Category Archives: Year 6

Christmas Owl!

Year 6

Were you expecting a partridge in a pear tree, or two turtle doves? If so, you are reading the wrong blog! Merry Christmas!

My thanks to everyone who has reached out to insure I spend lots of time birding this winter. It helps me to stay positive. Even with poor vision that effectively made me blind for over 70% of my trip, I managed a two hour walk this afternoon. It allowed me to purchase gifts for my wife who has been a blessing during my initial battle with Blepharospasm. Enjoy the spirit of Christmas.

Northern Hawk Owl Logging Adventure

Year 6,

Birds are opportunists, particularly in winter when food is scarce. Two days ago I found this Northern Hawk Owl in the Bog camped out across the road from a logging operation. I have to assume the owl was waiting for trees to crash down and scare voles … easy pickings. Last winter I found a Snowy Owl which was also availing itself of logging operation. While N=2, which is not a huge sample, I am willing to go with this conclusion. Otherwise I can not understand why a bird would put up with the activity and racket.

Northern Hawk Owl

When it clouded over and I decided to leave (not the owl), I took a photograph of the logging in progress. There was actually cutting going on much closer to the owl and me.

Finally a flashback. Given my eye problems which restricts my vision and ability to be out in the field (I need rides), I taught myself how to grab single images from movies. Here are two photos I extracted from the Red-Throated Loons I watched this summer in Norway.

It was really nice to end my independent era with a Northern Hawk Owl, my signature bird. The trip to the Bog taught me that until I am able to start the medical treatment (January 20th) for my poor vision, I must give up driving. In the interim, I am researching Duluth bus routes, UBER, and a paid personal driver (my favorite option). My top Christmas present would be that the Botox injections will deaden certain nerve transmissions and return my vision close to normal. If any of my readers are remotely interested in working for me as a driver ($20/hour), please reach out. Trips might include taking me up to Sax-Zim Bog to miscellaneous jaunts around Duluth. My contact information … RichardHoeg(at)GMail.Com

Snowy Owl Ready for Take-Off

Year 6

A good pilot always checks the wind speed and direction before take-off!
(photograph taken just before sunset this evening).

In addition, some very news from my eye doctor appointment today …

The prospect of going blind is very scary, and for the past few months I have been dealing with that strong possibility. When outside I was more often than not essentially blind. This morning I saw one of the top eye doctors in Minnesota, and discovered I have a rare neurological / eye disorder where my eyes are not communicating properly with my brain. Better yet, a treatment exists which should stop this nerve communication problem from occurring (not cure). My doctor is confident my treatment will return me to a normal life. Thus, Molly and I are cautiously optimistic that the new year will be very good. The treatment involves deadening certain nerves with Botox (essentially snake venom). Medicine is amazing. Learn more if interested … Blepharospasm.

It was a celebration today for me to find and photograph this Snowy Owl. I am already on new medication which is only manufactured at one location in Minnesota. Thank you for everyone’s kind words and prayers. Please keep me in your thoughts this Christmas season, but the trend is positive for the first time a long while. Happy Holidays.

The real treatment with the Botox does not start till next month. Thus, we have hope but it’s still a waiting game.