Tag Archives: MN North: Sax-Zim Bog

Hooked Beak Birds

Year 6

Question: Ever wonder why White-Winged Crossbills have a hooked beak?

Answer: To pry open cones on Tamaracks and Spruce!

Red Crossbills and White-Winged Crossbills are some of the only birds which are able to pry open the cones from Tamarack Pines and Black Spruce trees … our two common trees found in Sax-Zim Bog. Yesterday morning I saw about 40 crossbills enjoying a morning breakfast. In addition, once again they pointed out to me where the Northern Hawk Owl was minding his own business in search of voles.

White-Winged Crossbills

One final image … my two eldest grandchildren visited this past weekend. They saw their first owl … a Snowy!

Black-Backed Woodpecker Strike!

Year 6

And to think I saw it on Mulberry Street! Well … McDavitt actually, but this is still one cool road. (Mulberry Street link points to cute YouTube video)

Later this Common Redpoll looking quite uncommonly good joined the parade!

Finally, I am proud to announce that my second children’s book, Hey There Mr. Owl!, is a finalist for the Northeastern Minnesota Book Awards. As with my first book, I collaborated with Susan Larson Kidd. The winner in the children’s book category will be announced in May. (read an excerpt and/or purchase book)

Gray Jays Attacking a Northern Hawk Owl!

Year 6
Sometimes the owls find you!
 
This morning I was taking a stroll down McDavitt Road in Sax-Zim Bog (crystal clear, no wind, and -12F). For about ten minutes I watched a Black Backed Woodpecker, and then directed my attention to some Gray Jays arriving on the scene (west side of road … 400 yards north of South Logging Road Trail).
At that point I heard a major commotion behind me, and saw that the Northern Hawk Owl had come out to hunt, which was not appreciated by another pair of Gray Jays which were on the east side of the road. Just a few minutes earlier I had watched these two jays, and there definitely was not an owl around … which led to this sequence of photos! (all from the same attack sequence)  I also saw Redpolls, a Hairy Woodpecker, and even the Black Backed Woodpecker decide to take bombing runs at the owl. However, the Gray Jays were by far the most persistent.
 
This morning’s events were just another reason I like to get out and walk! Better yet, this escapade was a private performance for me!
Gray Jay (Canada Jay) Attacking a Northern Hawk Owl
One Gray Jays takes a bow while the other sings out!
The Northern Hawk Owl eventually moved to this Black Spruce.