Presque Isle Audubon Society

Recent and Unusual Bird Sightings

Report your unusual bird sightings by email to: jerrymcw@aol.com

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
May 17 - May 23, 2010

The following birds of note were reported this week from Presque Isle State Park unless noted otherwise.

Common Merganser--1 pair; May 21; Conneautee Cr. at junction of Rt. 6N, Erie Co.; 1 adult with 7 young; May 23; Edinboro

Least Bittern--2; May 23; Gull Point Trail

Sandhill Crane--3; May 20; over Dead Pond Trail

Willet--1; May 17; Thompson Bay

Olive-sided Flycatcher--2; May 22; Sidewalk Trail; 1; May 23; Fry's landing

Orange-crowned Warbler--1; May 20; Gull Point Trail

Connecticut Warbler--1; May 16-17; Fry's landing

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
May 10 - May 16, 2010

The following birds of note were reported for this week at Presque Isle S.P.

American White Pelican--1; May 15; Thompson Bay

American Bittern--1; May 15; Long Pond area

Sandhill Crane--1; May 15; over Dead Pond Trail

Prairie Warbler--1 or 2; May 14-15; Pine Tree Trail

Cerulean Warbler--1 or 2; May 15; Beach 11

Connecticut Warbler--up to 2; May 14-15; Pine Tree Trail

--Jerry McWilliams

Warbler Bonanza at Presque Isle
May 14, 2010

I got the day off from work so I decided to head to Presque Isle and luckily I picked the right day to go. In 4 years of birding this was my first 20+ warbler day. Most of my sightings were from Fry's Landing and the Pine Tree Trail.

Here are the warblers:
Connecticut Warbler - heard only - from the Pine Tree trail, Wilson's Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Bay Breasted Warbler, Cape May Warbler, Canada Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Chestnut Sided Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Black Throated Blue Warbler, Black Throated Green Warbler, Yellow Rumped Warbler, Palm Warbler, Black and White Warbler, American Redstart, Hooded Warbler, Ovenbird, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat

Others notables:
Swainson's Thrush, Veery, Wood Thrush, Willow Flycatcher, Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Wood Pewee, Acadian Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Baltimore Oriole, Warbling Vireo, Red Eyed Vireo, Rose Breasted Grosbeak, White Crowned Sparrow, Ruby Crowned Kinglet, Ruby Throated Hummingbird, Bald Eagle, Great Horned Owl, Cooper's Hawk, Sandhill Crane, Green Heron, Caspian Tern, Forster's Tern, Spotted Sandpiper, Blue Winged Teal, Mute Swan

Also - Jerry McWilliams reported seeing an Orange Crowned Warbler at Fry's Landing.

--Steve Gosser

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
May 3 - May 9, 2010

The following birds of note were recorded this week, all from Presque Isle S.P.

Great Egret--up to 4; to May 6; Gull Point

Snowy Egret--1; May 5-6; head of bay

American Avocet--1; May 6; Gull Point

White-rumped Sandpiper--2; May 9; Gull Point

American Robin (leucistic)--1; through at least May 8; Marina Bay

--Jerry McWilliams

Snowy Egret at Presque Isle
May 5, 2010

Brian Berchtold photographed a Snowy Egret at the head of Presque Isle Bay around lunch time. I stopped and looked for it after the hawk watch at 3:10 p.m. and it was still there with four Great Egrets. It was easily viewed from the boat dock at the foot of Sommerheim Drive, though you will need a spotting scope.

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
April 26 - May 2, 2010

The following birds of note reported this week include the following:

Great Egret--up to 3; May 1-2; Gull Point

Willet--1; May 2; Gull Point

Golden-winged Warbler--1; May 1; Fry's landing

Lawrence's Warbler--1 male; May 2; Pine Tree Trail

Pine Siskin--1; April 27; Erie

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
April 19 - April 25, 2010

The following birds of note were reported this week in Erie County.

American Bittern--1; April 15; Niagara Pond

Great Egret--1; April 19; Niagara Pond

Black-crowned Night-Heron--1; April 15; head of Presque Isle Bay

Sandhill Crane--3; April 20; Presque Isle Hawk Watch; 2; April 21; near Harborcreek

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
April 12 - April 18, 2010

The following birds of note were reported this week.

American Bittern--1; April 15; Niagara Pond

Black-crowned Night--Heron-3; April 13; head of Presque Isle Bay; 1; April15; head of Presque Isle Bay

Sandhill Crane--1; April 13; Presque Isle Hawk Watch

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
April 5 - April 11, 2010

The following birds of note were reported this week in Erie County.

Great Egret--1; April 6; Marina Bay, Presque Isle S.P.

Long-eared Owl--1; April 5; east of B-trail, Presque Isle S.P.

Barn Swallow--1; April 9 (record early in Erie Co.); Presque Isle Bay

Northern Mockingbird--1; April 10; West Fisher Drive, Presque Isle S.P.; 1; April 10; Wastewater Treatment Plant, Erie

Rose-breasted Grosbeak--1 female; April 9 (early); Erie

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
March 29 - April 4, 2010

The following birds of note were reported this week:

Northern Goshawk--2 imm.; April 1; Presque Isle Hawkwatch

Long-eared Owl--1; April 4; pines on Presque Isle S.P.

Northern Saw-whet Owl--1; April 4; pines on Presque Isle S.P.

--Jerry McWilliams

Presque Isle Hawk Watch
April 1, 2010

Raptor Observations:
With the strong southerly wind all birds were pushed to the edge of the lake. Raptor movement was the best so far this year with hundreds of vultures and good numbers of red-tails and sharpies passing over the hawkwatch. Birds were low until about 1100 when warming temperatures pushed the birds higher to stratospheric levels by early afternoon. Highlights today were two immature Northern Goshawks, a Rough-legged Hawk, and the first Ospreys of the season.

