Tag Archives: Fall

Beavers, Eagles, and the Predator

December 3, 2022 Troy

Friday after Thanksgiving brought a beautiful fall day with the sun shining, warming temperatures, and calm winds all combining to decay the recently fallen snow. I had to get out and go exploring even though I didn’t really expect to see anything as is common late in the day this time of year. While getting my photo gear ready, I noticed another person quickly walking towards a lessor used trail carrying binoculars. His direction suggested he was heading to the same location I planned to visit. Now debating on still heading to my intended spot or pursuing a new direction, I chose to keep going where I’d planned. Getting on the trail, there was only a couple of hours of daylight left so not much time to explore signs of wildlife and also get to a spot for the sunset. There were a few high clouds in the sky which had the potential for a colorful end to the day making it my main subject of this outing.

Arriving to a small stream where water leaves a little pond, there was the gentleman I had seen leaving the parking lot. He was scanning the horizon on this nice afternoon in search of wildlife moving in the open woods. About to pass him without a word, I looked over and decided to say hello mentioning what a treat it was to be out there taking in the suns warmth. He responded and a conversation ensued.

As we were talking about the area we were in and sharing stories of our adventures in this park, I noticed something moving out on the recently formed ice. He quickly brought up his binoculars and said they appeared to be otters. Setting up my camera, I focused on this moving area and saw the two small creatures walking together along the ice. Watching them for a few minutes I noticed they moved slightly different than otters. Then they turned a little and I noticed the wide, flat tail confirming they were not otters but beavers out for an afternoon walk. Could they be out enjoying a warm afternoon reprieve from the cold also? After watching for a few minutes, a visitor joined them .

At first I thought it was a crow looking for a scrap or two from these beavers when my new acquaintance mentioned it was an Eagle. Looking closer I could now see it was a juvenile Eagle. Another Eagle quickly circled overhead coming near the beavers and nudging the young Eagle further from these furry critters. This Eagle was an obvious adult with the signature white head and tail. Was there something there on the ice that these animals were interested in? Eagles and Beavers didn’t really seem like likely companions. We continued to closely watch the interactions to try and figure what may be happening.

The adult Eagle began scolding the younger bird almost like it was chasing it away from these beavers. Was it protecting them? There was no aggression towards the mammals as they stayed almost motionless while these two Eagles were figuring out what they were going to do.

With the juvenile Eagle now further away, the beavers continued on their journey down the ice, passing by the adult bird with a bit of a nod almost as if saying good afternoon or thank you. There was no act of aggression by either animal towards the other. Such a strange and interesting encounter to witness. What was the purpose of these eagles circling and landing near this pair of beavers. Were they planning on attaching for a meal and once they were on the ice decided this was not going to be a successful battle? If you’ve ever been close enough to a beaver to see their teeth, you understand how much of a weapon those can be. One well placed chomp will leave any creature missing a limb.

For some unknown reason, the beavers stopped walking, turned around and started heading back towards the Eagle still on the lookout. This seemed very strange to me. Why did they decide to turn around and head back towards where they came from? Soon this pair of beavers again passed the adult Eagle enroute to the area they started from. I’ve never witnessed something like this before and continued watching until the Eagle left and the beavers were out of sight. Puzzled I began to wonder and just accept this unlikely interaction while searching for a spot to enjoy the nearing sunset. Something to research at a later time.

With the beavers out of sight and the Eagles now back in the air, I settled into my spot to wait for the sunset. Scanning over the landscape, I noticed another animal entering the sheet of ice. Expecting it was probably a deer coming out beginning its search for food, I brought up the camera once again. I’ve seen plenty of deer in this area and thought I would just watch this creature explore the cattails while taking in the last moments of sunshine. Focusing in on this animal as it was meandering near the cattail filled shoreline, I realized it was not a deer but a coyote. This is the exact area the beavers were heading. Could it be possible that the Eagles were warning these two wanderers of danger heading this way? Do animals work together to protect one another like this? What benefit would Eagles have to save beavers from a larger predator? Had the coyote manage to capture one of these beavers, the Eagles may have had an opportunity to snag a portion of this meal. Maybe it was all just a coincidence but my feeling is it was something more.

