Tag Archives: MN North: Two Harbors Highlands

Sea Smoke Deep Freeze Birding on the Arctic Riviera!

Year 3, ,

The temperature fell to -7 last night with a HUGE wind to create dangerous windchills and Sea Smoke on Lake Superior. Thus, what’s a photographer to do? Enjoy the weather!

In my first image, the ore boat / freighter … the Great Lakes Trader arrives at Canal Park in Duluth this morning surrounded by Sea Smoke. After my Sea Smoke sunrise photo, I’ve included a pic taken a few moments later with seagulls. The birds are not scared by the freighter … rather the immense engines and propellers suck up and kill fish … free food for gulls to snatch out of the ship’s wake.

This image was my final photograph at Canal Park. I had to run with my gear to change my perspective and capture the ore boat showing the other lighthouse at Canal Park and the ice encrusted bow of the Great Lakes Trader.

This cold has finally driven some northern birds down to the Arctic Riviera. Pine Grosbeaks consider our northern Minnesota climate balmy compared to the northern Boreal forests in Canada. We are the southern Boreal forests! In addition, many northern eagles have now flown down to our area courtesy of strong northwest winds. Finally goldeneyes are making their winter home in the Duluth area now that Lake Superior is the only open water around.

Snowbound! Waiting for Spring

Year 3, ,

By the end of February the birding picture here in northern Minnesota becomes tough. In fact, it takes both tough birders and birds to hang in there through our deep cold winter. However, when the birds become few and far between, it becomes “exploration time” for me in the wilderness. The Minnesota Arrowhead contains innumerable logging roads which snake their way through the Superior National Forest, and environs. The scenery is gorgeous even if the birds are sparse. This time of year allows me to discover good bird habitat which I then make plans to visit during warmer weather.

All is not black and white in the winter. If you know where to look, flashes of color appear in the forest which was the case with yesterday’s drive / hike in the Sax-Zim Bog. Should you actually be in the Bog tomorrow (Friday, Feb. 26th), stop by at the Welcome Center. I will be your host, and happy to give my latest birding intelligence.

My Morning Commute … Courtesy of the Civilian Conservation Corp.
Near Isabella, Minnesota
Isabella-Logging-Trail-1 Isabella-Logging-Trail-2

———-

North of Two Harbors (Langley Truck Trail)
Langley-Truck-Trail

———-

Stewart River Lake Superior Sunrise
Stewart-River-Sunrise

———-

Sax-Zim Bog Evening Grosbeaks
Y3-M02-Sax-Zim-Bog-Evening-Grosbeak-Male-3 Y3-M02-Sax-Zim-Bog-Evening-Grosbeak-Female

———-

Sax-Zim Bog Porcupine
Y3-M02-Sax-Zim-Bog-Porcupine

John Beargrease Sled Dog Race!

Year 3,

Had a blast today hiking into the forest and setting up shop along Dago Creek north of Two Harbors, Minnesota. The weather was crystal clear and warm (32F or 0C). For a few hours I watched sled dog teams race by from my vantage point on the frozen creek bed.

The John Beargrease Sled Dog Race runs from Two Harbors up to the Gunflint Trail, and then back down to Duluth, and is the longest race in the lower 48 states (400 miles). Many mushers use it as a tune-up for the longer Alaska Iditarod. Although our race may not be as fierce as Alaska’s, the racers can expect the temperatures to plunge below zero (-16C).

The race itself is named after and commemorates the Native American, John Beargrease, who first delivered mail and packages by dog sled team along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Learn more about the man.

Here are photos from my outing.
John-Beargrease-Sled-Dog-Race-0

John-Beargrease-Sled-Dog-Race-4

John-Beargrease-Sled-Dog-Race-1

John-Beargrease-Sled-Dog-Race-2