Tag Archives: Iowa

Now Arriving on Track Nine at the Arctic Riviera: Snow Birds!

Year 12, ,

My friends who are the human version of snowbirds have all left for points south, but here on the Arctic Riviera (i.e. Duluth, Minnesota on Lake Superior) the real snowbirds are arriving. Take a look at this range map from Cornell for the Long-Tailed Duck (an Arctic seabird), it could actually also be the range map for all three species featured in this post … Long-Tailed Ducks, Rough-Legged Hawks and Snowy Owls.

All three species are now present in the Northland. In fact, I hesitate to use the word, but folks are saying this might be an Irruption Year for Snowy Owls. Both the Wisconsin DNR and Project Snowstorm (In With a Bang) are speculating that the large white owls will be in abundance this winter. All I know, yesterday I saw a Snowy in Sax-Zim Bog … the second earliest date I have ever personally seen this species of owl. My sighting was not rare. Snowys are being seen all over the Northland, and more arrive every day. The shores of Lake Michigan stretching from the Upper Peninsula to Chicago are a hot area. Migrating owls follow this migration highway due south from Whitefish Point on both sides of Lake Michigan. Apparently two Snowy Owls are hanging out on the Windy City’s waterfront (Chicago).

First … yesterday’s star attraction in Sax-Zim Bog on Highway 7 … A Snowy Owl!

And Duluth’s local Long-Tailed Duck … I suspect the duck is grinning because all of the Zebra Mussels at McQuade Harbor.

Finally to end the Arctic Trio … another lover of Lemmings and Voles, a Rough Legged Hawk (also on Highway 7 in the Bog)

This Ring-Necked Pheasant had better watch out for the owl and hawk … just south of Meadowlands. I was looking for Snowy Owls on the farm land to the SW and West of Meadowlands.

And this hawk does not belong with this post, but what the heck … I call the photo “Down on the Farm Birding. Hopefully folks can figure out the name of this species. Look at the tail. I was recently visiting my 94 year young uncle in west central Iowa. He still helps with combining corn. Retirement, that is a word farmers do NOT know.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Mississippi River Migration Cabin Escape

Year 11

Molly and I needed an escape from the cold Northland. Cancer treatment had cancelled our winter and spring travel plans. I looked at a map and realized Dubuque, Iowa was straight south of Duluth. 6+ hours of driving would get us to the Mississippi River without any need to travel through the Twin Cities. Further research revealed a nice cabin overlooking the river on the grounds of a beautiful old estate which is now a foundation (Marvin Gardens Cabin at the Four Mounds Foundation … also a B&B in one of the former country estate buildings).

Image Courtesy of Four Mounds Foundation – Marvin Gardens Cabin

We had found the perfect 3 night getaway. We love cabins and it not only allowed us to cook our own meals, but kept Molly out of significant contact with other people given her weakened immune system. I would HUGELY recommend 4 Mounds to anyone. The grounds are gorgeous, and the John Deere Dike Park is only minutes away … a great spot for walking whether one is a birder or not, but during spring or fall bird migrations even better for the birder.

Some highlights of our cabin included a working stone fireplace, handsome wood decor, an antique wooden canoe hanging from the ceiling, Hudson Bay blankets, and even a 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica. As a fyi, I love reading encyclopedias and I spent time each evening with the over one hundred year old collect. It was pure pleasure for me! The cabin also had superb internet, and a remodeled modern bedroom / bathroom. I could go further with my explanation of the Marvin Gardens Cabin, but Molly is a much better writer than me:

I will however point out that the Dubuque John Deere Works are near by, and we enjoyed a superb free factory tour. The plant is right across the road from the Mississippi River and the John Deere Dike Park, which is my lead-in to Mississippi River birding at the park. The park has an easily walkable path which leads out onto the dike where the path turns north along the river. Your hike takes you in between wetlands, the river, and a small island. The area is excellent birding habitat, particularly waterfowl … once again think spring and fall migrations.

A few photos from my visits to John Deere Dike Park

Great Egrets and White Pelicans

Day #1 … in the Rain

Day #2 … Sunshine

Another popular hiking / birding area is just south of Dubuque … The Mines of Spain Nature Center & Recreation Area. There is an extensive trail system, and a short hike yields some amazing views out over the bluffs and Mississippi River.

Mines of Spain Overlook

Birds / Owlets in the Rain

Year 11,

The weather has been ugly. In addition to the rain, winds have been gusting to just shy of 50 mph in Duluth. This is not weather that Great Horned Owlets love (or me). I took this image of the Amity Owlets early yesterday morning just before leaving for a small cabin on the Mississippi River just north of Dubuque, Iowa.

Great Horned Owlets in the Rain (Day 17 .. 27 days old)

However, the wet weather followed me south. I found many migrating birds hanging out near Dubuque … perhaps their northward migration stalled out at the John Deere Dike Park to await better conditions. It was still wet and windy as I watched a small flock of Great Egrets this morning.

However, we did have some nice sunny warmer weather during the past five days, and of course I also visited the Great Horned Owl nest on those days! The nest is getting real crowded as the owlets grow!

Great Horned Owlets + Mom (Day 14 .. 24 days old)

Great Horned Owlets + Mom (Day 15 .. 25 days old)

One item you may note, birding and photography in the rain and other bad weather often yields interesting images … both the egrets and owls. Don’t always wait for the perfect day to practice your craft!