All posts by richardhoeg@gmail.com

North Shore Migration Cedar Waxwings

Year 11

While there were not a lot of different species of birds migrating down the North Shore yesterday, there were hundreds and hundreds of Cedar Waxwings. While inland from the big lake the wind was out of the south (poor for fall migration), as is often the case down at Lake Superior the wind was from the NE. Birds understand these weather patterns and one will often see migration next to the lake, but almost no birds 3 to 5 miles inland where the winds are not favorable.

Apparently some crows that were also at Stoney Point (about midway between Duluth and Two Harbors) took major umbrage with all the waxwings … see these first set of images. Other crows had started their dive bomb runs, which is why the waxwings are scattering.

Stoney Point (GPS Coordinates) is a most excellent spot for birding during the fall migration. The point (lava lows from ancient volcanoes) sticks out into Lake Superior, which means birds tend to fly by the point. Make certain you spend significant time on Alseth Road (dirt road between Stoney Point Drive and Scenic 61). This road tends to get most of the bird action.

More Stoney Point Cedar Waxwings

A Broad-Winged Hawk Hunts Early in the Morning (just uphill from Two Harbors)

Power to the People (or Pileateds!)

Year 11

I was hiking near my home today when I heard the “tap … tap … tap” of a woodpecker, but the time between each “tap” was extended and loud. For me this means a Pileated Woodpecker is near by. I was not disappointed.

If you watch the video you will learn … just like I did … Mom is still giving lessons to her youngster.

Video Link for eMail Subscriber (Power to the Pileateds)

One more note … and a HUGE vote for automated back-ups for your various computer systems. I follow this rule and spend about $100 per year for automated backups for both this blog and my computer. Yesterday and over night it paid dividends in a most handsome way. There was a problem with the self generated code on this web site (not caused by me). I figured out the cause and early this morning while lying in bed at 5:45 I restored this blog to its pre-damaged shape in less than five minutes.. I also backup my computer nightly, and even found a service to backup GMail. As a retired techie you should invest in these services.

Red-Breasted Nuthatches & Black Spruce Cones

Year 11

I drove over to McDavitt Road at sunrise this morning. There had been scattered reports of White-Winged Crossbills. I had hoped throughout my multiple stops and walks I would find crossbills, but I could only find these Red-Breasted Nuthatches enjoying seeds for breakfast, or possibly picking bugs off the pines. Within a few hours smoke from Canadian wildfires invaded the Northland. Thus, I knew I had to be out early to enjoy a blue sky. This tool from the US Government is one of the main ways I track smoke plumes (also useful for when Northern Lights are in the offing). Zoom in and Out … allow your location: Fire and Smoke Map.