First Shorebirds at Erie Marsh - 21 Mar 2025
I took a drive to Erie Marsh Preserve in southern Monroe Co., MI this morning. Skies were clear and temps hovered at 28F. Inland ponds were open, but a few patches of ice still remained. Walking out along the main marsh trail past Ponds 1 (a few Killdeer ), Pond 2 (hundreds of Northern Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Gadwall and American Wigeon ), and Pond 3 (dozens of Ring-billed Gulls and Bonaparte's Gulls ). A pair of Bald Eagles roosted quietly in the trees to my right. A pair of Trumpeter Swans were swimming and courting in the ditch to my right. The first Pectoral Sandpipers were also seen (six) but flew before I could get the scope on them. The Sulfur Pond was empty, but just beyond I saw my first Tree Swallows of the spring, and the first flock of American White Pelicans (Justin would count 700 on the 22nd!). On the way back to the car I spotted 5 Sandhill Cranes fly by. A Great Blue Heron with a fresh catfish. Erie Marsh Preser...
