Photo ABCs

Northern Hawk Owl

The same Northern Hawk Owl as in yesterday's post, photographed at the Sax-Zim Bog in Minnesota.

Northern Hawk Owl

The Northern Hawk Owl is an owl of Canada and Alaska, whose range extends into the northernmost states during winter. There was one Northern Hawk Owl in the Sax-Zim Bog during my visit. It kept to the same vicinity day after day. It was necessary to hike on a trail through two feet of snow for about a quarter of a mile to see it, as it hunted from tree tops in an area with scattered tall trees.

Here the bird takes a streamlined leap from a high perch. The bird was a great distance away from my camera, so I was happy with the picture. Tomorrow I'll post a picture of it showing its wings spread in flight.

Evening Grosbeak

Another photo of an Evening Grosbeak, at the Sax-Zim Bog in Minnesota.

The Sax-Zim Bog is a great place for birding, not only for its habitat which is favored by many bird species, but for its network of bird feeders, many of which are maintained by private citizens in their yards, most of which allow public access to birders. One of the best is known as Mary Lou's Feeders, where I took this photo.

Great Gray Owl

Another photo of the first Great Gray Owl I spotted at the Sax-Zim Bog. Photographed on December 29 of last year.

Evening Grosbeak

The Evening Grosbeak is a striking bird. This one was photographed at the Sax-Zim Bog in Minnesota in early January of this year.

Black-capped Chickadee

A Black-capped Chickadee, photographed at the Sax-Zim Bog in early January of this year.

Common Redpoll

Looking rather similar to a House Finch, the Common Redpoll is a bird of the snowy climes of northern Canada and Alaska, venturing to the northern continental United States during winter.

Having never birded before where they are found, I was hoping to see some during my trip to Minnesota a few months ago.

I saw only one flock, containing a few birds, which flew away when they saw me. Unfortunately, in my only photos the bird is partially obscured by branches of another tree. I still like the photo, and it brings back a memory of a life-bird! But I'll have to go back to get a better picture...

 

Great Gray Owl

Another Great Gray Owl, photographed at the Sax-Zim Bog in Minnesota. This photo was taken about three days and seven miles away from the previously posted photos, presumably a different bird!

Great Gray Owl

Another photo of a Great Gray Owl, photographed at the Sax-Zim Bog in Minnesota, in December of last year.

There was very little light when I took this photo (it was overcast and near sunset), I was lucky to get a usable photo.

White-breasted Nuthatch

A White-breasted Nuthatch, photographed at the Sax-Zim Bog in Minnesota, in December of last year.