Category Archives: Year 1

Day 082: Chukar Chills at Dawn

Year 1, ,

In the pre dawn light, the wind was blowing in excess of 20 mph, and the temperature fell to 15F. In short, it was a cold mid April morning in northern Minnesota. However, although the chill factor reminded me of January, I decided to head out before sunrise for some photographing at 5:40 am Wow! I’m glad I skipped the normal sleep, and braved the cold.

Today’s bird is a Chukar. Say the word fast with a guttural accent and both this bird’s name and look / attitude reminds me of Klingons! It’s amazing I even saw a Chukar on the shores of Lake Superior. According to All About Birds from Cornell, this guy belongs in the western Rockies. Thus, he was a rare find on rocky shores of the big lake.

The morning was actually provided a wealth of photo opportunities. Before my photo session with Mr. Chukar, I watched and photographed some lake freighters arriving at the Duluth harbor in the dawn light. The US Coast Guard ice breaker had helped them cross Lake Superior which is still 75% ice covered.

After my photoshoot with the lakers, I drive to a small creek which empties into the Duluth harbor. This creek provides a small bit of open water, and the geese and gulls were enjoying the early morning sun. All in all, it was a great morning!

Chukar on Brighton Beach
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High Bridge Geese and Gulls
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Laker in the Pre-Dawn Light
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Day 081: Signs of Spring

Year 1, ,

One of these “Signs of Spring” is more obvious than the other. Our first purple finch appeared our bird feeders this afternoon. The last purple finch seen up north by me was in early November. However, the second photograph … Ice Flow Mergansers, may not been as obvious to most people as a sign of Spring.

Lake Superior has the only open water anywhere near this far north. All inland lakes are socked in with ice, and will remain in that frozen state for weeks to come. Thus, the Mississippi River Flyway migration has slammed to a stop for waterfowl on what little open water may be found on the biggest fresh water lake the world. In fact, even the Coast Guard cutters are having difficulty dealing with the late season ice. Here is a link to the slow start of this shipping season.

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Day 080: Lake Superior is Angry!

Year 1

This is the exact same location as yesterday’s photo location, but Lake Superior is much angrier! The wind is out of the northeast at 25 mph, which means smashing waves and ice against the shore at the mouth of the Lester River! The seagulls thought all the activity meant a dinner bell call.

Meanwhile up the river about 1/2 mile, two kayakers where shooting the waterfall. Welcome to Spring in the Northland!

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