Category Archives: Year 3

Nemesis, You are now MINE! Bohemian Waxwings

February 18, 2016Year 3MN North: McQuade Harborrichardhoeg@gmail.com

Meet Nemesis, the Bohemian Waxwings.

All winter long I have been checking every crab apple and mountain ash tree near Duluth. I always found pine grosbeaks (nice bird), but never the Cedar Waxwing’s big brother from way up north Canada Way, the Bohemian Waxwing. It always seemed the Bohemians had moved on just before my arrival. These birds think the Duluth area is a nice warm place to spend the winter before returning to Canada. This is actually the third time this week I’ve found Bohemian Waxwings, but the first time I really got to watch and photograph them for an extended period of time.

My thanks to Mike who saw these birds outside his place of work, and then passed the word on to me via his Dad.

Nemesis … the Bohemian Waxwings of McQuade Harbor

My Nemesis Bird: Bohemian Waxwings

February 16, 2016Year 3MN North: Bagley Nature Arearichardhoeg@gmail.com

All winter long I have wanted to observe and photograph Bohemian Waxwings. Although I have checked out countless crab apple and mountain ash trees, I always found pine grosbeaks, and never the Bohemians. As these flocks will denude a tree of fruit in one day, finding a good tree doesn’t help much. Literally … here today, gone tomorrow. Thus, while birding reports are useful, these flocks move around.

This morning I finally spied my nemesis, albeit from a distance. Perhaps if I am lucky I’ll find this flock again. I know where there are crab apple trees with fruit just waiting to be eaten. For you Duluth folks, these birds are hanging out near Bagley Nature Area (history) where I believe they spend the late afternoon and nights. For the past two days I have briefly found them feeding along Arrowhead Rd. (Valhalla Drive area).

My Bohemians

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What I normally see … Pine Grosbeak (also found this morning). Please do not misinterpret this post. I like the grosbeaks, but they have been easier for me to find this winter.
Y3-M02-Pine-Grosbeak

Snow Squall Pileated Woodpecker Video

February 14, 2016Year 3MN North: Amityrichardhoeg@gmail.com

While resting in our window seat after yesterday’s Mora Vasaloppet, I looked out into the woods that surround our house and … the pileated woodpeckers had decided to join me for lunch! Quickly throwing on a jacket, hat and gloves I went outside with my camera. I am really hoping this pair decides to nest in our yard. Regardless, it is fun to have them around. Both the male and female pileated woodpeckers seem to more accepeting of my presence. I spent almost 30 minutes with them outdoors!

Male Pileated Woodpecker Getting Lunch