Winter is starting here in the Northland. While some of you might feel like the 9th of November is still autumn, here in northern Minnesota winter is putting her icy grip on the woods. This morning it was 15F with a fierce wind from the NW. Even the steams and rivers are starting to ice over. Snow is gently falling as I enter this post.
Our summer birds left long ago, and now the Arctic and Boreal birds from northern Canada are arriving. In the past two days Pine Grosbeaks have exploded upon the scene, and I have also seen my first Bohemian Waxwings. A morning’s early birding involves checking out various berry patches. Find the berries … find the birds!
Pine Grosbeaks enjoy some pygmy crab apples
A few Bohemian Waxwings dined with the 50+ Pine Grosbeaks
A Blue Jay with its sharp beak, was able to chow down on bigger berries!
Thankfully the vikings who had moored their long boat and must have been out pillaging the local countryside did not find me!
