Presque Isle Audubon Society

Recent and Unusual Bird Sightings

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

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
January 23 - 29, 2012

Gulls continue to be the main birding attraction in Presque Isle Bay and surrounding areas. The following birds of note were reported from Presque Isle Bay unless noted otherwise:

Common and Red-breasted Merganser--50,000 to 70,000; Jan 25 with good numbers remaining through the weekend.

California Gull--1 adult (most like albertaensis); Jan. 29; north pier

Herring Gull--15,000 to 20,000; Jan. 25 with fair numbers remaining through the weekend.

Probable Great Black-backed X Herring Gull--1 adult; Jan. 25 to 29; Presque Isle Bay and foot of East Ave.

Iceland Gull--as many as five; through the week

Lesser Black-backed Gull--as many as three adults; through the week

Glaucous Gull--as many as four; through the week

Northern Shrike--1; through the week; Fairview Industrial Park

American Pipit--1; Jan. 24; near Duck Pond

Common Redpoll--2; Jan. 28; Edinboro; 2; Jan. 28; Union City

--Jerry McWilliams

Gulls at Presque Isle
January 26, 2012

For the past couple of days approximately 15,000 to 20,000 Herring Gulls have appeared in Presque Isle Bay along with a few hundred Great Black-backed Gulls, now that it has reopened, along with an unprecedented, for winter, number of mergansers. Yesterday I estimated between 50,000 and 70,000 mixed Common and Red-breasted mergansers. A good portion of those mergansers were Commons.

The gulls are hanging around the flocks of mergansers, so that they can rob the ducks of their catch when they come to the surface. Unfortunately the mergansers, along with the gulls, tend to stay out towards the middle of the bay.

As you would expect there have been some interesting gulls mixed with the Herring Gulls. In the past two days I have recorded pehaps as many as seven Iceland Gulls of various ages, three or four Glaucous Gulls, second cycle and adults, a couple of adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls, and at least a couple of peculiar looking dark mantled gulls.

There is one adult dark-mantled gull that is the same size as a Great Black-backed Gull, but with a mantle color very similar to a California Gull. The head and neck is mostly white with some smudging on the nape. The bill has a black and red spot at the gony. The feet and legs are pink. A Herring X Great Black-backed doesn't seem to work because of the large size and the paleness of the mantle. I also found another adult dark mantled gull that was the same size as a Herring Gull with a mantle darkness a bit lighter than a graellsii Lesser Black-backed Gull. This bird had a heavily marked neck and the bill also had a black and red spot at the gony and the legs were bright pink. I was able to study the wing pattern of the latter bird and was able to determine it was not a Vega Gull.

It is not likely I will ever be able to determine what these were, though I highly suspect they were hybrids of some sort, perhaps Great Black-backs X Herring, though the sizes of the birds did not seem right for a cross with these two species. The former dark-mantled bird was particularly puzzling.

I mention these two dark birds to caution those who are looking for species like California and Slaty-backed Gull to be aware of hybrids and just plain abberant birds that are out there. I would have loved to have photographed them for future reference, but they remained well out of camera range.

I also had a third hand report of a Snowy Owl perched on a garage roof in downtown Erie a couple of days ago. I checked out the area today, but didn't find anything.

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
January 22, 2012

Presque Isle Bay finally froze over a couple of nights ago, though maybe not for long with the upcoming warm temperatures and rain. Other than gulls and some waterfowl, there isn't much around.

The most interesting sightings this past week include the following:

Great Egret--1; to at least Jan. 19; Horseshoe Pond, Presque Isle S.P.

Black Scoter--1 imm. male; Jan. 17; off Beach 11, Presque Isle S.P.

California Gull--1 adult; Jan. 16; off Port Access Rd., Erie

probable Great Black-backed Gull X Herring Gull--1 adult; Jan. 21; off Port Access Rd., Erie

Thayer's Gull--1 adult; Jan. 16; off the foot of Chestnut Street, Erie

Iceland Gull--1 first cycle; Jan. 21; off Port Access Rd., Erie; 1 adult; Jan. 21; off Port Access Rd.

Lesser Black-backed Gull--1 adult; Jan. 17; off the foot of Chestnut Street, Erie

Glaucous Gull--1 probable fourth cycle; Jan. 17; off the foot of Chestnut Street, Erie; 1 second cycle; Jan. 18 & 21; off the foot of Chestnut Street and Port Access Rd., Erie; 1 adult; Jan. 21; off Port Access Rd.

Herring Gull X Glaucous Gull--1 second cycle; Jan. 16 & 19; off the foot of Chestnut Street, Erie

Northern Shrike--1; to at least Jan. 20; Fairview Industrial Park, Fairview

--Jerry McWilliams

Gulls in Erie Co.
January 17, 2012

Even though gull numbers have been low, there have been a few of the more uncommon gulls around Presque Isle S.P. to keep things interesting.

Below is a list of the gulls observed in the past couple of days:
Bonaparte's Gull--100+-
Ring-billed Gull--2,000 to 3,000+
Ring-billed Gull--1 leucistic
California Gull--1 adult
Herring Gull--2,000 to 3,000+
Thayer's Gull--1 or 2 adults
Iceland Gull--2 first cycle and 1 adult
Lesser Black-backed Gull--2 adults
Glaucous Gull--1 first cycle and 1 third or fourth cycle
Glaucous X Herring Gull--1 second cycle
probable Great Black-backed X Herring Gull--1 adult
Great Black-backed Gull--200+-

The best places to view them have been on ice flows or on jetties, until today when most of the newly formed ice melted. Most of the birds have been seen off the bayfront parkway around the marinas, along West Fisher Drive, Misery Bay, off Beach 11, and the north and south piers.

Other birds of interest seen in the past few days are Great Egret along Horseshoe Pond and imm. male Black Scoter off Beach 11.

I forgot to list "Vega" Herring Gull. Mike Weible found an adult on the north pier west of the Coast Guard Station on January 10.

