Day 280: Winter Birding

November 3, 2014Year 1MN North: Amityrichardhoeg@gmail.com

All the leaves are down in the forest surrounding our home. While it’s sad and a bit gloomy outside at times, winter birding is made easier given the better sight lines. While there are much fewer birds in the forest, it is much easier to see and follow desired species. This afternoon I took a hike in the Lester Amity Forest and found this Pileated Woodpecker. After following him for almost a half mile, I continued my hike. Eventually the sun came out and I took the other photo as the sun’s last light kissed the Lester River Ravine.

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Day 279: Sax-Zim Bog Snow Bunting

November 3, 2014Year 1MN North: Sax-Zim Bogrichardhoeg@gmail.com

The winter birds are beginning to arrive in Sax-Zim Bog. My visit this morning was to try and find some owls, and snow buntings. While the owls made themselves scarce, I did find plenty of snow buntings. However, they are so skittish that getting a photograph is extremely difficult. In addition, while looking skyward for owls I did capture this ruffed grouse.

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Days 272 to 278: Duck Pond Fever!

October 30, 2014Year 1MN North: Forest Hill Cemeteryrichardhoeg@gmail.com

Birds attract more birds. While the northwoods have become rather barren in terms of birds as most of our feathered friends have flown south for the winter, one particular pond near me still is attracting lots of late migrants. Simply put, ducks like to hang out with other ducks. Find your local pond which doubles as a duck convention, and your viewing possibilities are enhanced … duck pond fever. In my local pond’s case, a resident flock of domestic geese and mallards server as the birds that attract their wild counterparts to their waters.