It is hard getting used to 40 degree weather in December, but for now I am not complaining. The nice weather has allowed for some last-minute outside construction projects to take place, and it has been a beautiful week to spend on top of a roof overlooking Saganaga Lake. Full-blown winter will be here soon enough, but until then, ice fishing will have to wait.
With most winter activities being curbed due to unusually warm weather, it is important for me to be adaptive, in true northwoods fashion, by staying busy with whatever Mother Nature will allow. Fortunately, there is some alternative work around to help pay for Christmas presents, even if it means dangling from a two-story roof in December.
Watching the lake each day has been interesting since the transition has taken so long this season. The visible portion of Saganaga has been locked up for weeks, but is far from safe. Last week it appeared to be opening up again with the bright sun beating down upon its bare surface, but this week we are seeing advances in the right direction once again. I have not heard the deep moans and sharp cracks of “ice making” yet, which is no surprise since Loon and Gunflint lakes are still wide open in the middle, but it should be happening soon.
Meanwhile we have been focusing on establishing a bird feeding sanctuary for the winter, since the bears are sleeping and the ground is still mostly covered in snow or ice. Each year we change the feeding area slightly in an attempt to keep the squirrels from hogging all of the sunflower seeds. The bread scraps stay on the ground for the whiskey jacks and blue jays, while the smaller birds employ the feeders full of suet and seeds. We are hoping to see the grosbeaks entertain us with their presence again this winter, but so far they have not been around.
The important thing to remember about feeding birds is that they become semi-dependent on your food for survival. Anytime we leave town for more than a couple of days, we hire someone to feed the birds, stoke the outside wood boiler, and check the mail. If you take care of the birds it can be amazing how many will visit and provide a little entertainment throughout the winter. I never thought I would be interested in birds, but they are pretty amazing creatures and help add a little cheer to the long and sometimes boring winter.
Cory Christianson has worked as a fishing guide on the Gunflint Trail since 2000. If you have any fishing or wildlife reports or stories to share, send an email to: christiansoncory@hotmail.com or call 218- 388-0315. You can also visit Cory’s website at Gunflintfishingguide.com.
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