Day 361: Visitors from Up North

Year 2,

Hard to believe … on Thursday one year of photographing birds will be done, but for the moment the pressure is still on! Today I first went to Canal Park at the entrance to the Duluth Harbor and had fun watching the two Northern Pintails and five million mallards. Pintails are rare in the Duluth area, and with the shipping season closing on Monday or Tuesday, the canal will freeze up quickly and make for very few ducks.

Originally I had not planned on going out birding again today, but given my wife was out of town, I decided to head up to the Duluth airport just before sunset in search of snowy owls. Jackpot! I will have to return for an evening with decent light and watch this snowy hunt.

Northern Pintail
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Duluth Airport Snowy Owl (I think I’m being watched!)
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Day 360: Vivid Color in the Snow!

Year 2

Even on the gloomiest of days in the Northwoods, during fierce snow squalls, if one knows where to look, there is always vibrant color! These photos are just a small example of why I thoroughly enjoyed volunteering all day at the Sax-Zim Bog Welcome Center!

Common Redpolls during the Snow Squall
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An Evening Grosbeak enjoying breakfast during a break from the snow.
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Day 359: Spruce Grouse!

Year 2,

Fourth time’s a charm! This was my fourth trip north of Two Harbors to the Greenwood Lake / Sand River to see a Spruce Grouse. Success was finally achieved. It was all the more special as this bird was a “never seen in my life” experience for me!

After taking some time out at home, I eventually headed down to Canal Park. I decided I wanted to see the Northern Pintails that had been hanging around the waterfront. All in all, it was a great day of birding!

Spruce Grouse359-Birds-365-Spruce-Grouse-3 359-Birds-365-Spruce-Grouse-2

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Northern Pintails
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