Category Archives: Background

Catching Up … Looking Back … Looking Forward

Background, Year 6

I am at the start of a Thanksgiving tour which includes meeting my new Grandchild, Crosby, followed up by another long drive to spend Turkey Day with my other children and their families. Finding time to bird will be difficult, particularly areas in which I am not familiar. Thus … catching up of a few tasks:

  • Sax-Zim Bog Birding Report: Snow has come to the Bog, as have two Northern Hawk Owls! Winter finches as I forecast are very hard to find. The owls have not yet established winter hunting territories and are ranging around quite a bit.
  • Minnesota Birding News: Out of Beta! Now Released! Installed and running without issues by 80 people. Get this free service which I created and be informed about current news within the Minnesota birding community (38 sources at present)

White-Winged Crossbills, unlike the finches, are in evidence in the Bog … there is a good crop of pine cones for Crossbills.

The forgotten videos (at least by me!). I took both of these short videos over the past month, but forgot to post same. Rectifying that omission now.

Sleep Saw-whet Owl (video link for email subscribers)

Snow Geese of Superior (video link for email subscribers)

A Tradition of Bears!

Background, Year 6

When each of my three children were born, I immediately upon leaving the hospital purchased a Teddy Bear for my new child! Even though I am 63 years old, my own “Tommy Bear” has followed me through life.

Announcing the arrival of Crosby Carroll Hoeg … and his bear! Bear and boy arrived safely in this world two nights ago, and are now home. The photograph includes “big sister” with her bear, baby boy Hoeg and his bear, and finally my son … the new Dad with his bear! One change, the latest bear arrived via Amazon one day delivery … it’s a Gund (the best).  What family traditions do you have? Our bear tradition is 3 generations old!

Finally, I was surprised and deeply moved (okay, I cried), my new grandson’s middle name was my own Dad’s middle name. This is my sixth grandchild, but the first to carry on the Hoeg family last name. Tradition! Cue Fiddler on the Roof.

Good Reading | Great Photographs!

Background, Year 6

Today the latest issues of two magazines hit the streets today, and yours truly is featured in a big way! The two magazines are: (great holiday reading and ideas found within)

First, for Lake Country Journal, I took all the photographs for an article Molly wrote about the Arrowhead 135 … the craziest ultra-marathon that is really all about winter survival! 135 as in miles … during last year’s race which we covered temperatures dropped to -25F. Many competitors compete unsupported … no help allowed, carry all your own supplies, can not even go in a building to use a bathroom.

Second, for Lake Country Journal, I wrote an article and took all the photographs which explains how to find Snowy Owls this winter in the Duluth / Superior region.

Like owls? Remember to download a free PDF copy of my new children’s picture book, Snowy’s Search for Color.

Finally, for Lake Superior Magazine, I took photographs for an article Molly wrote about the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train. Photos taken last Christmas season along the North Shore of Lake Superior in Ontario. This train visits a nice chunk of the USA including the Minneapolis, Milwaukee and Chicago areas. Great family fun … free concert at the railroad siding … national acts! (see Molly’s blog … my wife)