Boreal Chickadee 001

I have not had the privilege of seeing a boreal chickadee before so when a friend called me and said he had one coming into his feeding I made the trip. We have lots of black-capped chickadees in Minnesota but boreal chickadee sightings are rare south of the Canadian Border.

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Boreal Chickadee 002

After waiting about an hour at the feeder the little guy came in to feed. It was pretty awesome.

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Black-capped Chickadee

Here is the black-capped chickadee for comparison.

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Bald Eagle 001

We have been having a few eagles hanging out at the Grand Marais Harbor this winter. They are so beautiful especially against a blue sky.

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Bald Eagle 002

Heading out.

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Northern Hawk Owl 001

A while back we had a Northern Hawk Owl that hung out at our bird feeder. It would sit on top of the feeder and when a mouse would move under the snow it became lunch.

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Northern Hawk Owl 002

Their hearing is so good that they can identify a mouse under the snow from a good distance away.

NorthernHawkOwl002

Northern Hawk Owl 003

Notice the eye. Owls have what is called a nictitating membrane that forms an inner eyelid. This clear membrane can be drawn across the eye to protect it from dust and keep it moist. Normally you don’t get a chance to see it but the membrane is half way across the eye in this image.

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Grand Marais Historic Fishhouse

The week ended with a Superior sunrise.

GrandMaraisHistoricFishhouse