Owl loss

I have been out of touch with Illinois Birders Exchanging Thoughts lately. Then I saw this story on the Trib Web site about the unfortunate demise of a burrowing owl, here in Uptown no less.

Cold facts

A belated post acknowledging that we saw our first snowflakes of the year here on Monday, Oct. 27. The highs on Monday were wintry mid-40s. We have a couple goals this cold season: to cross country ski whenever possible and to go for winter hikes when there isn't enough snow to ski. I also am hoping to latch on to a Christmas Bird Count somewhere. I'm not sure winter camping is in order, but it's not out of the question.

Red final

A few final comments from Day 3, back along the rocks at Red Creek.

Treading softly

More navel gazing here. Video from moments before getting turned around on the squishy footing. Are these narrators on message or what!?

Sod approach

The first glimpse of a sod, midday during Day 2.

UFO encounter

Sitting by the fire on the first night. The light you see at the end is me walking around with my headlamp.

Camp view

A view of the first night's campsite.