Dateline: 17 April 2022
Easter Sunday dawned cloudy and very cold, with a dusting of snow on roofs and lawns. Hints of blue sky between the clouds, though, and enough time between the human-oriented activities of the day to squeeze in a brief outing to Presque Isle State Park. And good thing, or might have missed this amazing Mute Swan!
Lots of goose, gull, and blackbird activity out at Long Pond. Plus a Bald Eagle or two, and Caspian Terns. On the far shore, noticed something large and white – very intriguing!
Hard to ID at this point, and still cloudy, so hung around with hopes of sun and more activity. Thankfully, both were soon to come.
Thought it might have been a late or lost Tundra Swan, but note the bill color – orange/pink, with that particular, black pattern. Also key, the relatively long, expressive tail. Both indicators of Mute Swan.
It’s a busy season out at Presque Isle State Park this year – can hardly keep up with the fun and unusual sightings!