Typically a warm, late fall day is pretty quiet with wildlife relaxing and basking in the warmth, but this turned out to be an active afternoon out on the newly iced over lake. The sun was now at the horizon providing a beautiful end to this afternoon in the park with a colorful sky. Eventually I convinced myself to pack up and find my way through the woods to my car as the light continued to dim making my path difficult to follow. Leaving the park, the clouds hung on to the pinks and reds refusing to concede to the night sky. A great way to spend one of the last warm days of the year.

fall, migration, Photos, Seasons, Troy's Blog

The Sandhill Crane Migration

November 7, 2021 Troy

It’s the time of year again when Sandhill cranes gather in large flocks to begin their migration for the winter. It’s a scene that is always magnificent with cranes filling the sky while calling out to each other as they locate their perfect spot to spend a night. Thousands of these pre-historic birds gather for several weeks during the fall to gorge on area corn fields in preparation for the journey south. It’s an event amazing to witness and one that I try to participate in every year and thankfully had an afternoon, although last minute, to check out their return from the local fields to their roosting place.

I arrived as the sun was nearing the horizon requiring me to hurry as it’s almost a 2 mile hike to where I was headed. The cranes were already heading back and as I got closer I could hear their unmistakable calls going back and forth. Finally coming into view of the wetland area I could begin seeing flocks of cranes already landed with more overhead coming in. I still had almost a mile to go and continued on my brisk pace stopping occasionally to enjoy these birds as they flew by. Finally I arrived at the spot I had scouted out a few years back and took out the camera. I wanted to set it on my tripod but didn’t give myself enough time to set it up without spooking a lot of cranes so my photos required hand holding into the decreasing light. Even if it didn’t turn out as desired, I had a great time and enjoyed watching as these birds gliding against the setting sun while listening to their familiar sounds.

With darkness filling the landscape I returned back to my car ready to call it a night. Arriving to the area I had parked, I was greeted by a couple of DNR officers inquiring about my activities. It was hunting season and they were looking for my license had I been out participating. I quickly showed my weapon of choice on this night – my camera, and was dismissed to head out with little more said. Another fun hunt for pictures on a nice fall day.

fall, Photos, Troy's Blog

The Vibrant Colors of Fall

October 30, 2021 Troy

Earlier this fall I went in search of beautiful fall landscapes with my family. I’m addicted ever since my camping trip to the North Shore last fall and the colors put on a spectacular show. This year is a different year, as they all are, and the colors were more challenging to find but they were there, just had to be found. There were pockets here and there as some trees had changed and quickly lost those leaves while others remained green. It may not have been as grand s sight as a year ago, but it was still enjoyable to explore the North Shore of Minnesota as it’s a beautiful area nearly all of the time.

Finding areas more protected from the wind allowing the trees to keep their vibrant leaves yielded those beautiful sights I was searching for. It was an amazing fall day with temperatures reaching the lower 70’s Fahrenheit under mostly sunny skies. Being able to see some incredible fall leaves only added to a relaxing day in the North woods. Much of the day was spent driving around gravel roads taking in the views, stopping on occasion to admire the show being put on by trees here and there.

My photos tended to be more concentrated on these pockets of vibrant colors and the changing leaves themselves as a result of what was available. Still a beautiful sight as even these pockets were uncertain after a very dry summer. It was expected that the trees may just drop their leaves once cooler nights approached with shorter days. Fortunately there were some timely rains to provide enough moisture for these leaves to change and stay on the trees for many to see.

We came across an area which I thought was available only to people participating in activities there but turned out to be open to visitors. This area had some amazing autumn displays, some of the best we came across on this afternoon. And there weren’t a lot of people using the trails and overlooks available to explore making it even more peaceful and enjoyable.

While on one of these trails, a grouse came on to the trail as if to lead us on a fall color tour for awhile. Eventually it decided to abandon the tour and continue on its way. A nice addition to this already beautiful afternoon!

Photos, Troy's Blog

Enjoying a Beautiful Fall Sunrise

October 10, 2021 Troy

The trees may not have been showing their vibrant colors for the first weekend of fall but the sunrise did. The night before local forecasters were hinting at morning fog under partly cloudy skies. Waking up this first Saturday morning of fall I hesitated going out to a nearby lake, but the fog had blanketed calm waters several days earlier in the week so this would be my opportunity to capture a few pictures of an amazing fall morning. Deciding to get dressed and grab the camera gear, I began heading towards a nearby lake. On the way, I soon realized the wind was blowing telling me there’s no chance of a foggy early morning sunrise.