--Jerry McWilliams

Results of the 2011 Erie Christmas Bird Count

The 2011 Erie Christmas Bird Count was held on Saturday, December 17. Thanks to all twenty-nine people who helped make this year's count another memorable one. There were some first time participants which was nice to see. At the end of the day we met at Hoss's for dinner and to tally our count.

The final results included 71 species for count day and another 4 species for count week. We counted 11,869 individual birds. It was generally good weather with temperatures in the 30s and some light snow. The highlight of the count was an immature male Snowy Owl that was very cooperative as we admired him through binoculars and scopes and got to take some photos while he was perched on a snag.
Click here for the complete results of the 2011 Erie Christmas Bird Count in PDF format.

--Count Compiler, Chuck Gehringer

WATERBIRD COUNT 2011
Sunset Point, Erie County, PA

Coverage this year more than doubled the amount last year and was even higher than the record year set in 2005 with 132 hours of coverage. With the amount of time watching the lake this year it is not surprising that many records were broken totaling 22 species of waterbirds altogether. However, even with the extensive coverage, some species were particularly low. Four new species of water related birds were added to the list this year and all were shorebirds including Semipalmated Plover, Ruddy Turnstone, Semipalmated Sandpiper, and Baird's Sandpiper. It was a good season for Red-necked Grebes with a total of 21 counted for the period. Double-crested Cormorants continue to increase every year with 12,325 recorded for the season. The Plegadis ibis seen flying over the lake was only the second one ever recorded on the waterbird counts which began in 1987. Snow Geese continue to be expected in higher numbers with 36 breaking the single day total. Tundra Swans had the worst showing since 2004. With more coverage in September it wasn't a surprise to break all previous records of Blue-winged Teal with 621 for the season of which 560 passed the point in one morning. Northern Pintails also had a spectacular flight for a season total of 1258 compared to the old record in 1999 with 286 birds. 745 of these pintails were recorded in one day breaking the old record set in 2008 with 100 birds in a single day. Many divers did not fare as well, perhaps because of the milder than usual fall. Canvasbacks had the lowest birds per party hour since 1994, Long-tailed Ducks and Common Mergansers, the lowest since 2003. At least five Purple Sandpipers made an excellent showing for a bird that is usually only recorded once during waterbird count season. Many hours spent watching the lake paid off for spotting jaegers with a total of six recorded, two Pomarines, two Parasitics, and two unidentified. The Franklin's Gull that passed the point was only the second ever on the waterbird count.

Non-water related birds also broke a few records, 17 to be exact. Many because of the additional hours spent watching. Notables included a record season high for Bald Eagles at 25 birds, topping last year's record setting season of eight eagles. Peregrines and Merlins had their best showings as well with 15 and 21 recorded respectively. Some firsts for the count included Eastern Phoebe, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and American Robin. At least 25 kinglets were seen trying to make it to shore, but most of those became dinner for a pair of resident Merlins.

By spending more time watching in September I was able to observe a few more Monarchs passing over the lake. This year I tallied 22 individuals.

Below are the specifics of the count:
Time period-Sept. 9, 2011 to Jan. 5, 2012
Hours observed-210
Total species of water related birds-55
Total species of other birds-22
Total of all species of birds-77
Total individuals of water related birds-119199
Total individuals of other species of birds-1328
Total of all individuals-120527

Snow Goose-37, Brant-112, Canada Goose-862, Tundra Swan-201, Wood Duck-25, Gadwall-282, American Wigeon-309, American Black Duck-289, Mallard-1138, Blue-winged Teal-621, Northern Shoveler-29, Northern Pintail-1258, Green-winged Teal-282, Canvasback-344, Redhead-457, Ring-necked Duck-123, Greater Scaup-543, Lesser Scaup-20864, Scaup species-1285, Harlequin Duck-2, Surf Scoter-331, White-winged Scoter-410, Black Scoter-63, Surf/Black Scoter-138, Long-tailed Duck-130, Bufflehead-653, Common Goldeneye-879, Hooded Merganser-60, Common Merganser-146, Red-breasted Merganser-71728, Ruddy Duck-27, Red-throated Loon-228, Common Loon-1489, Loon species-61, Horned Grebe-606, Red-necked Grebe-21, Double-crested Cormorant-12325, Great Blue Heron-5, Plegadis species-1, American Coot-3, Black-bellied Plover-7, American Golden Plover-7, Spotted Sandpiper-1, Ruddy Turnstone-13, Sanderling-376, Semipalmated Sandpiper-1, White-rumped Sandpiper-1, Baird's Sandpiper-1, Purple Sandpiper-5, Dunlin-369, Red Phalarope-1, Calidris species-9, Unidentified shorebird-1, Pomarine Jaeger-2, Parasitic Jaeger-2, Pomarine/Parasitic jaeger-2, Franklin's Gull-1, Little Gull-4, Glaucous Gull-1, Common Tern-17, Forster's Tern-1, Common/Forster's tern-10

Turkey Vulture-17, Cooper's Hawk-1, Bald Eagle-26, Northern Harrier-1, Merlin-21, Peregrine Falcon-15, Chimney Swift-39, Belted Kingfisher-3, Northern Flicker-1, Eastern Phoebe-1, Tree Swallow-4, Winter Wren-2, Golden-crowned Kinglet-6, Ruby-crowned Kinglet-1, Kinglet species-25, American Robin-1, European Starling-25, American Pipit-1, Dark-eyed Junco-3, Lapland Longspur-4, Snow Bunting-686, Unidentified sparrow-1, Small passerine-18, Red-winged Blackbird-400, American Goldfinch-1

Red Bat-1, Monarch-22, Common Green Darner-2

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Waterbird Count
January 5, 2012

January 5, 2012
Location: Sunset Point at Presque Isle State Park
Time: 7:50 to 9:20 AM
Weather: Cloudy. W wind to 10 mph. Temp. 30 F. Waves two to three feet.

Comments: Just a few birds moving. Jerry Stanley and Kathy Goodblood assisted me with the count for the last 30 minutes or so.

