Yesterday morning I met two birds which are extremely rare for my area … a Northern Hawk Owl and a Black-Billed Magpie. While most people would prefer to see the owl, I was extremely disappointed when the magpie exited quickly. Please understand I have NEVER seen a magpie in the Duluth area (this was not Sax-Zim Bog), whereas each winter I tend to find a few hawk owls. The magpie was giving the owl a piece of its mind. The two birds were in the same tree, about ten feet apart.

Upon getting home I discovered the northern / summer migration had begun. I saw three Bald Eagles  hunting Amity Creek across from my house, and a friend who lives a bit further up the shore saw five eagles. While a certain number of Bald Eagles remain in the Northland over the winter, I am positive these birds road yesterday’s 30 mph winds out of the south, and now will follow the North Shore of Lake Superior. It is normal for eagles to return north as soon as open water may be found, and this winter has been extremely mild with only a few days well below zero at night.

Finally, everyone always compliments me on my great photography (thank you). Guess what … I screw up on occasion. Where’s Baldy’s head?!