Year 2: Just Another Northwoods Morning! (day #12)

Year 2,

Hmmm … what do I love about northern Minnesota? While I could list a huge number of reasons, I will let a few photographs do my talking. Winter is a season to be embraced, not feared. Out before dawn in cold weather (0F, -15C), the day only became better as it proceeded. Take a look:

A Snow Owl is silhouetted against the sunrise
Y2-D012-Sunrise-Snowy

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Conga Line dancing ducks at Duluth’s Canal Park
Y2-D012-Conga-Line-Canal-Park-Ducks-1

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Mid morning hike up one of the French River waterfall with friends.
Y2-D012-French-River-Walk-On-Water-2

Winter means one can explore the North Shore using trails not available in the warmer months! The streams and rivers provide access to back country which can not be reached at other times of the year.

Year 2: Birds of the Open Beak (Days 10 & 11)

Background, Year 2, ,

When photographing birds, the preferred image is a flight shot. Realizing that capturing a bird in flight is a challenge, focus on the eyes and beak. Including the eyes plus an open beak makes it appear as if the bird has human qualities, and will enhance whether folks like your pictures.

Thus, I bring you birds of the open beak

Trash Talking Downy Woodpecker (day 10)
Y2-D010-Female-Downy-at-Work

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Smiling Goldeneye (day 11)
Y2-D011-Goldeneye-Mouth

In addition, I enjoyed Lake Superior region photo opportunities early and late in the day using my new Sony NEX-5T mirrorless camera. I have been very impressed with how it performs in low light

Stoney Point at Sunrise
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Northern Lights in the Superior National Forest (full moon washed out the display)
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Year 2: Everybody Loves Peanut Butter!

Year 2

Who does not like peanut and jelly? It’s all American after all … even for Boreal Chickadees down from Canada! A trip to the Sax-Zim bog today yielded two new species for me:

  • Boreal Chickadee
  • Sharp Tailed Hawk

As you can see, this Boreal Chickadee was enjoying the all American food near the Admiral Road feeders! In addition I did NOT take any owl photos today. I tried both at sunrise and sunset. The colors in the sky were gorgeous, and I found four different owls, but none of them were kind enough to pose with the crimson skies in the background. Bummer!

Boreal Chickadee
Year-2-Boreal-Chickadee-1 Year-2-Boreal-Chickadee-2

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Sharp Tailed Grouse
Year-2-Sharp-Tailed-Grouse

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Sunrise at Kelly J’s (no owls!)
Year-2-Kelly-Js