Tag Archives: MN North: Lester River

Common Merganser Morning! Ducklings Learning to Fish!

Year 12,

Two mornings ago I walked the stairs down to the Lester River at 61st Avenue East. This dead end road rives access to both the Lakewalk, the tunnel to Brighton Beach, and the ability to observe the Lester River from both the ravine’s edge, but also from the shore deep within the ravine. The trees provide the ability to hide from animals and birds, and I took full advantage of that fact and watched Mom Merganser shepherding her brood through their first fishing lessons. I personally think there is nothing “common” about these ducks! Enjoy.

Common Merganser Family on the Lester River (video link for email subscribers)

Distracted Before Sunrise!

Year 11,

This morning I got distracted on the way to a pre-sunrise appointment. As I approached my car, I noted Les, Poppa Great Horned Owl, was still hooting … albeit slowly and softly. I thought, I wonder if Les would answer me??? I stood in my dark driveway 45 minutes before sunrise and started hooting. Apparently my hoots weren’t too horrible. Les answered me and started calling out much louder and more frequently!

Realizing I really needed to get going, I jumped in the car and started the drive to my appointment, but I did not get far. Once again I became distracted. The pre-dawn light  over Lake Superior was wunderbar … with the Lester River Bridge and its antique lights in the foreground. I pulled over and a photo session ensured. Thankfully the great folks at Essentia’s Cardiac Rehab know me well, and understand both owls and sunrises occasionally make it difficult for me to arrive on time. Today was one of those mornings. Do you hoot in the dark? I do!!

Lester River Bridge Lake Superior Pre-Dawn Light

Amy … the object of Poppa Owl’s (Les) affections and hoots. Image taken this afternoon.

Fuzz Ball is Doing Fine!

Year 10, ,

The Great Horned Owlet I rescued two nights ago is doing fine. Even after last night’s 37F low temperature, the little owl is still very alert and tracking well. Getting the youngster back up into the nest tree was difficult, but the right action. Given the bird was still so very young, it was not able to branch, climb or make short flights. After an assessment that there were no injuries, some assistance was required. It is also obvious that the parents are definitely feeding the owlet at night. There is lots of poop present!

Here are three images of the owlet’s family from over the past two days. In the first photo its sibling seems to be wondering … where is Fuzz Ball? While in the second and third pics Momma Owl stands guard (sunset and sunrise pics). Crow attacks are common.

The other owlet

Sunset Guard Duty

Sunrise Guard Duty

While I have not had much time to get anywhere else birding as Fuzz Ball has been my focus, three days ago I made a quick trip up to Sax-Zim Bog (Gray Jay / Canada Jay), and I found a Common Merganser couple had moved into Lester River now that the current has slowed way down.