Black-Eyed Susan Bonanza! I took this photo just after sunrise this morning as the mist was burning off … a bit NW of Gowan, Minnesota along Hwy #2 (near Duluth). The wildflowers stretch as far as the eye can see along the pipeline right away (off the road a bit … one needs to pay attention). I had noticed the black-eyed susans  a few evenings ago while driving back from my cabin, and told myself I had to come back when I had great light.

After spending an hour “tiptoeing through the tulips”, I then found my friendly neighborhood “barn” owl. I now have permission to walk this farm, and the wait was oh so worthwhile!

Great Horned Owl (trying to be a barn owl!)

Did I mention this was a stupendous morning? I also visiting a fox den and watched the kits at play, till my attention was diverted by some Sandhill Cranes in a very photogenic location (pics coming). I love northern Minnesota!

I had a wild turkey of a time over at the fox den this morning!

Getting at 5 am for me now that the sun does not rise till 5:30 am gets me out in the woods when everyone else wants breakfast … including me but I skipped mine to not delay arriving just as the sun starts to kiss over the tops of the trees (about 6:15 am). While my “barn owl” was not in its favorite spot, other wildlife performed!

The first order of the day is a snooze in the early morning sun …

The next order on the agenda is to relax with your sibling … even helping with grooming

Finally, it was time for individual portraits. I am pretty certain there are only two kits.

I’ve really been hoping to see a meal delivered by one of the red fox parents, but so far no luck on that effort. Given how big the fox kits are, they will have to start hunting lessons very soon. Thus, I assume my time with the fox family will be limited.

Great time this morning … NW of Duluth but not Sax-Zim Bog. Found a fox den and an old barn with a Great Horned Owl. Here are fox kits #1 and #2.

The Fox Den! (two kits)

The Barn! (and the Great Horned Owl)

If the family who owns this barn stops by my blog, I took these two barn / owl photographs from the road with a very long optical zoom lens, plus also having digital zoom enabled. I did not walk your yard other than to drop off my card wedged in your door. (would love permission!).