Summer is finally here in the Northland, and while we may not have the scorching heat seen throughout most of the rest of the country, the amount of humidity in the air is now rising … which means Ground Fog. Most mornings now across northern Minnesota there will be ground fog present, which if I time my excursions wrong can mean I see very little on birding expeditions. However, most days the ground fog burns off quickly and time spent outdoors is most pleasant.

I personally know of five active Osprey nests, and each of those nests now have hungry youngsters. Within 7 to 14 days these new Ospreys will fledge. Here are three great Osprey nests to visit:

• Intersection of Hwy 53 & Hwy 8 in Twin
• Steam Shovel Sam and Sally on Lavaque Road (one mile east of Martin Rd)
• Canosia Osprey (West Lizmore Road at the trailhead where the road becomes private)

These images were actually taken on Itasca County #45 approximately one mile east of Minnesota #38. This nest is very near my cabin and I visited the nest location multiple times last week while up at our cabin.

Ground Fog Osprey (as the sun rises)

Other Osprey Pics

God was shining “night lights” over Northstar Lake. Starting 15 minutes before  sunset yesterday evening the family was treated to watching the last thunderheads move off to the east.

Then I got up at 1:30 am and caught these night lights shining over our small northwoods cabin … and there were NO mosquitoes while I was taking photographs down on the dock.

Happy 4th of July … Nature’s Fireworks!

This past Tuesday I was doing chores at my small Northwoods cabin in northern Minnesota. In the process I discovered a Eastern Phoebe Nest, a Northern Flicker nest hole with two chicks, and this Rose-Breasted Grosbeak chick which had just taken its first flight. The chick did not move for hours (needed to rest and have its wing muscles recover from a first flight), but Mom knew where it was located and fed the fledged youngster often.

The Feeding! (video link for email subscribers)

Only the male has the classic rose-breasted color. Mom and her young have good camouflage colors.

Where did Momma go??!