All posts by richardhoeg@gmail.com

Red-Throated Loon Reprise

Year 4

If you’ve followed my blog for a while, you know that I really wanted to see a red-throated loon either here in Duluth this northward migration season on Lake Superior, or during my trip to Lake Michigan in mid April. I failed on all counts to find this bird, but I have another chance this year … my Yellowhead Bicycle Tour! In a little over one month Molly and I will spend a bit over three weeks bike touring from Prince George through the Canadian Rockies down to the Pacific Ocean at Prince Rupert. Upon arriving at the coast, we will ferry out to the islands formerly know as the Queen Charlotte Islands. Our entire route, and Graham Island are all within the loon’s summer range. Stay tuned!

Here is a map of our route, which Molly made (see her blog with our “ride” announcement), and a few “friends” I saw during yesterday’s training bike ride!

Herring Gull … waiting for fish to get washed down to it … Talmedge River

Eastern Wood Phoebe

Red Fox

Signs of Summer: Steam Engines and Lupine!

Year 4

The frozen Northland is frozen no more. In fact, summer is now just around the corner. In addition to birds, tourists are returning to the area! The NorthShore Scenic Railroad finished the restoration of Historic Steam Engine #28 (Duluth and Northeastern Railroad). While on a bike ride this afternoon up the NorthShore I chanced upon the steam engine out for a Sunday drive. While my ride was a workout, I always carry a camera with me. I adjusted my route and mileage and enjoyed a few miles of biking along #28! In a sure sign of Summer, I found some early blooming lupine … truly a Kodak Photo Moment when combined with the steam engine!

I also took a three videos. In the first video you get to hear the whistle. In the second one gets a close-up of the drive wheels, and in the final video the lupine appear. Ah … summer!

Northland Love!

Year 4, , ,

Although our weather can be highly variable … with temperature drops of 30 degrees when the wind shifts off Lake Superior, our local populace has been busy either raising families, or making preparations.

Merlin Hunting for Breakfast (mouth of Lester River on Lake Superior)

Mom Always Liked You Best! (Trumpeter Swan family at MacQuarrie Wetlands)

My Cover Appears to be Blown!

Snapping Turtle Laying Down Eggs

Calling Out for a Mate (Wilson’s Snipe at the Roy Johnson Wetlands)

Searching for a Mate (Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker)