Instead of snowstorms, there is rain and more rain. We are down in Milwaukee to visit my son and his family. This morning the sun made an extremely brief appearance. A local Red-Tailed Hawk was all over the break in the weather and was immediately hunting. I have now seen this raptor on four different occasions. It likes a “closed college campus” for its hunting grounds! The sunshine only lasted for 30 minutes, but it was precious.
All posts by richardhoeg@gmail.com
Comment on the Plan to Kill / Shoot Barred Owls
The US Fish and Wildlife Service has a draft management plan to kill / shoot Barred Owls to save Spotted Owls in the Pacific Northwest. The Spotted Owl is native to this region, and the Barred Owl is encroaching upon their range. I think this plan is morally wrong. NBC News and others have recently reported about this “draft plan”. You may wish to read their news story about the Spotted and Barred Owl conflict.
It is wrong to kill one bird species to save another. This action will teach Barred Owls to fear humans. In addition it was likely humans who messed up the old growth forest habitat with excessive logging. Should we shoot loggers? While you may not agree with me, anyone may comment upon this proposed owl management plan. The comment period closes on January 16, 2024. Most news stories do not include a direct link to the US Fish and Wildlife Service Draft Plan Comment Page. Here is the link:
- Comment upon the Barred Owl / Spotted Owl Draft Mgmt Plan
Sax-Zim Bog Winter Birding Facilitated Trip / Tour
Many people have asked me to guide them for winter birding trips in northern Minnesota, including (perhaps mainly) Sax-Zim Bog. This winter between February 5 and 8 I will facilitate winter birding in northern Minnesota.
Very important: My birding experience, facilitation and guiding comes at no charge … for free! I am taking zero money for facilitating this event! My love of birds and northern Minnesota’s wildlife is the basis of my gift to the attendees.
One needs to sign up / register now. The actual event which includes lodging and meals is being run by Duluth’s South Pier Inn (registration /information link given below), an excellent place of lodging on the Park Point side of the Aerial Bridge. Rooms look out directly upon the Duluth Ship Canal. I am a friend of the South Pier Inn’s general manager, and have agreed to facilitate the winter birding.
Each evening prior to the next day’s birding I will help plan outings at a hosted dinner. The first night will even include dinner at Duluth’s prestigious private club, the Kitchi Gammi Club. This private club was built by the lumber and mining barons in the early 1900’s.
- South Pier Inn’s Winter Birding Event
- Details / Sign Up / Register
- February 5 to 8, 2024
Space is limited. The South Pier Inn will start confirming registration requests on December 27 … two days after Christmas.