Day 320: Ice Lord! (photos)

Year 1

I have a new theory based upon this morning’s discovery of the Ice Lord! Let me explain …

While on my way to a local Nordic ski trail this morning for my workout, I stopped by the old Interstate Bridge on the Duluth Harbor Waterfront. Upon exiting the car, I heard a huge amount of screaming. Over the next few minutes was treated to four bald eagles (2 pairs) fighting in mid air. They dove, banked and did all kinds of aerial stunts … it was a true dog fight, or in this case an eagle fight.

My theory is that these birds were fighting over prime scavenging real estate. The US Coast Guard is keeping the shipping lanes open in the harbor. I believe that whenever a freighter comes by, its HUGE engines suck up and kill fish … in short a great and easy breakfast for eagles. Using the ship web site monitor for Duluth, I will check my hypothesis over the coming mornings.

The Winners! Ice Lords (and Ladies)
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Day 319: Snow Finches!

Year 1,

An Alberta Clipper roared down to northern Minnesota and delivered a burst of snow overnight. Given the temperature was near freezing, the pines and aspen were encrusted with a beautiful coat of white. The scenery demanded a hike into the forest. However, what I thought was pretty now has made food much harder to find for our winter bird population. Upon returning home from my hike, I discovered a huge number of purple finches and goldfinches in the feeder … and also for the rest of the day.

The first photo is of a small stream which is a tributary to the larger Knife River. The location is the north shore of Lake Superior.

My Morning Hike
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Ma and Pa Purple Finch
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American Goldfinch
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Day 318: Unexpected Pleasures: Harlequin Duck

Year 1

Originally I went over to Superior this morning to see if I might capture my friendly neighborhood snowy owl against the sunrise. When that bird failed to show, I decided to stop by Canal Park and take in the early morning sights. A Laker was passing under the Aerial Bridge, and even though I am a native Duluthian, I never tire of that sight!

Before leaving I decided to take a quick peak at the flock of mallards swimming outside the breakwater. Almost turning to leave I realized one of the ducks was no mallard! In fact, I had no idea what kind of duck was swimming with the flock, except it looked unusual. Not until I returned home and did some research did I realize I had spotted a rare bird for these parts, a Harlequin Duck. I guess I have to thank Mr. Snowy for not showing up this morning! LOL!

Two Photos of the Harlequin Duck
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The Laker that attracted my to Canal Park this morning
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