Even though the cold winds and temperatures have returned, winter has lost its grip on the Northland. I was dumbfounded yesterday to see that the ice had gone out on two area lakes, Pike Lake and Rice Lake Reservoir. March 16th was the earliest ice out dates in recorded history … one month earlier than normal. Monday night when a southerly wind returns, I suspect there might be a strong push of waterfowl into the area. These birds often follow ice-out north.

Last week we did have some nice sun which gave me the opportunity to explore the “Looks of Amy!” Remember I live in Duluth, which means there is a huge hill leading up from the big lake … up to glacial Lake Superior’s shoreline. The hills sometimes provide neat viewing points for birds. There are many locations in the forest near my home where I am often able to be at eye level or even above birds that are still high up in the trees. Such is the case with Amy, Momma Great Horned Owl.

The Views of Amy, the Great Horned Owl (as two of the images are landscape photographs, you may wish to click to see at full resolution … you will better understand the white-pine nesting habitat)

Near the nest … from the ground but a raised mound

At approximately eye-level

From above!

The weather yesterday was very, very windy, which did not encourage much birding. Thus, I decided to work upon some video content from this winter … Great Gray Owls across the winter months.

Great Gray Owl in the December Sunshine (video link for email subscribers)

Great Gray Owl During the Falling Snow (video link for email subscribers)