Winter Hike at Banning State Park

Year 8

Saturday morning it was -16F, but at we progress towards March 1st, the sun climbs higher and higher in the sky. Thus by early afternoon the mercury was in the mid 20’s with a brilliant blue sky. Days like the one described make me love winter, but it WAS a long cold snap.

Molly and I met our youngest son and his wife for a hike along the Kettle River. The fast water ensures that no matter how cold, there are still always openings in the river ice. I hope you enjoy the photograph and short video. Northern Minnesota is precious! We will continue to enjoy the milder weather this evening when we visit some friends for an outdoor barbecue.

Hiking next to the Kettle River (video link for email subscribers)

The Morning Hoot!

Year 8
I was up at 5 am this morning because I wanted to hear the “morning hoot”. Little did I know that the Great Horned Owls which have nested near my northern Minnesota home for the past three years would visit my own yard / white pine trees and mate in easy view.
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The owl couple then made lots of flights in the area, till settling down in the forest 1/2 mile from my house. All this movement attracted my local crows, who are not pleased to have the owls back in the neighborhood raising a family for a third straight year. Enjoy the owls and crows hooting and cawing 30 minutes before sunrise.
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The photos shown in the video / audio recording are of the actual two owls which are singing / hooting (just not taken this morning).

A Trifecta of Great Gray Owls

Year 8

Spending time in the woods alone without another human for miles with hunting Great Gray Owls is magical. However with our horrible cold snap, thankfully now ended, I had not been out looking for the gray ghosts of the forest in over two weeks. Spending time standing motionless in the forest experiencing temperatures of -10F to -20F is NOT fun.

Friday evening I headed north of Two Harbors to my personal favorite owling grounds. I had expected bright clear blue skies, but God had other ideas. The heavens clouded up which although better for finding owls (they tend to hate bright light), makes photography more of a challenge. In addition, a blue sky is prettier than white.

Great Gray Owl #1

I was wrong. The owl eventually flew 200 yards distant and posed with an opening in the clouds right behind it. The artist in me loved the photo.

Yesterday morning I continued my owling. Although the mercury had dipped to -16F (-27C), there was no wind. As the sun rose everyone … owl and human alike could feel the warming rays of sunshine. Although Great Gray Owls normally don’t hunt in the bright sun, I found two out long past sunrise enjoying the weather.

Great Gray Owl #2

Great Gray Owl #3