Tag Archives: MN North: Amity

Darn Cold & Windy Birding

Year 9,

This week has been tough in terms of birding. How else could one describe every morning when the temperatures are -10F (or colder), and 20 mph winds (or worse). I thought my trials and tribulations had finally ended a bit before sundown yesterday when I discovered a Snowy Owl which was very close (not 200 miles distant across a field). I took the one image in this post and then moved to the other side of the building. I was even closer, and the wind insured the bird could only take off right towards me. Fantastic! However, I then realized my camera would seem to be pointed right towards an apartment. Although I was not actually aiming towards their window, but ten feet above, I was not willing to risk spooking people out.  I left the area. My point, be cognizant of your location before taking photographs.

At home I have been enjoying some “red birds”. Both Common Redpolls and a Red-Belled Woodpecker are frequent visitors.

Northwoods Nordic Ski / Snowy Owl Trifecta!

Year 1,

I often talk about living in the Northwoods. I took these two GoPro videos on Tuesday afternoon within walking (or skiing) distance of my home and the films are evidence of my Northwoods environment! In fact the second video was taken while walking home. While I only skied 6.5 kilometers, given my five heart operations over the past year … and the fact that the ski required me to climb 400 feet in the first 3 kilometers, I was quite happy!!

I found the three Snowy Owls late the same afternoon of the videos … after cleaning up and resting a bit. On Wednesday (after these videos), we received yet another 1/2 foot of snow.

Amity Ski Trails 1 (video link for email subscribers)(30 second video)

Amity Ski Trails 2 (video link for email subscribers)(30 second video)

Snowy Owl #1 (apparently a card shark!)

Snowy Owl #2

Snowy Owl #3

Bald Eagle Take-Off

Year 8

I had hoped to be up north of Duluth this morning in the forest wilderness, perhaps watching an owl hunt. However, the wind forecast held true (darn), and 30 mph wind gusts convinced me such an expedition would be foolish. Instead given the weather I went Christmas stocking shopping. Years ago I started a tradition in our family when I found a fantastic book store which also carried an amazing collection of magazines. While browsing that store I picked out an extremely unusual magazine in terms of topic for each family member, but which I also felt each recipient would enjoy. 25 years later I carry on this tradition, and finding four magazines takes me hours of shopping / searching. One of this year’s favorites is a 50 Year History of TV Game Shows, which not only gives the history of this genre, but lets one realize how much our culture has changed over this time period.

With my magazines chosen, I started to drive home. However, I quickly remembered the deer carcass I had found yesterday evening while trying to locate a Snowy Owl about which one of my friends had phoned. While I did not find Snowy, I did find four Bald Eagles enjoying their supper. Generally for about 48 hours it is worth revisiting a carcass in search of raptors. After that time duration, the crows, jays, woodpeckers, and magpies take over.

I was correct in my assessment and found one very hungry Bald Eagle late this morning. It was not going to be spooked off the carcass until a logging truck approached. While birds of any kind will often not move when a car drives past, a semi is certain to scare them away. Such was the case today and I was ready when I saw the lumber truck drawing near.

Bald Eagle Take-Off

Bald Eagle on a Deer Carcass