The cool weather of the past week has delayed the bird migration at
Presqu'ile Provincial Park by a week or two later than normal, as it has
done throughout most of southern Ontario. However, a moderation in
temperature today has brought a number of new birds and promises to
bring in a lot more in the next few days. Expect flycatchers, more
vireos, gnatcatchers, and lots of warblers, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, and
orioles.
Red-throated Loons and Horned Grebes can still be found in Popham Bay
with the help of a spotting scope whenever viewing conditions permit.
Today was one of those days, when six of the former and five of the
latter were seen. Two male Northern Shovelers were also there today.
Two new shorebird species arrived on May 5: a Spotted Sandpiper at the
lighthouse and an early Sanderling on Gull Island. There were also
several hundred Bonaparte's Gulls off Owen Point. It is worth scanning
that flock for other species such as Little Gulls.
On May 1 a Barred Owl was calling in Jobes' Woods in the middle of the
day.
Among the new arrivals today were Blue-headed Vireos, Black-and-white
Warblers, and a Northern Waterthrush. A late American Tree Sparrow was
at a feeder on May 2 and 3. A Bobolink at the calf pasture on May 5 and
two Rusty Blackbirds at the lighthouse on April 29 were the only ones of
those species reported so far this spring. A few Purple Finches are
visiting a feeder where none has been for almost two weeks.
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.
