After a week or so of “warm weather” in Erie County, PA, the snow has mostly melted, South Pier/North Pier is unfrozen, and even portions of outer Lake Erie appeared to be in ‘thaw mode.’ Weather today: cold w/ a dusting of snow/frozen rain overnight. Of course. Still winter in Erie.
In today’s post, the “big bird news” (literally, these are pretty big birds) this week was a flock of seven Mute Swans seen at various locations around Erie bayfront, including here near the head of Presque Isle Bay.
More shots of Mute Swan:
Nearby, a flock of equally beautiful Tundra Swan:
More Mute Swan:
Mute Swan ID (adult): large, white swan with orange bill w/ distinctive knob at base. Here’s a good view of both ‘head on’ and side profile:
As noted in a previous post, 7 Mute Swans is a high count for Erie, perhaps a record. Usually only singles or pairs are spotted.