Sax-Zim Bog:

Sax-Zim Bog (SZB) has grown to be one of my favorite places to go to photograph nature, and it’s really not a place at all. Yes, it has a Welcome Center, which is open during the winter months and a couple months in the summer, but the bog itself is more of an area on a map than it is a place. If you are familiar at all with Fish Point in Michigan’s thumb area, it has its similarities., yet, it’s entirely different.  Similar in ways that county and public roads border as well as cut through the area, so there is no main entrance to pass through, nor are there any fees to pay. (Although donations are always welcome at the center, and needed.) Anyone can drive through at any time, day or night. If you don’t know the area, you won’t even know you are actually there (a map will come in handy more times than not), but that’s where the similarities end and a different eco system begins.

Great Gray Owl, early morning -34 degrees.

SZB is 300sq. miles of Tamarack and Birch trees, and is full of snags. It closely resembles Canada’s Boreal Forest. In the winter months the bog is known for its population of Boreal birds that migrate down for milder weather and better food source. The Northern Hawk Owl and Boreal Owl, the Boreal Chickadee, Evening Grosbeaks, Magpie and Canada Jay are just a few that can be seen there. The elusive and well sought after, Great Gray Owl is always the prize winner and a delight to see if you are lucky enough to find one.  Birders and Photographers from all over the world go there for their chance to see and photograph this magnificent bird. 

Great Gray Owl on a gnarly tree.

If you are a “Birder”, you have at least heard of “Sax-Zim Bog”. If you are a serious birder, you’ve probably already been, or it’s on your Bucket List. I urge you not to hesitate to go, it’s a trip you’ll never forget. I’ve been three times now. Once in November (2020) and twice in February (2020, 2022). November is cold, February is much colder. Both times in February the temps went down to -30 and -34 degrees. Keep that in mind in your travels. Don’t stay home, just bundle up.

Great Gray Owl on the prowl.

There are no guaranties that you will see an owl on your trip, but that’s what makes it fun and rewarding when you do find them. So far, I’ve been lucky. I’ve seen two or three Great Grays each trip and my most recent trip I was blessed with a remarkable show of watching one hunt for almost two hours. It’s a Twelve hour drive for me. A long drive with no guarantee, but, so far, its been worth the drive every time.

Great Gray after a successful dive. A vole for breakfast.

Until next year….. Hope to see you there.

More photos from these trips can be seen on his website at www.danwaltz.com/photography/owls (look for #SZB)