The past week at Presqu'ile Provincial Park has been more like winter than spring, and the birding has reflected that. The marsh and much of Presqu'ile Bay remain frozen, and several centimetres of snow and ice still cover much of the ground.
Though not yet in their usual numbers for this time of year, both Red-throated and Common Loons have been seen this week, the former in Popham Bay (up to 4) and the latter in Presqu'ile Bay (ones and twos). Wood Ducks and Green-winged Teal have been seen at the end of Langdon Avenue, and Northern Pintails at Owen Point. A female Ruddy Duck can usually be found at the government dock. An adult Cooper's Hawk put in a brief appearance near the lighthouse on April 4. In the aftermath of the snow and ice storm of April 3 and 4, American Woodcocks huddled together in the few inland patches of open water, generally roadside drainage ditches. A maximum of nine live individuals was counted on April 6, with dead and dying birds being found as early as April 5. The first Yellow-bellied Sapsucker of the season showed up near the staff house on April 7, and what will likely turn out to be the last Northern Shrike of the season was seen near the Park entrance on April 8. Given the recent weather conditions, it is difficult to imagine that the normal arrival date for species such as Hermit Thrush and Yellow-rumped and Pine Warbler is within the coming week. Fox Sparrows have appeared to be more plentiful at Presqu'ile during the past week than at any time in recent years, though that may be simply a reflection of their concentration at readily visible bird feeders. Two different feeders had five and six individuals present. A bird that was almost certainly a male Brewer's Blackbird showed up twice on April 5 at 186 Bayshore Road, but has not been seen since. To reach Presqu'ile Provincial Park, follow the signs from Brighton. Locations within the Park are shown on a map at the back of a tabloid that is available at the Park gate. Access to the offshore islands is restricted at this time of year to prevent disturbance to the colonial nesting birds there. Questions and comments about bird sightings at Presqu'ile may be directed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- Fred Helleiner 186 Bayshore Road, R.R. #4, Brighton, Ontario, Canada, K0K 1H0 VOICE: (613) 475 5309 If visiting, access via Presqu'ile Provincial Park. Fred Helleiner <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
