Although the annual Waterfowl Festival at Presqu'ile Provincial Park is
still over a month away (March 13/14 and 20/21), the ice in Presqu'ile
Bay has opened up considerably, and hundreds of ducks are now visible there.
The largest numbers consist of Greater Scaup, Long-tailed Ducks, and
Redheads, but there are at least six other species, including three
White-winged Scoters. With this build-up, it is likely just a matter of
days until the first Canvasbacks, and perhaps Ring-necked Ducks and
Hooded Mergansers, will be appearing. At Barcovan on the opposite side
of the bay but outside the Park, two drake Northern Pintails have joined
the flock of American Black Ducks, possibly newly arrived migrants.
A Bald Eagle flying around over the bay on February 11 was likely one of
the same individuals that have been present sporadically for weeks. An
Iceland Gull was sitting at the edge of the ice in the bay on February
9, and a Snowy Owl spent the afternoon on an ice floe in the bay two
days later.
A Northern Flicker near the Park entrance on February 11 was the first
reported at Presqu'ile this year, but has probably been present but out
of sight throughout the winter. The two Golden-crowned Kinglets at the
government dock on February 9 were also likely just beginning to move
around from the more sheltered parts of the Park.
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.