Non-raptor Observations:
Blackbirds poured through in the morning. A few other non-raptors were recorded including the following: Common Loon--1, Great Blue Heron--1, Bonaparte's Gull--12, Northern Flicker--9, Eastern Phoebe--2, American Crow--25+, Tree Swallow--17, American Robin--35+, American Pipit--1

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
March 15 - March 21, 2010

The following birds of note were reported this past week in Erie County, Pa.

Snow Goose--3 intermediate morph; March 19; Presque Isle Hawkwatch

Harlequin Duck--1 adult male; to March 17; last seen in Misery Bay at Presque Isle S.P.

Black Vulture--1; March 18; Presque Isle Hawkwatch

Sandhill Crane--2; March 17; Presque Isle Hawkwatch; 2; March 18; Presque Isle Hawkwatch; 2; March 20; Presque Isle Hawkwatch

Northern Shrike--1; March 20; Franklin Center

Pine Siskin--2; March 17; Fairview

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
March 8 - March 14, 2010

The only bird of note this week was the adult male Harlequin Duck. It went unreported all week until yesterday and again this morning and afternoon (March 14) where it was seen with Common Goldeneye in the bay between the east entrance of Long Pond Trail and the east pier.

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
February 29 - March 7, 2010

The following birds of note were reported in Erie County this week:

Harlequin Duck-1 adult male; through the week; Channel

Sandhill Crane-4; March 7; Presque Isle Hawkwatch

Iceland Gull-1 (first cycle); March 1; Lake View Landfill; 1 (first cycle); March 6; Presque Isle Bay

Glaucous Gull-2 (1 adult); March 3 to 6; Presque Isle Bay; 1 (first cycle); March 6; Presque Isle Bay

--Jerry McWilliams

Harlequin Duck Still Present in Erie Co.
March 4, 2010

The Harlequin Duck was present north of the north pier along the edge of the ice today. More diving ducks have arrived and with the newly developed ice overnight, ducks were packed in, so it was a challenge to stay with the Harlequin. An adult Glaucous Gull was sitting on the ice near the moored ship.

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
February 22 - 28, 2010

The following birds of note were reported this week in Erie County, Pa.

Northern Shoveler-1 male; Feb. 23 (early); Presque Isle (PI) in the channel

Harlequin Duck-1 adult male; every day this week; channel, best viewed from the south pier at the foot of Port Access Rd., Erie

White-winged Scoter-up to 2; to at least Feb. 23; PI in the channel

Iceland Gull--1; (first cycle); Feb. 28; PI Bay off the foot of Port Access Rd., Erie Northern Shrike--1; Feb. 24; Siegel Marsh

--Jerry McWilliams

Harlequin Duck and Other Waterfowl at Presque Isle
February 23, 2010

The Harlequin Duck was present near the channel this afternoon. It was viewed from the south pier at the foot of Port Access Road. The Harlequin was with several hundred Common Goldeneye north of the north pier as you look towards Misery Bay. Fortunately the duck was at the north edge of the open water where the north pier could not conceal it.

At least one White-winged Scoter continues to be in the same location, and today there were two male American Wigeon and a very early male Northern Shoveler there as well.

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
February 15 - 21, 2010

The following birds of note were reported from Erie County this past week:

Harlequin Duck-1 adult male; Feb. 20-21; channel viewed from Presque Isle S.P. and the foot of Port Access Rd., Erie

White-winged Scoter-up to 2; all week; channel from the foot of Port Access Rd., Erie

Turkey Vulture--1; Feb. 19 (early); Old Waterford Rd.

Probable Great Black-backed Gull X Herring Gull-1 (fourth cycle); Feb. 16; Lake View landfill

Northern Shrike-2; Feb. 15; Roderick Wildlife Reserve (SGL # 314)

Fox Sparrow-1; at least Feb. 22 & 23; near Edinboro; Gail Neelys

--Jerry McWilliams

Harlequin Duck at Presque Isle
February 20, 2010

Mark Vass and I searched for the Harlequin Duck from the south pier around 2:30 PM, but could not find it. The last time Mark saw the duck it swam behind the north pier wall on Coast Guard property. If ducks are too close to the north side of the north pier, they cannot be seen from the south pier.

I drove to Presque Isle S.P. where I could view the north side of the north pier from Perry Monument. The monument is quite some distance from the pier, but after an hour of searching through the several hundred Common Goldneye, I spotted the Harlequin Duck. It was feeding among the goldeneye not far from the pier putting it out of view from the south pier. I watched it until 3:40 PM when I left. You can also view the north side of the north pier by parking at the wood pile at Fry's Landing and walking out to the mouth of Horseshoe Pond.

If the sun is shining in the morning the light will be too bad to look for the Harlequin Duck from Perry Monument or from Horseshoe Pond. However by late afternoon the light is good from these vantage points.

There were also two female White-winged Scoters north of the north pier.

Tomorrow's forecast is mostly cloudy with a slight chance of some precipitation in the late afternoon.

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
February 8 - 14, 2010

The following noteworthy birds were reported this week.

White-winged Scoter-1; Feb. 8 to 11; channel

Iceland Gull-2 (1 first cycle, 1 adult); Feb. 8; Lake View landfill

Glaucous Gull-1 (second cycle); Feb. 1; Lake View landfill; 1 (second cycle; Feb. 8; Lake View landfill; 1 (fourth cycle or adult); Feb. 14; Millcreek Mall

Great Black-backed Gull X Herring Gull-1 (adult or fourth cycle); Feb. 8; Lake View landfill

Eastern Towhee-1 female; Feb. 13; near cabins at Presque Isle

Fox Sparrow-1; at least Feb. 22 & 23; near Edinboro

More Red-shouldered Hawks than usual have been reported in Erie County this winter

--Jerry McWilliams

Snowy Owl in Springboro
February 9, 2010

The Snowy Owl in Springboro continues to be seen in the field behind the barn before 10:00 AM and after 3:00 PM every day.

--Jerry McWilliams

Snowy Owl in Springboro
February 2, 2010

The Snowy owl was seen again today (2/2/10) at the Miller Farm about 8 AM. Then it was seen again from 11 AM until about 3 PM.

