Category Archives: Year 8

Owling Failure

Year 8

I drove up to Sax-Zim Bog this morning arriving a bit before sunrise. I thought it might be a good morning for owling due to these reasons:

  • Two nights ago it rained (owls do not hunt in the rain … thus might still be hungry)
  • The forecast for the hours at sunrise was light winds and clouds (ideal for owls)

I failed BIG time in terms of finding any Great Gray Owls. There were some factors I could not have predicted, but meant my local owl population made themselves well hidden in the deep for rest:

  • Four Bald Eagles were hunting at my primary owling grounds
  • Two Rough-Legged Hawks were hunting at my primary owling grounds

These six raptors spell trouble for Great Grays. Thus, I failed, but did see some cool hawks and eagles. My birding also yielded a few magpies and snow buntings. Finally, this Ruffed Grouse was strutting its stuff on the connector road between Admiral and McDavitt Roads. Thus, it was a fun morning, just not what I expected.

Duck Pond Birds

Year 8

I know I’ve written this before, but it’s worth repeating. Birds attract birds, and during migration the end result may be some very nice birding. Per normal I make an almost daily stop at the Forest Hill Cemetery in Duluth Hunter’s Park neighborhood. The resident domestic geese, and almost tame wild mallards at the duck pond attract all kinds of other birds. During migration the cast of characters changes daily.

This morning I was pleased to spy a male Hooded Merganser. This duck is one of my favorites, and is very beautiful.

Over the past two weeks, each of these birds made an appearance at the duck pond, and I am finally getting around to including them in  blog post. Better yet, these birds tend to arrive in very small groups. When they are in larger flocks, it can be very hard to get close. I was within 15 yards of the American Coot. While I have seen huge rafts of Coots with hundreds of birds, just one duck taking alarm means viewing options are very limited.

Hooded Merganser

Today’s Sora Pic (yup … they are still around)

From earlier in the week …

Ring-Necked Duck

American Coot

Double Crested Cormorant

Get your Winter Birding Questions Answered!

Year 8,

This coming Friday, October 22nd, between the hours of 12 noon and 3 pm, I will be at Duluth Studio Market in Lakeside to answer your winter birding questions. This neat little store features local artisans and authors. Thus, I will be happy to autograph one of my children’s book. Given its MEA in Minnesota and school is out of session, bring the kids. I would love to also answer their bird questions.

A flock of Bohemian Waxwings. Photo location: Two Harbors