Category Archives: Year 7

Cabin Night Lights … Milky Way!

Year 7

Eternity, Peace and Calm. Such was the case last night in northern Minnesota. Molly and I had driven over from Duluth to our small Northwoods cabin on Northstar Lake. I decided to get up at 3 am and photograph the Milky Way over our cabin. I stood out on the dock to take this picture. The loons were calling to each other through the inky dark night, and I could hear loud splashes as fish entered the shallows to spawn. It was a beautiful concert.

Milky Way over Northstar Lake in northern Minnesota

Take-Off of the Pelican Patrol

Year 7,

Oh my it was windy yesterday. The wind was gusting up to 30 mph off Lake Superior. This made birding a challenge. First, what bird in its right mind would migrate into such a strong NE wind. In addition, any birds already in the area wanted to hide from the wind. I actually saw some warblers at Mud Lake (St. Louis River backwaters), but they quickly disappeared down into the reeds. Smart move on their part.

I had not planned on visiting Chambers Grove, but given its proximity to Mud Lake I made the short drive. There were still White Pelicans hanging out on the island’s rock reef. Somehow I knew that they would fly soon, and a positioned myself to catch the take-off.

Take-Off of the Pelican Patrol

Naturally I hiked over to visit my owls. As expected they were perched in spots up in the various white pines that were a bit more protected from the wind. Even so, multiple times I saw the youngsters almost get blown off their perches.

Two of the Great Horned Owl Triplets

In addition, my Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker continues to look for love in my yard. Wish him luck!

Do You Hoot? Naming Contest!

Year 7

Do You Hoot?

I need names for the Amity Great Horned Owl Triplets. I am working upon my fourth children’s book (first two books in collaboration with Susan Larson-Kidd). After two years of watching Ma and Pa Owl raise first twins and now triplets near my Amity Creek home, my latest children’s book is beginning to come together.

It will be the story of the youngest owl triplet (name not yet known) growing up in the Boreal Forest. Although the majority of this children’s book will be about the owl family, the reader will also be introduced to other animals and birds as they grow up in the forest. For instance you will meet the Fox kits!

Do You Hoot?

Add a comment to this post with your suggested name for the youngest owl and his two siblings. The winner will receive free copies of my two latest books: Snowy’s Search for Color and … when published … Do You Hoot?