Cold Morning in the Bog

[Jim Almquist]

I always like a cold morning because it almost insures that the birds will be very active which makes getting better shots much easier. Here is a few from Wednesday.

[finnbay]

All great shots, Jim! But that second boreal is my fave! I guess I'm partial to those little fellas.

[Dotch]

Those look just great to me jim, mostly birds not seen here, this year anyway. Kinda miss the redpolls after last years irruption. Maybe trade you one of the rooster pheasants for one.

[Spearing Machine]

Beautiful shots Jim! Looks like another great day out in the bog with a nice variety of birds.

[cryhavoc]

Great shots, they're all excellent.

[dockothebay]

This is a beautiful series Jim - some of your best I think. #2, 5 and 7 are all really extrodinary!

[Nymph]

Nice shots,Jim! I need to get up there some time.

[Dbl]

I agree, some of your best!

[Big-Al]

The boreal shots are my favorites, but they are all great. I think there are a bunch of bird ID books that could use a good photo from you of a boreal.

So I am curious. With the hours you spend out there how many vehicles per hour come by you when you are out there on that lonely Arkola Rd?

[Jim Almquist]

Thanks for all the kinds words and compliments from everyone.

Dotch I would even throw in a few Pine Siskins along a Pine grosbeak or 2

Big Al There have been times when I will not even see a car or truck but on most days there will be a logging truck and a few fuel trucks with a few locals passing through. I really don't mind them because some of the best shots come from when the come down out of the trees to feed but once they are on the ground feeding I get no shots but I don't like to be the one to spook them.

[DonBo]

Love the redpolls, had a bunch of them here in the metro last winter but they are no-shows this year.

[Jim Almquist]

Don

They have been a no-show at our feeders in Carlton this year as well. Last year I was almost getting sick of feeding the flocks of Redpolls and Pine Siskins that were hanging around our feeder most of the winter.

This spot in the bog is about 35 miles from the house and 2 months ago I spotted the first Redpoll and since then the numbers are increasing to the point where I can get a photograph or 2 now but the numbers are not nearly the same or even close to last year.

[JayinMN]

The redpoll crowd seems to be growing at the Arkola Station. There was a rather large flock yesterday with a female hoary in the mix.

[Birdsong]

You saved the best three until last! Beautiful.