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
January 25 - 31, 2010

Except for the shrike, the following birds of note were reported for this past week from Presque Isle S.P.:

White-winged Scoter--3; Jan. 28; Beach 11

Peregrine Falcon--1; Jan. 28; Presque Isle Bay

Little Gull--2 adults; Jan. 28; Beach 11

Bonaparte's Gull--3000+ (high count for this date); Jan. 28 Beach 11

Northern Shrike--1; to at least Jan. 27; Franklin Center

--Jerry McWilliams

Snowy Owl in Springboro Entertaining Birders
January 30, 2010

The Snowy Owl at Springboro was viewed by at least 35 birders this afternoon (Jan. 30) from 1:00 to 5:15 PM.

--Jerry McWilliams

Bonaparte's and Little Gulls at Presque Isle
January 28, 2010

I saw an unprecedented number of Bonaparte's Gulls, for this time of year, off beach 11. Later they were in Presque Isle Bay near Perry Monument. I estimated at least 3000 birds and among them were two adult Little Gulls. It was interesting that the Bonaparte Gull flocks were made up of entirely adults. I was not able to locate a single immature bird.

A Peregrine Falcon flew through one of the large flocks of Bonaparte's Gulls perhaps in pursuit of a meal, but was not successful. After that, all of the Bonaparte's took off and were not seen again. There were also three White-winged Scoters off beach 11.

--Jerry McWilliams

Snowy Owl in Springboro, Crawford Co.
January 28, 2010

The Snowy Owl in Springboro was present again late this afternoon. It appeared some time around 4:00 PM. It was first seen sitting on one of several fence posts in the field behind the Miller's farm. After a short while it flew down onto the ground. Fortunately it landed on a knoll with dark woods in the background otherwise it could not have been seen in the snow. It remained on the ground until at least 5:15 PM when I left.

--Jerry McWilliams

Snowy Owl in Northern Crawford Co.
January 26, 2010

I just received a report from Andrew Troyer of a Snowy Owl sitting on a fence post at the Miller farm at 10734 Shadeland Rd. in Springboro, Crawford Co., Pa. The Millers are well known Amish birders and they welcome birders to their farm to see the owl. Andy said the Snowy Owl was described to him by Aden Miller as mostly white, so it may be an adult.

If anyone should chase this bird, could you let me know if you see it?

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
January 18 - 24, 2010

The following birds of note were reported this past week.

White-winged Scoter--1; Jan. 20; beach 11, Presque Isle S.P.

Turkey Vulture--1; Jan. 21; Harborcreek

Thayer's Gull--2 (1 adult, 1 first cycle); Jan. 18; Lake View landfill

Iceland Gull--2 (adults); Jan. 18; Lake View landfill

Lesser Black-backed Gull--1 adult: January 18; Lake View landfill; 1 second or third cycle; Jan. 21; Lake View landfill

Glaucous Gull--3 (2 adults, one first cycle); Jan. 18; Lake view landfill; 4 (one adult, one second or third cycle, two first cycle); Jan. 21; Lake View landfill

Northern Shrike--1; to at least Jan. 18; Franklin Center

Common Raven--1; Jan. 18; Union City; 1; Jan. 21; 1/2 mi. S of Wattsburg on Rt. 8

Brown-headed Cowbird--1; Jan. 18; Franklin Center

--Jerry McWilliams

Gulls at Lakeview Landfill in Erie Co.
January 18, 2010

I checked out the Lakeview Landfill just south of Lake Erie this morning and estimated only a couple of thousand gulls, if that, and nearly all were Herring Gulls as expected.

However, in an hour of sorting through them I did manage to pull out the following species:

Thayer's Gull--2 (one first cycle, one adult)

Iceland Gull--2 (adults)

Lesser Black--backed Gull--1 (adult)

Glaucous Gull--3 (one first cycle, two adults)

Great Black-backed Gull-- ~20(mostly adults)

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
January 11 - 17, 2010

The following birds of note were reported this past week from Erie County.

Lesser Black-backed Gull--1 adult; Jan. 16; channel at Presque Isle State Park

Glaucous Gull--1 first cycle; Jan. 12; Lakeview landfill

Northern Shrike--1; periodically this week; Franklin Center

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
January 4 - 10, 2010

Not much happening since everything is pretty well socked in. Only two reports came in this past week.

Northern Shrike--1; to at least Jan. 10; Franklin Center

Northern Mockingbird--1; Jan. 5; Erie; 1; Jan. 7; Erie

--Jerry McWilliams

Waterbird Count Summary
Click here for the 2009 Waterbird Count Summary (PDF).

Erie Christmas Bird Count Results
Click here for the results of the 2009 Erie Christmas Bird Count (PDF).

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
December 21 - 27, 2009

The following birds of note were reported this past week in Erie County.

Peregrine Falcon--1 pair; periodically through the week; Sunset and Gull Points, Presque Isle S.P.

Northern Shrike--1; Dec. 23 to at least the 25th; Franklin Center

American Pipit--1; Dec. 23 (late); Perry Monument, Presque Isle S.P.

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
December 14 - 20, 2009

The following birds of note were reported this week.

Snow Goose--35 to 40 (high count); Dec. 15 (late); over west Millcreek Twp.

Peregrine Falcon--up to 2; Dec. 16 to 19; Sunset Point (WC) and over Misery Bay

Dunlin--1; Dec. 16 (late); Sunset Point (WC)

Iceland Gull--up to two; Dec. 17 to 19; Lake View Landfill and Presque Isle Bay

Lesser Black-backed Gull--1; Dec. 17; Lake View Landfill; 1; Dec. 19; Presque Isle Bay

Glaucous Gull--up to 3; Dec. 14 to 19; Lake View Landfill area and Presque Isle Bay

The Selasphorus Hummingbird that was visiting a feeder in Harborcreek was last seen on Dec. 10. All three scoter species and Long-tailed Ducks continue to be seen off Sunset Point, Gull Point, and beach 11.

