Tag Archives: WI North: NW Wisconsin

Buy a Vowel Birding!

Year 9,

I forgot to utilize “Buy a Vowel Birding” over the past few days. Many Arctic birds are now visitors near the Head of Lakes, including the first Snowy Owls of the season (one in Superior, and one in Ashland). I went looking for the Snowy Owl in Ashland, but missed seeing the bird. I know the owl is still in the area. I forgot to buy a vowel … the letter “Y” (sometimes a vowel) to make Snowy.

  • I found Snow Geese
  • I saw lots of Snow Buntings
  • I missed seeing the Snow”y” owl.

Anyhow, the other snow birds from the past two days.

Snow Bunting (these birds are some of the first to migrate back north in February)

Snow Geese (two very unusual morphs in terms of their coloration)

I also went out birding this morning which was the Deer Hunting Opener. One should never be worried about birding during hunting season. Just use common sense:

  1. If you are birding the Boreal Forest and its bogs, you won’t find many hunters. Deer do not like bog habitat. Thus, deer hunters do not like bog habitat
  2. Should you bird areas that are deer habitat, ensure you bird 2+ miles from any location where trucks and SUV’s are parked.
  3. Wear Blaze Orange or Bright Red
  4. You will be safer in the woods, that most cities!

Blue Moons and Birds!

Year 2,

I consider myself lucky to live in the Northland. Photographic opportunities abound, and the day of the Blue Moon was no different (Friday, July 31st). After a session with my kingfisher family, I awaited moonrise and sunset. In both instances, my photoshoot locations were Northland Rivers that provided my both beauty and opportunity.

Over the past week I’ve had fun watching the kingfisher kids on the Lester River at the edge of Duluth. Between London Road and Superior Street along 61st Avenue East there are a number of ravine overlooks. Kingfishers, a bird which spooks very easily, occationally don’t look up which thus provides me my photo ops!

Finishing with the kingfishers, I drove over to the Amnicon River just outside of Superior Wisconsin. Located high above the river is the Davidson Windmill. This windmill was completed in 1904 by Finnish immigrants to the area. Thanks to the use of PlanIt! I knew when and where the moon would be rising … thus the reason for my trip to the local windmill.

The Kingfisher Kids
Y2-M07-Lester-River-Kingfishers-5 Y2-M07-Lester-River-Kingfisher-2

———-

Blue Moon!
Davidson-Windmill-Blue-Moon

Northern Magic: Aurora Borealis & Apostle Islands Ice Caves

Year 2,

The 40th day of year 2 demonstrates the magical beauty of the Northland. Shortly after 4 am, 40 miles north of Duluth, Minnesota I watched the Northern Lights dance across the early morning sky. While I was watching the Aurora, an owl kept me company hooting from about one hundred yards away!

If the day had just ended at this point, I would have been happy. However, along with a few friends we drove over to northwestern Wisconsin and visited the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Ice Caves. We hit the jackpot … a gorgeous blue ski day with mild winds and temperatures which soared into the mid 20’s. Winter is truly special!

Northern Lights Over Little Stone Lake (Minnesota)
Y2-D040-Northern-Lights-Little-Stone-Lake-1

Y2-D040-Northern-Lights-Little-Stone-Lake-2

———-

Apostle Islands Ice Caves
Y2-D040-Apostle-Islands-Ice-Caves-5

Y2-D040-Apostle-Islands-Ice-Caves-4

Y2-D040-Apostle-Islands-Ice-Caves-3

Y2-D040-Apostle-Islands-Ice-Caves-2

Y2-D040-Apostle-Islands-Ice-Caves-1

Most folks walk over the frozen Lake Superior ice … some come by plane! Regardless, it is a treat to see the ice caves … an experience which only occurs every few years when a cold winter and winds over Lake Superior combine to make the ice safe to walk out to the caves.
Y2-D040-Apostle-Islands-Ice-Caves-International-Airport-1

Y2-D040-Apostle-Islands-Ice-Caves-International-Airport-2