Northern Magic: Aurora Borealis & Apostle Islands Ice Caves

The 40th day of year 2 demonstrates the magical beauty of the Northland. Shortly after 4 am, 40 miles north of Duluth, Minnesota I watched the Northern Lights dance across the early morning sky. While I was watching the Aurora, an owl kept me company hooting from about one hundred yards away!

If the day had just ended at this point, I would have been happy. However, along with a few friends we drove over to northwestern Wisconsin and visited the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Ice Caves. We hit the jackpot … a gorgeous blue ski day with mild winds and temperatures which soared into the mid 20’s. Winter is truly special!

Northern Lights Over Little Stone Lake (Minnesota)
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Apostle Islands Ice Caves
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Most folks walk over the frozen Lake Superior ice … some come by plane! Regardless, it is a treat to see the ice caves … an experience which only occurs every few years when a cold winter and winds over Lake Superior combine to make the ice safe to walk out to the caves.
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Hawk Owl Hunt! (Yr. 2: Day 39)

Most owls hunt by night, but a few species grace us with their presence during the day. I have been privileged to watch this Northern Hawk Owl since a few days after Christmas. It won’t be long till this northern birds leave their southern hunting grounds in Minnesota for the Canadian Boreal Forest. In the meantime, I get to have fun watching my Northern Hawk Owl hunt!

The Hunter!
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First Bite.
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Stuffed Mouth.
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Ptuuuey!
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If I Just Pull a Little Harder!
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Need a Napkin!
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Canine Bird of the Day! (Yr. 2: Day 37)

Had fun north of Two Harbors this morning shortly after sunrise. Although I saw tons of pine grosbeaks, the real fun of the day was watching two timber wolves, and then this red fox a bit later. Seven photos ranging from the hunt … spitting up the hair ball … the stretch … to a full belly nap! Even though the temperature was -3F when I look this photos, the fox seemed warm curled up in the sun! The pine trees were providing an effective wind block to the northwest.

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