AAS WARNING: This post contains arachnid-related content. Viewer discretion is advised.
With “no snow” and “not too cold” weather, it was time to dispatch a BirdingPI.com team to wander aimlessly around scour the woods at Presque Isle State Park, in search of exotic birds. Generally in the area around Pine Tree Trail, B Trail, and Dead Pond Trail. Results: 1 Black-capped Chickadee, 1 Tufted Titmouse, 1 ACIF (American Crow in flight), 1 woodpecker-like bird (perhaps Hairy Woodpecker), several Canada Geese in the distance, at least 2 White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus), & 7 of everyone’s least-favourite (or perhaps favourite?) parasitic arachnid, the tick.
This particular outing netted some fine samples of Brown Dog Tick & Black-legged Tick a.k.a. Deer Tick. Tick collection helpful hint #1: walk through tall grass. Hint #2: a small, sealed container of alcohol solution works well for transporting samples inertly. Hint #3: collecting tick samples is not a recommended Presque Isle ‘fun activity.’
Seems too early for the yearly “Beware the bite!” PSA, but stay safe!
[Editor’s note to staff: please revisit the multiple instances of “cute” in this post before publication.]