Old Vermilion is back! Long time readers (and skiers) know that I used to maintain Nordic Ski Trails in the woods on public land a bit north of Duluth. The last two winters were lost due to my health, but I am back with a vengeance and therefore so is Old Vermilion! Sunday I walked the trail with my bow saw and cleared downed trees from two years worth of weather. I may bring back a bird feeder or two, but no promises. The new location for public feeders at French River Lutheran Church is much easier to maintain, and right on the migration path up and down the shore. I even had supervision on Sunday afternoon to insure I did my trail clearing properly!

My Supervisor

Trail Map

Old Vermilion Trail … typical

A Shadow Selfie

For those of you who don’t know about my heart problem that almost killed me two years ago, here is my story as told by CBS-3. I’m back to trail running!

Now that deer hunting season (firearms) is over in NE Minnesota, this coming weekend I will be setting out and filling the bird feeders on Old Vermilion Trail just north of Duluth. In addition, if snow comditions merit I will track the trails for Nordic skiing. Stay tuned, I first need to eat some Thanksgiving Turkey. Learn more about my favorite birding locations in the Duluth region of Minnesota.

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!