Canal Time! (Yr. 2: Day 48)

Year 2

Although a few days ago it was -15F, yesterday we experienced an all time record high in Duluth, 60F! The birds and humans all love this temperature swing. I’ve already taken two bike rides up the shore, and enjoyed open water returning to Canal Park. The birds are slowly learning of the open water. This bald eagle was fending off some attempts by the local crow population to get invited to breakfast!

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After sunset I return to Canal Park and caught the Aerial Bridge reflected in a large snow melt water puddle.
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The Day’s Waning Light! (Yr. 2: Day 47)

Year 2

Photographers love the day’s waning light, and I am no different! Once the harsh midday sun is gone, the opportunity arises to capture a totally different world of color. My evening started just before sunset with a visit from this red-bellied woodpecker. After a quick dinner I traveled the 600 yards down to the frozen shore of Lake Superior. I hope you will agree, it was a perfect evening!

Red-Bellied Woodpecker
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Brighton Beach Sunset over Lake Superior
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Love is in the Air: Sharp-Tailed Grouse Courting (Yr. 2: Day 45)

Year 2

Today, March 7th, the day finally dawned with the temperature not below zero. In fact, when I left for Sax-Zim Bog in the pre-dawn darkness, it was a balmy 28F! Apparently everyone, including the Sharp-Tailed Grouse enjoyed the warmer weather. Shortly after sunrise I found some courting going on! Given I had never seen grouse dance, this was a special morning for me. Sax-Zim Bog is always worth the trip of 50 miles from my home. I also volunteer at the Bog Welcome Center. Stop in and say “hello”. We are open for the winter season through Sunday, March 15th. I am volunteering both days next weekend.

Sharp-Tailed Grouse Courting Display
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Another Grouse, but not Courting
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Photographic opportunities have not been restricted to sunrise. I call this photo “Ice Planet Moonrise“. The scene is the frozen expanse of Lake Superior near Duluth two nights ago.
Y2-D043-Ice-Planet-Moonrise