Excitement shortly after sunrise this morning! At least for me, but the Barred Owl was just trying to enjoy the sun’s warming rays on a cold winter’s morning (1F). I think that this bird is actually on a nest. Barred Owls love to nest in tree cavities. It is also amazing how much earlier in the winter that owls nest down in the Twin Cities area. I am visiting my daughter’s family, and back home on Amity Creek my own Great Horned Owls are still waiting for warmer weather, but they should also nest within two weeks.
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)
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!
“Smokey Finds a Rainbow” is getting closer! A March release date expected. I just approved the “proof copy” and the full production print run will start soon. In the meantime anyone may download a free full copy PDF version of my books. Smokey will also be available for free download in March. As always my goal is to break even on my books (not make money); thus pricing will be nominal.
Smokey Finds a Rainbow (front cover image): Smokey is a juvenile Great Gray Owl who flies around the northern forest. The owl wants to see its first rainbow. There are guest appearances by Magnus the Moose and Bert the Dancing Bear!
