Weather conditions during the past week have kept many birders indoors,
and the list of bird sightings at Presqu'ile Provincial Park reflects
that fact.
In the marsh, a count of 20 Northern Pintails on October 25 was the
highest for some time. Both Canvasback and Redhead have accompanied the
growing flock of Ring-necked Ducks that can be viewed from Bayshore
Road, anywhere west of Lilac Lane. As many as 40 Long-tailed Ducks have
been seen in the outer part of Presqu'ile Bay, near the lighthouse. A
Hooded Merganser was in the marsh on October 28.
A Merlin was still on Gull Island on October 28. A Ruffed Grouse was
flushed at the lighthouse on October 29. The most recent sighting of a
Common Moorhen was of a bird in the marsh on October 24. There still has
been no report to date of Purple Sandpipers, which normally begin to
appear at about this time of year.
At least one Eastern Phoebe has been lingering in the Park, a bird that
was seen several times at the calf pasture, most recently on October
29. On two consecutive days, October 26 and 27, a Northern Shrike was
seen in widely separated parts of the Park, quite possibly two different
birds. As many as six Eastern Bluebirds were at the calf pasture on
October 28, and one was still there on the next day. Two Nashville
Warblers on October 24 were the only unusual warblers seen during the
week. An Eastern Towhee spent three days under the feeders at 186
Bayshore Road but has not been seen since October 28. American Tree
Sparrows have been around in small numbers since October 24. A lone
Lapland Longspur accompanied a flock of Snow Buntings flying around Owen
Point on October 28. An Eastern Meadowlark was at the calf pasture on
October 28. Up to 12 Purple Finches have been on the feeders at 186
Bayshore Road at one time, and up to five Pine Siskins.
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. Visitors to Gull Island not using a
boat should be prepared to wade through shin-deep water in which there
is often a swift current and a substrate that is somewhat uneven. It
should also be noted that, because duck hunting is given priority on
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, Gull Island, Owen Point,
and part of the calf pasture are not available for bird watching on
those days.
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.
