The Lake Superior forecast over the next few days includes steady winds at 30+ mph, with gusts often into the mid 40’s. Shortly after dawn this morning I photographed this seagull riding and gliding on the wind near Stoney Point. You are looking to the northeast as the last remaining clear sky escapes before the rain, sleet and snow close in upon us for the next five days.
Although Spring has not arrived on the shores of Lake Superior (see first photograph taken at dawn this morning), a short drive 70 miles to the south yielded a glimpse of some of the birds waiting to invade northern Minnesota in a week or two when snows and ice melt a bit more. Crux Meadows is a 30,000 acre+ wildlife refuge with over 250 species of birds. The rare sedge marsh and brush prairie habitats make the area a utopia for wildlife, These photographs represent just a few of the birds we saw today.
Some nice comments about today’s birding … we saw lots of Trumpeter Swans. When I was young, they were almost extinct with only 40 breeding pairs in North America. In addition, I saw my first Common Loon of the season. This is a favorite bird of mine, and also the State Bird of Minnesota.
Sunrise Over the Arctic Ocean! (Canadian Geese on Lake Superior)
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Blue-Winged Teals
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Northern Shovelers
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Killdeer
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Trumpeter Swan
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Common Loon
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Purple Martins
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Ring-Necked Duck
Sung to the tune of Sonny and Cher’s song, And The Beat Goes On … the new hit northern Minnesota song … And The Snow Goes On, and The Snow Goes On! This photo was taken at the mouth of the Lester Rive about 1/2 hour after the reputed sunrise during a snow squall this morning. My low light photography practice during yesterday’s snowstorm paid off during this morning’s white stuff! I caught this kingfisher and mallard enjoying some beautiful spring weather!
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Post Update: The snow which started yesterday morning finally stopped around 10 am this morning. The sun actually trying to come out! Hooray! A few minutes ago the first warbler of the year appeared in our yard. Perhaps spring may finally be arriving. This yellow-rumped warbler is a welcome sight today!
