It most likely hard for all “you southern folk” to understand but up here in Minnesota’s Canadian Border Region nesting site surveys are under progress, and in many cases the ladies have not yet even arrived on the scene! Northstar Lake is deep and cold. Our water flows north to Hudson’s Bay. The reeds and rushes have not yet broken the water’s surface and many waterfowl including loons will not nest till emergent plants provided both nesting opportunities and camouflage for those same nests.

This morning I went birding by water, car, and foot. Shortly after sunrise I visited a pair of Common Loons which will nest within 150 yards of my cabin. Poppa Loon swam within 3 feet of my pontoon boat, but he hates my red kayak. I always figured the smaller boat would be better for birding, but the birds have taught me otherwise. I slowly approach birds; turn off the motor, and drift. Calm mornings are desired!

Northstar Lake Common Loon

Trumpeter Swans were out for a morning feed, and also have not yet nested.

These male Wood Ducks (and one Ring-Necked Duck) had finished breakfast and now were grooming themselves around 7:15 am.

And a video of these ducks! (video link for email subscribers)

You’ve heard of “swimming with the dolphins” in Florida. Up here in northern Minnesota our equivalent is “swimming with the loons”. Every summer for the past 35 years, our loon family moves in next to us! (see post … Swimming with the Loons)