For several days during the past week, above normal temperatures and southerly winds generated a significant influx of migrant birds at Presqu'ile Provincial Park, while waterfowl moved on towards their breeding grounds.
Both Red-throated Loons and Common Loons were present in good numbers, the former off beach 1 and the latter mostly flying over. Pied-billed, Horned, and Red-necked Grebes were all present in Presqu'ile Bay. A Great Egret has been seen almost every day in the marsh, and up to four Black-crowned Night-Herons are on their nests at Sebastopol Point (which is now an island). The two most interesting ducks these days are several dozen Green-winged Teal at several locations and a pair of Ruddy Ducks near Langdon Avenue. The first Osprey of the year flew over the lighthouse on April 11, and a Cooper's Hawk was seen the next day. The pair of Merlins that nested in The Pines campground has re-appeared in the same location. Three interesting species of gulls were spotted in the Park during the week: a Little Gull at the lighthouse on April 15; a Lesser Black-backed Gull at Owen Point on April 11; and a Glaucous Gull on Sebastopol Point on April 15 and 16. Five species of woodpeckers were present this week, including a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker on April 16. Northern Shrikes were seen on April 11 and 13. Three species of swallows (Tree, Barn, and Rough-winged) were around the lighthouse on April 15. Other new arrivals this week were Ruby-crowned Kinglets (beginning on April 11), Hermit Thrush, Pine Warbler, Eastern Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, and Swamp Sparrow. 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]>
