Although autumn has an astronomical definition, in ornithological terms
there is considerable evidence that autumn has already begun at
Presqu'ile Provincial Park. Birds of various kinds are gathering in
flocks, others are appearing in places where they have not been seen
since spring, and a few returning migrants arrive every few days.
Pied-billed Grebes are common enough in the marsh, but now that the
young are fledged and dispersing, the numbers of this species have risen
sharply. The heron family was well represented in the Park this week,
with up to three Least Bitterns in the marsh on August 2, numerous Great
Blue Herons, smaller numbers of Great Egrets, and Green Herons on two
different days.
Two Wood Ducks in the marsh on August 4 were visible from the road.
Three Green-winged Teal, the first of the season, were at Gull Island on
August 3. On July 30 and August 1, the two Greater Scaup that have been
frequenting the waters around Gull Island were seen again.
As this report was being composed, two Ospreys, each struggling to stay
airborne while carrying a moderately large fish, flew west low over the
water of Presqu'ile Bay, about one hundred metres apart. Earlier in the
day, Northern Harriers were seen at the beach and at the lighthouse,
suggesting that a migratory movement may have been under way.
Although much of the algae that was providing good shorebird habitat
north of Owen Point throughout much of July has recently become
submerged, there are still a few shorebirds of interest there: a few
Sanderlings and Semipalmated and Least Sandpipers, and, on July 30, two
Lesser Yellowlegs and a Stilt Sandpiper. On Gull Island there were two
Red Knots on August 3, both in colourful breeding plumage. This month
will likely see the peak of fall shorebird migration at Presqu'ile. At
Owen Point, there have been up to seven Bonaparte's Gulls in various
plumages and an immature Forster's Tern on August 2 that was seen by
seven observers.
Two of the resident Barred Owls were discovered in Jobes' Woods at dusk
on August 3, sitting in the trees above Paxton Drive and emitting
various squawks, while nearby American Robins vocally expressed their
concern.
An Empidonax flycatcher, believed to be a Least Flycatcher, was at the
lighthouse on July 3. All of the regular swallow species except
Northern Rough-winged Swallow were reported in the Park this week. The
two Brown Creepers seen on August 2 were likely local birds that had
dispersed from another part 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. 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.
