Another Merganser Morning!

Year 13

For the past two weeks we had an amazing number of non stop house guests, including at various times all of my eight grandchildren. As the family tended not to get up till later in the morning, the nearby Lester River Ravine was a great birding getaway for me. It only took five minutes to reach the ravine, and I could spend quality birding time but still be home by 8:00 to 8:30 am. which was prime breakfast time. Before the Common Merganser Ducklings escaped to the big lake (Lake Superior), it was fun to watch them near the mouth of the river. These images are from ten days ago, and the youngsters were my primary focus. If I moved slowly and stayed low, Momma Merganser was willing to put up with my presence.

Common Merganser Ducklings (movie at end of images)

The Movie! (video link for email subscribers)

The same morning I was watching the mergansers, I found both a Red-Necked Grebe (somewhat rare for NE Minnesota) and an American Coot.

Morning Moose on Lake County 2

Year 13

This Cow Moose was the third moose I have seen in the past two mornings … two cows and one HUGE Bull Moose. Whereas the first two Moose only allowed for quick visits, this Cow let me watch her for over 40 minutes while breakfast was being served! The Yellow Flowers through which she was walking appropriately enough are named “Birdsfoot trefoil” … a member of the pea family of plants.

At one point the Cow Moose walked right towards me. While originally 30 yards distant. I had to back peddle and retreat across the road! See the video accompanying this post. Kind of felt like I belonged in Cicely, Alaska. (Northern Exposure Trailer)

Morning Moose in NE Minnesota

The Moose Movie! (video link for blog email subscribers)

The Ugly Ducking (and Osprey)!

Year 13

Not just the raccoon family, bird families are appearing all over the Northland. Keep your eyes open as you takes drives or hikes in the Northland for parent birds bringing a meal back to their chicks / cygnets / juveniles.

Trumpeter Swans and Cygnets (pond across from A+ Garden Center)

Ugly Ducklings are named Cygnets!

And the video (link for blog email subscribers)

Osprey Chicks (Twig, Mn.)