Category Archives: Background

Snowy’s Search for Color Black Friday Special!

The holidays are here! Get ready to eat lots of turkey, and of course start the holiday shopping. Thus, what could be more appropriate than a Black Friday special (runs today through next Sunday, December 1st) on my new children’s picture book, Snowy’s Search for Color?!

Through December 1st purchase my book via this web site for $12.50 (a savings of $1.50 over the normal price … shipping and local taxes are included in this price)! Download a free full version PDF copy of the book.

Book Theme: Follow the adventures of a young Snowy Owl as it flies south from its home on the Arctic Ocean in search of color! The owl meets up with other owls, red foxes, and even Smokey the Bear! It is a magical journey.

Pages 1 & 2:


I use PayPal to process payments via this web site, but you DO NOT need a PayPal account to make payment, nor do you need to create a PayPal account. You may use any major credit card. As noted the cost per book via my site is $12.50 (no charge for shipping or local taxes … already included in price). 

PayPal will note you are paying Richard Hoeg … that’s me!




Catching Up … Looking Back … Looking Forward

I am at the start of a Thanksgiving tour which includes meeting my new Grandchild, Crosby, followed up by another long drive to spend Turkey Day with my other children and their families. Finding time to bird will be difficult, particularly areas in which I am not familiar. Thus … catching up of a few tasks:

  • Sax-Zim Bog Birding Report: Snow has come to the Bog, as have two Northern Hawk Owls! Winter finches as I forecast are very hard to find. The owls have not yet established winter hunting territories and are ranging around quite a bit.
  • Minnesota Birding News: Out of Beta! Now Released! Installed and running without issues by 80 people. Get this free service which I created and be informed about current news within the Minnesota birding community (38 sources at present)

White-Winged Crossbills, unlike the finches, are in evidence in the Bog … there is a good crop of pine cones for Crossbills.

The forgotten videos (at least by me!). I took both of these short videos over the past month, but forgot to post same. Rectifying that omission now.

Sleep Saw-whet Owl (video link for email subscribers)

Snow Geese of Superior (video link for email subscribers)

A Tradition of Bears!

When each of my three children were born, I immediately upon leaving the hospital purchased a Teddy Bear for my new child! Even though I am 63 years old, my own “Tommy Bear” has followed me through life.

Announcing the arrival of Crosby Carroll Hoeg … and his bear! Bear and boy arrived safely in this world two nights ago, and are now home. The photograph includes “big sister” with her bear, baby boy Hoeg and his bear, and finally my son … the new Dad with his bear! One change, the latest bear arrived via Amazon one day delivery … it’s a Gund (the best).  What family traditions do you have? Our bear tradition is 3 generations old!

Finally, I was surprised and deeply moved (okay, I cried), my new grandson’s middle name was my own Dad’s middle name. This is my sixth grandchild, but the first to carry on the Hoeg family last name. Tradition! Cue Fiddler on the Roof.