All posts by richardhoeg@gmail.com

Changing Seasons: Winter & Spring Friends

Winter is giving up its hold on the Northwoods. The snow has melted, even in the deep forest. While it is nice to be warmed by the sun with just a faint memory of severe below zero temperatures (F, not C), we locals know not to get too comfortable. Even as we celebrated “pi” day which comes but once per century (3.14.15 … ), everyone knows the snow will be back quite a few times before the leaves bud out in very late May.

However, for the moment like everyone else I am enjoying the change of seasons. Here are a few photos from the past few days … Year #2, Days 49 to 52.

American Black Duck … utilizing the only, but small, open water to be found
Y2-D049-American-Black-Duck-Pair

———-

Fire and Ice – Sunrise at Canal Park
Y2-D049-Canal-Park-Sunrise-2

———-

Breakfast for the Ermine / Weasel
Y2-D052-Ermine-1 Y2-D052-Ermine-2 Y2-D052-Ermine-3

Canal Time! (Yr. 2: Day 48)

Although a few days ago it was -15F, yesterday we experienced an all time record high in Duluth, 60F! The birds and humans all love this temperature swing. I’ve already taken two bike rides up the shore, and enjoyed open water returning to Canal Park. The birds are slowly learning of the open water. This bald eagle was fending off some attempts by the local crow population to get invited to breakfast!

Y2-D048-Eagle-and-Crow-2———-

After sunset I return to Canal Park and caught the Aerial Bridge reflected in a large snow melt water puddle.
Y2-D048-Aerial-Reflections

The Day’s Waning Light! (Yr. 2: Day 47)

Photographers love the day’s waning light, and I am no different! Once the harsh midday sun is gone, the opportunity arises to capture a totally different world of color. My evening started just before sunset with a visit from this red-bellied woodpecker. After a quick dinner I traveled the 600 yards down to the frozen shore of Lake Superior. I hope you will agree, it was a perfect evening!

Red-Bellied Woodpecker
Y2-D047-Red-Bellied-Woodpecker-2

———-

Brighton Beach Sunset over Lake Superior
Y2-D047-Brighton-Beach-Sunset