Tag Archives: MN North: Amity

Distracted Before Sunrise!

Year 11,

This morning I got distracted on the way to a pre-sunrise appointment. As I approached my car, I noted Les, Poppa Great Horned Owl, was still hooting … albeit slowly and softly. I thought, I wonder if Les would answer me??? I stood in my dark driveway 45 minutes before sunrise and started hooting. Apparently my hoots weren’t too horrible. Les answered me and started calling out much louder and more frequently!

Realizing I really needed to get going, I jumped in the car and started the drive to my appointment, but I did not get far. Once again I became distracted. The pre-dawn light  over Lake Superior was wunderbar … with the Lester River Bridge and its antique lights in the foreground. I pulled over and a photo session ensured. Thankfully the great folks at Essentia’s Cardiac Rehab know me well, and understand both owls and sunrises occasionally make it difficult for me to arrive on time. Today was one of those mornings. Do you hoot in the dark? I do!!

Lester River Bridge Lake Superior Pre-Dawn Light

Amy … the object of Poppa Owl’s (Les) affections and hoots. Image taken this afternoon.

Owl be Seeing You!

Year 11,

Even though the cold winds and temperatures have returned, winter has lost its grip on the Northland. I was dumbfounded yesterday to see that the ice had gone out on two area lakes, Pike Lake and Rice Lake Reservoir. March 16th was the earliest ice out dates in recorded history … one month earlier than normal. Monday night when a southerly wind returns, I suspect there might be a strong push of waterfowl into the area. These birds often follow ice-out north.

Last week we did have some nice sun which gave me the opportunity to explore the “Looks of Amy!” Remember I live in Duluth, which means there is a huge hill leading up from the big lake … up to glacial Lake Superior’s shoreline. The hills sometimes provide neat viewing points for birds. There are many locations in the forest near my home where I am often able to be at eye level or even above birds that are still high up in the trees. Such is the case with Amy, Momma Great Horned Owl.

The Views of Amy, the Great Horned Owl (as two of the images are landscape photographs, you may wish to click to see at full resolution … you will better understand the white-pine nesting habitat)

Near the nest … from the ground but a raised mound

At approximately eye-level

From above!

The weather yesterday was very, very windy, which did not encourage much birding. Thus, I decided to work upon some video content from this winter … Great Gray Owls across the winter months.

Great Gray Owl in the December Sunshine (video link for email subscribers)

Great Gray Owl During the Falling Snow (video link for email subscribers)

Northern Hawk Owl and the National Wildlife Foundation!

Year 11

Two days ago I was informed my Northern Hawk Owl has been selected by National Wildlife Federation to be featured for one of their Holidays / Christmas 2024 cards! I am already a financial donor and supporter of this fine organization. Full credit will be given to me on the back of the card. As a fyi, I almost never enter photography contests as they normally are just a grab by the sponsoring organization to get free images. However, with the NWF, not only was I already a donor, but I am thrilled to help them with their important work. Thus, last year I broke my own rule and entered their contest. in the fall later this year, I expect they will become available via the NWF’s online store.