The "natural beach" between beach 3 and Owen Point is the portion of Presqu'ile Provincial Park where most of the interesting bird life has been concentrated during the past week. From the various lookouts in that area, it is possible to see a variety of herons, water birds, and shorebirds.
The Tundra Swan which was first reported on July 17 was last seen on Gull Island on July 27. Mute Swans are beginning to congregate in Presqu'ile Bay, where last winter they reached alarming numbers. The need for a control program for these attractive but ecologically devastating birds is becoming increasingly evident. A small number of Gadwalls and Green-winged Teals can be found almost every day on Gull Island or the adjacent parts of the beach. An Osprey and a Merlin flew past the lighthouse on July 31 and 25, respectively. Both of these species breed in the general area surrounding Presqu'ile Park, but a Peregrine Falcon spotted flying out over Popham Bay on July 31 was certainly the first migrant of the season, and should put shorebirds, on which that species preys, as well as birders visiting the Park, on alert for further sightings. Thirteen species of shorebirds (three plovers and ten sandpipers) have been frequenting the natural beach during the past week. The flocks and the variety built up to a peak on July 29, but many of them moved on during that night. From now on and for the next few weeks, each new cold front will be followed by fresh arrivals, likely in ever-increasing numbers. Among the highlights this week were Black-bellied Plover and Red Knot, both first seen on the early date of July 28, Ruddy Turnstone, first seen on July 29, Pectoral Sandpiper, Stilt Sandpiper, and Short-billed Dowitcher (as many as eight on July 27). Apart from the normal summer residents, very few land birds have been reported this week at Presqu'ile. At the lighthouse, there have been sightings of a Least Flycatcher (July 28), a Brown Creeper (July 26), at least one Blackburnian Warbler (perhaps two) every day from July 24 to 27, a Black-and-white Warbler (July 29), and two White-throated Sparrows (July 29). Near Atkins Lane, there were two Yellow-rumped Warblers on July 29. In all likelihood, the first significant wave of fall migrant land birds will appear during the first week or two of August. 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]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
