Weekend Update (II)

Dateline: 7 April 2023

Special ‘double post’ today to celebrate day no. 6+ of sunny weather in Erie, PA.

More content from Friday at Presque Isle State Park. First up, along the Dead Pond Trail (east end), first sighting this spring of Hermit Thrush:

Hermit Thrush I

ID: slight white eye ring, spotted breast, and red tail contrasting with brown back.

Hermit Thrush II
Hermit Thrush III
Contrasting tail

First (identifiable) dragonfly of the year, the beautiful Green Darner (Anax junius):


Yet another (!) spring first, happy to see Ruby-crowned Kinglet again:

Kinglet v.2
More ruby
Chin-up I
Chin-up II

ID tips: similar to Golden-crowned Kinglet except partial eye ring, lacks conspicuous yellow/gold head stripe, occasional hints of ‘ruby crown:’

Hint of ruby crown

The amazing American Kestrel‘s relatively common around the W. PA farmland down south, but here’s the first ever BirdingPI.com sighting at Presque Isle, in the woods adjacent North Pier:

American Kestrel
Kestrel II
Kestrel @ flight

Finally, lots of Turkey Vulture enjoying the sunshine in the woods adjacent Horseshoe Bay:

Totem pole I
Vulture
Totem pole II