Wildflowers and Birds!

Year 7

As I type this post today’s how each day holds such different weather here in northern Minnesota. Yesterday was perfect … sunny skies, mild winds and a temperature in the mid 70’s. Needless to say I went birding at sunrise. Today, however, Lake Superior is showing who is boss. We may reach 60F, and their a brisk wind off the lake just to made the constant rain and fog a bit colder. We turned on the gas fireplace in our living room when our inside temperature fell to 62F.

Yes, I went birding to the Wisconsin Grasslands in NW Wisconsin yesterday. The young are exploring the meadows while demanding to be fed. Here are a few photographs taken early yesterday morning.

Killdeer and Wildflowers

Eastern Meadowlark Juveniles

Do You Hoot? (free children’s book download)

Background, Year 7

Do You Hoot? I had the privilege to watch a pair of Great Horned Owls this winter and spring raise their family in the Amity Creek Forest. This story is about the “Amity Owlets”, but particularly “Hoot!” and how she grew up from a chick to a juvenile owl.

As a way to encourage family time, and a knowledge of birds, I happily make my book available as a free PDF download! 

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  • Purchase a printed copy of Do You Hoot?
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Bee Balm and Lightning!

Year 7

A severe thunder storm blew through the area at sunset last night with 60 mph winds. Some research via weather radar showed me I could safely go up to Hark Ridge. It was fun to watch the storm move off over Lake Superior.

Storm Clouds Over Lake Superior

This morning I decided to bird my own yard. The Bee Balm started blooming in our garden a few days ago. It did not take long for our local Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds to figure out that fact. I look forward to a repeat photoshoot in the late afternoon sun. I am still learning the proper focus and tracking settings for my new lens (Sony A6300).

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird