My friends who are the human version of snowbirds have all left for points south, but here on the Arctic Riviera (i.e. Duluth, Minnesota on Lake Superior) the real snowbirds are arriving. Take a look at this range map from Cornell for the Long-Tailed Duck (an Arctic seabird), it could actually also be the range map for all three species featured in this post … Long-Tailed Ducks, Rough-Legged Hawks and Snowy Owls.

All three species are now present in the Northland. In fact, I hesitate to use the word, but folks are saying this might be an Irruption Year for Snowy Owls. Both the Wisconsin DNR and Project Snowstorm (In With a Bang) are speculating that the large white owls will be in abundance this winter. All I know, yesterday I saw a Snowy in Sax-Zim Bog … the second earliest date I have ever personally seen this species of owl. My sighting was not rare. Snowys are being seen all over the Northland, and more arrive every day. The shores of Lake Michigan stretching from the Upper Peninsula to Chicago are a hot area. Migrating owls follow this migration highway due south from Whitefish Point on both sides of Lake Michigan. Apparently two Snowy Owls are hanging out on the Windy City’s waterfront (Chicago).

First … yesterday’s star attraction in Sax-Zim Bog on Highway 7 … A Snowy Owl!

And Duluth’s local Long-Tailed Duck … I suspect the duck is grinning because all of the Zebra Mussels at McQuade Harbor.

Finally to end the Arctic Trio … another lover of Lemmings and Voles, a Rough Legged Hawk (also on Highway 7 in the Bog)

This Ring-Necked Pheasant had better watch out for the owl and hawk … just south of Meadowlands. I was looking for Snowy Owls on the farm land to the SW and West of Meadowlands.

And this hawk does not belong with this post, but what the heck … I call the photo “Down on the Farm Birding. Hopefully folks can figure out the name of this species. Look at the tail. I was recently visiting my 94 year young uncle in west central Iowa. He still helps with combining corn. Retirement, that is a word farmers do NOT know.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!