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
December 6 - 13, 2009

The following notable birds were reported within this past week.

Black Vulture--1; Dec. 6; Beach 10, Presque Isle S.P.

Glaucous Gull--1 first cycle; Dec. 8; Sunset Point, Presque isle S.P.

Selaphorus hummingbird (Rufous/Allen's)--1; to at least Dec. 6; Harborcreek. This bird was present at a feeder since Novemeber 15.

--Jerry McWilliams

Selasphorus Hummingbird in Erie Co.
December 6, 2009

A Selasphorus hummingbird (most likely a Rufous) has been coming to a feeder in Harborcreek since Nov. 15 and has been seen daily ever since. The fuzzy photograph I received last night shows the bird is not an adult male.

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Waterbird Count
December 6, 2009

Location: Sunset Point at Presque Isle State Park
Time: 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM
Weather: Cloudy, wind W to 20 mph becoming SW to about 15 mph, temp. 23 F. Waves about three feet falling to less than two feet.
Comments: Movement was heavy for the first 30 minutes and then it slowed considerably after that. There was a good variety of ducks this morning though Lesser Scaup and Red-breasted Merganser far outnumbered everything else. Except for two Surf Scoters, all loons and waterfowl were moving west.

Waterbirds recorded:
Tundra Swan-23
Gadwall-10
American Black Duck-34
Mallard-45
Northern Shoveler-6
Northern Pintail-1
Canvasback-23
Redhead-1
Greater Scaup-9
Lesser Scaup-445
Unidentified scaup-30
Surf Scoter-2
Surf/Black scoter-2
Long-tailed Duck-1
Bufflehead-15
Common Goldeneye-1
Common Merganser-1
Red-breasted Merganser-1636
Red-throated Loon-2
Common Loon-2
Unidentified loon-1

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Waterbird Count
November 21, 2009

Location: Sunset Point at Presque Isle State Park
Time: 7:10 AM to 10:10 AM
Weather: Variably to mostly cloudy, wind NW to 10 mph falling to less than 5 mph, temp. 43F. Onshore waves about three feet falling to about a foot.
Comments: Conditions were excellent for lake watching. Great light and with the air and water temperatures being nearly equal, there was no atmospheric disturbance over the water. There was a good movement of Red-throated Loons, mostly adults, with many birds moving close to shore in groups of four to six birds. A few Long-tailed Ducks were flying, mostly well offshore. Red-breasted Merganser numbers were up from the last couple of days. Most birds of all species were moving west.

Waterbirds recorded:
American Black Duck-1
Mallard-4
Green-winged Teal-1
Greater Scaup-4
Lesser Scaup-187
Surf Scoter-7
White-winged Scoter-10
Black Scoter-2
Long-tailed Duck-34
Bufflehead-12
Common Goldeneye-1
Common Merganser-6
Red-breasted Merganser-2014
Red-throated Loon-49
Common Loon-6
Unidentified loon-1
Horned Grebe-8
Other birds moving over the lake:
European Starling-4

--Jerry McWilliams

Black Scoter and Brant in Erie and Crawford Cos.
November 7, 2009

I went to Edinboro Lake in Erie Co. today. It was nice with no boats and hunters on the lake. Here is what I had there:

1 BLACK SCOTER(hen)
12 Ring-necked Duck
2 Ruddy Duck
6 Gadwall
22 Lesser Scaup
7 Bufflehead
2 Red-breasted Merganser
7 Hooded Merganser
2 American Black Duck
13 Pied-billed Grebe
109 American Coot
1 Bald Eagle(adult)

I stopped at Conneaut Lake in Crawford Co. on my way back and at Fireman`s Beach there was a BRANT. This is a first for me in Crawford. I believe this is the fourth county in western PA this fall to report a brant Erie, Crawford, Butler and Fayette. Nothing else of note seen here on the lake.

--Mark Vass, Beaver Co.

Erie Co. Waterbird Count
October 14, 2009

Location: Sunset Point at Presque Isle State Park
Time: 7:25 AM to 9:55 AM
Weather: Mostly cloudy, wind NE to 10 mph, temp. 37 F. Onshore waves two feet.
Comments: Movement was steady with a nice variety, although nothing really unusual passed the point. At least four Peregrines were observed with a couple talon grasping over the lake. About 75 per cent of waterfowl were moving west. There were a fair number of puddle ducks on the move with most flocks flying high over the lake, often containing four species. As usual, most cormorants were flying across the lake from Canada. The first Long-tailed Duck of the season was a female that flew west just offshore.

Waterbirds recorded:
Canada Goose-17
Wood Duck-1
American Wigeon-10
American Black Duck-14
Mallard-8
Northern Shoveler-7
Northern Pintail-93
Green-winged Teal-100
Lesser Scaup-102
Surf Scoter-1
Surf/Black Scoter-1
Long-tailed Duck-1
Red-breasted Merganser-14
Common Loon-19
Horned Grebe-1
Double-crested Cormorant-571
Sanderling-1
Dunlin-6
Other birds moving along or over the lake:
Peregrine Falcon-4
Golden-crowned Kinglet-1

This will be the last bird report from me for the Erie area for up to a month while I search for Mexican butterflies that stray into south Texas.

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
October 5 - October 11, 2009

The only species of note this week was a couple of Brant in the east slip at the foot of State Street in Erie. They have been present from Thursday to at least yesterday.

Seven Surf Scoters flew past Sunset Point on Presque Isle during the waterbird count this morning. These were the first of the season.

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Waterbird Count
October 8, 2009

Location: Sunset Point at Presque Isle State Park
Time: 7:15 AM to 8:45 AM
Weather: Mostly clear, wind SW to about 5 mph, temp. 43 to 48 F. Onshore waves about two feet.
Comments: There were a few Lesser Scaup and Double-crested Cormorant moving west. The first Horned Grebes of the season were seen flying east. Gulls were observed capturing and eating passerines as they neared shore. I only saw one kinglet make it to the breakwater.