Waterbirds recorded:
Canada Goose-23
Greater Scaup-14
Lesser Scaup-5
White-winged Scoter-5
Common Goldeneye-5
Common Merganser-16
Red-breasted Merganser-172
Common Loon-2

A third or fourth cycle Glaucous Gull and a first cycle Iceland Gull was off Niagara boat launch. A Northern Shrike continues to be seen at the Fairview Industrial Park in Fairview.

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Waterbird Count
January 4, 2012

January 4, 2012
Location: Sunset Point at Presque Isle State Park
Time: 7:40 to 10:10 AM
Weather: Variably cloudy. SW wind to 10 mph. Temp. 13 to 20 F. Waves were two to three feet.

Comments: There was a good movement of waterfowl considering the late date, but not surprising since it was relatively mild until this last front. Today was the first substantial movement of Redheads. About 80% of the birds were moving west while the remainder were moving east. Mike Weible assisted me with the count for the last hour or so.

Waterbirds recorded:
Canada Goose-1
American Black Duck-1
Mallard-7
Canvasback-9
Redhead-163
Greater Scaup-38
Lesser Scaup-93
Unidentified scaup-80
White-winged Scoter-6
Long-tailed Duck-11
Bufflehead-1
Common Goldeneye-17
Hooded Merganser-1
Common Merganser-31
Red-breasted Merganser-334
Common Loon-1
Horned Grebe-1

Other birds seen moving over or along the lake:
Bald Eagle-2 (one adult and one first year)

Mike Weible and I found at least three white-winged gulls in a mixed feeding flock of large gulls over Presque Isle Bay later this morning. We were able to identify one first cycle Iceland Gull and one adult Thayer's Gull among them. The other distant white-winged gull may have been another first cycle Iceland or perhaps a first cycle Thayer's Gull. Most of Presque Isle Bay and all of the lake remains open. All of the inland ponds on the park have frozen over in the past couple of days.

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Waterbird Count
December 24, 2011

December 24, 2011
Location: Sunset Point at Presque Isle State Park
Time: 7:40 to 10:40 AM
Weather: Variably cloudy becoming mostly sunny, winds calm. 26 to 30 F. Lake calm.

Comments: Despite the calm conditions it was a rather interesting morning. There were a fair number of birds on the move for this late in the season and a nice variety as well. Canada Geese were moving across the lake from Canada while most other waterfowl were moving west. One distant dark winged duck flying with a male Common Goldeneye and a female Lesser Scaup was likely a female Harlequin Duck, but the distance was too great to be sure. Larry Massey, Brian Berchtold, a park ranger, and Jimmy Marz stopped by to visit. Jimmy Marz had just photographed a very late Great Egret in Horseshoe Pond before arriving at Sunset Point. I will be taking a short Holiday break to visit my boys and granddaughters in Harrisburg until the end of next week when I will resume my counts, at least for a few more days. Happy Holidays to everyone!

Waterbirds recorded:
Canada Goose-173
American Black Duck-38
Mallard-71
Greater Scaup-7
Lesser Scaup-100
Surf Scoter-6
White-winged Scoter-18
Black Scoter-2
Surf/Black Scoter-4
Long-tailed Duck-17
Bufflehead-11
Common Goldeneye-38
Hooded Merganser-14
Common Merganser-10
Red-breasted Merganser-326
Red-throated Loon-5
Double-crested Cormorant-5

Other bird moving across the lake:
Bald Eagle-one very dark immature

--Jerry McWilliams

Another Snowy Owl at Presque Isle
December 20, 2011

I just received this note from Katie Andersen who found a Snowy Owl perched on the snag at breakwater #57 off Sunset Point. Having looked at the photos she attached and comparing it to the bird I photographed last Saturday on Gull Point, hers is a different bird. The one at Gull Point was not very dark, so it was likely an immature male, where Katie's bird is clearly darker, probably and immature female.
Jerry McWilliams

Hi Jerry,
I spotted a young Snowy Owl this evening sitting on the branch of wood that juts up from Breakwall #57. I found it at about 4:30pm and watched it until it flew just a little before 5pm. I don't know if this is the same bird that was seen Saturday; it was very dark on its body, face was white and the top of head was white, like it was wearing a skullcap. I am sending along some blurry pics - light was too low and I was too far back (didn't want to harass or scare the bird), but maybe they'll let you know if it was the same bird. I don't have access to the PA Bird Listserve, so you may want to pass this on and let people know to check those breakwalls, too! Before it took off, I did see it both eliminate quite a bit of waste and regurgitate what appeared to be at least one pellet, so it looks like it has found something to eat so far. When it left, it headed eastish, like it was headed back to the Gull Point area. Very exciting!
Snowy Owl pics: http://tinyurl.com/PISnowyOwl2011
Katie Andersen

Snowy Owl at Presque Isle
December 17, 2011

This morning after the waterbird count our CBC group headed out to Gull Point where we found a Snowy Owl. Judging by the plumage it appears to be an immature male.

It spent all day near or along the eastern edge of Gull Point, often right on the beach, and at times could be seen from Beach 10 and from the channel. However to get decent looks you need to walk out to Gull Point, which is a challenge these days. Because the lake level is about 18 inches above normal you will need knee boots to get out there and be prepared to do a little bush whacking as well.

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Waterbird Count
December 17, 2011

December 17, 2011
Location: Sunset Point at Presque Isle State Park
Time: 7:50 to 9:20 AM
Weather: Cloudy, N wind to 15 mph, temp. 27 F., waves three to four feet. Occasional light snow showers.

Comments: Today was our CBC, so I had lots of eyes on the lake. However, the waterfowl flight was light with most birds moving west. Dick Farvor, Mark Shaver, Mary Birdsong, Ben Coulter, and Chuck Gehringer assisted me with the count. Chuck helped with the count yesterday as well.

