – Early Arrivals on their Breeding Grounds

American Kestrel

Transition Birding – Winter Visitors Leaving Soon for Points North

Northern Hawk Owl

Common Redpolls

Just Plain Local – Year Round Friends

Wild Turkey