Deer Trails on Rattlesnake Bluff
As we have experienced a more typical winter with below zero temperatures overnight these past few weeks, one starts to marvel at how various wildlife face these difficult natural elements. Deer tend to yard up near potential sources of food. Another tactic employed is to hunker down out of the wind on the south side of local bluffs soaking up the warmth of low angle sunshine. This photo displays numerous trails used by deer from daytime bedding areas to night time feeding locations.
Otter Slides
Another very active species of wildlife in our local area no matter the severity of the weather is the river otter. In previous posts, I have described a pair of otter taking up residency in an abandoned beaver lodge on Wacouta Bay. Otter love to play in the snow as they travel to and from open water in search of a meal of fish.
Mourning Dove
Even on the coldest days, mourning doves will take advantage of the warm rays of sunshine by gathering on the south side of our home. Birds typically have high rates of metabolism, so protective moments in the sun help to conserve energy.
Snowy Owl - Photo Credit Michael Brower
During the week of February 5th, an immature snowy owl was observed several times in the Poplar Ridge addition of Florence township just south of Rattlesnake Bluff. There have been numerous reports across the state this winter of these arctic owls. About once every four years these birds migrate south as a result of high brood numbers the previous nesting season. This photo has been provided courtesy of birding photographer Michael Brower.
Raccoon Tracks
Raccoon are not true hibernators, but will seek shelter and sleep underground or in hollow trees during periods of brutally cold temperatures. If you recall, on January 22nd we received approximately 10 inches of wet heavy snow. That weather event was followed five days later with temps reaching 47 degrees. With that extreme warm-up, raccoons will wake up and go exploring.
Gray Squirrel in Feeder
Squirrels also seek shelter in hollow trees and large leaf nests during cold snaps. When snow is deep, squirrels have a more difficult time moving about in search of nourishment. It is at times like this they frequent our bird feeders.
Dead Eagle- Photo Credit- Dave McDougal
On January 29th, I received an email and two photos from Wacouta neighbor Dave McDougal. On the previous day, Dave had been cross country skiing on Lake Pepin just downstream of Friedrich's Point and discovered a dead immature bald eagle frozen in the ice near shore. I in turn reported the observation to the Minnesota DNR and they subsequently passed the information along to the Fish and Wildlife Service. Given the fact that there was no evidence of foul play, I did not hear back from anyone.
The eagle talon featured in this photo is quite remarkable and capable of capturing fish and other prey with ease. Because bald eagles secure much of their food in or on the water, their feet are devoid of feathers. On the other hand, golden eagles have feathers extending down their feet.
Skiing in a Snowstorm
On Saturday afternoon February 3rd, I was cross country skiing along the river at the Head of Lake Pepin near mile marker 786. It was a magical time as the air was mild and snowflakes fluttered to the ground like billions of tiny downy feathers. The light beneath the featureless sky seemed gray and almost gauzy. The silence was almost deafening and in stark contrast to the thousands of visitors who were at the same time milling shoulder to shoulder on Nicollet Ave. in Minneapolis. The only sounds I could detect were periodic wing beats of common mergansers flying by, flat chirping calls of eagles nearby and snowflakes hitting the hood of my anorak. Then all of a sudden, I spotted a bright orange object on the snow up ahead.
NOAA Weather Balloon
The orange object turned out to be a National Weather Service weather balloon that had been launched from Chanhassen, Minnesota at 5:00 pm. on Tuesday January 23rd. On Monday morning February 5th, I contacted Michelle Margraf, Observing Program Leader, in Chanhassen and learned some interesting facts about their research efforts.
1. These balloons are launched at 5:00 am and 5:00 pm everyday all around the world.
2. At the time of launch, the balloon is 5 feet in diameter.
3. As the balloon ascends it will monitor temperature, air pressure, humidity, wind speed and direction. This information is sent back to the lab in real time.
4. It will take approximately 4 hours for the balloon to rise to an altitude of 100,000 feet (19 miles).
5. At the time the balloon reaches 100,000 feet, it's diameter increases from 5 feet to 20 feet. At this point, the balloon explodes and a bright orange parachute is deployed bringing the data recorder safely back to earth.
6. A self-address mailing envelop is attached to the data recorder for returning back to NOAA.
7. Only 20% to 25% of the recorders are returned. Most returns occur in the spring as farmers are planting their fields and fall during hunting season.