Tag Archives: MN North: Lakewood

Owls, Eagles & Kayaks

Year 9,

Although this morning would be another grand morning to search for hungry raptors, I need to be at home to sign for a package … a new tool for my birding quiver … a folding kayak. Oru Kayak makes a boat that folds up Origami style, and only weighs 25 pounds. The theory is I can easily throw this kayak in the back of my Subaru Outback, and area lakes and streams will now be even more available to me. It is my combined Christmas & Birthday present. I will post a review when our “white water” disappears this spring. In the meantime, I am acquiring the Beach LT model. Here is a video review from a gentleman who has 53k subscribers to his YouTube channel (video link for email subscribers)

However, now on to the star of our show, the Great Gray Owl. I promised more images from yesterday morning’s hunt up in Sax-Zim Bog.

Great Gray Take-Off (unsuccessful hunt)

Great Gray Owl Post Blizzard Winter Scenes (maximizing images is recommended)

And now back to our Bald Eagle Food Fight from the prior afternoon … Sharing is NOT allowed.

This is how it started!

This is how it ended!

Bald Eagle Food Fight!

Year 9
Food Fight! After two days of a Blizzard up here in the Northland, the raptors are hungry. Only the “top eagle” gets to eat first! The winds are supposed to die down by tomorrow morning. Thus, assuming back roads are plowed, I will be out before sunrise. There should be lots of action from hunters who have had to fast for the past 48+ hours. This sequence of photographs were taken this afternoon, and cover less than 2 seconds in real time.

Can’t we just be friends?

Bald Eagles of the Northland

Year 9

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving, and has the opportunity to get some birding in after “eating the bird!”.  Two days ago my local bald eagles had a small convention … enjoying the morning sun while blocked from the strong NW wind. Remember, as the temperature falls and the winds rise in the winter, raptors in particular will almost always perch where they are both warmed by the sun, but protected from the cold NW winds.

The third Bald Eagle is an immature bird likely two years of age or younger. In the third year Bald Eagles start to get more white markings; normally by the fourth year an eagle has the classic white head and tail.