While apparently most of the USA is suffering a HUGE heatwave, the exact opposite is true here near the Minnesota border with Canada. I am at my Northstar Lake cabin, and the temperature has difficulty exceeding 60F, and when the intermittent showers come, it gets even cooler … like right now.

This morning I spent four hours in one of my favorite birding areas, Pine Island State Forest including Toomey Williams Road. More beautiful bog habitat one will never see. Sax-Zim Bog pales by comparison. Although I saw lots of birds this morning, very few were willing to pose for my camera with the exception of this Red-Tailed Hawk.

I keep hoping to get out on Northstar Lake and spend time with various Common Loon families, but did I mention the showers?? Here is one pic from two afternoons ago.

The clouds are supposed to clear somewhat (50% overnight). As Ovation Aurora is already quite high, hopefully this forecast will ring true and I will spend some time Northern Lights watching tonight.