Shorebirds Have Returned - 06 Apr 2026
Shorebirds have been reported at Erie Marsh for the past several days so I was anxious to get to Erie Marsh Preserve to find some for myself. Luckily clouds cleared overnite and skies were clear albeit cool at 34ºF. My plan was to walk the ~5 mi circuit through the marsh and outer dike. Shortly before 8 am I arrived to find the gate to the preserve closed, so I had to climb around. The dike was dry enough to walk without mud caking the shoes but the water levels in the ponds were high. Still, Pond 1 was low enough to still show exposed mudflats, and it was here that I spotted a Long-billed Dowitcher that needed the scope at 60X to ID. As I was setting up the scope a small flock of 6 Lesser Yellowlegs and 2 Greater Yellowlegs flew in to forage next to the dowitcher. A couple dozen Gadwall were swimming in Pond 2 but scattered as I walked past. The rising Sun was blinding as I headed east along the main dike but still managed to see a Lesser Yellowlegs close enough to pho...
