Merry Christmas 2021

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas from Erie, PA. Weather conditions: heavy rain overnight, easing up by late morning, turning foggy; unseasonably warm. Confirmed local sightings included Robin and European Starling.

Meanwhile, a much nicer day Christmas Eve (Friday): initially overcast, turning clear, then light overcast/hazy sunshine; unseasonably warm. From Friday:

Red-bellied Woodpecker, Millcreek Twp

Are Red-bellied Woodpeckers our most festive of birds? No. However, best we can do on short notice.

Mild conditions meant lots of folks out at Presque Isle State Park, at least on the paved trails. Hiking trails, where applicable, were still extremely wet/flooded and muddy. BirdingPI.com dispatched an expeditionary team to survey the Long Pond Trail. This included a very wet traversal of the flooded portion on the east/bay-side end. Muddy, wet, lots of downed trees and storm damage – quite a mess. Recommend avoiding.

Overall, light avian activity – Woodpeckers, Mallards, Geese, Buffleheads, GBH, various Sparrows, etc.

GBH, by Thompson Bay
Downy Woodpecker (m), Sidewalk Trail
Mallards, Long Pond
GBH in a tree, Long Pond (very long distance shot)

Nikon D850 with a Tamron 150-600mm lens