Drenched – Soaked – Wet Owlets

Year 11

Over the past few days an amazing amount of rain has fallen. Today we are experiencing 30 mph winds with 50 mph gusts off Lake Superior. The Great Horned Owlets are NOT happy with the weather, nor are their parents (or me for that matter). Here are a few images … in the final photograph you can even see rain drops dripping off the owl! Most of these photos were taken two days ago when the owlets were 37 days old (guestimate … oldest owlet is 5 to 7 days older than the younger bird). It is still raining this afternoon … Monday the 29th. I did visit the owls this morning a bit after sunrise. Other than being super wet, they are fine.

Drenched Great Horned Owlets

Mississippi River Migration Cabin Escape

Year 11

Molly and I needed an escape from the cold Northland. Cancer treatment had cancelled our winter and spring travel plans. I looked at a map and realized Dubuque, Iowa was straight south of Duluth. 6+ hours of driving would get us to the Mississippi River without any need to travel through the Twin Cities. Further research revealed a nice cabin overlooking the river on the grounds of a beautiful old estate which is now a foundation (Marvin Gardens Cabin at the Four Mounds Foundation … also a B&B in one of the former country estate buildings).

Image Courtesy of Four Mounds Foundation – Marvin Gardens Cabin

We had found the perfect 3 night getaway. We love cabins and it not only allowed us to cook our own meals, but kept Molly out of significant contact with other people given her weakened immune system. I would HUGELY recommend 4 Mounds to anyone. The grounds are gorgeous, and the John Deere Dike Park is only minutes away … a great spot for walking whether one is a birder or not, but during spring or fall bird migrations even better for the birder.

Some highlights of our cabin included a working stone fireplace, handsome wood decor, an antique wooden canoe hanging from the ceiling, Hudson Bay blankets, and even a 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica. As a fyi, I love reading encyclopedias and I spent time each evening with the over one hundred year old collect. It was pure pleasure for me! The cabin also had superb internet, and a remodeled modern bedroom / bathroom. I could go further with my explanation of the Marvin Gardens Cabin, but Molly is a much better writer than me:

I will however point out that the Dubuque John Deere Works are near by, and we enjoyed a superb free factory tour. The plant is right across the road from the Mississippi River and the John Deere Dike Park, which is my lead-in to Mississippi River birding at the park. The park has an easily walkable path which leads out onto the dike where the path turns north along the river. Your hike takes you in between wetlands, the river, and a small island. The area is excellent birding habitat, particularly waterfowl … once again think spring and fall migrations.

A few photos from my visits to John Deere Dike Park

Great Egrets and White Pelicans

Day #1 … in the Rain

Day #2 … Sunshine

Another popular hiking / birding area is just south of Dubuque … The Mines of Spain Nature Center & Recreation Area. There is an extensive trail system, and a short hike yields some amazing views out over the bluffs and Mississippi River.

Mines of Spain Overlook

Sax-Zim Bog Predators

Year 11

My daughter’s plan was to visit us today … arriving up from the Twin Cities around 9:45 am. Thus, naturally I thought that meant there was time to go birding at Sax-Zim Bog before she arrived. I left home at 5:25 am, and the Bog did not disappoint. Predators like to nest or have their young early in the year to make their youngster’s huge appetites correspond to when other animals and birds have their young.

I found another Great Gray Owl hunting well past sunrise. I suspect it is now hunting for two adult owls … itself and its mate which is back on the nest. Thus, the two Great Grays I have found in dramatically different parts of Sax-Zim now gives me a good idea where of the vicinity of two owl nests.

With respect to Red Fox, their young were born some time ago, and the fox kits are starting to come out and play. Apparently foxes like the same forest region as one of the owls. The Red Fox and Great Gray were seen and photographed quite near one another! Wherever you live it is time to invest in searches which will pay dividends in 6 to 8 weeks. Days following stormy weather (like yesterday) are always a smart time to head into the outdoors. Predators are likely to be hungry after a forced day of fasting.