Waterbirds recorded:
Canada Goose-2
Wood Duck-3
Ring-necked Duck-1
Greater Scaup-1
Lesser Scaup-77
Red-breasted Merganser-3
Horned Grebe-6
Common Loon-2
Double-crested Cormorant-964
Other birds moving along the lake:
Kinglet-1

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
September 28 - October 4, 2009

The following birds of note were reported for Monday, September 28, 2009 to Sunday, October 4, 2009 from Presque Isle State Park. (WC = Waterbird count)

Blue-winged and Green-winged Teal-872 (high count); Sept. 28; Sunset Point (WC)

Black Scoter-1; Sept. 30 (early); Sunset Point (WC)

Peregrine Falcon-1; Sept. 30; Gull Point

Parasitic Jaeger-2 (imm.); Sept. 29; Sunset Point (WC)

Little Gull-1 (adult); Sept. 29; Sunset Point (WC)

Common Tern-139 (high count); Sept. 29; Sunset Point (WC)

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Waterbird Count
September 30, 2009

Location: Sunset Point at Presque Isle State Park
Time: 7:10 AM to 9:40 AM
Weather: Cloudy, wind NW to 15 mph, temp. 45 F. Waves about three feet.
Comments: No Bonaparte's Gulls, Common Terns, or jaegers this morning. Despite the lack of these birds there was more species diversity, though numbers were low except for cormorants. Most cormorants were flying close to shore in one large group as if they had been chased off Gull Point by something. Smaller flocks of cormorants were seen flying south over the lake from Canada. The first scoters of the year passed the point. Ben Coulter assisted me with the count for most of the morning.

Waterbirds recorded:
Wood Duck-1
American Wigeon-6
American Black Duck-2
Mallard-1
Northern Pintail-14
Green-winged Teal-10
Greater Sacup-1
Lesser Scaup-14
Black Scoter-1
Surf/Black scoter-2
Double-crested Cormorant-1050
Sanderling-6
Unidentified shorebird-4

--Jerry McWilliams

Jaegers and Little Gull on Erie Co. Waterbird Count
September 29, 2009

Location: Sunset Point at Presque Isle State Park
Time: 7:10 AM to 9:40 AM
Weather: Cloudy with steady light to moderate rain showers. Wind NW to 25 mph, temp. 50 F. Waves about five to six feet.
Comments: Unlike yesterday, there were no teal moving and very few cormorants moving this morning. Instead there was a passage of Common Terns and the first Bonaparte's Gulls of the season. Most Bonaparte's were adults and at least 200 passed the point. Many times this morning it was raining so hard visibility was limited to less than 1/2 mile, so there were probably many more terns that passed undetected than the total indicates below. Highlights this morning were two immature Parasitic Jaegers flying low over the water between waves at 8:15 and 8:17 respectively not more than a few hundred yards offshore. An adult Little Gull passed the point at 8:30.

Waterbirds recorded:
Lesser Scaup-7
Red-breasted Merganser-1
Double-crested Cormorant-5
Parasitic Jaeger-2 imm.
Little Gull-1 adult
Caspian Tern-2
Common Tern-139 (adults and imm.)
Sanderling-21
Unidentified peep-3

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Waterbird Count
September 28, 2009

Location: Sunset Point at Presque Isle State Park
Time: 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Weather: Cloudy with light to moderate rain showers and thunderstorms with occasional heavy downpours. Wind WSW to 35 mph, temp. 58 F. Waves about three feet.
Comments: There was a spectacular and unprecedented flight of teal consisting of both Blue-winged and Green-winged teal. Most were flying east too far offshore to get any kind of species ratio. However, flocks that flew south and directly over the car consisted of at least 75% Blue-winged Teal. Some of the flocks of teal contained over 100 birds. A few Northern Shovelers were seen among some of these flocks. Double-crested Cormorants also staged a notable movement with 1200 birds moving in one massive stretched out flock. All cormorants were flying west.

Waterbirds recorded:
American Wigeon-1
Teal (Blue-winged and Green-winged)-872
Northern Shoveler-8
Lesser Scaup-1
Double-crested Cormorant-1278

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
August 31 - September 6, 2009

The only bird report of note for this week was a belated report of two Prairie Warblers that were banded at the banding station at the Niagara boat launch on Aug. 29. This represents only the fourth record of this species in fall for Erie County.

Warblers and thrushes have been moving through this week including Blackburnian and Wilson's Warbler and Gray-cheeked and Swainson's Thrush.

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
August 23 - August 30, 2009

The following birds of note were reported for Sunday, August 23 to Sunday, August 30, 2009 from Presque Isle State Park unless noted otherwise.

Tundra Swan--through the week; various sites at the east end of the the park

Black-crowned Night-Heron--2; August 25; Wastewater Treatment Plant, Erie

Peregrien Falcon--2; Aug. 28; Gull Point

White-rumped Sandpiper--1; Aug. 28; Gull Point

Baird's Sandpiper--3; Aug. 28; Gull Point

Western Sandpiper--1; Aug. 28; Gull Point

Whimbrel--1; Aug. 23; Gull Point; 1; Aug. 28; Gull Point

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
July 26 - August 2, 2009

The following birds of note were reported for Sunday, July 26 to Sunday, August 2, 2009 from Erie County.

Least Bittern--1; July 26; Waterworks Ponds at Presque Isle S.P.

Great Egret--1; July 27; Edinboro

Killdeer--57 (high count); July 27; Edinboro

Whimbrel--1; July 31; Gull Point, Presque Isle S.P.

Long-billed Curlew--1; July 26; Beach 6, Presque Isle S.P.

Northern Mockingbird--1; July 27; Girard Twp.

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
July 20 - July 25, 2009

Only two records came in this week.

