As I have noted before, our cabin is on the lake which is the furthest south of the Hudson Bay Watershed. The National Forest Service owns most of the lakeshore, and is also our landlord … we lease our land (the kids inherit our lease). Northstar Lake encompasses 1,100 acres, and reaches about 95 feet deep. Historically it has always been a great spot for Common Loons. Audubon’s recent climate report states the loons of Minnesota are at risk due to the changing weather. While I don’t know what caused a lack of loon chicks this summer on our lake, the numbers are way down … I can only find three … normally about 10. Our heavy rains late this summer could easily have swamped / flooded many nests.

Regardless, a bit over one week ago I took the pontoon boat our for a photo session with one loon family. Normally I would kayak, but I know from experience that loons hate my bright kayak. They don’t recognize the watercraft, whereas they have learned pontoons are harmless. I guess the color theme for today’s birds is black and white!

Common Loon Family of Northstar Lake

Black-billed Magpie near my Cabin

Summer is finally here in the Northland, and while we may not have the scorching heat seen throughout most of the rest of the country, the amount of humidity in the air is now rising … which means Ground Fog. Most mornings now across northern Minnesota there will be ground fog present, which if I time my excursions wrong can mean I see very little on birding expeditions. However, most days the ground fog burns off quickly and time spent outdoors is most pleasant.

I personally know of five active Osprey nests, and each of those nests now have hungry youngsters. Within 7 to 14 days these new Ospreys will fledge. Here are three great Osprey nests to visit:

• Intersection of Hwy 53 & Hwy 8 in Twin
• Steam Shovel Sam and Sally on Lavaque Road (one mile east of Martin Rd)
• Canosia Osprey (West Lizmore Road at the trailhead where the road becomes private)

These images were actually taken on Itasca County #45 approximately one mile east of Minnesota #38. This nest is very near my cabin and I visited the nest location multiple times last week while up at our cabin.

Ground Fog Osprey (as the sun rises)

Other Osprey Pics

God was shining “night lights” over Northstar Lake. Starting 15 minutes before  sunset yesterday evening the family was treated to watching the last thunderheads move off to the east.

Then I got up at 1:30 am and caught these night lights shining over our small northwoods cabin … and there were NO mosquitoes while I was taking photographs down on the dock.

Happy 4th of July … Nature’s Fireworks!