Both my other photographs of Goldeneyes have been landscape photos from a distance. Thus, I decided it was time to get up close and personal. Hope I did not disturb their morning slumber!
It’s a good thing this decision was made today, because the amount of open water is rapidly decreasing on Lake Superior. This group found a small section of liquid H2O. You can also see why these ducks are named “goldeneye”!
Yesterday while down at Duluth’s Canal Park, I noticed that a flock of Goldeneyes would fly into the canal 20 to 25 minutes before dawn to start their morning feed in one of the few spots with open water (Lake Superior is 90% ice covered as of yesterday). The open water is due to the combination of current present in the canal as water flows out into Lake Superior, and our prevailing winds out of the west and northwest tend to push water away from the Duluth harbor which causes an upwelling of “warmer” water.
Regardless, it was a beautiful icy cold morning (0F with a 15 mph wind).
Yesterday’s bird study was of the common crow, black on white (Lake Superior ice). Today, this bird which rarely is the subject of bird photographs is featured in the study, black on orange. I believe it shows that often the common place is beautiful. Today’s photoshoot location was Canal Park which is the entrance to the Duluth, Minnesota harbor. The time was 15 to 30 minutes before sunrise, and the temperature was -10F with a decent wind. It was cold! However, one never succeeds in life with out a bit of adversity! I’ve included my other photo from this morning, the lighthouse that guards the harbor.
Black on Orange
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Canal Park
