Wait a day, and winter will slam back into the Northland. Yesterday was a delightful day with temperatures reaching the low 50’s at our house for the first time this Spring. I even went cycling wearing shorts … albeit I climbed away from Lake Superior and escaped inland. 25+ mph winds were blowing and I knew it would be frigid down at the shore, only 800 yards from our home.

The nice weather meant I spent 7 hours hiking the forest trails, both near my house, Minnesota Point at dawn, and the MacQuarrie Wetlands during mid morning. Maintaing social distance was easy. Per my norm, 99% of the time I saw noone. At the wetlands, the ice was in the process of going out. It is amazing how birds discover this fact (ice out) immediately. I saw hundreds of ducks, lots of songbirds, and three pair of Trumpeter Swans which were battling for dominance. These wetlands have about 12 ponds, and are prime habitat. It was fun to see these huge birds attack each other, all the while trumpeting their claim.

The winning pair of Trumpeter Swans

Of course no day would be complete with trips to visit my owl family. Near sunset I was rewarded with some family portraits. Better yet, I believe there are in fact two owlets in the nest. It is amazing how such huge birds … the Mom and its two chicks can hide within their home and avoid being seen by anyone … man or beast.

Family Portrait … Great Horned Owls

This morning Winter has reclaimed northern Minnesota. Fierce snow squalls have been dumping snow on the ground. I did hike over to the owl’s nest during one squall. The birds did not look happy. I understand.