Old Vermilion Trail Forest Birding Map

Background

Here in northern Minnesota we have one of the premier winter birding spots in the lower 48, the Sax-Zim Bog. However, from my home in Duluth it is 55 miles each way to the bog. Thus, I decided with all the great bird habitat around this area, while I still drive up to the bog on occasion, it should be possible to find good winter birds just outside of Duluth.

After plenty of exploring back roads I have now established a winter birding feeder on Old Vermilion Trail Road. The attached graphic may be used to find the feeder. However, Old Vermilion Trail Road is just 10.8 miles from the intersection of Jean Duluth Road and Glenwood Avenue. You will find on this road and Fox Farm Road great bird habitat … wetlands, streams, deciduous forest and pine forest.

Both photographs of the pine siskins and female common redpolls were taken this morning while I was out setting up the bird feeding station. Please contact me with birding reports from this area. I will try to swing by 2 to 3 times per week to keep the feeder full.

Old Vermilion Trail Road and Fox Farm Road Birding Map
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Pine Siskins and Common Redpolls
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294: Common Eiders … my friends from Siberia

Year 1

My thanks to Pastor Greg who phoned to let me know a pair of Common Eiders were hanging out near his home on Lake Superior. The last known sighting of Common Eiders in Minnesota was over 50 years ago. They are more common in Siberia and the Canadian Arctic, and as long as Hudson Bay stays free of ice, that’s one place they winter.

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Day 293: Man vs Squirrel in Support of Birds!

Year 1

During this year long photography project, I have rarely posted photos taken at my own feeders. I actually have a great locations for feeders here in the Northwoods. I live across from Amity Creek and at the edge of a forest. The bird habitat is excellent.

This morning I had a pileated woodpecker in my suet feeder, while two squirrels, both a grey and black squirrel, looked upon the scene with desire!

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