Category Archives: Year 9

Snow Flocked Wonderland

Year 9

The weather service said the winter storm warning and travel advisory was not going to expire till high noon, but my own inspection of weather radar seemed to indicate the storm was now to our east. In addition, did you know via Mn511.Org (official road conditions) one may view “snowplow cams” in essentially real time? Thus, when my inspection showed Hwy 53 was in decent shape I was quickly “bog bound” at 7 am. Once I arrived at Sax-Zim Bog I entered a Winter Wonderland on snow flocked pine trees. I could tell I was the ONLY car that had driven Admiral and Overton Roads, and was the first car on McDavitt (saw one car at the very north end).

Crowds in Sax-Zim Bog? What are those? While I did not see any owls, I had a great time watching a flock of evening grosbeaks. It was truly a relaxing morning. My own assessment of the weather had been correct … zero snow or rain, limited wind, and actually decently bright conditions for overcast skies!

I still have one birding hike yet to accomplish later today. March 23rd is the official yearly start of “fluff watch”!

The Owl Next Door! (A Talk by Me!)

Background, Year 9

Does everyone have spring fever? This winter has been cold and long. Thus, what could be better than to escape to a small organic farm a bit north of the Twin Cities on Saturday … enjoy homemade hard cider while I speak about the Amity Owls! Assuming the weather permits, you would also be able to walk around the farm and visit the maple syrup operation in progress. The talk will be in Sapsucker Farms modern cider barn with plenty of warm space. Although you are welcome to bring your own food, the farm will have a food truck present serving “Fireman’s BBQ”! This is a great family friendly event. My talk is just part of Sapsucker Farm’s Spring Day! Learn more.

  • Sapsucker Farm’s Spring Day: Saturday, March 26th
  • Time: 12:00 to 8:00 pm
  • The Owl Next Door Talk (me): 2:00 pm
  • Learn more via Sapsucker Farm’s web site.
  • Cost: Free!
  • Address: 2752 215th Avenue, Mora, MN 55051
  • Google Maps Link
  • Download a free PDF copy of my book, Do You Hoot?

Winter’s Last Gasps – Fluff Watch

Year 9,

This morning I am awaiting a new winter storm which will dominate our region for the next two days … rain, sleet, snow and ice plus 40+ mph winds. Yesterday afternoon when it was just plain windy (32 mph winds), I hiked over to visit Amy, the Great Horned Owl Mom. Each year, I start my official “fluff watch” on March 23rd. The owlets may have already hatched, but for the first seven plus days the youngsters will be under mom 100% of the time. Here are a few seconds of windblown Mom (video link for email subscribers)

I did stop and watch The Deeps waterfall on Amity Creek during my afternoon hike. It lost much of its ice cap yesterday (video link for email subscriber). The footbridge seen in the video is 225 yards from the end of my driveway.

Meanwhile about 800 yards down at the lakeshore, the blow was apparent. I was very surprised to see three trumpeter swans fighting their way north into the wind. Getting to breeding grounds first and choosing a choice territory is a powerful incentive for the male birds. In the fall, one would never see migrating birds fightings such strong winds.