The July 4th long weekend was fun, and included the normal “Up North” cabin activities including sunrise kayak paddles. Most of the week saw cloudy skies due to all the forest fire smoke blowing south via the jetstream from all the fires in northern Saskatchewan. Fortunately one morning saw clear skies, and I immediately took the kayak out at sunrise. I have found that birding and kayaking is a good combination. One may quiety approach “birdy” areas, using lots of slow gliding. This method allowed me to get c!ose to both a common loon which was making its desires known to another loon (i.e. move away from my turf), and a great blue heron fishing for breakfast.

Dawn Dance

———-

Morning Fish: Take-Off of the Dawn Patrol

My wife and I own a remote cabin in northern Minnesota which is partially off the grid. Although we do have electricity, we do not have phone coverage (hard wire or reliable cell), TV or many of the “modern” amenities. However, we do not miss these “pleasures in life” one iota!

Early Friday morning I kayaked over to a grove of extremely tall white pine trees with a commanding view of the lake. I was thrilled to find our eagles were back nesting in these pines, which they have done almost non-stop for 25 years. On the way over, a pair of loons let my kayak drift up within just a few feet of them. This closeness allowed me to photograph one of the loons with droplets on its back and head from a recent dive.

We are lucky to live in northern Minnesota!

Bald Eagle Couple on NorthStar Lake

———-

Common Loon After the Dive!

———-

20 Minutes Before Dawn on NorthStar Lake