The bigger and deeper lakes in northern Minnesota are finally freezing over. This has pushed a huge number of Goldeneyes south and they are now hanging out in the Duluth harbor. The harbor is also starting to refreeze, which means for those of you who like opportunities to observe “eyes” from up close, that is becoming quite possible from the 1890 Interstate Bridge and the Aerial Bridge Piers.

Also found this Snowy Owl enjoying the sleet this morning down in the Port Terminal area. I suspect it does not mind having more food sources around!

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All my summer friends have flown south, and my winter visitors are few and far between this year. While my feeders are incredibly busy with the normal suspects (chickadees, nuthatches, and the woodpecker trio … downy, hairy & red-bellied), the huge flocks of winter redpolls and pine siskins are not present this year (at least so far). The great gray owls have been non-existent.

At sunset the mercury soared to 47F, which is unheard of for northern Minnesota in December. Thus, what is a birder / photographer to do? In my case, the answer was mallards. Photographers love the golden hour of photography … that time when the sun is almost horizontal to the earth throwing off beautiful golden light and shadows. Have you heard of the golden minutes? These photographs were taken 10 to 15 minutes before sundown! Notice all the December snow and ice. Not!

Yesterday morning I realized after my trip north from Duluth the prior morning that the final duck migration had to be starting now! North of Isabella all the ponds were iced over, and the lakes were rapidly losing their open water to ice. Frozen water meant all remaining ducks had to push south. Thus, at sunrise I drove down to Minnesota Point and the Duluth harbor did not disappoint. All my favorite ducks were present, with the first HUGE movement of goldeneyes into our area. Here are a few sunrise photo reflections.

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Buffleheads!

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Goldeneyes!

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Hooded Mergansers!

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Redheads (Dive, Captain, Dive!)