Update: Fall 2019: The Minnesota Birding News App has been replaced with the Minnesota Birding News Service which upon its roll out on October 19, 2019 automatically tracks content updates from 38 birding organizations with a primary focus upon Minnesota. The service is free and has no advertising.
All posts by richardhoeg@gmail.com
My Nemesis Bird: Bohemian Waxwings
All winter long I have wanted to observe and photograph Bohemian Waxwings. Although I have checked out countless crab apple and mountain ash trees, I always found pine grosbeaks, and never the Bohemians. As these flocks will denude a tree of fruit in one day, finding a good tree doesn’t help much. Literally … here today, gone tomorrow. Thus, while birding reports are useful, these flocks move around.
This morning I finally spied my nemesis, albeit from a distance. Perhaps if I am lucky I’ll find this flock again. I know where there are crab apple trees with fruit just waiting to be eaten. For you Duluth folks, these birds are hanging out near Bagley Nature Area (history) where I believe they spend the late afternoon and nights. For the past two days I have briefly found them feeding along Arrowhead Rd. (Valhalla Drive area).
My Bohemians
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What I normally see … Pine Grosbeak (also found this morning). Please do not misinterpret this post. I like the grosbeaks, but they have been easier for me to find this winter.
Snow Squall Pileated Woodpecker Video
While resting in our window seat after yesterday’s Mora Vasaloppet, I looked out into the woods that surround our house and … the pileated woodpeckers had decided to join me for lunch! Quickly throwing on a jacket, hat and gloves I went outside with my camera. I am really hoping this pair decides to nest in our yard. Regardless, it is fun to have them around. Both the male and female pileated woodpeckers seem to more accepeting of my presence. I spent almost 30 minutes with them outdoors!
Male Pileated Woodpecker Getting Lunch
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Pileated Woodpecker Photos in Today’s Snow Squall
