Yup … here in northern Minnesota we have definitely entered that period … The Birding Doldrums. Our summer visitors are now all gone, and our winter friends have not arrived. Until nasty weather arrives just north of us in Canada, the birds which consider our region an “Arctic Riviera Vacation” will not push south. I have seen two Snow Buntings, and I have heard of one or two Northern Shrikes being spotted, but …

Even knowing my chances for seeing birds was limited, I spent hours in Sax-Zim Bog over the past two days. The Tamarack Pine needles are at peak which are a golden gift to the eyes. Yesterday morning shortly after sunrise this was my view on McDavitt Road. I could not have been happier … even without a decent bird sighting. I head down to the Twin Cities today for my bi-monthly eye treatment. One year ago today, I did not know if I would be able to experience views like this ever again in my life. Life is good!