Tag Archives: MN North: Brighton Beach

Day 094: Crex Meadows Wildlife Refuge

Year 1,

Although Spring has not arrived on the shores of Lake Superior (see first photograph taken at dawn this morning), a short drive 70 miles to the south yielded a glimpse of some of the birds waiting to invade northern Minnesota in a week or two when snows and ice melt a bit more. Crux Meadows is a 30,000 acre+ wildlife refuge with over 250 species of birds. The rare sedge marsh and brush prairie habitats make the area a utopia for wildlife, These photographs represent just a few of the birds we saw today. 

Some nice comments about today’s birding … we saw lots of Trumpeter Swans. When I was young, they were almost extinct with only 40 breeding pairs in North America. In addition, I saw my first Common Loon of the season. This is a favorite bird of mine, and also the State Bird of Minnesota.

Sunrise Over the Arctic Ocean! (Canadian Geese on Lake Superior)
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Blue-Winged Teals
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Northern Shovelers
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Killdeer
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Trumpeter Swan
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Common Loon
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Purple Martins
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Ring-Necked Duck
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Day 082: Chukar Chills at Dawn

Year 1, ,

In the pre dawn light, the wind was blowing in excess of 20 mph, and the temperature fell to 15F. In short, it was a cold mid April morning in northern Minnesota. However, although the chill factor reminded me of January, I decided to head out before sunrise for some photographing at 5:40 am Wow! I’m glad I skipped the normal sleep, and braved the cold.

Today’s bird is a Chukar. Say the word fast with a guttural accent and both this bird’s name and look / attitude reminds me of Klingons! It’s amazing I even saw a Chukar on the shores of Lake Superior. According to All About Birds from Cornell, this guy belongs in the western Rockies. Thus, he was a rare find on rocky shores of the big lake.

The morning was actually provided a wealth of photo opportunities. Before my photo session with Mr. Chukar, I watched and photographed some lake freighters arriving at the Duluth harbor in the dawn light. The US Coast Guard ice breaker had helped them cross Lake Superior which is still 75% ice covered.

After my photoshoot with the lakers, I drive to a small creek which empties into the Duluth harbor. This creek provides a small bit of open water, and the geese and gulls were enjoying the early morning sun. All in all, it was a great morning!

Chukar on Brighton Beach
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High Bridge Geese and Gulls
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Laker in the Pre-Dawn Light
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