Tag: photos

Canada’s Wildfires

My son Aaron at Lake of the Woods

With 91 active wildfires up in Alberta, the smoke’s getting a little thick around here at the Minnesota/Canada border. Fortunately, it’s riding on the upper winds so far, and it’s detrimental effects have been minimal. However, there’s a little cooler weather in the forecast, and that may bring the smoke down to ground level.

Two years ago, it was so bad I could hardly see across the street. My eyes and nose stung, and my throat got pretty sore. Like I said then, it was like living in L.A. back in the smoggy days.

The sun comes up pink, and then turns a color I can only describe as cream soda for the rest of the day. It’s a strange, almost eerie sky: there are no clouds and the sun is right there, but I don’t think any boys will be toasting ants with magnifying glasses in the near future.

Minnesota doesn’t need your smoke, Canada–we’re soon legalizing our own.

–Photos by me

Bog

Well, it was shaping up to be a nice day, and I needed to burn off more blubber, so Aaron and I headed out to Big Bog (about 50 miles from home) for the first time this year.

It’s a long mile to the other end and a longer mile back. I had a little trouble making it last year, but I’ve been sober for 17 months and my health is always improving.

After you get a little way into the bog, it starts to feel other-worldly, like you’re not in Kansas anymore. I’m almost expecting to run into a rusted tinman or a cowardly lion ahead. Is that Emerald City?

There’s benches (fortunately) and signs along the walkway. This one shows how 10,000 years ago, Lake Superior was dwarfed in size next to Lake Agassis, which covered a large part of Canada and Minnesota. The bog itself is situated between Red Lake and the Canadian Border.

On the last stretch of the way back, I realized we hadn’t seen any of the bright red, carnivorous pitcher plants we’d seen last year. I guess it must be too early yet, but it was a great walk, anyway. We’ll be going back in a few weeks to check it out. Have a great day!!

–Photos by me

Shot of the Day 5/6/23

Heaviest of the native North American birds, trumpeter swans arrive at their nesting grounds after a long flight, and circle the big pond once or twice before splashing down. Then, they’ll typically do a little socializing and a whole lot of preening. Finally, it’ll be time to get down to the business at hand, and if all goes well, there will soon be a string of fuzzy little cygnets trailing mama like the tail of a kite.

the trumpeter swan

can be summed up in two words:

big and beautiful

–Photos by me

Easter Weekend Walk

It was so sunny and warm yesterday, I had to take a little stroll in the woods with the camera. It’s a little frustrating right now though, because the wildlife is still quite limited, as are the roads and trails. But I’ll share what I have.

The deer are doing well after a mild winter. They’re pouring out of the woods now for the grass alongside the roads; unfortunately, there’s a price to pay. Their coats seem to be browning up a bit.

It’s so hard to get a clear shot of a ruffed grouse as compared to the sharptails in the open fields. These guys are smart and they always make sure there is something between us. I wonder if she knows her bloomers are showing.

No walk would be complete without a bald eagle or two showing up. When I was a young boy, it was a rare treat to catch sight of one; now they seem to be everywhere. What a comeback!

Finally, the sun got so low it looked like a campfire in the woods, so I headed for home. It was a wonderful day, but I’m really looking forward to great summer shots of all kinds of wildlife! Happy Easter!!

–Photos by me