Waterbirds recorded:
Canada Goose-40
American Black Duck-2
Mallard-29
Lesser Scaup-10
Unidentified scaup-9
Surf Scoter-3
White-winged Scoter-14
Surf/Black Scoter-9
Long-tailed Duck-4
Common Goldeneye-6
Hooded Merganser-1
Common Merganser-1
Red-breasted Merganser-309
Red-throated Loon-4
Common Loon-4
Unidentified loon-4

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Waterbird Count
November 28, 2011

Date: November 28, 2011
Location: Sunset Point at Presque Isle State Park
Time: 7:20 to 10:20 AM
Weather: cloudy, wind N to 5 mph. becoming NE to 20 mph, temp. 40 F., waves about two feet. Sprinkles and light rain.

Comments: Still a slow morning with only a few large flocks of Lesser Scaup moving and small groups of Red-breasted Mergansers moving west. However, there were a couple of highlights this morning. An immature phalarope, still retaining a significant amount of juvenile plumage, flew in and fed along the beach, and a Purple Sandpiper was spotted feeding at the algae at the waters' edge on breakwater # 58. The phalarope was quite interesting in that it showed some characteristics of both Red-necked and Red Phalarope. Though it had the typical heavy bill of a Red Phalarope, the under wings showed a distinct dark bar across the median coverts apparently consistent with Red-necked. Most of the upper sides of the bird, including the wings, were nearly black as in Red-necked Phalarope. However, other plumage characteristics such as the pale mantle feathers narrowly edged in white were consistent with Red as well as the dull yellow legs. Photographs that Brian Berchtold and I took verify these characteristics. Thanks to Shannon Thompson for spotting the phalarope and Dave for spotting the Purple Sandpiper.

Waterbirds recorded:
Greater Scaup-3
Lesser Scaup-928
Surf Scoter-1
White-winged Scoter-11
Long-tailed Duck-4
Bufflehead-5
Common Goldeneye-2
Red-breasted Merganser-364
Red-throated Loon-6
Common Loon-5
PURPLE SANDPIPER-1
RED PHALAROPE-1

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
Nov 7 - Nov 13, 2011

The following birds of note were reported from Monday, Nov. 7 to Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011 from Presque Isle S.P. unless noted otherwise.

Snow Goose-7 (5 blue, 2 white); Nov. 11 - 12; Fairview

Red-necked Grebe-5; Nov. 8; Sunset Point (Waterbird count, WC); 1; Nov. 11; Sunset Point (WC); 1; Nov. 12; Sunset Point (WC); 1; Nov. 13; Sunset Point (WC)

Pomarine Jaeger--1 imm dark morph; Nov. 7; Sunset Point (WC)

Parasitic Jaeger-1 imm. light morph; Nov. 10; Sunset Point (WC)

Jaeger species (probably Parasitic)-1 imm. light morph; Nov. 7; sunset Point (WC)

Franklin's Gull-1 first cycle; Nov. 10; channel

Thayer's Gull-1 adult; Nov. 11; Lake Erie Landfill

Little Gull-1 adult; Nov. 7; Sunset Point (WC)

Short-eared Owl-1; Nov. 12; Gull Point

Shrike (most likely Northern)-1; Nov. 11; Fairview

Lapland Longspur-1; Nov. 13; Sunset Point (WC)

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
Oct 31 - Nov 6, 2011

The following birds of note were reported for this week from Presque Isle State Park.

Brant-1; Nov. 6; Sunset Point (Waterbird count, WC)

Harlequin Duck-2 females; Nov. 4; Sunset Point (WC)

Red-necked Grebe-1; Oct. 30-31; Gull Point; 2; Nov. 4; Sunset Point (WC); 1; Nov. 5; Sunset Point (WC); 1; Nov. 6; Sunset Point

Eared Grebe-1; to Oct. 31; off beach 11

Purple Sandpiper-1; Nov. 6; Sunset Point (WC)

Pomarine Jaeger-1 imm.; Nov. 6, Sunset Point (WC)
Little Gull-1 adult; Oct. 30; Gull Point; 1 adult; Nov. 1; Sunset Point (WC)

Lesser Black-backed Gull-1 adult; Nov. 4; channel

Lapland Longspur-3; Nov. 6; Sunset Point (WC)

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
October 24 - 30, 2011

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

Brant--87; Oct. 27; Sunset Point (waterbird count; 35; Oct. 27; off mouth of Walnut Creek

Red-necked Grebe--1; Oct. 30; Gull Point

Eared Grebe--1; Oct. 23 and 30; off Beach 11

Glossy/White-faced Ibis--1; Oct. 24; Sunset Point (WC)

Long-billed Dowitcher--1; Oct. 23; Gull Point

Little Gull--1; Oct. 23; Sunset Point (WC); 1; Oct. 30; Gull Point

Orange-crowned Warbler--2; Oct. 23; Gull Point Trail

Lapland Longspur--1; Oct. 28; Sunset Point (WC)

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Waterbird Count
October 23, 2011

Date: October 23, 2011
Location: Sunset Point at Presque Isle State Park
Time: 7:30 to 10:00 AM
Weather: clear, light SW wind, waves less than a foot, temp. 39 to 48 F

Comments: Passerine movement must have been heavy last night since there was a significant spill-over this morning with birds still crossing the lake from Canada at 10:00 when I left. With the passerine movement there was a bit of carnage going on as well. At first light gulls were snatching them up like hors d'oeuvres. Even Bonaparte's Gulls were getting in on the action. Most of the gulls were Ring-billed Gulls. They would catch the bird in the air then alight on the water where they swallowed them whole. Most birds taken by the gulls that I was able to identify were kinglets. Waterfowl movement was light with most birds moving west, which I viewed through a badminton game during the latter part of the morning. Loons were flying in all directions. The first Tundra Swans and Red-throated Loon of the season passed the point this morning. Randy Stringer helped me with the count for a while yesterday, while I was solo this morning.

