Tag Archives: MN North: Canosia Wildlife Area

Re-Engaging with Warmth … Birds “Loving” It!

Over the past few days, the winds out of the Northeast off Lake Superior have blown themselves out, and warm southern winds have taken over in the Northland. With this change of wind direction, along with a few showers, the first bug hatches have occurred and the local flora and fauna have begun to get ready to raise families.

Two days ago, I drove up to NorthStar Lake which is a bit shy of the Minnesota / Canadian border. We own a small cabin on Federal forest land which is our special place in the wilderness. In addition to chores such as setting up the water system (i.e. wading out into the lake … 40 degree water), I took my first kayak paddle and said hello to our local loon family. I look forward to seeing their chicks in late June and early July.

Yesterday, the south winds blew fiercely and for a short time in the afternoon our local temperature (95F) was warmer that Death Valley, California! Go figure!? With the warm weather and bug hatch the first warblers have returned to the woods, and the local Osprey and Great Blue Heron families are getting on with family planning!

Sunrise Rainbow … on the way to the cabin.
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My first Common Loon photo of the season
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Cabin Scenes … Good Books! / Dock in the Water / Back Yard
(in addition to some classics, books by my friend, Outdoor writer, Sam Cook)
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Ospreys Making Love!
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Setting Up the Nest (Great Blue Heron)
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A Porcupine Watches all the Bird Families
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Brown Thrashers Sings out for Spring! (2 different birds)
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Canosia State Wildlife Refuge – Opsreys & Great Blue Herons!

Here in northern Minnesota, given ice out finally occurred, birds who eat fish have returned. Yesterday evening I hiked back into a rookery with the goal of determining whether my friends were back. Yes!

Thus, this morning I set out before dawn and ended back at Canosia. After a hike  I arrived at the rookery. The Great Blue Herons and Ospreys tolerate each others presence. Such was NOT the case when a local bald eagle dive bombed the herons, but struck out on obtaining breakfast.

The Ospreys nest must be prime real estate. At one point I saw from a distance four male birds sitting on the nest and calling out to attract a female! Still it was fun when I got closer to see the remaining three squabbling over who got to keep the nest. A video may be found of the “trio” at the bottom of this post.

Squabbling Ospreys
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Great Blue Herons at the Rookery
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The Lazarus Camera! Great Blue Heron Food Fight!

The Lazarus Camera! Those of you who saw my post yesterday afternoon will appreciate the title. The rice did the trick!

Parents, ever had a day like the one experienced by this Great Blue Heron?! The kids show no table manners and fight over food!

This morning I hiked in to a Great Blue Heron Rookery. Unlike yesterday, I did not get caught in a downpour / thunderstorm. I did hike through underbrush, wade through knee deep water, and ultimately picking a number of woodticks off me, but it was worth it! The swamp / marsh is a great place this time of year … just be prepared for bugs!

Food Fight!
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And the Winner!
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The Scene!
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Patiently Waiting for Mom or Dad
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Meanwhile elsewhere in the swamp … an Osprey and Ring Necked Ducks
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