Tag Archives: MN Central

Winter Hike at Banning State Park

Year 8

Saturday morning it was -16F, but at we progress towards March 1st, the sun climbs higher and higher in the sky. Thus by early afternoon the mercury was in the mid 20’s with a brilliant blue sky. Days like the one described make me love winter, but it WAS a long cold snap.

Molly and I met our youngest son and his wife for a hike along the Kettle River. The fast water ensures that no matter how cold, there are still always openings in the river ice. I hope you enjoy the photograph and short video. Northern Minnesota is precious! We will continue to enjoy the milder weather this evening when we visit some friends for an outdoor barbecue.

Hiking next to the Kettle River (video link for email subscribers)

Snow Birds Return

Year 7, ,

The term “snow birds” normally refers to some of my fellow Minnesotans that spend their winters in Florida or Arizona, but in this case I use the words to call out some returning song birds to the Northwoods. My wife and I drove 100 miles south to meet our son and daughter-in-law for a “social distance hike”. During our hike I found some birds which I have not yet seen near Lake Superior, were enjoying the spring weather (50’s and bright sun).

Yellow-Rumped Warbler

Purple Martin (these birds do not live in my area … too cold)

In addition, I made a trip over to the Lester Golf Course ponds which are near my house. My poor Bluebird couple was trying to defend five bird houses from the recently arrived tree swallows.

Tree Swallows trying to take over a birdhouse

Blue-Winged Teal taking a migration break.

Finally all continues well over at the Great Horned Owl nest. These two siblings are really starting to walk around their “home” white pine. The first image was taken right at sunset last night. This morning I found the pair hanging out 20 yards away on the opposite side of the tree … and ten feet higher up … morning sun! Given they are not able to fly, it was quite the walk, but their talons now have great grip strength.

Sunrise Over America’s Heartland … Flyover Land!

Year 3

I live in Flyover Land! Back in March of 1976, the New Yorker Magazine’s cover was a cartoon of a New Yorker’s view of America. You’ll note in the image below … that cover from 1976, Minnesota is no where to be seen. In fact once one goes beyond the Hudson River, the next stop is California.
steinberg_new_yorker_cover

Very briefly this morning we had sunshine in Flyover Land, otherwise known as Floodwood, Minnesota.
floodwood-sunrise

I was driving through this town on my way to Aitkin County Road #18 where rumor had it a Northern Hawk Owl had been spotted. Well, other than 15 Bald Eagles and one Rough-Legged Hawk, the Hawk Owl was a no show. Such is the life a birder in Flyover Land. Here is one pic from this morning. I doubt many citizens of New York City know that Bald Eagles do not have white heads and tails for the first three years of their lives. Here then is … almost an adult!
y3-m11-aitkin-eagle