Waterbirds recorded:
Canada Goose-5
Tundra Swan-2
Wood Duck-2
Gadwall-3
Mallard-7
Lesser Scaup-247
Surf Scoter-4
Surf/Black Scoter-6
White-winged Scoter-4
Black Scoter-8 (1 adult male and 7 female)
Long-tailed Duck-1
Common Merganser-1
Red-breasted Merganser-55
Red-throated Loon-1
Common Loon-24
Unidentified loon-1
Horned Grebe--2
Double-crested Cormorant-50
Sanderling-2

Other birds (Monarchs too) moving over the lake:
Merlin-4 (one took a kinglet and another took a junco)
Northern Flicker-1
Winter Wren-1
Golden-crowned Kinglet-1
Kinglet-11 (probably all Golden-crowns)
Dark-eyed Junco-2
Small passerines-12 (Yellow-rumps could have been in the mix)
Monarch-2

An Eared Grebe was feeding well off beach 11 around 10:30 this morning along with a large number of coots, some Pied-billed Grebes, and 8 or 10 Surf Scoters.

--Jerry McWilliams

White-winged Dove at Presque Isle
Oct 16, 2011

Oct 16, 2011, 3:50 pm. I just received a call moments ago from Shannon Thompson. She and Dave Wilton are looking at a White-winged Dove perched in a tree just west of the observation platform on Gull Point Trail. They said it is right where the trail splits to go either to the platform or left towards the outer beach. They are trying to get photos with their cell phones.

--Jerry McWilliams

Purple Gallinule at Presque Isle
Oct 9, 2011

An immature Purple Gallinule was photographed as it was climbing through a Buttonbush between Long Pond and Big Pond at Presque Isle S.P. on Sunday October 9 by Brian Morse and Brooke Genter as they were canoing through the inland ponds. This is the second juvenile to be sighted on the park. The first was on Oct. 14-16, 1999 at Duck Pond where it frequently walked out onto the all purpose trail where cyclists and hikers had to move around the bird to keep from running over it.

This bird is likely to still be around, though it sounds like you will need a canoe or kayak to see it.

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
Sep 26 - Oct 2, 2011

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

Great Egret--1; Sept. 27; head of Presque Isle Bay

Brant-23; Oct. 1; Sunset Point (Waterbird count) 1; Oct. 2; Sunset Point (Waterbird count)

Blue-winged Teal--560 (record high count for Erie County); Sept. 30; Sunset Point (Waterbird count)

Northern Pintail-745 (record high count for Erie County); Oct. 1; Sunset Point (Waterbird count)

Red Knot-1; Oct. 2; Gull Point

White-rumped Sandpiper-2; Oct. 1; SGL 314 (Roderick) 2; Oct. 2; Gull Point

Red-necked Phalarope-1; Oct. 2; Gull Point

Pomarine/Parasitic Jaeger-1; Oct. 1; SGL 314 (Roderick) 1; Oct. 2; Sunset Point (Waterbird count)

Purple Martin-1; Oct. 1 (record late date for Erie County); near Lake City

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Waterbird Count
September 14, 2011

Date: September 14, 2011
Location: Sunset Point at Presque Isle State Park
Time: 6:55 to 8:55 AM
Weather: variably cloudy, with light north wind, temp. about 60 F, waves two feet or less
Comments: There were small flocks of Blue-winged Teal moving from west to east as well as Sanderling. A small group of Common Terns were moving west far offshore. All other birds were moving from different directions. An adult Peregrine Falcon flew in from Canada as well as a few Monarchs.

Waterbirds recorded:
Canada Goose--25
Blue-winged Teal--50
Northern Shoveler--3
Green-winged Teal--2
Lesser Scaup--13
Red-breasted Merganser--2
Horned Grebe--1
Double-crested Cormorant--93
Sanderling--60
Common Tern--10

Others flying across the lake:
Peregrine Falcon--1 adult
Monarch--3

--Jerry McWilliams

Shorebirds at Presque Isle
August 14, 2011

The banded juvenile Piping Plover was still present at Gull Point as of 3:00 this afternoon. This is the first juvenile Piping Plover reported from Presque Isle since August of 1995.

Below is a list of other species recorded at Gull Point today:

Black-bellied Plover
American Golden Plover
Semipalmated Plover
yellowlegs species
Willet
Spotted Sandpiper
Whimbrel
Ruddy Turnstone
Sanderling
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Least Sandpiper
Baird's Sandpiper
Pectoral Sandpiper
Short-billed Dowitcher

--Jerry McWilliams

Piping Plover at Presque Isle
August 14, 2011

Late Saturday I received photos from Brian Berchtold of a banded juvenile Piping Plover that he spotted at the SE end of Gull Point. There was also a Willet there and several dowitchers. This morning I received a call from Shannon Thompson, who said the Piping Plover was still present.

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
May 23 - May 29, 2011

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

American White Pelican--1; May 23 and 24; Misery Bay

Upland Sandpiper--1; May 24; Gull Point

White-rumped Sandpiper--1; May 24; Gull Point

Glaucous Gull--1 imm.; May 25 (late); Gull Point

Prairie Warbler--1; May 23 (late); Waterford

--Jerry McWilliams

Marbled Godwit at Presque Isle
May 20, 2011

Today while conducting the shorebird survey at Gull Point on Presque Isle S.P. I found a Marbled Godwit. I watched it for about an hour as it actively fed around the large pond that was mowed a while back. It seemed to prefer the south side of the pond and would frequently forage in some of the nearby pools. The bird was quite nervous and would often fly short distances, especially when a Killdeer sounded off. The godwit also called on several occasions. Other shorebirds recorded were two Lesser Yellowlegs, nine Dunlin, and the local Spotted Sandpipers, and Killdeer.

The vegetation has grown back to about knee high, so the bird is easily concealed when it gets close to the edge of the pond. A Ring-billed Gull pursued it on one occasion when the godwit flew. I was able to obtain some very satisfactory photos of the godwit, especially flight shots.

