Dateline: 30-31 October 2021
It was a rough weekend at Presque Isle State Park, for birding, bird photography, or anything else for that matter. Blustery and overcast Saturday, rainy Sunday AM followed by windy and partially cloudy conditions in the afternoon. Despite the poor conditions, BirdingPI.com launched targeted, limited expeditions to keep you informed (!)
Marsh Trail (intersection with Sidewalk Trail): flooded, impassible without rubber boots or the like
Sidewalk Trail: good condition; muddy in spots, easily passible
Dead Pond Trail (west/north section): very muddy, passible
“A” Trail: passible, although dodgy over the slick downed branch ‘bridge’ over the swampy portion
Pine Tree Trail: good condition
Thompson Bay trails: good condition, muddy in spots
Long Pond Trail (north/west section): flooded, impassible
Long Pond Trail (south/east section): flooded, muddy, but passible with care
Saturday, the initial intent was to survey the Marsh Trail. Turned out it was overtly flooded on the Sidewalk Trail side; lacking proper equipment, we pivoted to the nearby Dead Pond Trail. This section of the Dead Pond Trail was muddy and flooded, but easily passible overall without too much effort. Very little bird activity. From the A Trail, we transitioned to the nearby beach, following the tree line and dunes towards the Presque Isle lighthouse. (Watch out for ticks!) Plenty of activity with Sparrows, Golden-crowned Kinglets, Nuthatches, Jays, etc. Later, brief excursions along the Pine Tree Trail, etc.
