Tag Archives: MN North: Amity

Bohemian Bonanza!

Bohemian Waxwings have invaded Duluth (a somewhat rare winter bird down from further north). Folks are seeing flocks of 100, 250, 500 and even 1,000 Bohemians (like me this afternoon). Check out fruit trees in these neighborhoods … Chester Park, Congdon, Lakeside, and Woodland. My sighting was at 57th Ave East and Superior Street. The sky was swarming with them. We’re in the midst of a 6 inch snowfall, but the white stuff should end soon.

Darn Cold & Windy Birding

This week has been tough in terms of birding. How else could one describe every morning when the temperatures are -10F (or colder), and 20 mph winds (or worse). I thought my trials and tribulations had finally ended a bit before sundown yesterday when I discovered a Snowy Owl which was very close (not 200 miles distant across a field). I took the one image in this post and then moved to the other side of the building. I was even closer, and the wind insured the bird could only take off right towards me. Fantastic! However, I then realized my camera would seem to be pointed right towards an apartment. Although I was not actually aiming towards their window, but ten feet above, I was not willing to risk spooking people out.  I left the area. My point, be cognizant of your location before taking photographs.

At home I have been enjoying some “red birds”. Both Common Redpolls and a Red-Belled Woodpecker are frequent visitors.

Northwoods Nordic Ski / Snowy Owl Trifecta!

I often talk about living in the Northwoods. I took these two GoPro videos on Tuesday afternoon within walking (or skiing) distance of my home and the films are evidence of my Northwoods environment! In fact the second video was taken while walking home. While I only skied 6.5 kilometers, given my five heart operations over the past year … and the fact that the ski required me to climb 400 feet in the first 3 kilometers, I was quite happy!!

I found the three Snowy Owls late the same afternoon of the videos … after cleaning up and resting a bit. On Wednesday (after these videos), we received yet another 1/2 foot of snow.

Amity Ski Trails 1 (video link for email subscribers)(30 second video)


Amity Ski Trails 2 (video link for email subscribers)(30 second video)


Snowy Owl #1 (apparently a card shark!)

Snowy Owl #2

Snowy Owl #3