Snowy Plover in PA ~ July 2, 2014

After finding out from Devich Farbotnik and Jason Horn that the Snowy Plover was still present at Presque Isle State Park, I decided to take the long drive out to hopefully see it. Unfortunately because of an appointment that I couldn't cancel, I wasn't able to leave until the afternoon. I picked up Rick Wiltraut at Jacobsburg State Park and we were on our way at 1:00. Both Rick and I had tried for this bird twice before and came up empty both times. Would the third time be the charm?
Six hours and a few thunderstorms later, we parked and headed out to Gull Point with only about two-and-a-half hours of light left. Thankfully, soon after reaching the observation platform, Rick spotted the 'little wind-up toy' on a sandbar. With a new state bird added to our memories, the pressure was off and we were able to enjoy it for at least an hour before sunset. A nicely-colored American Avocet was also there. We took a lot of photos of the plover, especially when the bird flew to the pool nearest the tower.

While scoping the other birds, I spotted a large shorebird that, at first glance, I thought was a godwit but turned out to be a Willet. Soon after, a Bald Eagle stirred up all of the gulls as it flew by.

A rain shower was heavy enough to send us down underneath the tower for a while. After it subsided and we went back on top, Rick spotted a Whimbrel that had just dropped in.

So in a little over an hour, we had seen a Snowy Plover, an American Avocet, a Willet, and a Whimbrel----all exceptional finds in PA. Other birds present included 2 Short-billed Dowitchers, Common and Caspian Terns, Purple Martins, and Bank Swallows. At sunset, we made the long hike back out to the car. A few American Woodcocks took off from the trail along the way. A Willow Flycatcher and Brown Thrashers were also noted. We got back home at 4:15 AM, 782 miles later, tired but happy at the same time. More photos are posted on my Pennsylvania Notables Album.

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