Lots of Wild Turkey around the outskirts of Erie. (And not the fine Kentucky whiskey, although I’m sure there’s plenty of that, too.) You can see them occasionally on Presque Isle as individuals or small groups, but more often further inland, crossing yards and roads where it’s a mix of woodlands, open or abandoned farmland, and scattered residential. This year, we’ve had impressively large flocks – 24-26+ individuals.
(Crappy video curtesy of Apple iPhone 7.)
Dateline: 17 Oct 2021
With another rainy weekend, finally had time to go through snapshots from the other weekend, from an hour+ along the Pine Tree Trail at Presque Isle State Park. Conditions were challenging, with wind and heavy, transient cloud, i.e., spotty sunlight. Still, plenty of bird activity towards the SE trailhead, and the results, frankly, were rather nice – as Hannibal from the A-Team says, “I love it when a plan comes together!” (Mostly Nikon D7500 + Nikkor 200-500mm f5.6, plus whatever other dodgy gear the rest of the team was using.)
What is this bird? Inquiring minds want to know. Initial thoughts revolved around a juvenile White-crowned Sparrow. Subsequent research suggests a juvenile Chipping Sparrow. Think on it, but whatever it is, it’s lovely!
The Chipping Sparrow above is no mystery, but as luck would have it there was a bit of quality Thrush activity flirting about the Pine Tree Trail. We’re thinking the above could be a Swainson’s Thrush (russet-backed) – note the buffy eyering and overall coloring. In any event, happy to see it.
Bad weekend mid-October 2021 for birding or bird photography. Localized rain and then general overcast Friday. Heavy rain early AM Saturday into the PM, also very windy. Bad day for going outside generally. Sunday featured heavy clouds and intermittent sun, plenty windy, with light thunderstorms in the afternoon.
Still, despite the poor conditions, the intrepid staff of BirdingPI.com made it out to Presque Isle State Park a couple times between rain storms. Bird activity was localized but lively – plenty of Sparrows, Kinglets, common Warblers, Jays, Woodpeckers, etc., plus a special guest or two.
What is the bird immediately below? What it is, is a real Birding, PI mystery. Signs suggest a juvenile/young male Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. Note the head coloring, varied back, and bold white and black wing sections. Comments/suggestions welcome.
Meanwhile, off the Long Pond Trail…
The Long Pond Trail is one of the great short birding trails at Presque Isle State Park, IMHO BirdingPI.com editorial staff. Swamp boundary, mature forest, mixed/open forest, and open pond view. Below, we have what is perhaps the largest Pileated Woodpecker ever seen (by us) – “What is that, a roasting chicken?” Scale is hard to gauge since this fine feathered friend was very high up in a huge oak tree, but we hope you enjoy the snapshots, such as they are.
Some recent bird sightings out-and-about in Millcreek Township, Pennsylvania (Official town motto: “Gateway to Presque Isle”).
Dateline: 10 Oct 2021
After the rain on Saturday, Sunday was drier and sunnier overall, but still hazy. PI (Presque Isle State Park) was unusually congested due to the “Hot Apple Cider Hustle,” a half-marathon/5k run-walk. Somewhat randomly due to the traffic, and since it seemed too windy for Gull Point, the editorial staff ended up hiking the Dead Pond Trail from the east trailhead off Thompson Circle, as far as the B Trail and back. Historically, this section of trail has been hit-or-miss (mostly miss) for birding. But, as we like to say, “In any location, birding activity varies significantly based on time of day, weather, and season” = ended up being a great couple hours. That is, if you like White-throated Sparrows, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Chickadees, Eagles, and Nuthatches. Which we do.
Along the trail, there’s an open space (see above and below) of grass, sand, and young, bushy pine. Arguably, this was the highlight of the day, with the White- and Red-breasted Nuthatches and Black-capped Chickadees enjoying the sunshine and pine nuts.
All photos with iPhone (7), Nikon D7500 + Nikon f5.6 200-500mm lens, or whatever other shenanigans were on tap. Bonehead move: forgetting your camera’s set to limited ISO when using shutter priority mode at 1/1600 or 1/2000 S = underexposed. Don’t forget to check your shots as you go.
Despite the camera troubles, very much enjoyed a White-breasted Nuthatch that was spending plenty of time in a nearby tree.
Dateline: 9 October 2021.
It was a bad start to the birding weekend with heavy rain early Saturday through to late morning. Despite the soggy conditions, our intrepid senior correspondent spent an hour on the Pine Tree Trail at Presque Isle State Park, before the afternoon thunderstorms (rather mild, as it turned out) kicked in.
The theme of the day was Sparrows (esp. White-throated Sparrows) and Warblers, especially Yellow-rumped Warblers. There wasn’t much to see deep in the woods, but for whatever reason, plenty of bird activity around where the power line crosses the trail proper, roughly towards the east end of Dead Pond.
All photos with the Nikon Z5 and 500mm f5.6 Nikkor PF lens. The lens is fine, but the Z5 – not the best camera for birding.
Are Pileated Woodpeckers a special treat? The answer is, “Yes. Yes they are.” See Alden, P. et al., National Audubon Society Field Guide to New England (1st ed.). Thankfully, there’s an established population here in Millcreek Township (“Gateway to Presque Isle”), but sightings are erratic enough for the Field Guide saying to hold true.
Fortuitously, members of our editorial staff had the wherewithal to capture a recent encounter on film. Or SDHC card. As always, ‘best efforts’ – tough to get sharp results at such a long distance.
A beautiful day Saturday for birding and photography at Presque Isle State Park. Mostly sunny, warm, light to moderate wind. Other than bicyclists, not that many people out. Still plenty of mosquitoes, though – looking forward to the first hard freeze.
Hiked a loop of the Sidewalk Trail (Presque Isle Lighthouse trailhead) to the Marsh Trail to the Ridge Trail (north section) to the Fox Trail back to the lighthouse. All trails passable but muddy in places. Light/moderate bird activity – mostly Kinglets, Warblers, and Sparrows.
Next, over to the Pine Tree Trail (good condition), which was literally hopping with activity: Jays, Kinglets, Warblers, Woodpeckers, Juncos, Crows, Mallards, Wood Ducks, Great Egret, Brown Creepers, White-breasted Nuthatch, Sparrows, etc. Depending on the weather, season, and time-of-day, the Pine Tree Trail can be sleepy, but times like this show why it’s a PI classic. Great day for enjoying this narrow strip of old pine woods.
There’s no better place locally than Presque Isle for diverse habitats and the chance to see interesting birds and other wildlife. But even a walk around the neighborhood can be surprising. Take this recent ‘guest appearance’ from what appears to be a female Merlin (Taiga coloration). Not to mention Nashville Warblers and Sparrows.
These are all recent sightings in Millcreek Township, PA – late September 2021.
Storms overnight Saturday, but clear and sunny Sunday morning with light wind. Gull Point was extremely quiet, perhaps due to the recent bad weather. No geese or cormorants even. Somewhat quiet overall in the interior, but plenty of interesting bird, etc. activity. Gulls, Geese (in the distance), individual Cormorants (in the distance), Bald Eagles, Sparrows, Robins, Herons, Crows, etc.
