Birds that Hide from the Wind!

Year 9,

Essentially that would be all birds. Over the past two days winds swung to being out of the south with gusts over 40 mph. The remaining migration came to a screeching halt, and birds that were in the area tried to forage and feed in areas protected from the wind.

Yesterday I had to go down and back to the Twin Cities for an appointment, and I made certain to leave long before sunrise such that I could circle in to Minneapolis from the Northwest. This allowed me to visit the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge. I made two circuits of Wildlife Drive, and the ONLY place I found songbirds was where they could hide somewhat from the wind.

Wind Blown Bluebird

I also found some lazy Sandhill Cranes which even after 10 am had not made their escape to the local farm fields for foraging.

This morning I was north of Two Harbors exploring some new back roads. I was looking for nice bog areas which should be great spots once the owl season is upon us. This Bald Eagle was kind enough to take off in front of some spruce … rather that busy deciduous trees.

The Other Grouse … Mr. Ruffed

Year 9

For the past month I have seen an amazing number of Spruce Grouse. However, I would contend that even here in northeastern Minnesota, the Ruffed Grouse reigns supreme. In addition, one month ago I could almost walk right up to a grouse before it would flush. Hunting season has changed that; the birds are more wary, but still kind of stupid (as noted before, I am not anti hunting).

This morning I knew most logging operations would be on hold for Sunday. I explored some of the side roads off Stony River Forest Road. I am very glad I did not try these roads when there had been recent rains, and on logging operations days. Suffice it to say I will not return to any of these roads till next summer.

Anyhow … a Ruffed Grouse from this morning.

The Rusty Blackbirds were back at the mud flats of my local cemetery pond. I am really enjoying the Glenwood / Jean Duluth Round About being completed. I am now able to make a quick visit to the Forest Hill Ponds with only an eight minute drive.

The Eternal Golden Hour!

Year 9

Today is October 21st. The short video (video link for email subscribers) included with this post was taken on Stony River Forest Road in the Superior National Forest of northern Minnesota. I call from October 21st to February 21st the “eternal golden hour”. Even though it was 80 minutes post sunup when I took the video, the sun had not risen very high in the sky. Thus, the “golden hour” now lasts almost all day … for four months. Stony River Forest Road has lots of open space on its western side because it was used as a fire block for last year’s Greenwood Forest Fire. Imagine a meadow and / or boreal bog which continues for over 20 miles … the length of the road!

My big surprise of the morning was finding this Western Meadowlark on the top of a tall white pine tree. Meadowlarks do not belong in the Boreal Forest, but the strong NW winds over the past week have pushed many migrants into habitat for which they are not accustomed. My perspective for the pic was from almost under the bird, not my favorite.

I almost guarantee I will see owls starting mid to late November during the day in this great bog area found deep along my wilderness road. In the meantime, it’s just a gorgeous spot to hang out! Once again, I took this photograph well after sunrise, but now is the eternal golden hour … with golden tamarack pines to boot!