I visited Hawk Ridge again. We are now a week or two away from the peak migration numbers. This weekend, under favorable conditions, tens of thousands of broad-winged hawks may pass overhead in giant kettles.
I was there on a quiet day, but I saw a banded hawk up close and a northern harrier and we got an excellent view of a peregrine falcon coming in to swoop at the fake owl near the observatory. That falcon alone was the sighting of the trip. You only get glimpses of such a bird elsewhere as it dashes between buildings or trees. A flock of about 60 American white pelicans was also a new sight for me.
I always learn something new from the naturalists. And I went on an intense hike in the attached nature reserve through many downed aspens and flooded ravines.
In retrospect I realized it was a very frugal trip:
$2.10 for coffee for the road
$1.50 for the Sunday paper for reading and starting a campfire
$2 for a jug of water
$5 for a raffle ticket to support Hawk Ridge and win a jacket
$6 for firewood
$2.50 for a sugary Starbucks canned drink (turned out to be delicious)
$1.75 for parking at Canal Park
$2 for another coffee in downtown Duluth
$20 for a night camping at the excellent Snowflake Nordic Ski Center (if you go, choose site 10 or 11)
$23 for gas to get there and back
Total: $66
I chose a tent this time instead of the hammock. I am developing a clearer sense of the advantages and disadvantages of each shelter/sleep system.
pseudoisaac 