This Pandemic rots. I obviously don’t need to tell anyone that fact, but it still rots big time. Here in northern Minnesota folks may think we might be challenged in finding ways to safely get together with friends. Not true! Winter and cold temperatures are only a problem should you choose to have a defeatist attitude. Thursday evening Molly and I got together with good friends … safely and outdoors. We sat outside, wearing our long underwear, and enjoyed a roaring fire plus good fellowship. My friend Jon has even built snow walls to protect against the winds blowing in off Lake Superior. In total we sat outside for over 3 hours in 20+ degree weather. I was never cold! (warm chili and a glass of wine helped). I hope everyone else is “beating the Pandemic”. (remember … Molly has her own blog)

Obviously for me, in addition to outdoor gatherings in the northern Minnesota Winter, birding helps beat the Pandemic. Over the past few days I saw this Barred Owl, and quite a few Great Grays.