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
May 9 - May 15, 2011

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

Surf Scoter-1 pair; to at least May 14 (late); Edinboro Lake

Rough-legged Hawk-2 light; May 13 (late); Presque Isle Hawk Watch (old Tracy School property)

Purple Gallinule-1 adult; to at least May 14; head of Presque Isle Bay

Sandhill Crane-1; May 10; over Scott Park; 5; May 11; over Presque Isle Bay; 1; May 14; heard calling over Fry's landing

Golden-winged Warbler; 2; May 11; Presque Isle; 2 female; May 14; Long Pond Trail

Connecticut Warbler-1 heard; May 13; Fry's landing

American Tree Sparrow-2; May 11 (late); Gull Point Trail

Clay-colored Sparrow--1; May 12; near Coast Guard Station

Lark Sparrow-1 adult; May 14; Leo's landing

Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow-1; May 11; Gull Point. First spring record in Erie Co., since 1934.

--Jerry McWilliams

Purple Gallinule
May 12, 2011

The gallinule continues to be seen at the head of Presque Isle Bay almost every day, including this morning between 8:00 and 9:00. It is most easily observed by parking at the first parking lot on the left after you enter the park and walk across the road to the bay. Look for the beaver lodge and walk out onto it. You can get fairly close views from this site, even with just a binocular, though it will be distant. You can also do what many photographers are doing, take a kayak or canoe out.

--Jerry McWilliams

Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow
May 11, 2011

While conducting the shorebird survey at Gull Point this morning I stumbled upon a Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow. It was at the eastern end of the point actively working along a sand ridge with willow saplings that was edged with piles of dead phragmites and driftwood. The bird was in and out of the willows and short grass making prolonged views difficult. I watched and photographed the bird for about 30 minutes. This is the first spring record in Erie County since May 12, 1934. There are two other spring records in the county. One was collected on May 24, 1900 and one was shot on May 27,1904. Two hours searching for the bird in the evening was unsuccessful.

--Jerry McWilliams

Possible Nesting of Merlins in Erie
May 11, 2011

There is a pair of Merlins that have taken up residency in east Erie. Perhaps the same ones that wintered not far from this location. They have been seen carrying food into a conifer where there is an old crows nest. The exact location will be kept secret. The site will be monitored however from a distance and hopefully, if they are nesting, they will be successful.

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
May 2 - May 8, 2011

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

Surf Scoter-1 pair; May 7 (late); Edinboro Lake; 1; May 8 (late); Gull Point

Least Bittern--1; May 7; Niagara Pond; 1; May 8; Duck Pond

Northern Goshawk-1 imm; May 8 (late); Presque Isle Hawk Watch (old Tracy school property)

Purple Gallinule-1 adult; to at least May 8; head of Presque Isle Bay

Sandhill Crane-1; May 7; Sidewalk Trail

Iceland Gull-1 first cycle; May 1 (late); channel

Glaucous Gull-1 second cycle; May 6 (late); Gull Point

Golden-winged Warbler-1; May 5; Gull Point Trail

Orange-crowned Warbler-1; May 3; Fry's landing; 1; May 7; Fry's landing

Prairie Warbler-1; May 5; Fry's landing; 1; May 7; Fry's landing; 1; May 8; cabins

Prothonotary Warbler-1; May 8; Long Pond

American Tree Sparrow-2; May 6 (late); Fry's landing; 1; May 8 (late); Gull Point Trail

Clay-colored Sparrow-1; May 6; Fry's landing

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
April 25 - May 1, 2011

The following birds of note were reported this week from Presque Isle S.P. unless noted otherwise:

Golden Eagle--1 imm.; April 26; Erie Bluffs S.P.

Purple Gallinule--1 adult; April 30; head of Presque Isle Bay

Sandhill Crane--2; April 27; Presque Isle Hawk Watch at the TREC

Piping Plover--1; April 26; Gull Point; colored leg bands indicated the bird was from MI

Iceland Gull--1 first cycle; May 1; channel

Yellow-billed Cuckoo--1; April 28 (early); channel

Cape May Warbler--1; April 26 (early); Fry's landing

Prothonotary Warbler--1 (heard only); April 29; Sidewalk Trail

Worm-eating Warbler--1 (heard only); April 26; Fry's Landing

Common Redpoll--1; to at least April 25; Erie and McKean

23 species of warblers reported to date on Presque Isle S.P.

--Jerry McWilliams

Songbird Migration on Presque Isle
April 26, 2011

The park is awash with warblers and lots of other new arrivals!! I stopped after work and had the following species: palm, black and white, yellow, yellow-rumped, black-throated green, chestnut-sided (female) and hooded warblers; white-throated, white-crowned, song, field and chipping sparrows; blue-gray gnatcatcher, ruby-crowned kinglet, unidentified vireo, hermit thrush and many others. The highlight for me was hearing my first wood thrush of the year, my favorite sound on earth!

--Michele Franz

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
April 18 - 24, 2011

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

Red-tailed Hawk (dark morph)--1; April 23; Presque Isle Hawk Watch (old Tracy School property)

Sandhill Crane--2; April 23; over Sidewalk Trail Presque Isle S.P.

Common Raven--1; April 24; Lowville area

Palm Warbler (yellow race)--1; April 20; Vista 1 at Presque Isle S.P.

Common Redpolls continue to be reported at feeding stations to at least April 22

Great Egrets and Black-crowned Night-Herons have been present on Presque Isle S.P. all week. The warblers have not reached us to date. Only a few Yellow-rumped, Palm, and Pines have been reported.

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
March 28 - April 3, 2011

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

Snow Goose--1 (white); April 3; Marina bay, Presque Isle S.P.

Red-necked Grebe--1; April 3; off Liberty Park in Presque Isle Bay

Eared Grebe--1; April 2 and 3; off Liberty Park in Presque Isle Bay

Sandhill Crane--1; April 2; Presque Isle Hawk Watch (West Erie Plaza)

Golden Eagle--1 imm.; March 28; Presque Isle Hawk Watch (West Erie Plaza)

Little Gull--1; April 3; Presque Isle Bay

Iceland Gull--1 first cycle; March 29; Misery Bay, Presque Isle S.P.