Soon after arriving on this cool fall morning, I headed towards the spot I wanted to photograph from and began looking for just the right place to set up the tripod and camera. There were ducks and geese swimming back and forth watching as I explored the shoreline. Within a few minutes the clouds began to turn from a gray to pink with increasing light on the horizon. Clouds streaked across the morning sky making for a spectacular view welcoming in another day. Their reflections bouncing off the waters surface only enhanced this kaleidoscope of colors creating a beautiful landscape. Ducks began lifting from the water flying across this colorful scene to begin their day of searching for food. Then an eagle came out of nowhere and began circling the lake. All of this was happening with too little light to capture good photos. The only thing that showed up on any picture was a blur as they flew by.

As the sun rose higher, silhouettes of geese started to break up the golden reflections from the mornings rising sun. While trying to both capture this beautiful scene and take it in, the light continued to change minute by minute from pinks and purples to reds, and then amber with the sun peaking above tree tops bringing a finale to the days colorful sunrise.

At this point I changed my attention to some of the still blooming native flowers trying to find a composition using this nice early morning glow. While snapping a couple of pictures of the asters used as a foreground in the top photo, I noticed a bumblebee clinging to the underside of one of the leaves waiting for the suns warmth. At this time I needed to return home and begin my day of activities so I finished with another photo or two and it was back to the car to end my sunrise adventure.

Lake Superior, State Parks, Troy's Blog

A Moody Lake Superior

December 20, 2020 Troy

On the last night camping at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park this fall, a storm moved through the area signaling an end to our glorious warm fall days. During the night rain fell over the tent eventually fading to silence. As the morning light neared, wind began to blow through the trees above shaking remaining water droplets down over the ground. Off in the distance, the occasional boom could be heard. Laying there in the dark, I tried figure out what was causing this noise. Was it storms continuing to pass by?

With a sliver of light penetrating the cloudy skies, I exited the tent and began walking towards the shoreline for my last morning being greeted by Lake Superior. The closer I got to the water, the easier it became to identify this booming. Waves of this Great Lake were slamming into the rocky shoreline making terminating in a watery crash.

I had seen pictures of incredible waves crashing against the cliffs of the North Shore in Minnesota but had not experienced such an event myself. The lake appeared to be angry this morning. Perhaps angry with fall for bringing with if colder days before winter battles with this grand lake to cover these waters with ice and snow. Or maybe it was merely reminding those becoming complacent that this, the largest lake, demands our respect.

These were not the mega waves in pictures I’ve seen before which showed the amazing power of water destroying parts of the immovable granite boulders creating the beautiful shoreline, but their smaller siblings. In those photos, Lake Superior seemed furious with reckless abandon even sinking ships positioned in the wrong place. These smaller waves were impressive as they connected with shore sending water high atop the cliffs creating sounds demanding respect. With several hours of driving and more places to explore along the way, it was time to leave and say goodbye to this place I enjoyed with my wife and others I’d met while watching the sun rise from the watery horizon. I could have stayed and watched each wave as it reached the rocks creating amazing fountains for much of the day but that was not meant to be. Good bye to this amazing wonder, which has bored a connection deep inside, until next we meet.

Exploring, fall, Troy's Blog

Fall Colors in Northern Minnesota

December 12, 2020 Troy

While in Northern Minnesota earlier this fall, one day was set aside to drive through these northern forests to enjoy the beautiful fall displays. Starting out near the Minnesota – Canadian border, my wife and I took back roads venturing out in search of the best fall colors. We drove along rivers, lakes, inland, and along the Lake Superior coast. There were amazing colors in many places. Unfortunately is was a bit of a dreary day with mist hanging in the air and fog floating just above Lake Superior. Thankfully the forecasted rain seemed to be holding off.

Cell phone service in this area is very spotty making this a perfect place to get away from work and stresses of everyday life allowing us to focus on the landscape as we slowly meandered through it. There were beautiful scenes all around us requiring a stop frequently to get out of the car and snap a few photos while taking in such surroundings. This was an interesting experience trying to navigate these unfamiliar roads knowing there was little access to help if we were to have a problem.

Each intersection required a decision as to which way we should go, which can be liberating as there was no destination other than to get back to our hotel at some point. Preferably before dark. The day was for exploring and nothing else. We had food from camping earlier in the week along with a grill and fuel so we wouldn’t starve. At least for a few days anyway. Our general direction was to eventually connect with the Gunflint Trail for a return trip to Grand Marais and on to Grand Portage.

