There has been little break in the wintry conditions at Presqu'ile
Provincial Park, so it is not surprising that signs of spring among the
birds are scarce. Only a slight increase in the amount of bird song,
primarily from Black-capped Chickadees, has been noticed.
Among the waterfowl in Presqu'ile Bay there are up to 40 Canada Geese,
about 130 Mute Swans, and two Tundra Swans. Two Greater Scaup appeared
on two different days, and a Red-breasted Merganser put in a brief
appearance.
One or two Bald Eagles have been seen around the bay on several
different occasions, including one adult that lingered for several hours
on the ice while devouring a carcass.
A Ruffed Grouse appeared to be taking advantage of seeds that someone
had thrown on the snow on Newcastle Trail for small birds. Also on
Newcastle Trail east of the group campground, a Barred Owl responded to
"pishing" by flying out into the open and sitting in full view. An
adult Northern Shrike was seen on three different days in the vicinity
of three different feeders along Bayshore Road.
Red-breasted Nuthatches greatly outnumber White-breasted Nuthatches in
all parts of the Park and can be found deep in the woods and at most
feeders. Small flocks of American Robins were spotted during the week
in two different parts of the Park.
Two Song Sparrows regularly patronize the feeders at 186 Bayshore Road.
Five Snow Buntings were in the calf pasture on two successive days,
often feeding on the roadside. A small flock of Red-winged Blackbirds
(15 on January 21 and four on January 22) has been lingering near the
junction of Bayshore Road and Langton Street, in the same general area
where a Common Grackle can be found on most days. A few House Finches,
Common Redpolls, Pine Siskins, and American Goldfinches at feeders along
Bayshore Road are the only finches seen at Presqu'ile this week.
Outside the Park but within striking distance, two separate feeders have
been frequented by Red-bellied Woodpeckers and another by four Rusty
Blackbirds.
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. Although the channel separating
Gull Island from Owen Point appears to be frozen over, the thickness of
the ice is probably unreliable because of the underlying currents.
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.
