Tag Archives: MN North: Two Harbors Highlands

Langley River Road

Year 8,

Everyone in Minnesota seems to know about the Gunflint Trail, and most likely the Sawbill Trail. While both of these roads are gorgeous, you need to drive way north before heading inland. There is an option much closer to Duluth. Take Lake County #2 north out of Two Harbors for 21 miles. Turn left onto Langley River Road and enjoy a true wilderness drive. The road was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the mid 1930’s, and it is very unlikely you will see even one other car (exceptions being hunting seasons). The dirt road is in excellent shape, and does not require four wheel or all wheel drive. Actually, drive 600 yards past the turn for the road. You will reach the Lake County 2 bridge over the Langley River where you may stop and enjoy the view. I took this photograph just minutes after the sun came above the treetops this morning.

Here is a map. Follow the loop indicated and enjoy your drive. This area is often a good region for watching Great Gray Owls in the late Fall and early Winter. Please note the road is NOT plowed in the winter.

I have also done some birding in the past 24 hours. Bald Eagles are migrating through the area (they also nest in our region). I found this individual near my house. It had just snacked on “roadkill cafe” (dead skunk).

Finally, I always head to Forest HIll Cemetery during the duck migration. I never know what I will see, but the results are often good. This kingfisher caught a minnow while I watching.

Great Gray Owl Hunting Before Winter Storm

Year 8

We are forecast to be hit by a winter storm in a few hours here in the Northland. This morning I decided to head out and see if any owls might be hunting before the storm arrived. It is amazing how at times birds seem to understand impending bad weather, and make ready. This morning was one of the those occasions. I watched a Great Gray Owl hunt for over 60 minutes. It gave up the effort when the wind blew so strongly that hearing voles running beneath the snow became impossible. I drove away from the owls hunting grounds after it flew to a wind protected perch and obviously decided rest was now in order.

Normally Great Gray Owls are hard to find, but this bird was sitting on the edge of a remote road … right out in the only patch of melted snow. It actually waited for me to drive 80 yards past the bird, park and walk back for a photograph. Cooperative bird!

The owl then flew up into a nearby tree where it posed nicely for me!

For a while we both watched something flying overhead. I looked up but never saw what the owl was tracking. I suspect a high soaring eagle.

The owl then decided it was time for a new hunting perch. It flew within five feet of my head. I did not exist in the Great Gray’s world!

The Hunt! The owl launched and landed less than ten yards from where I was standing!

Unfortunately it missed … no vole this time. Time to take-off.

Time for some more hunting …

Way to windy … hunt over. It flew to a protected perch right after I took this windblown photograph.

Great Gray Owl Hunt … The Movie! (45 seconds long)(video link for email subscribers)

Listening to the Weather

Year 8,

Before yesterday morning it had been almost a week since I had looked for Great Gray Owls. Although these owls thoughts will soon to turn to love, and they will retreat deep into the forest away from areas where they might me viewed, it still did not make sense to go birding for them. Since last Sunday the winds have been strong, which means the Great Gray Owls tend to conserve energy and wait for better hunting conditions. Loud winds mean these owls are not able to hear their prey running underneath the snow.

However, yesterday morning dawned with almost totally calm conditions. I immediately made the decision to go out owling and was rewarded with finding two owls out hunting long past daybreak. I heard from friends that one owl was seen hunting into the afternoon. Hunger is a great motivator.

Great Gray Hunting a bit after Sunrise (video link for email subscribers)

Upon getting home I hiked over to my own owls, the Great Horned Owl couple. At this point not much will happen till the eggs hatch, but I do enjoy the nightly singing / hooting easily heard from inside my house.

My Great Horned Owl Family (male in the tree, female on the nest)