Day 047: Coast Guard Mallards

Year 1

We’re home in Duluth! Better yet, there are signs of Spring. This morning around 10:00 a.m. the US Coast Guard cutter made its first trip out into the lake, and broke ice through the canal. Within three hours the duck population that had been wintering miles away in some open water discovered the canal was open. This means excitement if you are a duck, and the sides and bottom of the canal provide good eating opportunities. This photo was taken at 1 pm, and mallards and a few golden eyes were arriving in droves.

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Day 046: South Dakota Stopover

Year 1

While driving back through South Dakota to northern Minnesota from the Colorado Rockies, birds were in short supply. The land at this point in the Winter does not provide a lot of food. However, when we found some open water on the Missouri River near Pierre, it was apparent the northern most point of the early Spring migration had been found. In this small non iced over section of river, I saw lots of Canadian Geese, Mallards, and Common Merganser. This photo has all three types of birds.

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Day 045: Ramblin Rooster

Year 1

Molly and I started our drive back to Minnesota from the Colorado Rockies. Today’s route took us through the high plains desert. Birds were not to be found. I had almost despaired finding a suitable candidate for day #45 when this “ramblin rooster” saved the day!