All posts by richardhoeg@gmail.com

New Life in the Northland!

Year 7,

I was lazy this morning. Rather than getting up to Sax-Zim Bog at sunrise (about 6:50 am), I did not even leave home till 7:10.  I decided today would NOT be a morning to hang out with Great Gray Owls (shortly after sunrise these birds call it quits till near sundown). Instead I was hoping some Spring weather patterns might bring early migrants.

While I was somewhat successful, the number of birds in the Bog was small. I finally found this pair of Trumpeter Swans at the only open water present, and that was not much (about 30 x 100 yards at an outlet to a lake). When another flocked of swans flew overhead these two birds made it obvious more swans was not a desirable outcome. This was their territory.

Upon getting home I took my daily hike over to my Great Horned Owl family. It is amazing to see how fast the owlettes are growing. This youngster posed for me with Mom. No problem maintain my social distance. I was by myself the entire time.

Owl Chicks Like Warm Days!

Year 7

After receiving 6+ inches of snow over the past two days, the weather has finally improved. Thankfully my owl family survived the high winds. The Great Horned Owl kids are starting to get rather large. When the air temps reach 40F and there is some sun, I am much more likely to catch a peek of the twins. Compare the largest chick’s growth from just four days ago!

Waiting Out the Slush

Year 7

For the last two days we’ve had a combination of snow, slush and rain here at the tip of Lake Superior. At times the winds gusted to over 40 mph. In short it was not a fun time to be outside. I did make a few hikes over to my owl’s nest, and thankfully the family survived the storm without any issues. As sun and calm winds return for the next two days (and quiet nights), I’m sure the owls will be busy making up for missed hunts. I am looking to spending time in the woods over the next two days. Maintaining a social six foot distance is easy. I don’t see anyone.

I took this video and photograph back on Friday, the last time we had sun. The ice bridge over the waterfall as finally broken away. The sounds of the waterfall and rapids are now ever present in our yard. We keep the window open at night in our bedroom and are lulled to sleep by the white noise.

The Deeps on Amity Creek (video link for email subscribers)