Weekend Update

Dateline: 14 August 2022

Starlings landing on Gull Point observation platform

Taking a short break from the summer AZ content to check in with the Erie crew out at Presque Isle State Park. Conditions: generally warm and dry; all portions of the Gull Point Trail in good shape (except perpetually flooded ‘middle old trail’).

Lesser Yellowlegs

General bird activity about as expected – GBH, Canada Geese, various gulls, Belted Kingfisher, Osprey, juvenile Bald Eagle, crow, European Starling, Turkey Vulture, Gray Cowbird, Killdeer, etc. Shorebird activity reasonably good – Dunlin, Lesser Yellowlegs, Spotted Sandpiper, & Least Sandpiper (large flock).

Least Sandpiper/flight

Big news Sunday early PM was a flock of seven Black-bellied Plover, first sighting (for BirdingPI.com) since spring. Initially spotted on the eastern beach, transitioning to the northern edge beach. Most shots at a long distance from the observation platform.

Black-bellied Plover (& adjacent gulls) @ observation platform
Cropped I
Extra cropped
Flight I
Flight II
Distant view/north beach

Bad plover video clips:

After startling, perhaps due to the two incoming Osprey (!):


Tomorrow, back to Arizona with warbler content! More warbler!