Category Archives: Year 9

Spring Bird Migration Aides 2022

Year 9

Although it was -9F at my house on Monday morning (March 14th), since then the warming effects of the sun have actually been noticeable with the golden orb pushing afternoon temperatures above freezing. There is hope for spring migration (actually, it has already started). Last year I created and linked several tools about which I wish to remind my readers.

Birdcast: “Over the past few years, folks in the know have been able to gather data about the Spring or Fall bird migrations as they were in progress (birding forecasts & real time updates). However it took a Phd in web knowledge to find this data and review same. Now Cornell, Colorado State and UMass Amherst have collaborated to create a great new web site with easily viewable data. Better yet, with just a few clicks you may discover what the expected migration conditions will be like in your home town (or region). The service is called BirdCast.”

When I Saw Stuff! Both for myself, and everyone else I compiled a spreadsheet of bird sightings / locations using seven years of my data from the months of April and May. You may download your PDF copies (no cost). The migration PDF’s have active web links to the appropriate blog post and Google Maps location. Each document has 160 sightings.

Morning Owls

Year 9,

Poppa Owl took one for the team yesterday morning just before sunrise. Shortly before sunup there was a major crow attack in my local forest, and I know from experience that Dad leads the crows away from the nest. A nice morning hike through the woods yielded this pic of Mom.

Meanwhile the prior morning was spent over at Sax-Zim Bog. The weather forecast called for moderate temperatures, overcast skies, and light wind … perfect owling conditions. I arrived in the Bog shortly before sunrise, and watched one owl hunt for over an hour. Here the Great Gray Owl is nailing a landing.

Dad on Guard! (Great Horned Owl)

Year 9
For the fourth year in a row, I am watching a pair of Great Horned Owls nest in the forest near my home on the north edge of Duluth. Earlier this afternoon I just happened to see the male owl fly into a white pine right next to his lady love. Even though I saw the bird fly into the tree, and knew the owl was definitely perched near me, it still took me over 10 minutes with high powered binoculars to find “Dad”! These birds are well camouflaged in white pines!
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One goal when you watch owls should be to leave them, and any other bird, undisturbed. After the owl checked me over (the first image), it fell asleep (the final image). I was obviously not a threat, and far enough away using the zoom lens to allow the owl to relax.  … Dad is asleep.
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Great Horned Owl Male Checking Me Over

Checking on his Lady Love (about 15 yards away and 30 feet lower in the nest)

Dad Asleep