Today has been one of those days that reminds the soul of the beauty of nature. Fourty minutes before sunrise I got in the car and drove north deep in the Boreal Forest Wilderness. I hoped I might find a Great Gray Owl in the pre-dawn light, but birds were a no show until one hour after sunrise everyone came out of the woods to “grit up”. For the course of an hour by slowly driving along Lake County #2 I was treated to some incredible birds … Canada Jays, Pine Grosbeaks, Red Crossbills and Spruce Grouse. All these birds were flying over to the only source of grit for tens and tens of miles. Although Lake County #2 is a paved road, it is deep in the wilderness. A car would pass me while I was birding only every fifteen minutes.

My real hope of the morning was to find some Spruce Grouse, and I had the jackpot with a small flock of five. Even though it is the end of November, this male was “strutting his stuff” for a nearby lady. She did not seem to be too impressed.

(Gritting Up video link for email subscribers)

A few miles down the road I discovered a flock of Red Crossbills. I seriously doubt these birds have ever seen a human. I was able to stand within six feet as they “gritted up”. Given the unique bills … crossbills to pry open pine cones … gritting up is quite the production. Note how these birds have to turn their heads sideways to the ground to pick up gravel.

Finally on the way home, old Baldy was enjoying some roadkill.