My beaver is still hanging around at the mouth of the Lester River. Now that the current has slowed considerably and the water temperatures have risen, the river is starting to yield some fun quick birding trips from my home. The mergansers are often found in the river feeding on newly spawned fish, and small bugs. The kingfishers are actively feeding which means their young will soon appear.

Oh … yes, and my beaver. I was surprised to find Mr. Beaver (or Mrs. Beaver) in the river three days ago. I do not think of Lester River as being prime beaver habitat, and said mammal had to swim quite a ways on Lake Superior to reach the mouth of this river (the barrier falls would have prevented a downstream arrival).

I like to arrive at the river a few hours after sunrise. Given the deep ravine, there is very little light on the river till the yellow orb gets a bit higher. As it is, I am still always dealing with low light photography. Thus, before heading to the river I explored some local highways this morning where this American Kestrel was most cooperative.

Here are some of my finds over the past few mornings “down in the ravine”!

Lester River Beaver (Mmmm Good!)

Common Merganser Family

Research Vessel, Blue Heron (seen from the mouth of the river)

Beaver Videos (video1, video2)