Great Horned Owl.

This Great Horned Owl was first spotted perched on the ground. Thanks to Joel G. for the original tip. There was some question as to whether it was injured or not. The owl was capable of flying and was photographed in several different locations as it moved short distances from perch to perch. Ryan Brady (a local raptor biologist) and I tried several times to approach it to try and determine if it was in fact injured. After several failed attempts we decided it was best left alone. More details and photos to follow.

01/20/06 UPDATE: Ryan Brady emailed to say that after several additional calls the bird was eventually captured and taken to the Minocqua Rehab Center.

Merlin.

This Merlin was watching and attacking the Great Horned Owl shown in the photos above and below. This feisty Merlin was joined by a very agitated flock of crows. Neither the Merlin or the crows were happy with the Great Horned.

Great Horned Owl with a Merlin in flight.

Look close there are two birds in this shot. A Great Horned Owl and a much smaller Merlin that had just swooped in at the owl in flight.

Great Horned Owl with a Merlin in flight.

Look close there are two birds in this shot. A Great Horned Owl and a Merlin.

No ice road this year.

Photo of the Madeline Island ferry making a crossing from Bayfiled WI to Madeline Island. Normally at this time of year all of the open water visible in this photo would be frozen and an ice road would run from Bayfield to the island. This photo was taken from the top of Mt Ashwabay ski hill. For more pictures from the top see the Mt Ashwabay link on this page.

Downy Woodpecker

This photo was taken in a friends backyard in Highbridge WI. This photo and the two photos below of the finches were all taken within minutes of each other. Feeding birds in the country surrounded by forest definitely has it's advantages.

Hey buddy you can't ice fish here!

Move along or I'll have to ticket you.

Non-raptor day.

Purple Finch (top) and American Goldfinch (bottom) taken in a friends backyard in Highbridge WI.

A new falconer in the making.

Ella with Mom, Dad and brother 'handling' GAIA an American Kestrel with the expert help of Steve Hoecker at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center.

American Kestrel. Falco sparverius

GAIA an American Kestrel. Thanks to Steve Hoecker for showing GAIA at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center.