Category Archives: Year 12

Yard Bird! Red-Headed Woodpecker!!!

Year 12

My Haikubox (read my blog post about this system) said there was a Red-Headed Woodpecker visiting my yard, but I did not believe the notification. However, yesterday afternoon when “Red” chased “Red” away from near my feeders, I became a believer! (“red-headed” chased “red-bellied” away). If I get lucky, Red #1 will nest near me. Two years ago a red-headed-woodpecker chose our woods for nesting.

These images and short video were taken while standing inside my house … about four yards away from my window. I did not want to spook the Red-Headed Woodpecker. (video link for email subscribers)

Yard Bird! Red!

My HaikuBox Notification … I need to also look for the other woodpecker!

Bow Saw Birding (big waves!)

Year 12,

The last three days have seen HUGE winds here at the head of Lake Superior. Yesterday afternoon winds were clocked at 65 mph on the bridges across the Duluth/Superior Harbor. More normal speeds were 40 to 45 mph. I took these two images and video at Stoney Point which is about 12 miles up the shore from my home (video link for blog email subscribers)

Not too surprisingly these fierce winds (and cold … it was 38F at my house yesterday afternoon) blew down some trees. Of course I went birding early this morning inland from Two Harbors. On Stoney River Forest Road I ran into this roadblock! No problem! Anyone who birds remote roads should carry a bow saw in their car. Although it took a while, I was able to continue my birding excursion after some elbow grease. I like this 30 inch box saw from Amazon, which has a permanent spot in my car’s trunk. As always I have zero sponsored links on this blog, and receive no compensation from any person or company. I purchase everything reviewed on this site with my own money.

Sing Out for Spring! Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks (video with song)

Year 12

I visited Sax-Zim Bog last Wednesday, and while it was not as “birdy” as the migration in progress along Lake Superior near Duluth, I had fun hiking along McDavitt Road. This Rose-Breasted Grosbeak was proclaiming its territory just north of the “Miracle Mile”. Make certain you watch (and listen) to the video. I love old Red’s singing, and to me his song sounds a bit like American Robin but where the songster didn’t quite pull off the imitation exactly. You decide! (video and singing link for email subscribers)

And more from my McDavitt Meanderings …

Brown Thrasher

Black-Billed Magpie

This Killdeer couple were actually hanging out on Hwy 229. There are quite a few hay bales that never were put up last fall, and I assume they are now bug magnets.