Tag Archives: MN North: Amity

Major Update to Minnesota Birding News

Background, Year 8

A major update has been implemented to the Minnesota Birding News Service (not an app anymore, but an online news service). Via this free service which I created two years ago and maintain for the Minnesota birding community, you are automatically informed (with a short synopsis of the new content) when any birding service from these categories posts new content:

  • Mn Bird Areas
  • Mn Bird Blogs
  • Mn Bird Orgs
  • USA Bird Blogs
  • USA Bird Orgs
  • Int’l Birding

Anyone already using the service should delete their content and download / install the OPML with today’s date (October 1, 2021).

For those of you who already have the service installed, there was a major change in Facebook’s format. Failure to replace your feeds will result in them failing to provide updates, if that in fact has not already happened.

Langley River Road

Year 8,

Everyone in Minnesota seems to know about the Gunflint Trail, and most likely the Sawbill Trail. While both of these roads are gorgeous, you need to drive way north before heading inland. There is an option much closer to Duluth. Take Lake County #2 north out of Two Harbors for 21 miles. Turn left onto Langley River Road and enjoy a true wilderness drive. The road was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the mid 1930’s, and it is very unlikely you will see even one other car (exceptions being hunting seasons). The dirt road is in excellent shape, and does not require four wheel or all wheel drive. Actually, drive 600 yards past the turn for the road. You will reach the Lake County 2 bridge over the Langley River where you may stop and enjoy the view. I took this photograph just minutes after the sun came above the treetops this morning.

Here is a map. Follow the loop indicated and enjoy your drive. This area is often a good region for watching Great Gray Owls in the late Fall and early Winter. Please note the road is NOT plowed in the winter.

I have also done some birding in the past 24 hours. Bald Eagles are migrating through the area (they also nest in our region). I found this individual near my house. It had just snacked on “roadkill cafe” (dead skunk).

Finally, I always head to Forest HIll Cemetery during the duck migration. I never know what I will see, but the results are often good. This kingfisher caught a minnow while I watching.

Another Owl Season Starts Now!

Year 8
Two nights ago at 3 am (September 1st), I was amazed to hear my local owl’s territorial hooting. Through the clear, calm night air, Poppa Great Horned Owl’s deep booming hoots entered through the open window into our bedroom. Last year I did not hear him till the end of October. In addition to Poppa, I heard half-hearted begging / screeching from one of this year’s owlets. I think the owlet knew the free lunches were pretty much done. If lucky, the youngster might get an occasional free meal. The parent owls are defining their territory in preparation for nesting come mid winter.
This morning I watched crows give Poppa Owl grief for ten minutes. When the crows grew bored and flew away, the owl took a nap. Upon waking up, he looked around to check for pesky crows. Not seeing any of the black birds, the owl flew deeper into its favorite pine grove.
In this pic, he is ruffling his feathers just prior to his stretch and flight. One might ask how I can tell the difference between Poppa and Momma owl. Even though the male is smaller than the female, it has a much deeper hoot sound. In addition, the male owl is shorter and smaller than the female great horned owl.