Sax-Zim Bog … Common Bird / Rare Find

Year 6

Cedar Waxwings do not hang out in Boreal Bogs. However, migrations with a touch of wind often pushes birds into unexpected places. Such was the case yesterday morning when I was startled to find a small flock of Cedar Waxwings on Owl Avenue.  In addition to the waxwings, there are still lots of Broad-Winged Hawks taking some time out from their migration to hunt in the Bog.

Today’s weather is a bummer for the Hawk Ridge annual festival … heavy fog, occasional drizzle and strong winds off Lake Superior don’t do wonders for birding. I live about one mile below Hawk Ridge. I have had a constant stream of migrating Blue Jays all day long in my feeders.

For those of you waiting to purchase my new book via Amazon (rather than my own web site), everything should be ready on Amazon by Monday at the latest.

Cedar Waxwings in the Bog (a first for me)

Broad-Winged Hawk

Snowy’s Search for Color: Children’s Picture Book (free download)

Background, Year 6

My new children’s book, Snowy’s Search for Color, is published! I am both the author and photographer. You may download a free full PDF version of the book. The printed copy retails for $13.50 plus shipping (buy a copy).

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.

Snowy’s Search for Color: Front Cover (Book is 24 pages)

Snowy’s Search for Color: Pages 1 and 2

Snowy’s Search for Color: Pages 13 and 14

Fog Bound Rarities: Hudsonian Godwit et al

Year 6

While the rest of Minnesota has been enjoying some very warm September weather (80 to 85F), here in Duluth on Lake Superior the word of the day has been fog. Migration seems to be stalled, and the birds that are here are staying put. Down in the end of Park Point the ball fields have turned into great food factories for shore birds. My friends from the shores of the Arctic are enjoying the feast.

One rare bird for these parts is a Hudsonian Godwit which has been around for several days. Watch the video included with this post, and you will be able to see the fog rolling by.  Our temperatures are hovering between 50F and 60F.  It is a challenge to photograph in the fog.

Hudsonian Godwit & Friends

With a Black Bellied Plover

With a Pectoral Sandpiper

Individual Portraits

Hudsonian Godwit

Black-Belled Plover (juvenile)

Pectoral Sandpiper

Movie Time … Preening in the Fog (video link)
YouTube video will be embedded later … embed code is broken right now.