Tag Archives: MN North: McQuade Harbor

Northern Birds … Arriving Now!

Year 4,

The final migration wave of birds from northern Canada are starting to reach Minnesota. During today’s dawn bicycle ride up the shore of Lake Superior I saw both a Snow Goose, and Pipits. Both birds are always late migrants into our area.

Yesterday Molly and I took a final boat ride on NorthStar Lake. This gem of a lake, where we have a small cabin, is 100 miles NW of Duluth. The Common Loons are now in their winter plumage and should head south any day now. The Bald Eagles appear to have kicked their youngster out of the nest. Winter will be hear soon in the North Country.

My Trusty Steed … this morning’s bike ride

A Snow Goose makes a rare visit to our area

Your type is not desired here!

A fall plumage Common Loon

This Bald Eagle couple have kicked their youngster out of the nest!

A Black Bellied Plover … still in breeding plumage (video taken two weeks ago)

Reach Out and Grab Some Color!

Year 4, ,

Man has it been dreary recently in northern Minnesota. The skies are forever cloudy, and most of the birds that I’ve seen have been black and white (or brown). Arrgh! I needed a color fix which thankfully a local cardinal provided when I got home this morning!

Seriously, I should probably work the North Shore of Lake Superior harder, but I’m not interested in making the drive up to Grand Marais and back. Jim Lind and John Richardson are reporting some cool ducks at various river mouths and harbors between Two Harbors and Grand Marais. I suggest watching for their names via eBird (Lake and Cook Counties)

Color! Red: Cardinal in my yard next to Amity Creek

Black & White Bird #1: Goldeneye at McQuade Harbor

Black & White Bird #2: Bald Eagle “grabbing some color” inland from Two Harbors

The Robins of Frostbite Falls

Year 4

Yesterday was January 19th, a day in northern Minnesota when the normal average high is 20F. Instead, we topped out at 45F. Just one week ago the morning temperature was -20F. In short, this region is NOT an area where robins should be found in the winter. However, over the past week hundreds of robins have been seen in Duluth and along the north shore of Lake Superior. The photograph shown below was one bird out of a flock of 20 robins which I found foraging on some open grounds next to Lake Superior. I guarantee there are no worms to be found as the frost line is two feet deep in the soil. Thus, I have no idea what these birds were eating. It is worth noting that ten miles inland from the big lake there are two feet of snow on the ground, but not next to Lake Superior.

The other unusual aspect of this photograph is that I was birding by bicycle. My bike is a touring bike, not a winter fat tire bike. My cycling clothes will not keep me warm in the middle of winter; thus, I do not remember taking a bike ride in January. Strange.

Finally, here is one more photograph from my visit with a Snowy Owl earlier this week.