All posts by richardhoeg@gmail.com

Two’s Company, Three’s a Crowd, Four’s Roadkill Cafe (Yr. 2: Day 13)

Year 2

When hiking the NorthWoods, or driving remote roads, I always pay attention to the crows and ravens. If I notice a large number in the trees, or along the roadside, I always slow down and inspect the area. More often than not I find an animal carcass. This was the situation as I drove along a rural highway in the Sax-Zim Bog birding area. I discovered a bear carcass which was providing breakfast for many animals and birds. Over the course of thirty minutes I watched a red fox, a bald eagle, tons of ravens and this hairy woodpecker enjoy “bear for breakfast”!

I’ve also included with this posts two photographs taken thirteen hours aprart which bookended the night. My vantage point was Hawk Ridge overlooking Lake Superior.

A Hairy Woodpecker enjoys some bear for breakfast
Y2-D013-Hairy-Woodpecker-Bear-Carcass

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Moonrise Over Lake Superior
Hawk-Ridge-Night-Bookends-Lake-Superior-Moonrise

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Sunrise over Lake Superior (same vantage point … 13 hours later)
Hawk-Ridge-Night-Bookends-Lake-Superior-Sunrise

Year 2: Just Another Northwoods Morning! (day #12)

Year 2,

Hmmm … what do I love about northern Minnesota? While I could list a huge number of reasons, I will let a few photographs do my talking. Winter is a season to be embraced, not feared. Out before dawn in cold weather (0F, -15C), the day only became better as it proceeded. Take a look:

A Snow Owl is silhouetted against the sunrise
Y2-D012-Sunrise-Snowy

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Conga Line dancing ducks at Duluth’s Canal Park
Y2-D012-Conga-Line-Canal-Park-Ducks-1

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Mid morning hike up one of the French River waterfall with friends.
Y2-D012-French-River-Walk-On-Water-2

Winter means one can explore the North Shore using trails not available in the warmer months! The streams and rivers provide access to back country which can not be reached at other times of the year.

Year 2: Birds of the Open Beak (Days 10 & 11)

Background, Year 2, ,

When photographing birds, the preferred image is a flight shot. Realizing that capturing a bird in flight is a challenge, focus on the eyes and beak. Including the eyes plus an open beak makes it appear as if the bird has human qualities, and will enhance whether folks like your pictures.

Thus, I bring you birds of the open beak

Trash Talking Downy Woodpecker (day 10)
Y2-D010-Female-Downy-at-Work

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Smiling Goldeneye (day 11)
Y2-D011-Goldeneye-Mouth

In addition, I enjoyed Lake Superior region photo opportunities early and late in the day using my new Sony NEX-5T mirrorless camera. I have been very impressed with how it performs in low light

Stoney Point at Sunrise
Y2-D010-Stoney-Point-Waves-2

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Northern Lights in the Superior National Forest (full moon washed out the display)
Hwy-3-Night-1