Great Black-backed Gull

I think the Great Black-backed Gull is prettier than our resident Herring Gulls. The red spot on this gull’s bill it is not a wound. The baby gulls peck this spot when they want to be fed.

GreatBlackbackedGull

Snowy Owl

I also encountered a beautiful snowy owl along the lakeshore. It was perched on some old equipment in a grassy meadow watching for mice. I think their facial feathers are so fascinating. These fine feathers are designed to keep them warm when the winter cold sets in.

SnowyOwl

Snowy Owl with Band

I was quite disappointed when I saw the size of the band on this particular owl. I can’t understand why anyone would use a cumbersome chunk of fiberglass this large for banding. I question why they would be allowed to have a permit and use this type of band. It must affect the bird’s ability to fly silently. What a way to treat one of our northern visitors.

SnowyOwlWithBand

Uncommon Gulls

I was fortunate to see a couple of gulls that are common along the Atlantic coast but uncommon in Duluth. One was the Glaucous Gull and the other one was the Great Black-backed Gull. I was able to get a photo of both of them swimming together.

UncommonGulls

Mallards 001

On Wednesday evening I presented a program on North Shore wildlife and scenery at Zion Lutheran Church in Duluth for their mid-winter banquet. While in Duluth I spent some time along the waterfront observing winter bird life.

WinterMallards

Mallard 002

There were close to a hundred mallards and gulls feeding along the shores of Lake Superior. The water in Lake Superior is so clear you can see the rocks below.

WinterMallards