All posts by richardhoeg@gmail.com

Snowy Owls and Ships!

Year 5,

I love to work the “dark side”! This fact means I am often out and about before sunrise, or getting into position before dark. Given Snowy Owls have returned from way up north to winter on the Arctic Riviera here in Duluth, I visited Superior at sunset. The Richard Bong regional airport and its surroundings is a great place to see Snowy Owls. Approximately 45 minutes before sunset the owls wake up and get ready for their evening hunt. Check out the tops of light posts and signs near the airport while looking for Snowies. A drive through the Tri-State fair grounds right across from the airport is always a good idea.

I took this photo last night just before sunset.

After some time with Snowy I drove over to Skyline Drive in Duluth. Prior research via my Marine App indicated the Michipicoten (ore boat) would be arriving in Duluth at 5:30 pm (one hour after sunset). I knew the Bentleyville Christmas lights turn on at 5:00 pm, and thought the combination of the Michipicoten steaming into the harbor would make a nice holiday image!

First of the Year Snowy Owl

Year 5

15 minutes before sunrise, I struck paydirt! November 15th is a bit early to find a Snowy Owl in the Duluth area, but who is complaining. It was a great morning. Taking a photograph this long before sunup is a bit challenging. Thankfully owls tend to often sit very, very still. Even with a rather motionless subject and an ISO setting of 1,600, I could only get an exposure setting of 1/40th of a second. However by sunrise the owl was calling it quits for the day and no longer hunting.

Bogging it with Baldy!

Year 5

Yesterday was a great day to visit Sax-Zim Bog. I had been studying the weather forecast and had picked my visit based upon the weather. At sunrise I was due to have light clouds and wind (perfect for owling), but later in the morning the golden orb was due to make an appearance. Quite frankly if you are planning a winter trip to the Bog and have the option of delaying for perfect weather, follow my example. While I did not find any Great Gray Owls yesterday, the subdued light and wind optimizes the opportunity of finding this majestic bird. Remember,GGO’s hunt using their hearing. If its too windy, they can not hear mice and voles running beneath the snow (yes … the ground is already snow covered with a few inches of the white stuff).

Once the sun came out I turned my efforts to “daytime birds”, which is when I found Baldy. This eagle let me get fairly close, and then I waited. Eventually my Bald Eagle decided to take flight, and I was ready. These three images represent about 1/3 of a second. Houston, we have lift-off!

After my photo session with the Bald Eagle it was time to hike the Warren Nelson Bog. This piece of land has a boardwalk which first allowed me to get deeper into the woods with less effort. Stopping every 50 yards I listened for the tap – tap – tapping, and soon found not one but two Black-Backed Woodpeckers. From over 200 yards away, their telltale tapping as they flaked bark off trees was a giveaway to their location. Once again, calm winds were key. If the wind speed is much above 5 mph, the creaking of the spruce and tamaracks make it impossible to wind these woodpeckers by listening. Here are both the male (yellow on head) and female Black-Backed Woodpeckers.

If you are going to visit Sax-Zim Bog, remember to use my Google Maps add-in (free, no account or software install required). My map will help you know where to find birds, and the bathroom (outhouse)! The other thing that impressed me with my visit yesterday to the Warren Nelson Bog (part of Sax-Zim) were all the rabbit tracks … a HUGE number. I know that two Great Horned Owls have been seen at this locale, and I now understand the reason … lots of prey. I will be back within the month at sunset.

Right now it is 5:50 am. Time to get ready and go look for some sunrise Snowy Owls. Wish me luck.