Day 067: Flight Reflections

Year 1

Shortly after dawn I made my way down to Canal Park. My hope was some interesting ducks would have moved into the open water over night, but few birds were present and most of those were down by the lighthouse where access was blocked in the Winter by the storm gates. Given the morning sun felt pleasant (+22F!), I just leaned against the pier and enjoyed the peace and calm. While daydreaming I spotted a loan goldeneye near the harbor’s entrance. I decided maybe a good photographic opportunity would avail myself, and I walked the length of the pier and across the bridge to get near this duck. After my ten minute walk, the goldeneye startled due to my increasing presence, but I did get two quick pictures!

Ice Wars! May the Force be with you!
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Approaching Hoth … the Star Wars ice planet!
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Post Update: Later in the day, there were more arrivals at Ice Planet Hoth (Lake Superior)

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Two mallards take a swim next to the Hoth Lighthouse
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Day 066: Owl Alley Afternoon

Year 1,

Lester River Road, now known as “Owl Alley” is a great hangout for owls, and me. My birding spot is only 1/2 mile as the crow flies, and 1.25 miles by car. While a 1/2 mile walk might not seem difficult, I actually drive over because the hike would force me to ford two rivers and scale two deep ravines! This afternoon I drove over in search of my great gray owl, but was treated with spending two hours watching a northern hawk owl on the hunt. While the northern hawk owl was never successful while I was watching, it was fun to see him search and fly. Here are a few photos from this afternoon’s trip to Owl Alley.

I see you!
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I hate meeces to pieces!
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Hanging out in a grove a trees (very difficult photo to take)
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A Pair of Common Mergansers at Canal Park (first Spring sighting!)
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Day 065: Lake Superior Ice Defeats US Coast Guard!

Year 1

It was strange the way I captured today’s bird photo. Four US Coast Guard icebreakers are on Lake Superior trying to break our record ice pack which resulted from the colder Winter in history (As of today, there have been 74 days of super cold weather when the mercury plunged below zero beating the Winter of 1874 / 1875).

Well, the Lake Superior ice defeated the cutter, Morro Bay. It had to assisted into port by the larger cutter based out of the Duluth, the Alder. The mallards in today’s photo were not impressed, and refused to move even after the cutters entered the Duluth Ship Canal. You may view more photos of the three cutters returning to Duluth via Lake Superior Waves.

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