Here in northern Minnesota, given ice out finally occurred, birds who eat fish have returned. Yesterday evening I hiked back into a rookery with the goal of determining whether my friends were back. Yes!

Thus, this morning I set out before dawn and ended back at Canosia. After a hike  I arrived at the rookery. The Great Blue Herons and Ospreys tolerate each others presence. Such was NOT the case when a local bald eagle dive bombed the herons, but struck out on obtaining breakfast.

The Ospreys nest must be prime real estate. At one point I saw from a distance four male birds sitting on the nest and calling out to attract a female! Still it was fun when I got closer to see the remaining three squabbling over who got to keep the nest. A video may be found of the “trio” at the bottom of this post.

Squabbling Ospreys

———-

Great Blue Herons at the Rookery

———-

The Lazarus Camera! Those of you who saw my post yesterday afternoon will appreciate the title. The rice did the trick!

Parents, ever had a day like the one experienced by this Great Blue Heron?! The kids show no table manners and fight over food!

This morning I hiked in to a Great Blue Heron Rookery. Unlike yesterday, I did not get caught in a downpour / thunderstorm. I did hike through underbrush, wade through knee deep water, and ultimately picking a number of woodticks off me, but it was worth it! The swamp / marsh is a great place this time of year … just be prepared for bugs!

• View this project’s Flickr photo stream. (click upon images to view at full size)

Food Fight!

———-

And the Winner!

———-

The Scene!

———-

Patiently Waiting for Mom or Dad

———-

Meanwhile elsewhere in the swamp … an Osprey and Ring Necked Ducks

For over a week I have wanted to take a hike in the woods north of Duluth. My target was a great blue heron rookery. I wanted to arrive a bit after dawn and observe these great birds on their nests. However, for almost seven days Lake Superior threw fog, rain and generally horrible weather at me … not worth a walk in the woods.

Finally, a day dawned crisp, clear and cold. Under deep blue skies I hiked off from my car into the woods. Perfect attire for the day was boots that came up almost to my knees. The area was marshy to begin with, and the recent rains made it a squishy walk.

When I finally arrive at the rookery I thought it was deserted. Initially dismayed, I took another closer look. The herons were all flat down in their nests. Although the skies were deep blue, these recent returnees from the south did not like the 32F temperature and strong NW wind.

Showing patience plenty of photographic opportunities arose. Whenever one parent came back from fishing, both birds would stand and interact before the other bird flew off to find its own breakfast. I hope you enjoy my Great Blue Heron Rookery photos!

• View this project’s Flickr photo stream. (click upon images to view at full size)