Tag Archives: MN North: Canosia Wildlife Area

And Yet More Grassland Birds

Year 9,

As I have noted in many posts over the past week or so … it’s heavenly out in the countryside between the wildflowers and birds. If you have the opportunity, drive Scenic 61 between Duluth and Stony Point. The Lupine are at their peak. Purple will rule the day, and I am not even a fan of Prince! đŸ™‚

One early morning stop is the intersection of Stebner and Martin Road. Two Broad-Winged Hawks were sitting within yards of each other … which implies there has to be a nest in the vicinity. The big dead tree upon which one hawk was perched starts an area which was logged a few years back. The logging company left a decent number of deadheads, snags and other trees. This area (Google Maps link) will only get better for birding in the months and years ahead. If you visit, then drive further on Martin Road to Lavaque Road (next intersection in about one mile). Turn right and go visit Steam Shovel Sally (on left about one mile along the road). Finally, notice the American Goldfinch which photobombed the last Broad-Winged Hawk image! A few minutes later I saw a flock of goldfinches take a very large detour around the hawk.

Broad-Winged Hawk

For the past month I have attempted many times to get both good views, and photographs of Meadowlarks. Their melodious song is a beautiful part of driving Wisconsin 13 towards Cloverland. Take any back dirt road, and enjoy their song. I like Windy Lane.

Eastern Meadowlark

Tree Swallow

Northland Osprey Check-In!

Year 9

When the rain moved through the area much earlier than forecast this morning, I decided to go check out the three osprey nests that are near my home. All three couples focus their fishing efforts in the Canosia Wildlife Management Area … or just outside it.

The Twig couple surprised me the most. Today is the last day of June, and they appeared to be courting in progress. While our spring was cold, and ice out was extremely late, today would be extremely late to lay eggs. However, the male was definitely bringing sticks back to the nest and smashing them into the female’s back … real romantic, huh?!

I found Steam Shovel Sam and Sally hanging out together (he is the osprey on the right). I was rather surprised once again when he left the nest with a sunfish. I would have expected the fish was a meal for his missus, or the little ones, but it appears he flew to the nest with the sunnie, and then left. Hmmm … I don’t think I ever took Molly out for dinner while we were courting, and then took her meal away w/o giving her a chance to eat!

The third nest was normal boring … thus no pics.

Eagles, Ospreys and Owls … Oh My!

Year 9,

Sorry my fingers pressed publish too quickly with the prior post. As noted a day or two back I am having issues with my computer. The short term solution challenges me.

Perhaps I also should have named this post Raptor Rhapsody! Yesterday was nature’s music, and finally there were major signs of spring in the Northland. While Lake Superior’s water is still hanging in there in the high 30’s F., and none of the local lakes have yet experienced ice out (anyone for ice fishing opening weekend??!), there were definitely signs that made a person smile:

  • Ospreys have returned to our area, including Steam Shovel Sally!
  • Immature Bald Eagles are trying to claim some territory
  • Mom Great  Horned Owl left the nest for the first time in two months
  • Common Redpolls exited the area for the sub-Arctic, and I went from filling my six feeders 3+ times per day to a few days on … my feeders are still quite full.

Here is Steamshovel Sally’s cousin during a take-off. The ospreys live about five miles apart. (last image is a preening fluffle)

Notice the difference between the first photographs and the very last image of the Great Horned Owl family. Mom is missing! By this morning she was back on the nest, but the owlets are large enough now that both owl parents must hunt to take care of the growing family. In the first three images the largest owlet is having some lunch, and based upon its talon the youngster is NOT sharing with its sibling.

Lunch time videos … white noise are the rapids right next to the nest, and the wind gusting in off Lake Superior. (video links for email subscribers: one | two)

This Bald Eagle is at the “Frito Bandito” stage. The coloration of its plumage suggests this bird is between 3 and 4 years old, and will soon be an adult with a white head and tail.

Finally … I LOVE this sign because is says ME all over it! Somewhere in the boreal forest of northeastern Minnesota on a very remote dirt road this morning.