Flocking to Presque Isle this summer for bird watching? What to know if you go

Presque Isle State Park is filled with multiple majestic sites and sights from sunsets to wildlife.

One factor that attracts a lot of visitors to Presque Isle State Park is the hundreds of different birds that flock to the area.

According to the Tom Ridge Environmental Center’s website, more than 330 types of birds can be found at Presque Isle.

Where would be the best spots at Presque Isle to enjoy the hobby of birdwatching?

Birdwatching at Presque Isle in the summer

Katie Andersen, a naturalist at the Erie Bird Observatory, says that it depends on the time of year that people flock to Presque Isle to see the different types of birds.

“Right now (end of May), we are wrapping up the spring migration and a lot of the focus is on the migratory songbirds,” Andersen said. “For this you want to be out in the northeast end of the park along pine tree trail or dead pond trail out in that section. You have these birds that will be migrating across Lake Erie and they follow the southwest winds along the park in the northeast corner there. Currently that’s where some of the best birding is.”

Jerry McWilliams a well-known member of the Erie birding community and a part-time employee of the Erie Bird Observatory, says that just about anywhere on the park can be bird productive.

“But some popular spots that attract a lot of attention because of bird diversity and the consistent appearance of rare birds is Leo’s landing, the east ends of Pine Tree and Sidewalk trails, Thompson Circle and Thompson Bay, Fry’s landing, and by far the best place of rarities, especially the endangered Piping Plover, is Gull Point,” McWilliams said.

If you are interested in short birds, an activity that Andersen says is coming up soon, she will point you towards Gull Point where the southbound migration can be seen in June.

What types of birds can be found at Presque Isle in the summer?

Out of the more than 330 types of birds seen at Presque Isle, both Andersen and McWilliams say that the summer is an ideal time for the large concentration of migrant waterfowl, shorebirds, and a wide diversity of songbirds.

Other birds that Andersen pointed out that make an appearance at Presque Isle during the summer include long-distance warblers, yellow belly fly catchers, shorebirds, sandpipers and other warblers.

For the perfect areas in the summer, Andersen says follow the bugs because that is where the birds will be for food.

“For a lot of these birds that people like songbirds a lot of those are insectivores so you’ll want to find areas where it’s a little cooler where you have spots with some sunshining and there’s a little wind,” Andersen said. “It’s going to be a little buggier and that’s where the birds will be as they’re following the food.”

Early bird gets the bird

In the matter of the best timing for bird watching at Presque Isle, Andersen says that the earlier the better.

“Morning is the historically recommended time,” Andersen said. “That’s when the birds are warming up for the day and actively feeding. All of the morning people can see activities from the birds.”

Presque Isle is open from 5 a.m. to sunset.

Andersen also says that evening time is a good period for bird watching.

“You can see them in the evening as well, like two or three hours before sunset,” Andersen said. “That’s when you’ll get the feel for the night if the birds are staying or passing through. The birds might stay there for the night or just be picking up some extra fuel so they can cross the lake. Mid-day is the toughest. The afternoon is pretty quiet compared to the morning or evening.”

Tips for the best birdwatching experience at Presque Isle

To get the most out of your experience while birdwatching at Presque Isle, it’s best to come prepared with equipment and patience.

“A lot of it is patience and taking your time and observing,” Andersen said. “Familiarize yourself with the birds and get a feel with what the birds are doing and the weather conditions.”

McWilliams says that having the right equipment might also be beneficial to your watching experience. If you want to remember your experience, or capture the moment, a camera might be a useful tool.

“A pair of binoculars is standard for general birding, but if you are serious about looking at those distant birds over the water, a spotting scope is a must,” McWilliams said. “A camera with an extended lens is always good to have along to document those special birds and to document the rare ones.”

Using online resources for bird watching

The Erie Bird Observatory has a website which includes birdwatching hotspots, check lists, hawk watches, an interactive map, photography and other resources beneficial to bird watchers at Presque Isle.

Reporting by Nicholas Sorensen, Erie Times-News / Erie Times-News