Ski Birding: Webster’s dictionary does not define this phrase, but to readers of this blog the meaning should be obvious … taking one’s cross-country skis and heading out into the Boreal Forest while looking for birds. Since Monday, I have been ski birding four times. In fact, I maintain 5k+ of remote wilderness Nordic ski trails with three winter bird feeders at the trailhead. Snow has come to the Northwoods, and given firearms deer hunting season is now over, I have both groomed the trails and put up the winter feeders. (learn more / see map)

Yesterday morning, in addition to the usual suspects, I saw small flocks of Ruffed Grouse and Pine Grosbeaks near the feeders (200 yards). This Ruffed Grouse was “gritting up” after having eaten its breakfast.

You will find ski condition reports on SkinnySki under the heading of Old Vermilion Trail (NE Minnesota). This image is actually a GoPro shadow selfie photo taken last winter at a near by trail system, Boulder Nordic. Appropriately enough the trail I was skiing has the name Lonesome Grouse!