Tag Archives: MN North: Amity

Dangerous Weapons! Owl Talons!

Year 7
During this nesting season, I have been watching this male Great Horned Owl since early February. He does all the hunting while his mate spends 100% of her time on the nest … first incubating and then tending to the young. It also his job to attack any crows which venture to near the nest.
 
Based upon signs I have seen at the bottom of his favorite perching trees, the family has dined on rabbits, a barred owl, crows and pigeons (lots and lots of the last two kinds of birds). In fact, while standing underneath the nest today, a crow’s feather fluttered down right by me.
 
After two nesting seasons of watching this pair of owls, they pretty much ignore me. The nest is extremely well hidden and way up high in a white pine tree. Here is a photo I took of Mom with one of her chicks early this morning.

Sunshine Owls!

Year 7,

Sun returned to the Northland today, and cold weather. I made a brief trip up to Sax-Zim Bog and the temperature bottomed out at 10F (-12C). Given the strong winds out of the Northeast the past few days, there has been little to no migration northward. Other than one lone Wood Duck, I saw almost zippo.

Thankfully upon returning home, I was able to take a hike and visit my owl family. Although the air temperature was still brisk (20F), everyone was basking in the sun. Twice I saw Poppa Owl chase crows away from the nesting area. In addition, one of the little guys popped up and allowed me a brief photo. I’ll take another hike over late this aftenoon when the sun angle will be more in my favor.

Great Horned Owl Chick

Poppa Owl

Sax-Zim Bog Wood Duck

Corona Virus Clips!

Background, Year 7

Occasionally during this health crisis I will add light hearted posts about dealing with the everyday chores of life. This is one of those posts … the #CoronaVirusClip

I will admit I was not quick on the pick up in terms of buying toilet paper, but I was all over the rush to purchase a home hair cutting kit! On Amazon the kit I ordered is now out of stock till late April. Both my youngest grandchild (Michael … age 2) and I had our first home hair cuts last week.  Neither of us were happy during the experience! Thus, I present you the Corona Virus Clips.

Michael (and his Mom, my daughter) during his haircut … not happy!

The little guy a bit later on … happy!

Giving myself my first ever “selfie cut” a few days ago … not happy!

One year ago while bike touring in Texas … happy!

Keep faith, friends. We have to laugh to prevent crying.  Staying in touch with family and friends is critical during this crisis.  Like the rest of you , visiting my children and grandchildren is not allowed. Molly and I have learned to live by our virtual tools:

  • Virtual Happy Hours via Zoom
  • Family charades / games nights via Skype
  • An ongoing family group text
  • And much more …