Category Archives: Year 3

Suomi Sunrise! (Common Loon Chicks)

Year 3

I have a small cabin in the Suomi Hills region of northern Minnesota. One unusual fact about my lake, Northstar Lake, it is the first body of water that flows north to Hudsons Bay. The continental divide is just a few miles to our south. Yesterday morning I went out onto the lake at sunrise to visit with the Common Loon family. Over the past few weeks I have let this family grow accustomed to me and learn that I am not a threat. Thus, it was a treat to spend time with the young family at dawn. At times the loons with their chicks would swim over to within 15 yards of where I floated motionless in my boat. Here are some of my best photos. It was a magical early morning (5:30 am) with the Common Loons of NorthStar Lake. I don’t think they are common at all!

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And yet more Flicker kids! (Yellow-Shafted Flicker)

Year 3

When it rains, it pours! I had never seen Yellow-Shafted Flicker chicks before this morning (my earlier post with video), and then while biking up the shore of Lake Superior from Duluth this afternoon, Jackpot!!! Found another nest (heard the chicks first). I always carry my Canon SX60 Super Zoom camera and monopod with me on my bicycle rides. Glad I did today, and this was the result!
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Feeding the Flicker Kids (video!)

Year 3

I had an early morning business meeting which was cancelled at the last moment, so I went birding instead! Duluth’s business community’s loss was my gain! Found the Yellow-Shafted Flicker family and spent almost two hours waiting and watching. As an aside, it is very, very nice to have a window tripod mount. My arms would have been supremely exhausted holding the camera at ready awaiting the return of the parents. I rather doubt I could have hand-held the camera steady for the video. Hope you enjoy these photographs as much as I enjoyed the experience.

The Male Yellow-Shafted Flicker Feeds the Kids!

“Dad” Arrives at the Yellow-Shafted Flicker Hole (black mustache indicates a male)
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Feeding by Mom is about to Start! (lack of a black mustache indicates a female)
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Ungrateful Kids!
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Dad Flies Away from the Nest
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Hey! Where did the Gravy Train Go?!
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