Where are the birds? Migrant numbers around Erie low for mid-May
Jerry McWilliams
Lesser yellowlegs were migrating past Gull Point at Presque Isle State Park where a whopping 365 were counted on May 7. A red-throated loon, near breeding plumage, was spotted off Beach 9 on Sunday. A sedge wren was seen briefly on the north side of Niagara Pond on Wednesday. It has been noted by many birders that migrant bird numbers are much lower than normal for mid-May. This has also been said about other surrounding birding hotspots like the highly popular Magee Marsh in Ohio. Wildflowers blooming now are painted trillium, dame's rocket, English daisy, Solomon's seal, hooked crowfoot, field peppergrass and high-bush blueberry.