Tag Archives: MN North: Amity

Red-Bellied Woodpecker (Heart Anniversary Bird)

Year 8

The sun came out very briefly yesterday afternoon. I thought about going birding, but decided perhaps sitting upon my own deck was a better idea. A few weeks ago, a Red-Bellied Woodpecker started proclaiming my yard as its domain, but I had not been able to get a decent photograph. Well … if you wait long enough, success will often be achieved.

Here is “Red” and his cousin, “Scarlet” (a female). See below the images for the “heart anniversary story”.

Why an anniversary bird, you may ask? Friday will be the exact one year anniversary of my collapsing while trail running due to a misshapen heart valve. After five heart operations, and five additional procedures, I am back loving my time in the woods. Last week I resumed trail running. This Friday on the anniversary of my brush with death, and at the midpoint of my run, I will stop and sit down on the ground for 5+ minutes (by my choice) in the forest. I plan on reflecting how glorious it is to be alive. Last year, my Garmin recorded me on the ground for over 30 minutes (not by my choice). My medical team says I’m lucky to be alive.

Two weeks ago I was the featured survivor and talked prior to the Northland’s American Heart Association’s “heart walk”. I was interviewed by both the local NBC and CBS TV affiliates. If interested, hear my story in their words, not mine (video link for email subscribers).

Major Update to Minnesota Birding News

Background, Year 8

A major update has been implemented to the Minnesota Birding News Service (not an app anymore, but an online news service). Via this free service which I created two years ago and maintain for the Minnesota birding community, you are automatically informed (with a short synopsis of the new content) when any birding service from these categories posts new content:

  • Mn Bird Areas
  • Mn Bird Blogs
  • Mn Bird Orgs
  • USA Bird Blogs
  • USA Bird Orgs
  • Int’l Birding

Anyone already using the service should delete their content and download / install the OPML with today’s date (October 1, 2021).

For those of you who already have the service installed, there was a major change in Facebook’s format. Failure to replace your feeds will result in them failing to provide updates, if that in fact has not already happened.

Langley River Road

Year 8,

Everyone in Minnesota seems to know about the Gunflint Trail, and most likely the Sawbill Trail. While both of these roads are gorgeous, you need to drive way north before heading inland. There is an option much closer to Duluth. Take Lake County #2 north out of Two Harbors for 21 miles. Turn left onto Langley River Road and enjoy a true wilderness drive. The road was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the mid 1930’s, and it is very unlikely you will see even one other car (exceptions being hunting seasons). The dirt road is in excellent shape, and does not require four wheel or all wheel drive. Actually, drive 600 yards past the turn for the road. You will reach the Lake County 2 bridge over the Langley River where you may stop and enjoy the view. I took this photograph just minutes after the sun came above the treetops this morning.

Here is a map. Follow the loop indicated and enjoy your drive. This area is often a good region for watching Great Gray Owls in the late Fall and early Winter. Please note the road is NOT plowed in the winter.

I have also done some birding in the past 24 hours. Bald Eagles are migrating through the area (they also nest in our region). I found this individual near my house. It had just snacked on “roadkill cafe” (dead skunk).

Finally, I always head to Forest HIll Cemetery during the duck migration. I never know what I will see, but the results are often good. This kingfisher caught a minnow while I watching.