Day 086: Peaceful Good Friday Morning on the North Shore

Year 1,

I arrived at Split Rock Lighthouse twenty minutes before dawn this morning, and for the next two hours plus enjoyed a peaceful Good Friday morning enjoying God’s majesty. For this entire period I never saw another human being. It was me and the beauty of the Northland.

The conditions could not have been more perfect. After our storm of two days ago which dumped 8+ inches of new snow on the region, this morning was crystal clear with not even the slightest breeze. The temperature had fallen to 25F overnight. Thus, I was able to walk across the snow’s crust giving me easy access to fun and beautiful places.

After two hours hiking and photographing in Split Rock State Park, I drove south to Two Harbors, Minnesota where I captured today’s bird photograph … the latest in my Lighthouse and Birds Series!

I hope these photos taken Good Friday morning provide you some peace and enjoyment.

Two Harbors Breakwater Lighthouse
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Split Rock Lighthouse
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Split Rock Point
Split-Rock-Point

 

Day 085: After the Storm!

Year 1

Yesterday’s snowstorm is today’s photo opportunity. Even though the calendar may say “spring” on April 17th, the land says “winter”. Other than the streams and rivers which rush down to Lake Superior, snow and ice have a lock on northern Minnesota and the Lake Superior region. This means that the bird migration is effectively blocked at the Duluth end of Lake Superior. Birds find any open water and/or food and wait for the coming melt.

I photographed this immature bald eagle overlooking the big lake at the point of take-off. After the eagle flew, I decided a non bird photo was in order. The Sucker River is about 13 miles north of Duluth near Stoney Point. This is one of my favorite playgrounds in the world!

085-Birds-365-Eagle-TakeOff-1E Sucker-River-Bridge

Day 084: Blizzard Birds!

Year 1,

Even if it’s April 16th, we’re in the middle of a big winter storm up here in northern Minnesota. Eight to fifteen inches of snow are expected by tomorrow morning. The current wind is 30 mph, with gusts over 40 mph. Thus, it’s not nice weather for either birds of photographers!

These black-capped chickadees were in the middle of an old fashioned food fight. When food is found after a long winter, it is valuable. For some reason this particular branch and spot is a preferred location for perching and breaking seeds.

On the other hand, just before the snow started these goldeneyes almost seemed to be playing! (or picking upon the third bird)

Food Fight
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Tag! You’re It!
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