Yesterday I saw my first wolfpack of the season fishing on Northstar Lake. This wolfpack consisted of only three Common Loons, but by mid September I often see groups of 8+ loons fishing as a group. The birds circle in a tight formation, and then they all dive. I wish I had an underwater camera to see the havoc they cause underneath the waves. Yesterday’s event was on the windward shore right over an underwater point. It was obvious the wind was blowing the microorganisms over to this spot which was then setting up the food chair. The loons repeatedly dove and came up at the exact same spot.
Common Loon Wolfpack of Northstar Lake
In addition, this is the time of year to start checking out every hay bale one sees in the countryside. Any bird that enjoys bugs for food will often be spotted sitting on hay bales. These ring-billed gulls had flown seven miles inland from Lake Superior to enjoy the bounty … another example of a food chain … farmer mows hay forcing all the bugs in the field into a very small area (i.e. the shorted cut hay), which means easy pickings for birds.
Cloverland Hay Bale Ring-Billed Gulls
Finally, while everyone else is sweltering in the heat, Lake Superior provides gentle cool breezes. I took this photograph of my bicycle during this morning’s ride near Split Rock Lighthouse.