Willet--4; July 22; Gull Point, Presque Isle State Park

Upland Sandpiper--1; July 25; North East Twp

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
Jul 19, 2009

I have been away since about the third week of May. Just getting back and getting settled. Not much happening yet, but a few peeps are showing up at Gull Point. The only bird of note this week was a Willet on July 16 at Gull Point at Presque Isle State Park.

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
June 8 - June 14, 2009

The only birds of note this week were two Peregrine Falcons along Beach 11 at Presque Isle S.P. on June 11.

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
June 7, 2009

Except for the Laughing Gull on Gull Point at Presque Isle S.P. reported a couple of weeks ago, I guess not much was seen while I was away. Today there was a tardy Tundra Swan in Misery Bay. It has been around for the last several weeks. I suspect the bird may be injured.

Most migrants have passed out of the area, but there were still many Caspian Terns at Gull Point and at least three or four Blackpoll Warblers along Gull Point Trail on Presque Isle S.P.

--Jerry McWilliams

Laughing Gull at Gull Point
May 24, 2009

Jim Valimont and I took a trip up to Presque Isle State Park in Erie (Sunday) to catch the end of the migration. The highlight was an adult Laughing Gull resting at Gull Point with the locals. This bird was easily visible from the observation deck using a scope.

What was likely the same Ruddy Turnstone reported earlier in the week was still present at the point along with 15 Caspian Terns.

Warblers were few in number but we managed a fair variety including:
Northern Parula - 1
Chestnut-sided Warbler - 2
Magnolia Warbler - 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler - 1
Black-throated Green Warbler - 2
Blackburnian Warbler - 1 male
Pine Warbler - 1 male
Bay-breasted Warbler - 1 female
Blackpoll Warbler - abundant. We had nice views of many including females.
American Redstart - 2 first year males
Northern Waterthrush - 2
Mourning Warbler - 1
Hooded Warbler - 2
Canada Warbler - 1
Yellow Warblers and Common Yellowthroats were present; both breed in the park.

Jim spotted a leucistic American Robin in an open grassy area just after passing the Ecological Reservation sign. It was dull white on the entire upperparts with a dull orange breast.

The only other certain migrant was a Swainson's Thrush. Three Mute Swans were in Erie Bay.

--Mike Fialkovich

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
May 11 - May 17, 2009

The following birds of note were reported for Monday, May 11 to Sunday, May 17, 2009 from Presque Isle S.P. unless noted otherwise.

American Bittern--1 calling; May 11; Sidewalk Trail

Great Egret--1 or 2; through the week; many places at the east end of the park

Peregrine Falcon--1; May 11; Erie; 1; May 13; Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC); 2; May 14; Gull Point

Sandhill Crane--3; May 12; Roderick; 1; May 13; TREC

Black Tern--1; May 12; Edinboro Lake; 1; May 12; Niagara Pond; 1; May 14; Gull Point

Golden-winged Warbler--1; May 12; Gull Point Trail

Orange-crowned Warbler--1; May 12; Pine Tree Trail; 2; May 16; Fry's landing and Ridge Trail

White-winged Crossbill--3; May 13; Pine Tree Trail

--Jerry McWilliams

Presque Isle Bird Sightings
May 16, 2009

Jerry's birding class recorded the following 71 species of birds on Saturday, May 16 at Presque Isle State Park:

Canada Goose--several everywhere
Gadwall--one in Horseshoe Pond Mallard--a couple in Horseshoe Pond and a pair along Thompson Bay
Common Goldeneye--one male in Horseshoe Pond
Least Bittern--one male incubating on a nest
Turkey Vulture--11 over Niagara Pond
Bald Eagle--one over Pine Tree Trail
Cooper's Hawk--one over Fry's landing Killdeer--a couple in beach 11 parking lot
Spotted Sandpiper--one along Beach 11
Ring-billed Gull--a few at Gull Point Herring Gull--at least a couple at Gull Point
Caspian Tern--a couple overhead
Black-billed Cuckoo--one at Dead Pond Trail
Common Nighthawk--one above the owls nest
Ruby-throated Hummingbird--one flying over Sidewalk Trail
Downy Woodpecker-- a couple over Sidewalk Trai
Eastern Wood-Pewee--a couple at Thompson Circle, one or two at Fry's landing, and one on Sidewalk trail
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher--two at Fry's landing
Least Flycatcher--singles at various sites
Great Crested Flycatcher--singles at most sites
Eastern Kingbird--a couple heard
Blue-headed Vireo--one or two at Fry's and one on Sidewalk Trail
Warbling Vireo--one heard singing at the meeting place
Red-eyed Vireo--fairly common throughout
Blue Jay-several throughout
American Crow--one at Thompson Bay
Purple Martin--four over beach 11
Tree Swallow-several throughout
Northern Rough-winged Swallow--two along Beach 11
Barn Swallow--several throughout
Red-breasted Nuthatch--two at Fry's landing
House Wren--several throughout
Ruby-crowned Kinglet--one along Pine Tree trail
Veery--singles at various sites with one singing at Fry's landing
Gray-cheeked Thrush--one at the channel and one on Ridge Trail
Swainson's Thrush--singles at several sites including one singing along Pine Tree Trail
Wood Thrush--a couple singing at Fry's landing
American Robin--several throughout
Gray Catbird--many throughout
European Starling-little groups at a few sites
Cedar Waxwing--about 20 flying past the owl site
Orange-crowned Warbler--one at Fry's landing and one on Sidewalk Trail
Nashville Warbler--one at the channel
Northern Parula--one heard singing at Fry's landing
Yellow Warbler--several everywhere
Chestnut-sided Warbler--more than 40 throughout
Magnolia Warbler--more than 40 throughout
Black-throated Blue Warbler--more than 30 throughout
Palm Warbler--at least a few at several sites
Bay-breasted warbler--at least a dozen at Fry's landing and two or three on Sidewalk Trail
Blackpoll Warbler--one heard out the window while driving along the road
Black-and-white-Warbler--at least a dozen altogether
American Redstart--more than 50 all total
Ovenbird--at least four heard and one seen briefly at Fry's landing
Northern Waterthrush--a couple at Fry's landing and one on Sidewalk Trail
Common Yellowthroat--several at most sites, mostly heard only
Hooded Warbler--one female seen briefly and another bird heard at Fry's landing
Wilson's Warbler--One at Thompson Circle, one or two at Fry's landing, and one or two on Sidewalk Trail
Canada Warbler--one or two at each site
Eastern Towhee--several at most sites
Chipping Sparrow--two in beach 11 parking lot
Swamp Sparrow--a few heard singing
White-throated Sparrow--one or two at each site
White-crowned Sparrow--some along the road, at beach 11 parking lot, and three on Sidewalk Trai
Northern Cardinal--one male at Thompson Circle
Rose-breasted Grosbeak--one heard at Fry's landing, and one seen on Ridge Trail
Red-winged Blackbird--a few at most sites
Brown-headed Cowbird--a few at most sites
Baltimore Oriole--several throughout American Goldfinch--two at Beach 11 parking lot

