Northern Lights and Birding Smoke Plume Current Conditions and Forecasts

Year 10,

Each of the past several summers, smoke plumes from forest fires has made taking bird photographs with “sky blue” colors, and seeing the Aurora Borealis difficult at times in northern Minnesota (and the rest of America). For years both in Canada and the United States the goal was always to put out forest fires immediately. While certainly there are always times when wild fires must be extinguished immediately to protect life and property, forests need to burn occasionally to stay healthy. Read more about this need for fire … Fire in the Ecosystem: Boreal Forest (National Park Service)

Here, however, are two tools which will help you deal with the smoke plumes. I have also annotated several screenshots to assist in your understanding and using these tools. Unfortunately the forecasting tool does not reach too far in the future.

Both tools are from NOAA. Click or Press Upon any image to view at full size.

Fire and Smoke Map Current Conditions: (web site)

Smoke Plume Forecasting: (web site)

Red Fox Kit Learning to Hunt

Year 10

Yesterday morning I went straight to the fox den I recently found NW of Duluth. As a fyi, whenever I head out before sunrise I always have a primary target opportunity. Three days ago it was the Black-Eyed Susans in the first morning misted light. Even though I normally leave well before sunrise, I know from experience that during summer and the time of bountiful food, within 90 minutes of actual sunup, many mammals and birds become much less active, and the light becomes harsh. Thus … red fox kits mean no wildflowers and vice versa. Obviously I will always find wildflowers, and often the fox kits will be snoozing near the den, but …..

As noted yesterday morning I was back at the fox den just as the sun peeked over the tree tops. The fox kit did not disappoint. Soon the den will be abandoned as the kits now must go on hunting expeditions and then fend for themselves. Yesterday one of the kits was practicing its hunting skills from atop some hay bales. In the final image the same red fox has returned to the den area. It was time for a morning snooze which started within minutes.

During my early morning meanderings three days ago, I also found these Sandhill Cranes. They had also completed their morning feed, and were now grooming themselves. The cranes were hanging out by a small pond about 300 yards from the fox den.

And finally one close-up from my “barn” owl morning a few days ago. Please remember no photograph is worth trespassing upon private property. I first discovered that the Great Horned Owl loved the barn window perch six weeks ago. Over the intervening time period I met the farm couple, introduced them to the life cycle of nesting owls and gained their friendship. I now have rights to walk their property at any time!

Northern Minnesota “Barn” Owl (close-up … see the barn image)

Black-Eyed Susan Bonanza (and a “Barn” Owl!)

Year 10

Black-Eyed Susan Bonanza! I took this photo just after sunrise this morning as the mist was burning off … a bit NW of Gowan, Minnesota along Hwy #2 (near Duluth). The wildflowers stretch as far as the eye can see along the pipeline right away (off the road a bit … one needs to pay attention). I had noticed the black-eyed susans  a few evenings ago while driving back from my cabin, and told myself I had to come back when I had great light.

After spending an hour “tiptoeing through the tulips”, I then found my friendly neighborhood “barn” owl. I now have permission to walk this farm, and the wait was oh so worthwhile!

Great Horned Owl (trying to be a barn owl!)

Did I mention this was a stupendous morning? I also visiting a fox den and watched the kits at play, till my attention was diverted by some Sandhill Cranes in a very photogenic location (pics coming). I love northern Minnesota!