Tag Archives: MN North: NorthStar Lake Region

Common Loon Family Feeding Time (videos)

Year 5

I spent a delightful long family weekend at our remote cabin on Northstar Lake near the Canadian Border. In describing the location to friends it is cool to note we are the first lake in the Hudson Bay Watershed … no Mississippi River water donation from us!  I have been monitoring three particular loon families near us, and two have just hatched their chicks. The third family is still incubating. Saturday morning was calm and beautiful, and this one family let me be part of their morning breakfast! I floated near by for over 30 minutes and enjoyed a fantastic time! It is interesting when one realizes that Common Loon chicks eat plants, not fish when they are very, very young. Take a look … no minnows were on the breakfast menu.

Enjoy! (videos follow still images)

My Friends, the Common Loon Family!

Feeding Time (creature from the dark lagoon!)

First Yodel

Hitching a Ride

The Dad!

Videos: (in this order)

  • Wing Climbing
  • Feeding
  • Hitching a Ride

An Explosion of Color in the Northwoods!

Year 5,

The winters are long and white here in northern Minnesota. The final snow this year did not melt till early May, and ice out on area lakes was mid May. While I love the winter, it also fantastic when the Northwoods finally explode with color once again. Over the past week color has been coming back to my world.

As a wildlife photographer, the combination of birds and blossoms is addicting! Over the past week I have camped out next Lilac and Crab Trees with my camera. This morning I almost despaired that I would find anything till a flock of migrating Common Grackles appeared. Jackpot!!!

Common Grackles … not so common!

Lilac Trees and Butterflies … Tiger Swallowtail and Monarch

Chestnut Sided Warbler

Northern Birds … Arriving Now!

Year 4,

The final migration wave of birds from northern Canada are starting to reach Minnesota. During today’s dawn bicycle ride up the shore of Lake Superior I saw both a Snow Goose, and Pipits. Both birds are always late migrants into our area.

Yesterday Molly and I took a final boat ride on NorthStar Lake. This gem of a lake, where we have a small cabin, is 100 miles NW of Duluth. The Common Loons are now in their winter plumage and should head south any day now. The Bald Eagles appear to have kicked their youngster out of the nest. Winter will be hear soon in the North Country.

My Trusty Steed … this morning’s bike ride

A Snow Goose makes a rare visit to our area

Your type is not desired here!

A fall plumage Common Loon

This Bald Eagle couple have kicked their youngster out of the nest!

A Black Bellied Plover … still in breeding plumage (video taken two weeks ago)