|
Piragis Northwoods Boundary Waters News
September 25, 2013
|
Greetings!
Hello from the End of the Road.
Last week we had a surprise visitor across the street from Piragis Northwoods Company. A Merlin. It is of the Falcon family of birds of prey and sometimes seen in town, so it wasn't a huge surprise, but an unexpected one. Perhaps most appropriately its colloquial name of Pigeon Hawk describes it well, but not accurately as it is not a hawk. This one stood over the pigeon it had caught and alternated between keeping an eye on me and a lookout for escape. The dilemma was clear, he wasn't finished with his lunch and I seemed intent on walking past him down the sidewalk.
He resembles the American Kestrel and that seemed appropriate as well since we have a few of those sleek Kestrel kayaks for sale in the canoe barn opposite his picnic site. He hunts by flying very fast and low, utilizing speed and agility, typically less than a meter above the ground using trees and shrubs as cover. You may see Merlins "tail chasing" other confused birds like a jet. They actually capture most of their prey in the air.
Merlins are one of the most agile and able aerial predators and in North America they are well known for fiercely attacking other birds of prey that they encounter (reportedly even adult eagles). Breeding pairs of Merlins will frequently hunt together, with one bird flushing prey (not unlike a good bird dog is trained to do) towards its mate.
It was a cool way to end my week and I thought you might enjoy hearing the story and seeing the pictures. After calling Nancy and Steve Schon over, I accidentally spooked him and he flew off, leaving lunch behind. Schoney drug the pigeon over into the protected brush where the Merlin could return to it later in a more protected setting.
Fall has come to the Northland with some amazing weather. The reds are popping out of the landscape, but only in rare appearances. The cool nights should take care of that soon, though, and the horizon will be painted with reds, oranges, yellows, browns and greens soon enough. Please accept our invitation to come up and visit and bring your cameras. The paddling, we promise, will be great!
Have a great day from Your Friends in the Great Northwoods,
At the End of the Road,
Tim Stouffer, Marketing Director and
The Staff at Piragis Northwoods Company
|
|
Our Fall catalogs are about to arrive!
|
|
Here's a sneak peak of a couple of new items you'll find available in your mailboxes, this weekend. We have them up online already and that means you can get them before anyone else. From sharp outdoor tools to sharp looking jewelry, we've got you covered for the upcoming holiday shopping season.
World-renowned for their quality, durability and design, Wetterlings axes are made to last even the toughest outdoor lifestyle. That's why Les Stroud is partnering with Wetterlings to release his new line of hand-forged axes called The Bushman Axe by Survivorman Les Stroud.
Wetterlings wants to make an axe for nomad life and adventure traveling, and they chose to work with Les since he truly knows what it's like to be a bushman. As an experienced survival instructor and traveler, Les has a great understanding of what an axe needs for survival situations. It was truly a natural fit for Les and Wetterlings to partner in the design of this axe.
The unique Bushman by Survivorman Les Stroud is both an axe and a hammer. The wedge shaped head ensures extreme splitting power, while the long, broad blade is good for felling or carving. The neck is a distinct hammer and includes a finger notch making it easy to do detailed, precision work. The American Hickory handle is long enough to be a two-hand axe for wood splitting and felling.
Specs
Head weight : 1.6 Lbs
Handle length : 22 Inches
Blade length : 3 3/4 inches
Head length : 6 inches
 | Click to Purchase $149.00
|
Monica from Seven Sisters Design has created a new garnet, sterling silver and 14k gold pendant that compliments any fashion with simplicity and grace. It is hung from a silver bail with a stylized vine pattern. 3 circles symbolize life's repeating patterns, gold and silver, the largest being 3/4" and the innermost bearing a garnet. On 18" sterling silver chain.
 | | Click to purchase $72.00 |
|
|
Our 2013 Used Gear is now available for sale online. Call Drew or Adam to get yours 1-800-223-6565 at substantial savings!
|
The time of year you've been waiting for has arrived!
Used camping gear and paddling gear at great prices. This gear has experienced the Boundary Waters Canoe Camping Area Wilderness and Quetico Park and is ready for you to acquire at savings guaranteed to make you forget it has already been broken in!
USED GEAR ON SALE HERE
|
|
Have you made it to the Boundary Waters this year?
|
We're still booking canoe trips. September and October can be two of the greatest times to be outdoors in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The Fall colors are about to become fabulous and here's a little secret, so is the fishing. Both are good reasons to come to Ely and have an Autumn adventure. Oh, the bugs have disappeared too. Call Drew or Adam today to reserve your canoe, gear and book a late season guide if you want! 1-800-223-6565.
USED GEAR ON SALE HERE
|
|
Your Friends in the
Great Northwoods | 105 North Central Avenue
Ely, MN 55731
1-800-223-6565 |
|
