Thompson Bay Trails
Northwest of Beach No. 11 at Presque Isle State Park, there are two easy-to-find, very short trails for accessing the west shore of Thompson Bay, generally in the middle area of the bay between Beach No. 11 and Beach No. 10 parking (Budny Beach). Both include successive, narrow sections of brush/forest, pond/swamp, more brush/trees, bayside beach, and, of course, views of Thompson Bay itself. Excellent habitat for Ducks, Swans, Geese, Wrens, Kingfisher, GBH, etc.
CAUTION: seasonal (mid-to-late fall) duck hunting is permitted on Thompson Bay; be aware of duck blinds.
For what’s designated “Trail #`1,” park at the dirt lot by the Thompson Bay interpretive signs. The trail is to the east, across the bike path. For “Trail #2,” take the nearby turn for the Coast Guard station; look for the wood posts by the wide pull-off on the east side of the road.
Trail #1
From the parking area by the interpretive signs, head east through the trees. Just past the tree line is a crossing (usually easily passable) between northern and southern sections of swamp/pond (see pics below). For bird photography, use caution when approaching, to avoid unexpectedly startling any nearby waterfowl.
Trail #2
From the pull-off on the east side of the road (by the wood posts), head east/northeast along the obvious, wide trail. After a section of woods/brush, cross the sandy area (usually passable, if muddy) separating two small areas of swamp/pond, to the bay. Take a right to Beach No. 11, or a left towards Trail #1.
“Duck Blind Trail”
Just past the pond crossover along Trail #1 (heading east), look for an indistinct but definite trail to the left/north. This trail, very overgrown in summer, parallels the eastern edge of the northern section of swamp/pond, eventually terminating back at the bay, near the location of a seasonal duck blind. This trail provides access to the ‘interior’ of the swamp/pond – excellent opportunities for seeing Ducks, Egret, and GBH. CAUTION: very overgrown with wild raspberry vines, etc. in the summer = wear long pants. Trust us on this one.
“Bay Edge Trails”
From the terminus of Trail #1 by Thompson Bay, it’s possible to take a hard left north along the bay, water level permitting. The strip of narrow beach eventually peters out, but affords additional viewing opportunities of the north end of Thompson Bay. Contrariwise, heading right (south) leads toward Trail #2. Again, affording additional bay views. Frequently, the route is impassible due to the lake, but there may be enough room at low tide. (Do the Great Lakes have tides? An Internet search suggests ‘not really.’ However, BirdingPI.com has noticed significant differences in water level at different times of day. The following picture shows what’s referred to as “Bay edge #2″ on the map above, looking south towards Trail #2. Frequently, that narrow strip of beach is inundated…”
From where Trail #2 meets the bay, take a right (south) to head towards Beach No. 11. The end of Trail #2 may be flooded/muddy, but it’s usually possible one way or another.
Landscape photos: iPhone; Bird photos: Nikon