Tag Archives: MN North: Hartley Nature Center

Days 269 to 271: Late Migrant Birds of the Northwoods

Year 1, ,

Most birds have gone south, leaving the northwoods strangely quiet. Finding a bird to photograph for this 365 day photography project is becoming increasingly difficult as the onset of winter approaches. However, following the basics of finding food and water still is the method of success. Here are some photo captures from the last few days.

Day 269: Reflecting Images (mallard)
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Day 270: Merlin on the hunt just before sunset in Sax-Zim Bog
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Day 270: Last Loon on NorthStar Lake in Winter Plumage
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Day 271: Hooded Merganser – Quacking, Yawning & Diving
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Day 215: Just Another Day in Duluth!

Year 1,

Today’s photos are from one twenty-four hour period in Duluth, Minnesota. The day started in the wee hours of the morning as I photographed a thunderstorm leaving the area out over Lake Superior. After a few hours of sleep, I resumed my photographic journeys by capturing this kingfishers and goldfinch, but wait … there’s more! A trip up to Enger Tower yielded these classic Duluth views!

I hope these photographs start to explain why Duluth was just voted #1 outdoor town in American by Outside Magazine. My hometown, I think I will keep it!

Fire Storm Over Lake Superior
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American Goldfinch vs Bee
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Belted Kingfisher
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Duluth Vistas
215-Birds-365-Duluth-Harbor-Skyline 215-Birds-365-Saltie-3-PE 215-Birds-365-Saltie-2-PE

Day 195: A Male Ruby-Throated Humminbird!!!

Year 1

For the past several days I have been having fun photographing ruby-throated hummingbirds. However, females and immature hummingbirds vastly outnumber the males which actually have a “ruby-throat”. I wanted a picture of a male!

Finally today I discovered a male who was defending a patch of perennials. Whenever another hummingbird entered the area he would swoop down and attack. However his “chase away” tactics were impossible to photograph. Trying to focus on one of the smallest birds in North America while it performs aerial maneuvers at extremely fast speeds was beyond my capabilities. After waiting patiently for over an hour this particular male  ruby-throated hummingbird decided to feed, and thus provided my an opportunity to take my photographs! I hope you like the result.

Male Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
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