Several newspapers reported this past week that the surface of Lake Erie had frozen over completely.  From Cleveland, OH to Erie, PA to Leamington, ONT, the lake is one solid surface of ice.

There are, of course, some technical exceptions to this.  Power plants along the shore continue to pump warm water discharges into the lake.  These areas remain open even in the coldest of winters.

And these warm water areas provide certain opportunities to wildlife lovers in Monroe County.  The warm waters of the discharge areas attract certain types of fish.  And the open water gives birds a relatively easy meal when compared to normal feeding conditions in the dead of winter.

The result is that large masses of birds congregate at the power plant outflows.  All one needs is a good pair of binoculars or a spotting scope.  A scan of the accumulated bird life can turn up some amazing surprises.  Several years ago the DNR’s publication the Spotting Scope reported that an observer at the Monroe DTE power plant counted 54 American bald eagles on an offshore ice flow.

The best place to do this kind of birding is at the Consumers Energy J.R. Whiting facility in Erie Township.  Visitors can take the Erie Rd. exit from I-75 just south of Luna Pier.  Head east until the road dead-ends at a small parking area and gate.  Walk towards the shore and you’ll see just about the only open water on the entire lake.  Birds will be easy to spot on the edges of the open waters.

Area birders can monitor rare birds in the area at this link:

http://tinyurl.com/2qc8ov

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