All posts by richardhoeg@gmail.com

Love is in the Air: Sharp-Tailed Grouse Courting (Yr. 2: Day 45)

Year 2

Today, March 7th, the day finally dawned with the temperature not below zero. In fact, when I left for Sax-Zim Bog in the pre-dawn darkness, it was a balmy 28F! Apparently everyone, including the Sharp-Tailed Grouse enjoyed the warmer weather. Shortly after sunrise I found some courting going on! Given I had never seen grouse dance, this was a special morning for me. Sax-Zim Bog is always worth the trip of 50 miles from my home. I also volunteer at the Bog Welcome Center. Stop in and say “hello”. We are open for the winter season through Sunday, March 15th. I am volunteering both days next weekend.

Sharp-Tailed Grouse Courting Display
Y2-D045-Sharptail-Grouse-Courting-1

———-

Another Grouse, but not Courting
Y2-D045-Sharptail-Grouse-Courting-2

———-

Photographic opportunities have not been restricted to sunrise. I call this photo “Ice Planet Moonrise“. The scene is the frozen expanse of Lake Superior near Duluth two nights ago.
Y2-D043-Ice-Planet-Moonrise

Northern Magic: Aurora Borealis & Apostle Islands Ice Caves

Year 2,

The 40th day of year 2 demonstrates the magical beauty of the Northland. Shortly after 4 am, 40 miles north of Duluth, Minnesota I watched the Northern Lights dance across the early morning sky. While I was watching the Aurora, an owl kept me company hooting from about one hundred yards away!

If the day had just ended at this point, I would have been happy. However, along with a few friends we drove over to northwestern Wisconsin and visited the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Ice Caves. We hit the jackpot … a gorgeous blue ski day with mild winds and temperatures which soared into the mid 20’s. Winter is truly special!

Northern Lights Over Little Stone Lake (Minnesota)
Y2-D040-Northern-Lights-Little-Stone-Lake-1

Y2-D040-Northern-Lights-Little-Stone-Lake-2

———-

Apostle Islands Ice Caves
Y2-D040-Apostle-Islands-Ice-Caves-5

Y2-D040-Apostle-Islands-Ice-Caves-4

Y2-D040-Apostle-Islands-Ice-Caves-3

Y2-D040-Apostle-Islands-Ice-Caves-2

Y2-D040-Apostle-Islands-Ice-Caves-1

Most folks walk over the frozen Lake Superior ice … some come by plane! Regardless, it is a treat to see the ice caves … an experience which only occurs every few years when a cold winter and winds over Lake Superior combine to make the ice safe to walk out to the caves.
Y2-D040-Apostle-Islands-Ice-Caves-International-Airport-1

Y2-D040-Apostle-Islands-Ice-Caves-International-Airport-2

Hawk Owl Hunt! (Yr. 2: Day 39)

Year 2

Most owls hunt by night, but a few species grace us with their presence during the day. I have been privileged to watch this Northern Hawk Owl since a few days after Christmas. It won’t be long till this northern birds leave their southern hunting grounds in Minnesota for the Canadian Boreal Forest. In the meantime, I get to have fun watching my Northern Hawk Owl hunt!

The Hunter!
Y2-D039-Northern-Hawk-Owl-Hunt-1

———-

First Bite.
Y2-D039-Northern-Hawk-Owl-Hunt-2

———-

Stuffed Mouth.
Y2-D039-Northern-Hawk-Owl-Hunt-3

———-

Ptuuuey!
Y2-D039-Northern-Hawk-Owl-Hunt-4

———-

If I Just Pull a Little Harder!
Y2-D039-Northern-Hawk-Owl-Hunt-6

———-

Need a Napkin!
Y2-D039-Northern-Hawk-Owl-Hunt-7