Spent some time watching and photographing this great blue heron in a northern Minnesota pond. It was trying to catch some breakfast, but having limited success.
- View this project’s Flickr photo stream. (click upon images to view at full size)
Days 175 and 176: Hanging Out at the Swamp
I found a new swamp! Most people might not consider this a neat event, but this swamp may be easily accessed via a remote dirt road. I can even hang out in the car, safe from the mosquitoes, while I watch for birding action. Sweet!
For the past two days I have been hoping that the kingfisher which also “hangs out” at this particular swamp would come hunt on my side of the pond. No luck so far, just long distance photos. It appears as if this swamp will become a new best birding friend of mine!
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Day 175: Eastern Kingbird and Kingfisher
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Day 176: Common Yellowthroat
Day 174 Addendum: Sax Zim Bog Bird Bike Ride
Although my official bird for today was the USAF Thunderbirds, I also took a bike tour through one of the premier bird locations in North American … the Sax Zim Bog. I rode 42+ miles through along deserted gravel and asphalt roads. Not only did I get some great exercise, but I enjoyed some nice birding!
Near an old “missile silo looking building” left over from the cold war when the airspace directly over Minnesota was the most direct route to the USA from Russia, I discovered a northern harrier (see photos). This bird squawked at me, but never really flew out of the area. Given there had to be a nest in the area, I kept a respectful distance.
My big surprise of the day was scaring up two sandhill cranes just 1/2 mile north of the Visitor Center on Owl Ave. I was cycling along and never saw them till the cranes launched into the sky only ten yards in front of me … crying out in there not very melodious voice. They scared me more than I scared them! Later in my ride I watched some American Kestrels which were hunting along side some railroad tracks.
All the deer and cows thought I was an oddity. The deer would watch me approaching and only run at the last moment. One herd of cows even ran alongside me as I biked for 1/5 mile. Regardless, I hope you enjoy the photos from my bike tour!
- View this project’s Flickr photo stream. (click upon images to view at full size)
Getting Ready to Ride
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A Turkey Vulture which thinks its too cold and early to soar!
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Northern Harrier
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American Kestrel
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The Sax-Zim Bog Visitor Center
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The cows that ran along side me!
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Ending with a Osprey!
