Category Archives: Year 7

Do You Hoot? (free children’s book download)

Background, Year 7

Do You Hoot? I had the privilege to watch a pair of Great Horned Owls this winter and spring raise their family in the Amity Creek Forest. This story is about the “Amity Owlets”, but particularly “Hoot!” and how she grew up from a chick to a juvenile owl.

As a way to encourage family time, and a knowledge of birds, I happily make my book available as a free PDF download! 

  • If you download my book without purchasing a printed copy, please consider making a small financial gift to me in support of the cost of creating this book.
  • Purchase a printed copy of Do You Hoot?
    • Pre-Release Price: $12.00 plus shipping & sales tax 
    • Book will ship shortly after Labor Day and will then cost $13.50 per copy
    • Use any many credit card | No PayPal account required

    • Purchase via PayPal

Bee Balm and Lightning!

Year 7

A severe thunder storm blew through the area at sunset last night with 60 mph winds. Some research via weather radar showed me I could safely go up to Hark Ridge. It was fun to watch the storm move off over Lake Superior.

Storm Clouds Over Lake Superior

This morning I decided to bird my own yard. The Bee Balm started blooming in our garden a few days ago. It did not take long for our local Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds to figure out that fact. I look forward to a repeat photoshoot in the late afternoon sun. I am still learning the proper focus and tracking settings for my new lens (Sony A6300).

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

Great Blue Heron Food Fight at the Rookery! (movie)

Year 7

I got up my courage to brave all the deer and horse flies and hiked into the Great Blue Heron Rookery this morning. I was thrilled to discover at the end of my hike that I did not have one single wood tick on me! (unusual). Regardless, the Great Blue Heron chicks are getting big, and should fledge soon. When they have a food fight, their beaks become lethal weapons. Please realize each time the parents deliver fish, a food fight entails. Make sure you watch the video!

Mom has just arrive. Bedlam awaits!

Food Fight Close-Up

Great Blue Heron Chick Food Fight (Mom just dropped off the fish and flew away)

Videos!

Mom tries to provide some fish … food fight starts
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Quiet reigns for a few moments at the Rookery (view of 1/4 of the nests)
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Short video showing what my hike out from the Rookery is like
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