Over the past two days I have had the pleasure of birding many of my favorite summer time haunts … from our own cabin on NorthStar Lake (southern most lake of the Hudson Bay Watershed) to north of Two Harbors. Get out in the Northwoods folks! The wildflowers are gorgeous, and the birding ain’t bad either!
My first stop was NorthStar Lake. I needed to get the cabin ready to receive my daughter and her family. My jobs ranged from mundane tasks liking changing the beds to more unusual activities including putting a new prop on the pontoon. Obviously a new propeller demands a shake down cruise!
Whereas Common Loons further south in Minnesota already have hatching chicks, a deep northern lake like ours is way behind its southern brethren. Common Loons like to nest in reedy areas, preferably next to islands which means protection from land-based predators. Remember, Common Loons are NOT able to takeoff from land or a stationary position. In fact, loons do not walk very well at all. Thus, you can understand their nesting preferences which include avoiding land. Given NorthStar Lake only iced out one month ago, reed protection and nesting is lagging this year.
With that huge preamble, I found two very cooperative loons which were courting.
Boy Sees Girl
Boy Meets Girl
Love!
On a Date … Fishing!
Moving along in my travels I spent time north of Two Harbors on Lake County 2 and Stoney River Forest Road. Relaxation was the name of the game, and for over an hour while on the forest road, I never saw another human … just birds.
Langley River (Summer)
And the changing seasons at Langley River … working our way back in time.
Langley River (early Winter)
Langley River (Fall)
Even at home, there is excitement. Last week I had noticed a White-Tailed Deer hanging around our yard and not showing any inclination to move. I mentioned to Molly this doe looked like it was about to deliver a fawn. Yesterday morning we were introduced to the youngster (seen from our house). Over the years the does have often left their fawns in our tall grass (well hidden) while they go forage. However, from our vantage point inside we are able to look down and see the young deer in their hiding spots.
