Tag Archives: MN North: Duluth

Sea Smoke Sunrise

Year 12

December 1st was the start of Meteorological Winter vs Astronomical Winter (more information from the Mount Washington Observatory in New Hampshire). Whichever winter start date you choose to follow, all I know it was COLD this morning before sunrise at our house (-10F). Given the wind had finally abated, the calmer conditions meant Lake Superior was steaming this morning, or Sea Smoke. On windier days (such as the last two mornings) the Sea Smoke blows out into the big lake. The HUGE temperature differential between the air and water forms the smoke. Even when I got home around 8:30 am (80 minutes after sunrise), it was still -7F at our house. Not quite certain how the birds survive these temps (actually … yes I do know their survival tactics). All I know is I was quite cold upon arriving home. Unfortunately to take photographs it is often necessary to remove one’s winter gloves. Uff dah.

Duluth, Minnesota Sea Smoke Sunrise (These images take you from 35 minutes before sunrise to an hour after sunrise. I also spent some time right at sunup looking for Snowy Owls. The harbor is almost completely iced over, which provides the contrast along Minnesota Point)

Invasion of the Bug Snatchers (leading edge)

Year 12,

Even though there are almost zero bugs in the woods, and I am still able to find tiny bits of snow on the ground 40 miles inland from Two Harbors (and ice on the lakes), some bug snatchers have arrived in Duluth! While visiting Chambers Grove yesterday, a birding friend reminded me to NOT have a one track mind (as in While Pelicans on the river). Make certain you visit the small pond that immediately abuts the parking area. The little pond yesterday had an amazing number of early arriving warblers. In fact I even heard some grogs croaking which was amazing for Duluth on April 27th. I suspect this small body of water will be a warbler magnate over the next few weeks for many reasons including …

  • It is extremely protected from inclement winds and weather
  • The shallow waters will warm much more quickly than any other nearby waters
  • Warmer waters and wind protection will mean early season bugs
  • Chambers Grove is on a preferred migration path

Chambers Grove Bug Snatchers!

Yellow-Rumped Warblers

Eastern Phoebe

Song Sparrow

Meanwhile Friday evening this Great Gray Owl was hunting not too far away within the City of Duluth. Actually, most of the time it slept and given sunset was over 3 hours away, I left it to enjoy some ZZZzzz’s. However at one point it looked down, then up. I assume the owl thought it heard a vole. and an eagle, which I could not see, must have flown overhead.

Finally, about 12 of us had a super time hiking in to the Canosia Wildlife Management Area’s Great Blue Heron Rookery. We had super weather … sunny, 40F and dead calm winds. Stay tuned, I may some other walks, but like this one the announcement will come via my blog based upon current birding conditions / sightings and the weather forecast.

Some Eat Voles. Some Eat Fish. Everyone Needs to Eat!

Year 12,

The swallows return to Capistrano (Pat Boone YouTube Link for eMail subscribers), and the White Pelicans return to Chambers Grove, Duluth!

Actually Pat Boone’s song is from 1957, just one year after I was born. While growing up in Duluth EVERYONE knew that the St. Louis River was a cesspool with pollution caused by the US Steel Plant and multiple paper mills. You did not swim or fish in this river. However, thanks to the great efforts of regional governments and the EPA our river is now crystal clean. Sturgeon which demand fresh, clean water once again are spawning in the St. Louis River. There exists a trophy musky fishery, and many species of fish now spawn near Chambers Grover and the base of the rapids and falls of the river. Wild Rice even grows once again in the backwaters of the river. Finally, the White Pelicans are back (and have been for many years) and will once again gorge themselves during their northward migration on spawning fish.

Two nights ago the White Pelicans returned to Chambers Grove (GPS Link). While there had been a few pelicans on the river, Wednesday night the BIG numbers started to arrive. Visit Chambers Grove for the next 2 to 3 weeks and you will see these birds before they head out fishing. Just park in the city park, and make the short walk over to the river. The birds will be congregated on any of the island’s numerous rock reefs.

Duluth Chambers Grover White Pelicans (video link for email subscribers)

Meanwhile across town the invasion of the vole snatchers continues. This winter’s owl irruption is now working is way north in reverse. This Great Gray Owl was hunting voles Wednesday afternoon near WDIO TV.

Duluth Great Gray Owl