Tag Archives: MN North: Two Harbors Highlands

Beauty in the Countryside

Year 10, ,

Life has been good to this intrepid wildlife lover over the past 48 hours. If viewing the wildflowers (Black Eyes Susans now appearing) as I cruise and walk the backroads and trails were not enough, beautiful birds keep jumping in front of my camera. One HUGE thing I love about northern Minnesota is the serenity and peacefulness I experience. It is not unusual to drive or hike for over 30 minutes without seeing another car on the road or human on the trail. In addition, no matter what you think you may see, nature provides a different playlist. Yesterday evening while birding an old apple farm just before sunset I was hoping to see Barred Owls I know live in the area. However, much to my surprise male Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers kept landing on fence posts a short distance away. I spent over 20 minutes with the sapsuckers!

Of course my own Great Horned Owls have entered into the equation. In the last 48 hours I have taken four hikes in the Lester / Amity Forest, and found the owls every time. The youngsters are now screeching softly as they beg for a meal.  Thus, if you recognize the sound it really helps find the owl family. In addition, the thimbleberry plants where I hike have leafed out and often provide evidence of owl whitewash on green leaves. Two evenings ago I found Mom Owl based upon the whitewash on the thimbleberry plants at the base of a white pine. I stopped, stared up and guess who was staring right down at me?!  I then paid attention to which way mom owl was looking most of the time and the location of one of the owlets was revealed 100 yards distant. 

Of course, even “ugly” can be beautiful. It would appear Turkey Vulture young have fledged if the number of vultures I am seeing now is any indication … and yes … turkey vultures can be beautiful!

Finally, did I mention wildflowers. Apparently Ruffed Grouse also like flowers. I think these yellow flowers are a kind a pea plant that grows commonly up here in the Northland on the sides of the road.

I was out this morning and had more unexpected finds, but that is a story for tomorrow! I need to work on the photographs I took this morning. Stay tuned …

Birding the Northwoods Seasons: Summer!

Year 10, ,

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.

 

More Ice Berry Birds: Pileated Woodpecker

Year 10

Five days ago I found a flock of migrating female Pine Grosbeaks enjoying Pygmy Crabapples, while yesterday afternoon a Pileated Woodpecker was enjoying red berries. Normally by March 26th (today) the winter woods are largely free of snow … not this year. There are still many feet of the white stuff on the ground. Thus, food still found on trees is a great prize. (actually the woodpecker was not very good at getting the crabapples … most fell on the ground)

Pileated Woodpecker Attempts to Eat Crabapples

The Movie (video link for email subscribers)