The Pine Grosbeaks of Pine Island State Forest (and more)

With this post I will finally catch up on photographs. Over the past week seeing all the Owls and Northern Lights had really put me behind in more than just sleep. Thus do to an unexpected gap in our schedule, I am considering a return to Big Falls tomorrow including a one night stay. One might ask, what motivates me to drive three hours when Sax-Zim Bog is only 50 minutes from my doorstep??

  • Birds! (winter finches are staying up near the border)
  • Minimal snow on the ground. Often by this time of year the back country is impossible to access
  • Good weather … no snow, moderate winds and a day each of sun and clouds (I like both as it leads to different birding outings)

Here is the final report from last week’s trip to the Pine Island State Forest (previous post: When Great Gray Owls Outnumber Humans)

Pine Grosbeaks (very few of these birds down by Duluth)

Bald Eagle (they’re everywhere)

Rough-Legged Hawk (the numbers this fall are amazing)

Canada / Gray Jay

2 thoughts on “The Pine Grosbeaks of Pine Island State Forest (and more)

  1. Thanks Bob! As a fyi, most of my songbird images use the Sx-70, while for larger birds including raptors I tend to use my Sony A6300. Finally for “dumb birds” like Spruce Grouse which let me get very, very close, I use my Sony.

    Don’t let the Spruce Grouse know I called them dumb! They might be offended. I normally can approach within 10 feet prior to hunting season.

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