Recent digital photographs of Erie County, Pennsylvania’s largest woodpecker species, an always amazing Pileated Woodpecker:

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An unusual occurrence at Presque Isle State Park last Sunday, with 3 species of swan concurrently at the head of Presque Isle Bay: Tundra Swan, Mute Swan, and Trumpeter Swan.

Swan ID (adult): All are large, white birds, with Trumpeter Swan the largest and Tundra Swan the smallest. Mute Swan has a distinctive orange bill with a black knob at the base. Tundra Swan has a narrow line of black from bill to eye, frequently with a yellow patch. Trumpeter Swan lacks the yellow, and the black portion between bill and eye is much wider and may lack any narrowing. In Tundra Swan, the black between the eyes is typically straight or only slightly curved, in Trumpeter Swan it is more of a “V.” All three have distinctive vocalizations.

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Following shots, the birds in flight are all Tundra Swan, & single swan in water = Trumpeter Swan unless noted otherwise:

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Recently under lightly rainy conditions at Asbury Woods in Millcreek Twp, PA (“Since 1800”), a few shots of male Northern Cardinal and Tufted Titmouse (w/ food):

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Always nice to see ducks “up close,” but the reality is frequently different: distant ducks. In today’s post, it’s waterfowl seen from afar, + somewhat closer views of Canada Goose in flight, all on Sunday at the head of Presque Isle Bay.

Finally, a sequence of Northern Pintails landing on Presque Isle Bay:

Northern Pintail activity is currently very nice at Presque Isle State Park. Always a beautiful duck to see.

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Today on BirdingPI.com, a quick post of seasonal birds recently seen at South Pier (Erie, Pennsylvania), featuring beautiful, sunny Redhead ducks:

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Going back to February, after the long cold spell had taken its toll on the waterfowl population. For example, 6-7 duck and goose carcasses were spotted on the ice at South Pier (Erie, Pennsylvania) at one point. This is an American Herring Gull eating a deceased male Red-Breasted Merganser:

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With these shots of Mourning Dove from yesterday, we’d normally say “spring is in the air,” but considering this Sunday morning it’s -6 deg C in Erie County, Pennsylvania with fresh snow on the ground, it’s looking like something else is in the air. Like more winter suffering.

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More from South Pier, featuring beautiful late afternoon sunshine, plus a couple “bonus grebes” same location/different day:

Finally, in this shot, the line at what appears to the be horizon is actually where the ice sheet ends on the frozen-over portion of Presque Isle Bay:

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Looks like the Erie County, Pennsylvania weather might be decent today and tomorrow – above freezing temps at least – with slight snow and colder temperatures expected Saturday night into Sunday. Happy birding! Today’s post features a bird species observant folks might expect to see this weekend, 2x beautiful Red-tailed Hawk:

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Just a quick photo essay today on recent sightings of beautiful House Finch and Dark-eyed Junco in Millcreek Twp, Pennsylvania (“Since 1800”):

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