Glaucous Gull--1 second cycle; April 2; Misery Bay, Presque Isle S.P.

Long-eared Owl--4; April 3; pines on Presque Isle State Park

Northern Saw-whet Owl--2; March 29; near Dead Pond Trail, Presque Isle S.P.

--Jerry McWilliams

Eared Grebe in Presque Isle Bay
April 2, 2011

Mike Weible found a basic plumaged Eared Grebe off Liberty Park at the Burger King Ampitheater this morning (April 2). In the afternoon I located the bird off the Chestnut Street boat ramp, which is just east of the ampitheater along the Bayfront Parkway.

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
March 21 - 27, 2011

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

Red-throated Loon--1; March 23; on a flooded stream near Wattsburg

Iceland Gull--1 first cycle; March 25; Presque Isle Bay

Lesser Black-backed Gull--1 first cycle; March 22; off Beach 11

Long-eared Owl--1; March 21; Dead Pond Trail

Northern Saw-whet Owl--singles; March 18, 21, & 22; Pine Tree Trail and B-trail

--Jerry McWilliams

Hoary Redpoll at Head of Presque Isle Bay
March 19, 2011

Mike Weible found a Hoary Redpoll with 17 Common Redpolls at the foot of Sommerheim Drive. The Hoary Redpoll and the Common Redpolls were nearly at his feet feeding on the lawn near the Purple Martin houses before I arrived. I saw the bird and photogrpahed it, but not at close range in the open. The entire time I was there, they were either on the ground in a brushy area or in the trees.

--Jerry McWilliams

Eurasian Wigeon at Presque Isle
March 15, 2011

Mike Weible found a male Eurasian Wigeon at the head of Presque Isle Bay off the first parking lot this evening.

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
March 7 - March 13, 2011

The following birds of note were reported this week along the lake front in Erie County.

Snow Goose--26 white; March 8; Presque Isle Hawk Watch; 40; March 8; over Erie Wastewater Treatment Plant

Long-tailed Duck--180+ (high count); March 13; Presque Isle Bay

Black-crowned Night-Heron--1; March 7; Horseshoe Pond, Presque Isle S.P.; earliest record in Erie County by about one week

Rough-legged Hawk--11 (5 dark, 5 light, 1 inter.) (high one day count); March 8; Presque Isle Hawk Watch

Peregrine Falcon--1 pair; through the week; Blasco Library, Erie

Sandhill Crane--8; March 12; Presque Isle Hawk Watch

Iceland Gull--2; March 9; Presque Isle Bay

Lesser Black-backed Gull--1; March 8; Presque Isle Bay

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
February 28 - March 6, 2011

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

Cackling Goose--1; off beach 11, Presque Isle S.P.; second Erie County record.

The Merlin that has wintered on East 33rd Street in Erie, continues to be seen though not on a daily basis.

The pair of Peregrine Falcons continue to be seen every day at the tower/smoke stack in front of the Blasco Library in Erie. They are frequently seen sitting near the entrance of the large square opening facing the north. They were observed copulating again this week at the tower.

Iceland Gull--2 first cycle; March 3; Presque Isle Bay

Small groups of Common Redpolls are still be reported from feeders and on Presque Isle S.P.

Some early spring arrivals that have been reported include Wood Duck, Northern Shoveler, Killdeer, American Woodcock, Fox Sparrow, and Rusty Blackbird.

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
February 21 - 27, 2011

The only birds of note this week in Erie County were Common Redpolls. Small numbers were reported from feeders and as many as 100 were noted at SGL #314.

The pair of Peregrine Falcons continue to be seen perched on the tower in front of the Blasco Library in Erie.

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
February 13 - 19, 2011

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

Merlin-1; Feb. 17; Harding School, Erie

Peregrine Falcon-1 pair apparently taking up residence in the tower adjacent to the Raymond Blasco Library the last week or so. They were observed copulating on the tower at least twice on Feb. 19.

Iceland Gull-1 (first cycle); Feb. 16; Port Access Rd.; 2 (first cycle); Feb. 19; Presque Isle Bay

Lesser Black-backed Gull-4 (adults); Feb. 19; Presque Isle Bay

Glaucous Gull-2 (1 adult, 1 first cycle); Feb. 19; Presque Isle Bay

Northern Mockingbird--1; Feb. 17; near Vermont Ave., Erie

Common Redpoll-a few present to at least Feb. 17, McKean

Pine Siskin-a few to at least Feb. 17; McKean

With water opening up off beach 11 and the east end of Presque Isle Bay, more waterfowl and gulls have moved in. A few American Wigeon and Northern Pintail have arrived along with increasing numbers of Common Goldeneye.

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
January 30 - February 6, 2011

The following birds of note were reported for Erie County from Sunday, January 30 to Sunday, February 6, 2011.

Rough-legged Hawk--1; Jan. 30; near Erie Bluffs S.P.; 2 (1 dark); Jan. 31; Union City golf course; 1; Jan. 31; north of Wattsburg

Savannah Sparrow--1; Jan. 31; near Erie Bluffs S.P.; first winter record in Erie County

Lapland Longspur--up to 5; Girard Twp. in the vicinity of Erie Bluffs S.P.

Hoary Redpoll--1; last seen on Jan. 31; Beach 11 parking lot, Presque Isle S.P.

Common Redpoll--apparently only 6 remaining to Feb. 6; beach 11 area at Presque Isle S.P. Ones and twos being reported at various sites in the county

Pine Siskin--at least 5; to at least Jan. 31; Fairview Twp.

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
January 17 - January 23, 2011

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

Merlin--1; through the week; East 33rd. Street, Erie

Tree Swallow--1; through the week; open water at mouth of Horseshoe Pond, Presque Isle S.P.

American Pipit--1; Jan. 19; Wastewater Treatment Plant, Erie

Common Redpoll--at least 100; through the week; beach 11 and north pier area, Presque Isle S.P.

Hoary Redpoll--up to 2; Jan. 18, 22, & 23; beach 11 and north pier area, Presque Isle S.P.

