Weekend Pre-update

Dateline: 7-12 January 2023

Running very late on the weekend update, so time for a ‘data dump’ of recent shots in Erie Country, in mostly overcast/dark conditions.

Dark-eyed Junco in Millcreek Twp (“Gateway to Presque Isle”)

Weather in Erie: cold and overcast over the weekend; unseasonably warm by mid-week, sunny on Tuesday and partially sunny on Wednesday; light rain Wednesday night tapering off by morning transitioning to heavier rain by afternoon. Currently under a winter weather advisory for snow on Friday.

Two shots of American Robin at State Game Lands 314, enjoying a snack of Staghorn Sumac:

Migrating geese, State Game Lands 314

Moving on to Presque Isle State Park, over several different days:

Tundra Swan on back bay/’hunkered down’

Several days later, that beautiful Barred Owl was back at the same perch by the corner of Canoe Portage Trail and Duck Pond Trail:

Rear view, distance
Rear feather detail
Front view I
Front view II

Couple shots of female Downy Woodpecker along Canoe Portage Trail:

American Tree Sparrow

Another view of the Barred Owl on the way back along the Canoe Portage Trail:

The owl it watching you

Tundra Swan on Presque Isle Bay, near the Long Pond Trail east trailhead:

Now with a view of the Bayfront Convention Center (right) and Sheraton Bayfront hotel (left), with downtown Erie in far background:

Sans duck hunters, a quiet day on Thompson Bay:

Thompson Bay view north towards Lake Erie

Reflection on Thompson Bay with Horned Grebe, Bufflehead, and some sort of merganser duck:

Tree reflection

Not a particularly good shot, but a gull and Red-breasted Merganser, off Budny Beach:

With all the recent rain, trail conditions generally wet and muddy where applicable/typical. Here, the B-Trail:

The B-Trail b flooded

Ice dunes and surf off the Presque Isle west-side beach:

View of gulls on the west end of North Pier, with Perry Monument in the background, taken from South Pier:

Wishing everyone a nice holiday (MLK Day) weekend!