After a weekend in Two Harbors teaching and learning all I could absorb at the Aurora Summit, I took a drive to look for wildlife. Icy, snowy roads on the Gunflint Trail had me turn back for home long before dark. I had heard of a Short-eared owl along the shore, and remembered seeing something hovering untraditionally by one of the State Parks. As I swung though the area, I spotted it! Hovering in just about the same place as before, and in front of beautiful fall foliage. Was beyond thrilled when it landed on a rusty pole, so I could get a better look at the gorgeous owl. This was a first for me!
Less than two weeks later, I had an opportunity to photograph another one closer to home. 
Watching these owls hunt is a sight to behold!
Did you see the cute little owl that was posted on facebook recently? Here is a close up of the wee one! 
Not only was it fascinating to see, it was amazing to hear all of the owlets squawking for food. There were four in total.
As I write today’s blog post I am reminded once again at how precious life is, and that without warning it can be taken away in a heartbeat. I was given nine days to observe and record the lives of these birds. In my 47 years, I have had countless opportunities to converse with people from all over the world. As some doors close and others open, the memories of good conversations and genuine people will always hold a special place in my heart!
If it’s not twenty below zero December through February, we seem to be living in a colorless world. For some reason that not only relates to the skies, but to the rest of my surroundings as well. Add a little sunshine, and the dullness begins to sparkle and shine.
On one of those overcast days this past December, I took a drive through the Bog and came across this attractive hawk soaring overhead. Thanks to my friend, Jason of Jason Mandich Photography for confirming my ID of this Rough-legged Hawk.
This series turned out to be a miss for the Great Grey Owl. But, during the hour I watched, this raptor was successful four times!
The predawn, partly cloudy skies soon filled up with snow flurries as I crossed over the Laurentian Divide on the way down to the Bog. Inclement weather, my favorite to photograph in!
Although there was snow, the wind stayed down, and owls were out and about. This 18 second video shows how the morning began.
Although I meant to head home in the early afternoon, the lure of more Great Greys kept me in the Bog until dark.
With 2015 here and a Raptor exhibit beginning in just a few months, Sax-Zim Bog seemed like the best place to start the new year. It didn’t take more than a few passes along Admiral Road until a Great Grey Owl was spotted in the trees. Not sure which car was the first to stop, but I worked my way up to the few folks that were setting up their gear. Although this beauty was on the sunlit side of the road, it really was just a touch too low to be basking in its full glory. The entire encounter lasted less than five minutes before the owl flew deep into the woods.
Driving farther down the road, the sun was just beginning to set. What a beautiful ending to the first day of a new year!
