Yard Bird! Red-Headed Woodpecker!!!

Year 12

My Haikubox (read my blog post about this system) said there was a Red-Headed Woodpecker visiting my yard, but I did not believe the notification. However, yesterday afternoon when “Red” chased “Red” away from near my feeders, I became a believer! (“red-headed” chased “red-bellied” away). If I get lucky, Red #1 will nest near me. Two years ago a red-headed-woodpecker chose our woods for nesting.

These images and short video were taken while standing inside my house … about four yards away from my window. I did not want to spook the Red-Headed Woodpecker. (video link for email subscribers)

Yard Bird! Red!

My HaikuBox Notification … I need to also look for the other woodpecker!

Tradition … Ice Cream and Dairy Queen

Year 12

42 years ago this evening my new wife, Molly, and I visited Dairy Queen between our wedding ceremony and reception. Guess where we went this evening?! Yup, Dairy Queen! Sharing ice cream with your sweetie never gets old! (as a fyi, each of our three children also visited Dairy Queen between their weddings and receptions. Some traditions MUST be maintained!).

Molly will always be my favorite chick (remember, this blog is about birds).

Bow Saw Birding (big waves!)

Year 12,

The last three days have seen HUGE winds here at the head of Lake Superior. Yesterday afternoon winds were clocked at 65 mph on the bridges across the Duluth/Superior Harbor. More normal speeds were 40 to 45 mph. I took these two images and video at Stoney Point which is about 12 miles up the shore from my home (video link for blog email subscribers)

Not too surprisingly these fierce winds (and cold … it was 38F at my house yesterday afternoon) blew down some trees. Of course I went birding early this morning inland from Two Harbors. On Stoney River Forest Road I ran into this roadblock! No problem! Anyone who birds remote roads should carry a bow saw in their car. Although it took a while, I was able to continue my birding excursion after some elbow grease. I like this 30 inch box saw from Amazon, which has a permanent spot in my car’s trunk. As always I have zero sponsored links on this blog, and receive no compensation from any person or company. I purchase everything reviewed on this site with my own money.