Day 265: Goose Rock & Hawk Attack

Year 1,

The early morning yielded some fun photos today. Shortly after sunrise, while a heavy cloud cover was still present, a view rays of the sun broke through the clouds to illuminate these Canadian Geese out on Lake Superior. Approximately one hour later I captured this sharp-shinned hawk attacking an owl decoy at Hawk Ridge. This location is one of the premier locations in America to view hawks during their annual Fall migration.

Goose Rock
265-Birds-365-Geese-Rock

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Hawk Attack (sharp-shinned hawk)
265-Birds-365-Sharp-Shinned-Hawk-Attack

Day 263 to 264: Final Fall Songbirds

Year 1,

The migration is almost over here in northern Minnesota. Not till late next April will we see the early migrants in the northwoods. One advantage in terms of bird photography during the fall migration is the songbirds arrive in our area famished from their journey. The practical result of this hunger is one may sometimes get closer to them than when they are well fed, and spook more easily.

Day 263: Slate Colored Junco
263-Birds-365-Slate-Colored-Junco

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Day 264: Yellow Rumped Warbler
264-Birds-365-Yellow-Rumped-Warbler

Day 262: South Wind Equals Resting Migratory Birds

Year 1,

Lake Superior is a BIG barrier to the migration of birds. Most birds hate to fly over large bodies of water, and thus they work their way down the north shore of Lake Superior over hundreds of miles to avoid flying out over the lake. With a headwind out of the south, most birds will rest and wait for better flight conditions. Such was the case with today’s two birds. In one instance, the snow goose had obviously been blown way off course from the rest of its flock and ended up with some Canadian Geese.

Bald Eagle
262-Birds-365-Bald-Eagle

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Snow Goose (juvenile)
262-Birds-365-Snow-Goose-1