It may be April 5th, but do NOT tell Lake Superior. There were 60 mph winds overnight and heavy snow. My yard at the northern edge of Duluth still has 2+ feet of snow on the ground.
Around the point from the crashing waves, our cold water surfers were at play. They dared not surf out at the point … normally their favorite local spot. (winter waves videos for email subscribers … Video1 | Video2)
The Arctic Riviera lived up to its name this morning! I was actually out birding between Duluth and Two Harbors along Scenic 61 looking for Bohemian Waxwings in fruit trees when a raft of surfers caught my attention. By northern Minnesota standards it was a great morning … crystal clear and sunny with zero wind (temperature was -6F). The surfers were enjoying the rolling waves at Stony Point which resulted from yesterday’s winter storm. Yup, there is a dedicated group of individuals who surf the Great Lakes, braving Lake Superior’s 36F degree water.
While I was photographing the surfers, a gentleman came over to my car. He asked if he might photograph me while I was photographing the surfers! Turns out there was a team of two folks (writer and photographer) doing a story for the Wall Street Journal! Yup, our Arctic Riviera reputation is getting around the United States.
Surf City USA on the Arctic Riviera (at Stony Point)
The Movie (link for email subscribers)
Two still images … photography was difficult due to the angle of the sun.
In case you missed my other Arctic Riviera post this week, here is just one of my images from that post which I named Arctic Mound Snowy Owl Take-Off. The State of Minnesota is using this Snowy Owl photo from my post for their official tourism site.
That’s it for today, and so long from the Arctic Riviera!
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Late yesterday afternoon I drove over to Sax-Zim Bog. After two nights of horrible weather with 40+ mph wind gusts, and rain the first night, I thought the Great Gray Owls would be out before sunset and hungry. After all, the prior two nights should have made successful hunting very difficult.
Apparently one of the local Bog owls was in tune with me, but it wasn’t a Great Gray. Shortly before sunset I found this Great Horned Owl starting its evening hunt. I got all excited because if the owl would only hold still for about five minutes (often happens), I would be able to work my way through the forest and get the bird lined up with the essentially full moon … orange given the early hour. Not!
My other failure this week was not finding Boreal Chickadees at Stoney Point on Sunday. Apparently these little guys are erupting southward this season, but I could only find Black-Caps in the early morning light.
Flinally, be aware there is a winter storm watch for the Northland starting Thursday. Thus, many of the backroads could become very difficult, if not impossible for driving. Remember, if you find a dirt road plowed, there is a very strong possibility of logging taking place in the near vicinity. Logging trucks do NOT backup. These roads are single laned, and you should be prepared to back up your car a looonnnng ways.
My presentation about birding in Sax-Zim Bog and Northeastern Minnesota is ready for my two Chicago area talks later this week. Here is the link. I would be happy to present for other birding organizations. While my time is donated, I do expect the sponsoring organization to cover my expenses.