Always Look in the Rear View Mirror!

Year 4

Last night the Northern Lights numbers skyrocketed, but viewing was difficult due to the almost full moon, and ground fog forming from the 37F temperature. My first stop was Little Stone Lake near Brimson, Minnesota where the Aurora fought with the ambient light from the lingering sunset and almost full moon.

My next stop was a very remote wilderness lake deep in the Superior National Forest. I struck out on viewing opportunities at the lake due to ground fog caused by 37F temperatures. However while driving home I took a longer glance in my car’s rear view mirror. I noticed the lights were starting to pop. Thus, I found an unknown river and watched a short dance. The river was “in the clear”.

Sounds of the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

Year 4

Sometimes it pays to stay home! I had not been birding since last Friday, and having a few moments before dinner this Tuesday evening I had planned on heading out to find some shorebirds. However, my backyard birds had other ideas. As I walked down the steps outside my home, I noticed one hummingbird aggressively defending the bee balm from all comers. This action is not unusual, but that Ruby Throat decided to perch on the flowers themselves.

For the next hour, between a few trips indoors to check some photos I watched this small bird defend my garden. I could even count upon with some degree of certainty that my small friend would land on the same exact flower after either feeding or fending off competitors for this piece of garden. I hope you enjoy the video in which there are two primary sounds … the beating of the hummingbird’s wings, and it song (20 second mark). 

video

Starry Skies Lake Superior

Year 4

My readers know I love the dark side of the day. You will often find me enjoying and photographing the night skies. Later this month between September 17 to 23, the Duluth area will celebrate Dark Sky Week with various events and seminars. Learn more via this link.