Tag Archives: MN North: Canosia Wildlife Area

Eagles, Hawks and Owls Taking Off!

Year 8

I haven’t posted much over the past few days because we had a humdinger of a winter storm here in the Northland. Yesterday when the sun finally came out I was marooned at our house. 60+ mph wind gusts brought down some pine trees which blocked my only exit from my small neighborhood. Just as well because I needed to shovel all the snow off the sidewalk and driveway.

However, this morning I escaped and arrived at Sax-Zim Bog a half hour before dawn. Perhaps that was not a great idea. The mercury was -18F. While the winds had finally abated the severely cold temperature is never great for birding.

On the way home I did find a very cooperative Rough Legged Hawk. See the very final image which will show you how you may know when a raptor is about to take off … within seconds! Cheers.

Look towards the bottom center of this image!!! At this point you would want to press the shutter down, and keep it down (continuous mode)

Birds on Ice

Year 8, , ,

Contrary to popular belief I very much enjoy watching birds other than owls! Yesterday was just such a morning as I captured “Birds on Ice!”. This new ice performance drama is brought to you every winter wherever food may be found. Unlike summer when birds disperse for nesting purposes, in the winter birds flock together and rarely fly far from a good food source. Todays food sources are:

  • Common Redpolls (visiting a thicket of loaded berry trees in the Canosia Wildlife Area): These little guys are all across the Northland, and as natural foods are consumed everyone should start to see them visiting feeders later this winter.
  • Mallards (all quacked up over a great joke): These wild ducks know that the domestic geese at the Forest Hill Cemetery get served corn. What’s good for the goose, is good for the ducks.
  • Mourning Doves (near my own bird feeders): I never used to think of these doves as a winter bird, but each year I have 10+ that winter in my own yard. They eat a Hoeg’s Cafe every morning, and hide from the bitter winds in the thicks pines and cedar trees.

Finally, while driving home from my late afternoon / early evening Snowy Owl experience, I realize the same calm winds and mild temperatures would make for a great night on the Duluth waterfront! The Federal Clyde, sailing under the colors of the Marshall Islands, loads its latest cargo about 9 pm last night.

 

Steam Shovel Sally’s Kids

Year 8

“Steam Shovel Sally’s” kids on Lavaque Road in the Duluth area are learning how to fly today). Lots of fun to watch, and unlike in the Olympics, the Osprey chicks are not earning perfect 10’s and sticking their landings. Still learning about upwind approaches! I suspect these young raptors will be fully fledged in a day or two, then come fishing lessons.

Ten years ago a gentleman than owns a construction firm hoisted a shovel high in the sky. Within two years the ospreys adopted “the bucket”!

The Eyes!

Take-Off!

Hanging Out (2 different birds)

Meanwhile Back at the Nest (three attempts to land)