Our travels took us through the Grand Portage Reservation on through the Superior National Forest. Some of the roads were a bit dicey but we were able to make it through. Fortunately it had been a dry summer so there wasn’t much mud or puddles which could’ve significantly altered our adventure. Along the way we found an overlook for the Pigeon River valley with a grand view. On clear days I’m sure it’s even more spectacular looking out at the border between Minnesota and Canada. I could have spent half a day here just looking out at the details of this valley, but I also wanted to continue inland and explore more places. Who knows what may lie ahead?

Continuing down the road we neared the Boundary Waters Canoe Area taking us to a number of different lakes to get out and enjoy the scenery. One of these stops had a loon still swimming in the calm waters. Must have been one of the last to begin the trek south from these northern locations. Eventually we arrived at East Bearskin Lake where I had camped with a college friend the year before. It was a nice way to end our exploration of the backcountry of Northern Minnesota with a scenic, calm lake where the aspen displayed their bright yellows reflected in the water below. From here we would join the Gunflint Trail and return to Grand Marais bringing an end to our fall foliage adventure.

State Parks, Troy's Blog, Waterfalls

Waterfalls Along the North Shore of Minnesota

November 22, 2020 Troy

A trip to the North Shore of Minnesota would not be complete without hiking to some of the beautiful waterfalls that line the shoreline near Lake Superior. During our weeklong vacation to Northern Minnesota, my wife and I set some time aside to see a few waterfalls that we’ve never visited before. I always enjoy stopping to see the larger and more popular waterfalls in Gooseberry State Park and along the Baptism River in Tettegouche but this seemed like a good opportunity to explore a few different areas. The first excursion was on a trail in Split Rock Lighthouse State Park to see the falls along the Split Rock River.

It’s about a mile from the nearest parking area so we set out mid morning in search of some waterfalls. It was a beautiful fall day with the sun shining and temperatures perfect for wearing a sweatshirt to wonder through the north woods of Minnesota along the river catching glimpses of water rushing by on its way to Lake Superior. We arrived at the falls and questioned how close to get to them as the climb from the trail was quite steep. Eventually we decided to work our way carefully down the quickly descending riverbank and found ourselves standing on rocks watching the water moving around them in no time at all.

These falls were a nice cascade of water hugging the rocks carved over centuries as it continued on by. The lighting wasn’t great for photographing here at this time of day but a beautiful place to explore and enjoy. Mid day was approaching so we took one final look at the beautiful landscape before climbing back up the hill and on towards the trailhead where we began. There was a little time enjoying the shores of Lake Superior before heading off to get a bite to eat.

Later during the week, my wife and I continued further north to see the fall colors and more waterfalls. Our journey brought us to the highest waterfall in Minnesota on the Pigeon River in Grand Portage State Park. This river separates the United States and Canada as part of the northern boundary. With rain in very short supply during the summer this river was not running as high as in most years. It was still impressive to see the water crashing over the ledge into the pool below before it continued on towards the big lake. It’s an easy hike on a paved trail to get to the viewing area of this waterfall with the sound of large volumes of water rushing over the edge becoming almost deafening as you turn the corner towards a platform built for gazing over these falls. This is one I’d seen before but continues to be impressive each time.

Another area I’ve never been to was Judge C.R Magney State Park which hosts Kettle Falls where half of the river disappears into a large hole carved into the solid stone it glides over. This is a place I’ve read about as many wonder exactly where this water goes to. I’ve still not found a clear answer to that question but these waterfalls are unique and interesting to view. The hike to get to them is a bit more strenuous than to High Falls in Grand Portage. There are a lot of stairs going down and back up requiring many adventurers to stop for a breather from time to time. For me these are well worth climbing as Kettle Falls is beautiful and the landscape surrounding is very peaceful. Especially with the fall colors beginning to show up.

State Parks, Troy's Blog

Fall Is Arriving at Split Rock State Park

November 14, 2020 Troy

One of my goals while staying at Split Rock State Park this fall was to explore some areas I didn’t see the last time I was here. There was so much more to this park than I realized while camping the year before. And even more to explore for another trip here someday that I didn’t see this time. Fall was arriving quickly and painting the landscape in beautiful reds, oranges, and yellows combined with the evergreens contrasting nicely. This was the first time I had the opportunity to witness the North Shore transition from summer to fall. With exceptional weather over several days it was truly a relaxing adventure.

