The snow buntings, the last large migration of birds from the Arctic region, are starting to work their way into the Duluth region. Yesterday, a bit north of town, I saw a flock of over 250 buntings. Thus, this afternoon I went down to Park Point which creates the Duluth Harbor and searched for a smaller flock. As these birds spook very easily, it is impossible to get near large flocks. Thankfully I found a small group of six birds, and so very carefully worked my way close to their afternoon feed. This small bird is almost pure white in the Summer while mating, and still quite pretty in its winter plumage. Learn more via Cornell.

Afternoon Feed!

Looking for Danger … Above and Around!

Video

I drove down to the end of Park Point and arrived shortly before sunrise. A few minutes before dawn I noticed a Merlin catch a Slate Colored Junco. Photographic conditions were tough as the sun was still about 10 minutes from popping above the horizon …

Once the sun came up I noticed some American Golden Plovers out on the ball fields having breakfast. I was able to get closer than normal because the sun was right behind me (sunup). Note the sun reflected in the plovers eyes. They could not see me as I approached out of the sun!

While walking back to the car I saw a Red Fox in the distance. It took a while, but finally I managed to gain a location where I could watch “red” without spooking her. Twas neat to watch the fox do its morning grooming and occasionally play with some sticks.

Red Fox Video

Tomorrow Molly and I leave on the Liberation Tour, a 1,200 to 1,400 self-support bicycle tour. Hopefully as we bike the northern Great Lakes in addition to some great scenery we will also find a few migrating birds. Hope to stop by Whitefish Point on the eastern end of Lake Superior. Here is our planned route:

If you wish to follow our bike tour, in addition to this blog, my wife will be blogging about our experiences. In Molly’s case, she is actually a professional writer, often featured in Lake Superior Magazine. In other words, she writes better than me! In addition, I will be updating a bike diary on the portal, Crazy Guy of a Bike.

• Liberation Tour: Molly’s Blog
• Liberation Tour: Bike Diary on Crazy Guy on a Bike

This morning was my last chance for some local birding. The Park Point Recreation Fields were busy with migrating birds, particularly shorebirds. Had a nice chat with Tom Samuelson who was up from the Twin Cities. Check out his images, including the Merlin. His pics are definitely better than mine!

In addition to Tom, a Duluth friend and professional photographer was also standing next to me. He took some FANTASTIC photographs of the Merlin attack. It’s worth checking out Mike’s Facebook page (no FB account required) or his own web site. Mike shows me quality to strive for in my images. I’ve also included his web site:

• Mike Furtman: Facebook Site | Web Site

And now on to my images … perhaps I’ll need to upgrade my camera and lens one of these days?!

Semi-Palmated Plover

Merlin Kills Sandpiper

Short Billed Dowitcher

American Golden Plover

American Widgeon