Leann’s friend Anita called and told her Least Bittern’s were sited at Presque Isle State Park in Pennsylvania. There was also a free guided kayak trip to find the elusive bird. The only problem we had to get up at 4:30 to be there for the 7:00 am start.
Least Bittern’s are not rare, they live in dense marshes making them difficult to spot. Since they nest in deep vegetation they are usually only seen in flight. It is one of the smallest members of the Heron family. Unlike other Herons that hunt by wading, Least Bittern perch on reeds waiting for food. This allows them to hunt in deeper water than other Herons.
Our (Leann’s) goal for the day.
Chris from Erie Bird Observatory was our guide for the morning. He did a great job and really knows his birds.
http://www.eriebirdobservatory.org
Our route for the three hour tour. We did not travel very far but went through some thick vegetation. I learned that birding from a kayak encompasses little paddling but a lot of looking and listening. We launched the kayaks at #1 then paddled to Boat House, Unnamed and Big Pond
7:00 am and we are ready to hit the water. It was a beautiful morning.
Let the search begin.
This is the kind of marsh Least Bittern’s prefer, thick.
Pickerel Weed
Thirty minutes into the trip and we could hear 2 Least Bitterns calling. A few minutes later one flew by (several times). We have a great memory of the bird in flight but no pictures. Leann was pretty excited since this was a life bird for her. That means she has never seen one before.
Water Lilly Bud, I had plenty of time to look at water plants.
Bladderwort in bloom
After the kayak trip we did a beach walk to Gull Point Natural Area.
What happens when alcohol meets free time
Gull Point, the area behind the ropes was closed to protect nesting shore birds.
Still looking……
This was under the platform and was a little creepy. I have no idea what it was for or where it came from.
We packed lunches and Ed said we should eat at Kite beach. I was a little skeptical but loved it.
When pigs fly…….
What a great day: kayaking, life bird, hiking, and flying pigs. What more could you ask for?
HAPPY TRAILS, STEVE