Asters were one of the last plants still blooming giving a nice sight along the trails and much needed food for the insects still buzzing around. I could have spent the rest of the day just basking in sunlight listening to the waves of Lake Superior gently splashing against the rocks while taking in the leaves. Other trails called though and I didn’t have lunch with so after a short break it was off to another destination.

There was no reason to hurry from this spot or while on the trail. A casual stroll was a great way to take in the landscape while watching animals dart back and forth preparing for winter. There were several other people around but this seemed to be a slow time on this trail encountering only another couple doing the same thing…enjoying a beautiful fall day along Lake Superior!

Photos, Troy's Blog

An Early Fall Snowstorm

November 8, 2020 Troy

Winter began its annual battle with Fall earlier this year than has ever been recorded in Minnesota. The cold air came pounding down from the north teaming up with moisture from the south to blanket the area in tiny little white crystals bringing the beautiful fall colors to an abrupt end. Some plants managed to hold on to their brightly colored leaves through the snowstorm allowing me to capture a few pictures typically unavailable during the winter. While the snow was falling, the temperature remained near freezing. Most of the plants were holding on to what little heat they could causing this fresh snow to melt early in the storm. This allowed me to capture snowflakes and at the same time melted snow dripping from these leaves.

Because these ice crystals were melting quite rapidly I had to take these freehand. There just wasn’t enough time to set up a tripod and get the camera focused from the time a snowflake landed to the time it started to disappear. Fortunately it was daylight allowing me to accomplish this by hand holding the camera and squeezing the shutter button. Often in the time it took to take 10 photos of the same flake, it would begin to deteriorate. I have figured out techniques to photograph snowflakes in these types of conditions but I typically use them in the spring, not the fall so that wasn’t an option on this day. Some of those techniques include placing the cloth to be shot on in the freezer ahead of time to make it colder than the surrounding air once the snow begins to fall. In addition, I may place ice packs underneath that cloth to keep it cold preserving a particular flake even longer. The heat from the camera can still be an issue which I haven’t really figured out a good way to deal with yet during warm snowfalls. In any event, I wasn’t able to use those aides for this snowfall which worked out fine as the fall leaves provided a different opportunity. I enjoyed combining the textures of these leaves with the shapes of each unique ice crystal. It’s just beginning and I hope to have several more opportunities to photograph the beautiful ice and snow.

Seasons, State Parks, Troy's Blog

Getting Up to See Fall on the North Shore

November 1, 2020 Troy

There have been a lot of spectacular photos shared this fall of incredible Autumn colors and with good reason. It has been one of the most spectacular displays in many years. And it came right after the Fall equinox during some very nice days. My wife and I planned a week long trip to the North Shore last winter and couldn’t have asked for much nicer conditions with warm, sunny days and cool nights for sleeping for the first portion of the week. We’ve visited Northern Minnesota on several occasions during this same time in September and have never experienced the explosion of reds, yellows, and oranges as we did this year which made this trip even more memorable. I tend to wake up earlier than my wife so in an effort to keep from disturbing her I would head out with the camera and watch the morning light enter the horizon over Lake Superior. During these mornings I often encountered others wanting to grab a sun rise shot of Split Rock Lighthouse. We would exchange words and from time to time short conversations as they meandered up and down the shore looking for different angles. I set up my camera in one location on a tripod and just watched as night turned into morning taking a few photos as this light changed.

From time to time I would get up and photograph a different view always returning to my original spot until I felt it was safe to return and join my wife to begin the day. Early morning can be such a peaceful time as the air is quite with little wind. The nighttime creatures have returned to their daytime hiding places while the daytime animals haven’t started moving much yet. Many people are still sleeping or just beginning to wake up. Eventually the sounds of birds begin to enter the quite landscape with light increasing all around you. As the sun finally reaches above the horizon, its rays begin to reach you allowing the warm light to penetrate through to your bones beating back the chill that has been slowly creeping in since you got out of bed. The world around you begins to wake up now as the squirrels forage for a morning meal and the birds take flight while people begin their days as well. It is at this time I return to join my partner so we can spend the day exploring together.

As daylight became brighter we could see the colors of fall and how much they changed from the morning before. There were so many beautiful scenes to take in and the day was just beginning. Even the animals seemed to take a little time to see the splendor surrounding them as they prepared for what is still to come.

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