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
May 4 - May 10, 2009

The following birds of note were reported for Monday, May 4 to Sunday, May 10, 2009 from Presque Isle S.P.

Least Bittern--two alternately incubating eggs on a nest; beginning May 8; Niagara Pond

Great Egret--1 or 2; through the week; several areas on the park

Peregrine Falcon--1; May 9; Gull Point

Piping Plover--1; May 4; Gull Point

Golden-winged Warbler--1; May 5, Fry's landing

Lawrence's Warbler--1; May 6, Gull Point

Orange-crowned Warbler--1; May 4; Graveyard Pond Trail; 2; May 7; Fry's landing and Sidewalk Trail

Clay-colored Sparrow--May 7; Beach 11 parking lot

Other rare or uncommon birds for the park reported this week include Yellow-throated Vireo, Cerulean Warbler, and Pine Siskin ( at least 75 on May 9)

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
April 27 - May 3, 2009

The following noteworthy birds were reported for Monday, April 27 to Sunday, May 3, 2009 from Presque Isle S.P. unless noted otherwise.

Great Egret--1; May 2; over Pine Tree Trail

Snowy Egret--1; May 1; Misery Bay

Sandhill Crane--1; April 27; Northeast Twp.

Peregrine Falcon--1; May 1; Gull Point

Willet--36; May 1; Gull Point

Probable Glaucous Gull X Herring Gull--1 (first cycle); May 1; Gull Point

Prairie Warbler--1; April 27; Thompson Circle

Grasshopper Sparrow--1 banded; May 2; Niagara boat launch

White-winged Crossbill--3; April 27; Edinboro

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
April 20 - April 26, 2009

The following birds of note were reported for Monday, April 20 to Sunday, April 26, 2009.

American Bittern--1; April 25; Gull Point Trail

Great Egret--2; April 25; Fry's landing, Presque Isle S.P.

Black-crowned Night-Heron--1; April 21; mouth of Walnut Creek

Swallow-tailed Kite--1; April 21; Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC)

Golden Eagle--1 adult; April 24; Erie Bluffs S.P.

Peregrine Falcon--1; April 24; Erie Bluffs S.P.

Sandhill Crane--4; April 21; TREC; 1; April 24; TREC; 4; April 24; Erie Bluffs S.P.; 1; April 26; TREC

Short-eared Owl--1; April 25; Gull Point Trail

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
April 13 - April 19, 2009

The following unusual birds were reported for Monday, April 13 to Sunday, April 19, 2009 from Presque Isle S.P. unless noted otherwise.

Red-necked Grebe--1; April 17; near the ranger's station

American Bittern--1; April 16; standing along the road next to Niagara Pond

Great Egret--up to 8; several areas of the park

Sandhill Crane--1; April 16; flying past the hawkwatch at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC)

Pine Siskins continue to be reported in small numbers along Pine Tree Trail and at feeding stations. At the TREC this morning two flocks of Pine Siskins passed the hawkwatch with around 100 birds in the first flock and about 50 birds in the second flock.

--Jerry McWilliams

Hawk Watch
April 18, 2009

Location: Tom Ridge Environmental Center parking lot
Date: April 18, 2009
Time: 0900 to 1600 hrs.
Weather: Mostly clear and mild with WSW wind to 25 mph, temperature reaching 65 F

Comments: Hawk migration was light to moderate, but steady most of the day. There was a fair number of American Kestrels that moved by the watch. A couple early Chimney Swifts passed by and Northern Flickers continue to push through. Today was the Presque Isle Audubon Society's annual hawkwatch festival, which was held here at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center. Local bird rehabilitator Sue DeArmot had live birds of prey on hand for birders to see up close. Over 50 people attended the festival.

Observers: Jennifer Brumsfield and Jerry McWilliams assisted by Tom Wasilewski and Nancy Baker

Migrant raptors:

Turkey Vulture--68
Osprey--4
Northern Harrier--7
Sharp-shinned Hawk--94
Cooper's Hawk--6
Broad-winged hawk--14
Red-tailed Hawk--23
Rough-legged Hawk--1 (light morph)
American Kestrel--61
Merlin--1
Unidentified accipiter--5
Unidentified buteo--1
Unidentified falcon--2

Migrant non-raptors:

Double-crested Cormorant--46
Great Blue Heron--4
Chimney Swift--2
Northern Flicker--95
American Crow--8
swallow (mostly Barn and Tree)--20+

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
April 6 - April 12, 2009

The following unusual birds were reported for Monday, April 6 to Sunday, April 12, 2009 from Presque Isle S.P., unless noted otherwise.

Red-necked Grebe--1; April 6, off Niagara boat launch

Great Egret--up to 5; through the week; many areas of the park

Peregrine Falcon--1; April 6; Gull Point

Sandhill Crane--2; April 9; over Tom Ridge Environmental Center; 1; April 12; over the east end of the park

Little Gull--1 adult; April 7; off the east pier

Shrike (species not confirmed)--1; April 12; Gull Point

Approximately 50,000 ducks were in Presque Isle Bay during a storm from the northwest on April 7. Most were Red-breasted Merganser.

