For the past month I have seen an amazing number of Spruce Grouse. However, I would contend that even here in northeastern Minnesota, the Ruffed Grouse reigns supreme. In addition, one month ago I could almost walk right up to a grouse before it would flush. Hunting season has changed that; the birds are more wary, but still kind of stupid (as noted before, I am not anti hunting).

This morning I knew most logging operations would be on hold for Sunday. I explored some of the side roads off Stony River Forest Road. I am very glad I did not try these roads when there had been recent rains, and on logging operations days. Suffice it to say I will not return to any of these roads till next summer.

Anyhow … a Ruffed Grouse from this morning.

The Rusty Blackbirds were back at the mud flats of my local cemetery pond. I am really enjoying the Glenwood / Jean Duluth Round About being completed. I am now able to make a quick visit to the Forest Hill Ponds with only an eight minute drive.

Today is October 21st. The short video (video link for email subscribers) included with this post was taken on Stony River Forest Road in the Superior National Forest of northern Minnesota. I call from October 21st to February 21st the “eternal golden hour”. Even though it was 80 minutes post sunup when I took the video, the sun had not risen very high in the sky. Thus, the “golden hour” now lasts almost all day … for four months. Stony River Forest Road has lots of open space on its western side because it was used as a fire block for last year’s Greenwood Forest Fire. Imagine a meadow and / or boreal bog which continues for over 20 miles … the length of the road!

My big surprise of the morning was finding this Western Meadowlark on the top of a tall white pine tree. Meadowlarks do not belong in the Boreal Forest, but the strong NW winds over the past week have pushed many migrants into habitat for which they are not accustomed. My perspective for the pic was from almost under the bird, not my favorite.

I almost guarantee I will see owls starting mid to late November during the day in this great bog area found deep along my wilderness road. In the meantime, it’s just a gorgeous spot to hang out! Once again, I took this photograph well after sunrise, but now is the eternal golden hour … with golden tamarack pines to boot!

Up on Stony River Forest Road this morning I am now seeing flocks of Snow Buntings. I know from previous years that when I start to see flocks of snow buntings, the Fall songbird migration is over. Snow Buntings will also be the first songbirds I see northbound next season, as early as February. The Arctic Ocean is a long ways away … thus last arriving and first leaving. There will still be raptor migrations stretching into the winter. Here are some of the dates I personally look to see the early owl migrants:

• Thanksgiving: Northern Hawk Owls
• December 1st: Snowy Owls
• January 15th: Boreal Owls

Obviously it is very possible to see any of these owls prior to my dates, but from a practical standpoint this is when these birds appear in northeast Minnesota. On rare occasions, both Boreal and Northern Hawk Owls nest in my area. I actually was privileged to find a Northern Hawk Owl nest and watch it through the Spring into early Summer five years ago. As a fyi, never ask me for an owl’s nesting location (and often even just a hunting location). These birds get loved to death.

From this morning, a nice male Spruce Grouse.