Oct. 11, 2009 - MN North Shore

The fall colors were at about 50% during the time we spent on the North Shore this year. They didn’t seem quite as brilliant as they have other years but we still managed to find some gorgeous areas. This was taken along Lax Lake Road in Lake County, MN.

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The harbor at Grand Marais, MN is well known by birders to be a place to see uncommon birds like this female Harlequin Duck. There are usually a few of these ducks that show up on Lake Superior each year but this seemed a little early for them. I chuckle each time I look at this photo because the thin white line across the back of her head, combined with the white spot on the side of her face, make me think she is wearing white ear muffs.

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I have found Belted Kingfishers to be hard to photograph. I’ve never been able to get very close to them before they fly off. While I was at the Grand Marais harbor, this one actually flew in and landed on a post near me so I quickly took advantage of my good luck. This species is one of the few where the female is more colorful than the male. Notice the rusty color on her breast; the male doesn’t have this. The next time you’re having a bad hair day, remember this photo and you’ll feel better.

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There were also two Red-necked Grebes in the Grand Marais harbor. The breeding plumage on this bird is starting to fade but you can still see the red neck. I’m sure they are on their way south for the winter.

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When we have a morning with dew on the grass, I am always on the lookout for spider webs. They get covered with the dew droplets and become like little works of art. I’m amazed at how many webs I see when conditions are like this. They are always around, of course, but we just don’t see them. This photo was taken along Cook CR 6, near Grand Marais.

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The day after we got back to our home I went on a bird walk with the Itasca Birding Club. The birding was kind of slow but we did see this baby Snapping Turtle on the walking path near the Grand Rapids library. Courtney Kerns held it in her hand for a while to warm it up. Then she released it along the shore of the Mississippi River which runs right behind the library.

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