All fluffed up against the cold!

This Northern Hawk Owl was wondering why this strange animal was hiking along the frozen creek bed (i.e. me). It was 1F with a windchill of -16F. Thankfully while taking my photos, the wind was at my back. Unfortunately hiking back to the car required going into the wind!

I tried to get a flight shot, but when the owl finally flew my fingers were too cold to react quickly enough to press the shutter in time! I also have include a picture I took early this morning along Pioneer Rd north of Knife River. I think the second photo demonstrates that birding is a lot more than just looking for our fine feathered friends; it’s about getting outside and enjoying the Northland!

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Northern Hawk Owl

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Morning Serenity

The sun finally returned to the Northwoods, and I was treated to a special sight! While driving in the countryside north of Duluth on the way to refill my public feeders on Old Vermilion Trail, I saw my first Northern Hawk Owl of the winter. These birds come south to enjoy our “warm” Minnesota winters!

In the second to last photograph, the owl which is enjoying the nice warm rays of sunshine while preening, is attacked my a songbird!

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Northern Hawk Owl