Category Archives: Year 2

Now Visiting from the Frozen Tundra! (Yr. 2: Day 16)

Year 2,

It may be hard to imagine that some birds consider the winter climate in northern Minnesota warm, but that is truly the case! Today I had the pleasure of seeing not one, but two visitors from the frozen tundra. Both of these birds summer and raise their young on the shores of the Arctic Ocean. I’ve also included three photos I took this afternoon 50 miles up the Lake Superior shore from Duluth. Perhaps these birds understand that Lake Superior is a bit like the Arctic. Take a look!

Snow Bunting
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Hoary Redpoll
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Ice Waves on Lake Superior
Split-Rock-State-Park-Winter-Waves-4C Split-Rock-State-Park-Winter-Waves-2N Split-Rock-State-Park-Winter-Waves-1N

Two’s Company, Three’s a Crowd, Four’s Roadkill Cafe (Yr. 2: Day 13)

Year 2

When hiking the NorthWoods, or driving remote roads, I always pay attention to the crows and ravens. If I notice a large number in the trees, or along the roadside, I always slow down and inspect the area. More often than not I find an animal carcass. This was the situation as I drove along a rural highway in the Sax-Zim Bog birding area. I discovered a bear carcass which was providing breakfast for many animals and birds. Over the course of thirty minutes I watched a red fox, a bald eagle, tons of ravens and this hairy woodpecker enjoy “bear for breakfast”!

I’ve also included with this posts two photographs taken thirteen hours aprart which bookended the night. My vantage point was Hawk Ridge overlooking Lake Superior.

A Hairy Woodpecker enjoys some bear for breakfast
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Moonrise Over Lake Superior
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Sunrise over Lake Superior (same vantage point … 13 hours later)
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Year 2: Just Another Northwoods Morning! (day #12)

Year 2,

Hmmm … what do I love about northern Minnesota? While I could list a huge number of reasons, I will let a few photographs do my talking. Winter is a season to be embraced, not feared. Out before dawn in cold weather (0F, -15C), the day only became better as it proceeded. Take a look:

A Snow Owl is silhouetted against the sunrise
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Conga Line dancing ducks at Duluth’s Canal Park
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Mid morning hike up one of the French River waterfall with friends.
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Winter means one can explore the North Shore using trails not available in the warmer months! The streams and rivers provide access to back country which can not be reached at other times of the year.