Steamy Lake Superior in Two Harbors

Erik Bruhnke and I headed out to Two Harbors in hopes of seeing a Boreal Owl this morning. Erik’s car thermometer showed -20 degrees, and it sure felt that cold! The lake was steaming up beautifully. No luck on the owl and no new species for the year, but we had a jolly time seeing corvids, a couple of Bald Eagles, a flock of Herring Gulls in the frozen mist coming up from Lake Superior. I’ll have to try again for a Boreal Owl.

Erik Bruhnke

Erik is one of my favorite birders. He’s so fun to be with, and just as knowledgeable as he is enthusiastic. He’s been showing lots of birders around the bog and other hot spots—I bet a LOT of birders are seeing lifers with him this year!

Home to cold little chickadee toes on my fingers! And a Red-bellied Woodpecker showed up to ease the transition from Florida to the frozen northland. Total miles on the trip: 4309 (plus the miles with Mike McDowell). Total species for the month: 186.