August 5, 2012 - Summer Photos
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This summer, as usual, we have a pair of Common Loons on our lake. We always put out a floating platform so they can build their nest on it. This pair of loons, however, decided they would build their nest on the shore of the lake instead. Unfortunately, they found out what happens when they do that; the eggs were taken, probably by a Raccoon. So, this summer we have no baby loons to watch.
Early one morning, about a week ago, I was out on the lake and saw six loons. This is the time of the year when loons start “visiting” other lakes. In previous years, I have seen as many as 13 of them on our lake. As each one took off to fly to another lake, I practiced taking flight shots.
Black-capped Chickadees are very common in our area. During summer, they disappear from our feeders and move into the woods to build their nests and raise their young. They’re starting to come back to the feeders now. During winter, we’ll probably have about a dozen of them flitting around eating sunflower seeds.
We have a small pond beside our driveway. Some years it almost dries up by the end of summer. This year it’s been full because of all the rain. This log sticks up in the middle of the pond and is a favorite sunning spot for the Painted Turtles. The second turtle from the right seems to have some shell damage.
Two weeks ago, as I was driving from northern Minnesota back to the Twin Cities, I spotted this Coyote in a mowed field. I was in Kanabec County driving on Hwy 65. It was a surprise to see it right out in the open during the day. I turned around and parked next to the field so I could take some photos. The Coyote seemed as curious about me as I was about it.
Our trips up north take us on Hwy 73 right past Cross Lake in Carlton County. It’s a very picturesque spot and I’ve often thought it would make a great sunset photo. I finally got my chance a week ago when the cloud cover and the timing of the sunset came together just as we were driving past.
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