What is there to say about a place where the Warbler Chorus is punctuated by Oriole Arias? Birder’s Heaven? Because that perfectly describes the week in Erie… specifically at Presque Isle. And those Oriole’s? Well, I saw dozens of them… dozens. I have never seen so many Baltimore Oriole’s in my life!
We were in Erie for The Great Migration… and let me tell you. It absolutely is great! And yes, I saw new-to-me birds… still. And that amazes me! I feel so fortunate that we are so close to such a significant migration route!
My brief, but spectacular “new bird” list included Common Yellowthroats, Indigo Buntings, Great Crested Flycatchers, Blue-headed Vireos, Yellow-breasted Chats, Black-throated Blue Warblers, Nashville Warblers, Eastern Kingbirds, Eastern Wood-Pewees, and Tennessee Warblers.
But perhaps the best moments of all on this vacation were the hours we included Sherman. I am not sure how many more “vacations” we will have with Sherman. Earlier in April we invested in a Dog Stroller… yes, I have become that person… and it might have been the absolute best part of the trip! He has never liked being “left behind” but since losing his hearing being in his crate really stresses him. But there was no way he could walk as much as we do when we are in Presque Isle… even with the new medication he is on. The stroller made amazing LONG walks possible and their “paved path system” is one that goes all around the peninsula… so we just kept walking! Sherman thought he was in Dog Heaven… all the sights, all the smells, *almost* none of the walking!
The weather was perfect spring weather… some overcast days, some days with light rain, some days with sun… and all days cooler! I watched the trees go from bare branches to new leaves and all the stages between! Presque Isle is a place that is never the same any day but the leafing out was so dramatic and gorgeous to experience!
Carolyn had sent a text about what looked like an amazing exhibit at the Erie Art Museum and I really wanted to go but Steve absolutely did not (and it was not worth an argument, lol) so I missed it… sigh.
I did not take a ton of pictures… I leaned into Margaret Renkl’s wise advice: “How truly valuable is a device that makes you take your eyes from an experience so momentary you might miss it altogether?” So for the most part, my phone stayed in my pocket!
And speaking of phones – and technology in general – perhaps that was the best part of our time away… being truly away. I was not scrolling apps. I was not looking at emails. It was such a good break!
The ONLY thing I regularly used with my phone was the Merlin app… sadly, I cannot hear most birdsong so Merlin telling me what it was hearing was helpful for me to then find the bird with binoculars. Thankfully, that Warbler Chorus was loud and lovely and constant! And those Oriole Arias… unbelievably delightful!
I only had one incident with a tic and it appears I found it before it bit me! Whew! (But I kept thinking “something” was crawling on me for days afterwards!)
But as great as the week away was, it was so good to get back home. This is my last Friday without hearing aids… yes, I go to get them next Tuesday and I really cannot wait!
Thanks for revisiting our Erie getaway! Have a great weekend and I will see you all back here on Monday!
What a wonderful time you all had in Erie! The birds, the weather, the sights, and walking with Sherman all sound terrific. I remember when you are getting your hearing aids because that is the same day I have an appointment with the audiologist. I’m actually looking forward to what they say and I’m excited for you. Think how much better you’ll be able to hear birds and all of life around you!
What a marvelous time Kat! Beautiful photos and so many of them I recognized having been on Presque Isle the other year! Sherman looks great in his stroller and I’m glad he could b e with you rather than stressed. And, I guess we are all of “that age” – making an appointment with an audiologist is on my list of things to do (I’ve been waiting for my cold/allergies to clear so that my ears are not more clogged than usual!).
Have a fabulous weekend!!
I’m so happy to see this post, Kat! And those pictures of Sherman in his ‘new ride’ are priceless. What a difference that made for ALL of you.
(For the record, the only reason I was able to linger at the fiber installation was b/c it was my birthday. I was receiving texts like: “Mom. We’re all sitting on the bench by the door whenever you’re done. We’re starving. But no rush.”
Sounds to me like your trip could not have been better. And really, seems like it was perfect birding and walking weather! I’ll take that ‘mix’ over 80s and full sun any day….!
P.S. What a perfect shot of the lighthouse! (your banner.) I’m picturing that in watercolor + ink…
I am jealous of all your bird spotting! And that Merlin app is so amazing, isn’t it? I’ll admit I used to be a bit judgmental about the people with pet strollers, but having see several people use them in order to help old and/or mobility-challenged pets have some semblance of normal life, I’m done with that. I’m certainly glad you were able to have Sherman with you and to help him maintain his quality of life.
What a wonderful week or so away. That location sounds just perfect with lots of walking trails and all the birds. You found just the right week. Thank you for sharing.
Sounds like a great break Kat!
I’ve looked up your location and it looks like a perfect holiday spot. So much to see and do.
Sherman in a stroller makes me smile… and I bet it made him smile, too. I have only seen one, maybe two, of the birds on your list: indigo bunting (once) and the crested flycatcher. Don’t know if the ones I see here are “great” or just ordinary.
That’s a great bird list, especially all those warblers! I’m glad you had a wonderful time away.
Oh I am so glad you had a Good time. Genius to use the app to locate a bird. Hope your appointment went well yesterday and persevere with the hearing aids.
I was looking into those dog strollers! We haven’t bought one yet because I don’t think Frodo would sit in it (but then again maybe he would). I love your trips up there and then when you come back to share them will me.