Windy and Cold at Erie Marsh - 13 May 2026
Jack and Janet Volker and I drove to Erie Marsh Preserve this morning. Overnight rain and a cold front moved in this morning leaving us with partly cloudy skies, cool temperatures (50ºF) and a stiff wind that pushed 25 mph. It was a lose-your-hat kind of morning... We were hoping to find some of the recently-reported goodies: Tricolored Heron, Snowy Egret, Virginia Rail, Wilson's Phalarope, Whimbrel, and Black-necked Stilt. We'd find none. Instead, the wind was creating white-caps on the inland ponds and only a scattering of Dunlin could be seen in the distance. As we walked the main dike out past Ponds 1 - 3 I managed to find a Northern Yellow Warbler willing to brave the conditions. Otherwise, all we could do is hold onto our hats and wish that we'd brought heavier jackets. With the Sun directly in our eyes were made our way past the Sulfur Pond (empty) and out to Ponds E and D where we hoped to see some of the aforementioned birds. Nothing. We'd settle for a few Mute...