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
March 23 - March 29, 2009

The following birds of note were reported for Monday, March 23 to Sunday, March 29, 2009 from Erie County.

Sandhill Crane--3; March 28; over Long Pond

Peregrine Falcon--1; March 2; over the Tom Ridge Environmental Center

Iceland Gull--1; March 24; over the Tom Ridge Environmental Center

Northern Saw-whet Owl--1; March 26; near B-trail

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
March 16 - March 22, 2009

Only two reports were received this week, and both were from Presque Isle S.P.

Red-necked Grebe--2; through the week; off Niagara boat launch

Iceland Gull--1; March 20; beach 11

Pine Siskins continue to be reported at feeders, and on occasion, at Presque Isle S.P. along Pine Tree Trail.

Diving duck numbers are lower this spring than I have ever seen. Typically 50,000 or more ducks concentrate in Presque Isle Bay by mid-March. This spring I have not seen more than about 8,000 to 10,000 birds in the bay at one time.

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
March 9 - March 15, 2009

The following birds of note were reported for Monday, March 9 to Sunday, March 15, 2009 from Erie County.

Snow Goose--50+ (white); March 9; North East

Mute Swan--2; March 11; Misery Bay

Red-necked Grebe--up to 3; to at least March 12; Horseshoe Pond, Misery Bay, Gull Point, and off east pier, Presque Isle S.P.

Merlin--1; March 11; near Duck Pond, Presque Isle S.P.

Iceland Gull--2 or 3; to March 10; Lake View Landfill

Lesser Black-backed Gull--2; March 10; Lake View Landfill

Glaucous Gull--1; March 10; off east pier, Presque Isle S.P.

Northern Saw-whet Owl--2; March 15; pines, Presque Isle S.P.

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
February 23 - March 1, 2009

The following birds of note were reported for Monday, February 23 to Sunday, March 1, 2009 from the Lake View Landfill unless noted otherwise.

California Gull--1; Feb. 23 and 25

Herring Gull(dark-mantled)--1 adult; Feb. 24 and 25

Thayer's Gull--1; Feb. 25

Iceland Gull--2 or 3; Feb. 23 to 25

Lesser Black-backed Gull--2; Feb. 24 and 25

Glaucous Gull--up to 7; Feb. 23 to 28

Northern Shrike--1; Feb. 25; Waterford Twp.

Common Redpoll--19; Feb. 25; Washington Twp.

--Jerry McWilliams

California Gull at Lakeview Landfill
February 23, 2009

At about 10:45 AM this morning I found an adult California Gull in breeding plumage at the Lakeview Landfill. It was on the ground on the west bank of the landfill, viewed from Footmill Road. It was among many Herring Gulls and a few white-winged gulls.

--Jerry McWilliams

Hoary Redpoll at Presque Isle
February 14, 2009

A female Hoary Redpoll was among a flock of about 100 Common Redpolls feeding on the catkins of European White Birches at the north pier on Presque Isle State Park, Saturday morning, Feb. 14, around 10:30 AM. Unfortunately, I had to leave the flock around 10:45 am for a scheduled commitment. I had seen a flock of about 50 small finches flying away from me earlier in the week in the same vicinity, but was not able to tell if they were siskins or redpolls. Now I suspect they were part of the flock of redpolls I saw today.

There are lots of birches in this area, soI suspect they will stick around as long as there are catkins still present.

Presque Isle Bay is opening up and gulls and waterfowl are beginning to increase in numbers. There are hundreds of Common Mergansers and a growing number of Common Goldeneye, Canvasback, and scaup off Niagara boat launch. The pair of American Wigeon off beach 11 are the first for the season.

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
February 9 - February 15, 2009

The following birds of note were reported for Monday, February 9 to Sunday, February 15, 2009 from Presque Isle State Park unless noted otherwise.

White-winged Scoter--2; Feb. 9; Sunset Point; 1; Feb. 13; foot of East Ave.

Iceland Gull--2 (first cycle); Feb. 10; Lakeview Landfill

Glaucous Gull--1 (first cycle); Feb. 10; Lakeview Landfill; 1 (adult); Feb. 15; off Niagara boat launch

White-winged Crossbill--4; Feb. 11; Millcreek Twp. west of TREC at feeder; 1 male; Feb. 14; Edinboro at feeder; 1 female; Feb. 15; Waterford at feeder

Common Redpoll--3; Feb. 8; Union City at feeder; 100+-; Feb. 14-15; north pier and Fry's landing, respectively

Hoary Redpoll--1 imm. male or female; Feb. 14-15; north pier and Fry's landing, respectively

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
February 2 - February 8, 2009

The notable Erie County bird reports this week were:

White-winged Crossbill--1 roadkill; Feb. 2; Harborcreek

Common Redpoll--3; Feb. 8; Union City

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
January 12 - January 18, 2009

Birds of note this week were a couple of Common Redpolls near Fry's Landing at Presque Isle on Jan. 15 and a fly-over Common Raven at Union City on Jan. 18.

Pine Siskins continue to be reported at feeding stations.

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
January 5 - January 11, 2009

Birds of note this week were a Northern Shrike in Franklin Center and an Eastern Towhee in North Springfield.

Snow Buntings and Pine Siskins were also reported again this week.

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
December 29, 2008 - January 4, 2009

The following unusual birds were reported for Monday, December 29, 2008 to Sunday, January 4, 2008 from Presque Isle State Park.

King Eider--1 female; Dec. 30; Sunset Point

Little Gull--3 adults; Jan. 1; Sunset Point

Glaucous Gull--1 first cycle; Dec. 29; Sunset Point

White-winged Crossbill--20 to 25; Jan. 3; Pine Tree Trail

Common Redpoll--12; Jan. 1; beach 11 parking lot

White-winged Scoter and Long-tailed Duck continue to be seen daily off Sunset Point.

--Jerry McWilliams