Okay … there have been early migrants for the past month, but things really kicked in over the past few days with a combination of a wind out of the south and some very needed rain. Thus, at 5:50 am I was out the door … wearing shorts (47F) … and looking forward for a great morning of birding. Nature did not disappoint.

My first stop was to visit my owls. As they were hiding, and the crows were silent, I decided I would find my friends later in the day and thus headed for Lake Superior and the St. Louis River. While hiking Mud Lake I hit pay dirt. For years I have listened to Sora, but never been able to get much of a view. These birds hide out in deep marsh rushes. Finally, this morning an individual was a bit out in the open.

My first Sora photograph!

Mud Lake continued to be a great birding spot. At one point I almost stepped upon an American Bittern. I’m not sure who was more surprised, me or the bird. In addition I saw a nice flight of Yellow Warblers fly through the area.

After Mud Lake I drove over to the Western Waterfront Trail for a hike along the river. Right away I heard my first Baltimore Oriole of the year, and when I returned later (round trip hike) I was able to find the oriole out in the open and amenable to having its photo taken.

Baltimore Oriole Video (link for email subscribers)

While I rarely take photos of Canada Geese, these Goslings were only a day or two old … quite cute.

Finally, I promised some images from my last visit with the Great Horned Owl family (Wednesday morning). Now that I am home from the cabin, and have a high speed web connection … voila.

Oh wait … before the owl pics, I also had another lifer yesterday afternoon at the cabin. A migrating Foster’s Tern stopped upon a nearby buoy.

Great Horned Owl Family

At sunrise … final image … everyone is asleep and ignoring me!

Mid Morning Wake-Up

Mid Morning Grooming

Even with four birding stops, I was home by 9:30 this morning. It helps when one leaves before 6 am!