Waiting Out the Slush

Year 7

For the last two days we’ve had a combination of snow, slush and rain here at the tip of Lake Superior. At times the winds gusted to over 40 mph. In short it was not a fun time to be outside. I did make a few hikes over to my owl’s nest, and thankfully the family survived the storm without any issues. As sun and calm winds return for the next two days (and quiet nights), I’m sure the owls will be busy making up for missed hunts. I am looking to spending time in the woods over the next two days. Maintaining a social six foot distance is easy. I don’t see anyone.

I took this video and photograph back on Friday, the last time we had sun. The ice bridge over the waterfall as finally broken away. The sounds of the waterfall and rapids are now ever present in our yard. We keep the window open at night in our bedroom and are lulled to sleep by the white noise.

The Deeps on Amity Creek (video link for email subscribers)

Do You Hoot?! (Free Children’s Books Downloads)

Background, Year 7

Starting today all three of our children’s bird books are available for download without charge!

During the Coronavirus crisis, Susan Larson Kidd (author of my first two books) and I have worked together to make the full electronic versions (PDF’s) of all of our books available without charge. If you like our books, please consider purchasing a printed copy ($12 each). It is our hope these books will provide you and that special child peace and serenity during these troubling times. Peace.

The three books are:

  • But That is Not Me!

    Book Theme (beginning reader’s book): Follow a Hairy Woodpecker around the northern forest as it learns about other birds, but also learns to be true to itself.
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  • Hey There Mr. Owl

    Book Theme (beginning reader’s book): Follow owls around the northern forest as they meet birds and animals while discovering their senses of touch, smell, taste, etc.
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  • Snowy’s Search for Color

    Book Theme (children’s picture book): Follow the adventures of a young Snowy Owl as it flies south from its home on the Arctic Ocean in search of color! The owl meets up with other owls, red foxes, and even Smokey the Bear! It is a magical journey.

I took this photograph last spring. It is a Great Horned Owl owlette with its Mom, a sibling to the chicks born last week and featured yesterday. These owlettes will be featured in my new upcoming book, Do You Hoot!

Great Horned Owl Chicks!

Year 7
I am a proud God Poppa! Great Horned Owl chicks! This is the second year in a row I have had the pleasure of watching this owl family. I have been visiting the nest almost daily since early February. Learn more about Great Horned Owl nesting habits. (via Cornell University)
 
At least two Great Horned Owl chicks have hatched … most likely over one week ago, but the owlettes are just becoming big enough to venture out from under “Mom” and give me a brief view. Mom still appears to be incubating / warming, thus a third chick may be present. The owls hatch on different days … sometimes with a few days in between … thus the size difference between the two birds.