Northern Shrike

I saw a Nortern Shrike hit my window today in the Morgan Park neighborhood. Found him dead in the yard, this is really unfortunate since I don’t ever remember seeing one around here ever before. Took picture of him and am keeping him cold if anyone wants to study and/or mount him. Can contact me by e-mail at mustachefamily@yahoo.com

Minn trip

Hey to all of you birders. I’m from northern Missouri, and plan to make a trip to Sax Zim Bog next weedend. I will only have two days to bird, but would like to know what is some of the latest sighting in the area. Any info would great. I’m looking forward to visiting such a beautful state, and all thoughs owls.
Thanks
Frankie Cuculich
Brashear, Mo.
flcuculich@yahoo.com

Pine & Evening Grosbeaks and Common Redpolls

Pine Grosbeaks were feeding at the Morse’s Feeders on Blue Spruce Rd. Evening Grosbeaks were also on the feeders with the Pine Grosbeaks and Redpolls

Boreal Owl, 2/16/2013 2:30 p.m.

I was going to run errands in Duluth this morning, but at the last minute I put my spotting scope, tripod, binocs, and a little Canon PowerShot point-n-shoot digital camera in the car, and drove the other direction, North, up to the Sax-Zim Bog area.

I saw plenty of quiet and friendly people along the road, and at feeders, sharing bird sightings and stories. And then I happened upon this little guy–a Boreal Owl–my first (birders call this “A Lifer.” C.B. calls this “a kick-ass sighting!”). Folks stopped by, took pictures, quietly marveled at this little Owl, and then drove on. He was there at least two hours before I arrived, right by the road, in a dead tree, as if saying “Sure, see how beautiful I am. But be peaceful and quiet, so I can nap a little. Then make room for the next people who want to see me.” I wonder how long he’ll stay around, making himself available to birders & photographers and nature lovers?

I find it quietly fulfilling to be in the presence of a creature that is a bellwether for peaceful, clean places in which to live. The http://sax-zimbog.com/birding-festival/ was under way, and I understand from the birders I spoke with that seven different species of Owls were seen today–that’s about as many as are in Northern MN in February.

Many people signed up for the weekend, and I think maybe about five different school buses were taking groups around The Bog’s back roads to see Hoary Redpolls, Northern Shrikes, Boreal Chickadees, Evening and Pine Grosbeaks, and Magpies. It was a FINE day in northern Minnesota–calm, clear, bright, and crisp. Many folks added Lifers to their lists.

Northern Shrike feeding at feeder

A northern Shrike has been hunting our bird feeder this winter. We saw it take a finch right off the feeder a few feet from the window. A big surprise!!! You can tell when the shrike is in the area as all birds at the feeder will suddenly disappear.