A Belted Kingfisher appears to be wintering along the mouth of Millcreek as well as a Hermit Thrush at the north pier. More Bald Eagles than usual have been seen around Presque Isle S.P. with as many as nine seen yesterday. There is very little open water around the park and on the lake.

--Jerry McWilliams

Hoary Redpoll at Presque Isle
January 22, 2011

Mike Weible located a Hoary Redpoll this morning among a flock of about 75 Common Redpolls at the north pier. I went out and met Mike and we ended up chasing the flock around beach 11 for some time before we finally relocated it. I was able to obtain some clearly identifiable photos of the bird. Having looked at the photos Jason Berry took of the Hoary on Tuesday, it is likely to be the same bird. It appeared to have just a hint of pink on the upper breast and was completely unstreaked below. My photos show totally unstreaked white undertail coverts. The rump was also unstreaked, but satisfactory photos of the rump were more difficult to get.

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
January 10 - January 16, 2011

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

Iceland Gull 1 first cycle; Jan. 16; south pier, Erie

Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 first cycle; Jan. 14; south pier, Erie

Northern Shrike 1 imm.; Jan. 9; SGL #314 (Roderick)

Field Sparrow 1; Jan. 16; Dead Pond Trail; Presque Isle S.P.

Common Redpoll 40+-; Jan. 10; marina on Presque Isle S.P.; 40+-; through the week; Edinboro

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
January 3 - January 9, 2011

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

Thayer's Gull 1 adult; Jan. 8

Iceland Gull up to 2 first cycle; through the week

Lesser Black-backed Gull up to 2 adults; through the week

Glaucous Gull 1 second cycle; Jan. 4; up to 2 first cycle; through the week

Tree Swallow 1; Jan. 9; Misery Bay

Gray Catbird 1; Jan. 2; SGL #314 (Roderick)

White-crowned Sparrow 1; Jan. 9; Port Access Rd., Erie

Lapland Longspur 3; Jan. 9; Girard Twp.

Common Redpoll 150+; through the week; 2; Jan. 9; Farnklin Center

At least two Bald Eagles and a pair of Peregrine Falcons continue to be seen at the east end of the park where most, if not all, of the gulls and waterfowl are concentrated.

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
December 27, 2010 - January 2, 2011

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

Trumpeter Swan--1; Dec. 31; south pier; unmarked, unknown origin

Iceland Gull--1 first cycle; Jan. 2; Presque Isle Bay

Lesser Black-backed Gull--up to 2 adults; Dec. 31 to Jan 2; Presque Isle Bay

Glaucous Gull--up to 3 first cycle; Dec. 28 & 29; Presque Isle Bay

Gray Catbird--1; Jan. 2; SGL #314 (Roderick)

Northern Mockingbird--1; Jan. 1; junct. of West 12th St. and Green Garden

Common Redpoll--120 or more; Dec. 28 & Jan. 2; in the area of the north pier, Fry's landing, and Pine Tree Trail

--Jerry McWilliams

Erie Co. Bird Sightings
December 19 - December 26, 2010

The following birds of note were reported for Sunday Dec. 19 to Sunday Dec. 26, 2010 in Erie County.

Rough-legged Hawk--1 light; Dec. 21; Edinboro

Merlin--2; to at least Dec. 21; East 33rd Street, Erie

Iceland Gull--1 first cycle; Dec. 19 & 23; south pier

Lesser Black-backed Gull--up to 2 fourth cycle and adult; Dec. 23; south pier

Glaucous Gull--1 first cycle; through the week; south pier

Northern Shrike--1; Dec. 19; SGL #314 (Roderick)

American Pipit--2; Dec. 19 (late); Girard Twp.

Lapland Longspur--2; Dec. 19; Girard Twp.

Common Redpoll--up to 38; Dec. 19; Fry's landing

--Jerry McWilliams

Waterbird Count Season Results
December 23, 2010

WATERBIRD COUNT SUMMARY 2010
Sunset Point, Erie County, Pa.
Time period, Sept. 19 to Dec. 19, 2010
Hours observed 96
Total species of water related birds 42
Total species of other birds 11
Total of all species of birds 53
Total individuals of water related birds 100536
Total individuals of other species of birds 118
Total of all individuals 100654

Canada Goose, 436. Tundra Swan, 411. Gadwall, 22. American Wigeon, 57. American Black Duck, 157. Mallard, 83. Blue-winged Teal, 1. Northern Shoveler, 1. Northern Pintail, 24. Green-winged Teal, 67. Green-winged/Blue-winged teal, 1. Canvasback, 1259. Redhead, 1068. Ring-necked Duck, 28. Greater Scaup, 175. Lesser Scaup, 35957. Scaup species, 35146. Surf Scoter, 103. White-winged Scoter, 102. Black Scoter, 83. Surf/Black Scoter, 60. Long-tailed Duck, 282. Bufflehead, 364. Common Goldeneye, 365. Hooded Merganser, 25. Common Merganser, 138. Red-breasted Merganser, 12397. Ruddy Duck, 6. Red-throated Loon, 155. Common Loon, 2648. Loon species, 80. Horned Grebe, 1034. Red-necked Grebe, 6. Double-crested Cormorant, 7046. Great Blue Heron, 6. American Coot, 419. Black-bellied Plover, 7. Sanderling, 43. Purple Sandpiper, 2. Dunlin, 8. Unidentified shorebird, 4. Little Gull, 5. Thayer's Gull, 1. Iceland Gull, 1. Glaucous Gull, 1. Caspian Tern, 2. Common Tern, 247. Common/Forster's tern, 3.

Turkey Vulture, 7. Bald Eagle, 8. American Kestrel, 1. Merlin, 1. Peregrine Falcon, 7. Short-eared Owl, 1. Kinglet species, 8. American Pipit, 1. Small passerine, 6. Snow Bunting, 55. Red-winged Blackbird, 1. Pine Siskin, 20. Big Brown Bat, 1. Black Saddlebags, 1.

--Jerry McWilliams