Dawn this morning saw me out for a kayak paddle on Northstar Lake. This lake is the first lake north of the Continental Divide. My cabin is in the Suomi Hills region of northern Minnesota, and the waters in my lake via the outlet are the first to flow north to Hudson’s Bay. All the lakes to our south, even just a few miles away flow south to the Gulf of Mexico.

I found this Common Loon wolfpack fishing together. Given the loon’s location on the lake, they were obviously fishing deep (100 feet deep where the birds were located). I suspect the loons were after ciscos. In some lakes Common Loons battle, even to the death, over fishing territory. Apparently there are lots of fish in Northstar Lake (at least if you are a loon!).

Northstar Lake Common Loon Wolfpack (fifth bird not pictured)

Video (link for email subscribers)

After watching the wolfpack from a distance of about fifteen yards I went over to inspect a nearby beaver mound. It was quite peaceful. Near the beaver’s home I found a newly hatched loon with its parents. It was obvious my presence was not desired, thus I bid a hasty adieu without taking any photographs of the loon family.

Northstar Lake Beaver Mound (video link for email subscribers)

Finally, while doing some chores last night at sunset these thunderheads showed their beauty. As the storms were all to my east they were of no concern.