There has been no recent break in the prolonged sub-normal temperatures
at Presqu'ile Provincial Park. Consequently, even the wind, which
normally moves the ice in Presqu'ile Bay around enough to keep it from
freezing over, has almost met its match, with the result that relatively
few waterfowl remain there compared to the large flocks of a couple of
weeks ago.
After a period of a week without any sightings, a flock of about 65
Canada Geese flew over Presqu'ile Bay this morning, apparently in search
of open water. At least several dozen, and probably well over 100
swans, likely Mute Swans, are hunkered down on the north side of the
bay, visible from Presqu'ile through a spotting scope when there is no
ice fog, "heat haze", or snow to interfere with visibility. Occasional
small flocks of Redheads and Greater Scaup have persisted, flying around
and occupying the small patches of open water.
An accipiter, probably a Cooper's Hawk, was seen chasing a group of
European Starlings near the Park gate. The appearance of a Red-tailed
Hawk at the calf pasture was unexpected, as the species has not been
reported in the Park for weeks. Exhibiting common crepuscular
behaviour, a Ruffed Grouse was spotted browsing in the canopy of a
deciduous tree along Bayshore Road in mid-day, a time when most
observations are the result of flushing a bird at ground level. A Snowy
Owl was sitting on the ice of Presqu'ile Bay on January 21. The other
owl that has been making headlines everywhere is the Great Gray Owl, two
of which were seen at Presqu'ile this week (in addition to several
others not far from the Park).
No reports of Common Ravens at Presqu'ile have reached me since January
20, but further sightings would not be entirely unexpected. The Tufted
Titmouse at 186 Bayshore Road has become a "member of the family",
eating, drinking, and taking a bath in plain view of the other occupants
of that property. The flock of two or three dozen American Robins in the
Park has been moving around a great deal lately, being quite
unpredictable as to which patch of buckthorn berries it chooses to
decimate on any given day. At least one White-throated Sparrow is a
regular visitor to feeders at 83 and 85 Bayshore Road. A few small
flocks of Pine Grosbeaks, the first of the season, have been found in
the Park in the past few days. Common Redpolls have been fairly regular
visitors to the feeders at 186 Bayshore Road, in numbers of up to 50 birds.
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 may appear 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.
