34 Common Loons?!

Year 8,

Two mornings ago I hiked into the Joyce Estate in northern Minnesota. This beautiful northwoods getaway was a wedding present from a lumber baron to his new bride back in the earlier part of the 1900’s. The estate was over 6,000 acres of forest with 26 miles of shoreline on 11 lakes! Molly and I are writing and photographing an article for a regional magazine about this wilderness area.

While taking photographs, I heard lots of loons out on the lake. In fact (I counted), I saw 34 loons in a loose flock herding whitefish towards an underwater island! I have never seen this many loons at once, and I suspect these individuals were either already migrating south from points north, or will soon be starting their trip. (video link for email subscribers)

Here are three photographs of a Northstar Lake Loon which performed for me yesterday! It had just finished preening. Notice how its plumage is changing to its “drab winter look.” The final image is of its youngster, now truly a juvenile.

Finally, I drove over to the Bog this morning. While I did not see any owls, this Ruffed Grouse gritted up very near me.

NE Minnesota Public Bird Feeders

Year 8

Most birders know about the public bird feeders at Sax-Zim Bog, and at Gooseberry State Park along the North Shore. There are now some new feeders which welcome your visit. If you often bird at McQuade Harbor, these bird feeders are less than a five minute drive along Scenic 61 at French River Lutheran Church on Ryan Road.  Our church is 300 yards up from the lake, and the hope is the feeders will attract birds migrating along the shores of Lake Superior. The feeders are located around back just off the parking lot near the campfire area. In warmer months bring a swimsuit and walk the short path from the campfire area to French River swimming hole! Watch out for young children. The church has an outdoor focused pre-school.

Fall / Winter 2022-23 Post Update: Hopefully Bert the Bear is now asleep. Thus, the feeders will all be up and filled by Saturday, December 3rd. Happy birding!

Map to French River Lutheran Church from McQuade Harbor

Photograph of the new feeders

Another Owl Season Starts Now!

Year 8
Two nights ago at 3 am (September 1st), I was amazed to hear my local owl’s territorial hooting. Through the clear, calm night air, Poppa Great Horned Owl’s deep booming hoots entered through the open window into our bedroom. Last year I did not hear him till the end of October. In addition to Poppa, I heard half-hearted begging / screeching from one of this year’s owlets. I think the owlet knew the free lunches were pretty much done. If lucky, the youngster might get an occasional free meal. The parent owls are defining their territory in preparation for nesting come mid winter.
This morning I watched crows give Poppa Owl grief for ten minutes. When the crows grew bored and flew away, the owl took a nap. Upon waking up, he looked around to check for pesky crows. Not seeing any of the black birds, the owl flew deeper into its favorite pine grove.
In this pic, he is ruffling his feathers just prior to his stretch and flight. One might ask how I can tell the difference between Poppa and Momma owl. Even though the male is smaller than the female, it has a much deeper hoot sound. In addition, the male owl is shorter and smaller than the female great horned owl.