January 20 2005 ~10:30 am
There was a female harlequin duck with 50 + common goldeneyes down
stream from the Great lakes power dam under the international bridge
at the Sault Canal in Sault Ste. Marie, ON. There were also 5 bald
eagles of various ages flying around, a few of which a were actively
trying to catch the goldeneyes. A large flock of Bohemian waxwings
was circling in the area as well.
This outflow stream is directly across from the Sault Canal National
Park parking lot on Canal rd.
Fergus Nicoll
Sault Ste. Marie, ON
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Date: Thu, 20 Jan 2005 20:58:40 -0500
From: Fred Helleiner <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
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Subject: [Ontbirds]
Presqu'ile Birding Report for Week Ending January 20, 2005.
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Despite the persistence of wintry weather through most of the past week
at Presqu'ile Provincial Park, there are subtle signs that the
noticeably lengthening photoperiod (or perhaps some other stimulus) is
fostering some spring-like behaviour in a few birds.
Most of the outer half of Presqu'ile Bay remained open until very
recently, and even after a couple of days of sub-zero temperatures
(Fahrenheit) there are extensive patches of open water visible from the
government dock. Along the fringes of that open water there are several
Canada Geese (unusual in winter at Presqu'ile) and many swans. The
majority of the latter are Mute Swans, but whenever it has been possible
to check their identity there have also been up to a dozen Tundra Swans
and, on January 14 and 15, a single Trumpeter Swan, initially identified
by its call. The birds most affected by the partial freeze-up were the
thousands of Redheads and Greater Scaup, most of which had headed out of
the bay to points unknown by January 17. Neither species was spotted
today. A male Canvasback was seen daily until January 16, and a male
Lesser Scaup was at the calf pasture on January 14.
No hawks or owls were reported in the Park during the past week, though
that may be partly attributed to the almost total absence of birders
lately. It is almost certain that at least three species of owls are
present, including the likelihood that the Snowy Owl on Gull Island has
not moved on. Only a determined birder would venture out to that
wind-swept location on days like the past few.
The Northern Flicker that has been spending the winter around 70-100
Bayshore Road was seen again on January 14. On January 15, two Common
Ravens were performing their courtship flight over Jobes' woods, and a
single bird was heard calling on two subsequent days this week.
Although this northern species is not known to nest in the Park, these
observations have renewed the speculation that was heard last year that
perhaps they have in fact included Presqu'ile among the places in which
they are becoming re-established. Further evidence is required.
Even on the coldest mornings, a few Black-capped Chickadees have begun
to whistle their spring song lately. Perhaps the next songster will be
the Tufted Titmouse that has become a regular patron of the feeders at
186 (and probably 191) Bayshore Road. A Brown Creeper was seen twice
and photographed at that location this week. A Golden-crowned Kinglet
was found in Jobes' woods earlier in the week, and American Robins are
also over-wintering in their normal numbers. Two different flocks of
Cedar Waxwings were found on one of the coldest mornings of the week. A
flock of Common Redpolls stopped briefly one morning at the feeders at
186 Bayshore Road.
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.
