Tag Archives: MN Central

Western Grebes Dancing!

Year 9

Have you ever seen Western Grebes Dancing? If not, or you would just like to see this great spectacle once again, I have personally arranged a tour conducted by the locals on Lake Osakis (west central Minnesota … Osakis, Minnesota). For years the Grebes have danced as they courted on Lake Osakis. While there is no charge to take the boat tour (an 11 passenger pontoon boat), a donation to the Alexandria Area Let’s Go Fishing organization is HIGHLY encouraged! There is NO guarantee the Grebes will dance for us, but we will be visiting during the window when mating normally occurs.

You MUST contact me by email ASAP, and the spots are on a first come, first serve basis. My email address is RichardHoeg{at sign}GMail.com. You should be able to figure the email address out, but automated webbots cannot!

Basic details (specific details provided upon confirmation):

  • Wednesday, May 25th at 9:30 am on Lake Osakis (meet at 9:15 am)
  • Depending upon demand, another tour might run in the early afternoon.
  • No bad weather dates!

Photo Credit: Audubon.Org

The Owl Next Door! (A Talk by Me!)

Background, Year 9

Does everyone have spring fever? This winter has been cold and long. Thus, what could be better than to escape to a small organic farm a bit north of the Twin Cities on Saturday … enjoy homemade hard cider while I speak about the Amity Owls! Assuming the weather permits, you would also be able to walk around the farm and visit the maple syrup operation in progress. The talk will be in Sapsucker Farms modern cider barn with plenty of warm space. Although you are welcome to bring your own food, the farm will have a food truck present serving “Fireman’s BBQ”! This is a great family friendly event. My talk is just part of Sapsucker Farm’s Spring Day! Learn more.

  • Sapsucker Farm’s Spring Day: Saturday, March 26th
  • Time: 12:00 to 8:00 pm
  • The Owl Next Door Talk (me): 2:00 pm
  • Learn more via Sapsucker Farm’s web site.
  • Cost: Free!
  • Address: 2752 215th Avenue, Mora, MN 55051
  • Google Maps Link
  • Download a free PDF copy of my book, Do You Hoot?

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)