• Monday-What'sUP February 7 - 06:19 am

Bob Gilreath was on his way home and spotted the sun illuminating the trees, just north of Dollar Bay, so he stopped and snapped a shot of it to share with us. Yes, folks, we have bare roads in the Keweenaw, in February. Bob's second photo gives you a glimpse of the sunny, blue skies we've had this past week, too. I'm sure our winter isn't over yet and we'll get more snow, but these warm-ups we've been getting, sure make the winter go by quicker.

As a bonus today, George and Paulette Beveridge sent in an update on Pretty Bird, the tame Ruffed Grouse that lives near their home. George reports that the bird will be five this coming April, which makes me wonder how long the life span is for this type of bird. Of course Pretty Bird has an advantage, since the Beveridge's give it some extra special care and treats. In case you're new to the Pasty Cam and you haven't met Pretty Bird before, click on the following links for a bit of the bird's history in the past 5 years. March 1, 2007; Sept. 8, 2007; Dec. 20, 2007; Feb. 19, 2009; June 18, 2009.

The Minnesota DNR says the average life span of a Ruffed Grouse is 6 years.

Hey Moe, hey moe; look at the grouse!!!

I thought I recognised that stretch of road as I used to travel it many times during my Tech years. I'm guessing the snow statue engineers are being tested this winter, although it looks like they are getting just what the doctor ordered; some colder temps starting later today.

That may be the outside range on the age of a Grouse, not the average.

Awesome review of the grouse, Mary!! Thanks for that! He looks like he's spoiled. Good for him!

The scenic pictures are beautiful, and Thank You for Pretty Bird's update!

...you said a mouthful.

So sweet! One of my uncles had a 'pet' cardinal that would land on his fingers and eat from his hand. Unusual thing about that was that my grandpa fed a cardinal the same way before he passed away. The family often wondered if it was the same bird. My uncle lived with my grandparents and it was 'out in the country', so I guess it could very well have been. Not sure of the lifespan of a cardinal either.

Hi. Nice photos today. Capt Paul, if you look at the webcams of the campus, there is too much bare ground now, and that is not just sidewalks, but also grass!
http://www.mtu.edu/webcams/mid-campus/motion.html

That makes it rough for statue building! You're right, at least it will cool down tonight through later this week, so they can haul in snow & form it, at least somewhat. My youngest son said the the wall of one of the frat's statues fell down yesterday.

Great pics!