The past week at Presqu'ile Provincial Park has seen many species of
birds returning on schedule as well as a few interesting reports that
unfortunately lack any adequate written or photographic documentation of
their alleged identities. The Park provides rare bird reporting forms
for this purpose, but few are submitted.
From May 7 - 9, Red-throated Loons were still present in Popham Bay, 6
and 5 on the first two of those days, respectively, including some that
were closer to shore than had been the case through much of April. At
least three flocks of Brant rested in the waters off Presqu'ile and on
Sebastopol Island on May 8 and 9, the largest flock numbering about 80
birds. More can be expected in the next week or two. There was a
report of a Trumpeter Swan. No others of that species have been seen
anywhere in the area for many months. Two Northern Pintails were in
Popham Bay on May 5. On May 7, five White-winged Scoters and on May 8
one Surf Scoter were also in Popham Bay.
Turkey Vultures were seen in the Park on several days. An Osprey was at
the lighthouse on May 6. After almost a week with only three or four
species of shorebirds (including small numbers of Semipalmated Plovers)
and barely half a dozen individuals on any given day, there was a minor
influx on May 11, including a Ruddy Turnstone, about 8 Least Sandpipers,
and about 30 Dunlins. A report of a Willet seen flying away in the
marsh was unusual, as was another report of a Purple Sandpiper.
A Red-headed Woodpecker was at the lighthouse on May 8, and a
Red-bellied Woodpecker has been in that area for over a week. A rather
lateYellow-bellied Sapsucker has been lingering nearby. A few Eastern
Kingbirds and Great Crested Flycatchers have been present for several
days, but as yet no Eastern Wood-Pewees. A Yellow-throated Vireo
appeared on May 9, and several Red-eyed Vireos on the following day.
Philadelphia Vireos can be expected any day now. The only Cliff Swallow
of the season was at Owen Point on May 11. An Eastern Bluebird was seen
on May 5. Cedar Waxwings can often be seen migrating overhead at the
lighthouse in late May, but a small flock was already doing that on May 10.
Among the 21 species of warblers found in the Park in the past week, the
highlights were a Blue-winged Warbler and two Golden-winged Warblers on
May 9, a very early Orange-crowned Warbler on May 5, Northern Parulas on
May 8 and 10, four Palm Warblers on May 6, a Bay-breasted Warbler on May
11, a Cerulean Warbler on May 10, and three American Redstarts on May 11.
Scarlet Tanagers first appeared on May 9 and have been seen on each
subsequent day. Clay-colored Sparrows appear to be back on territory in
the calf pasture. A late Dark-eyed Junco was seen on May 7.
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks have been exceptionally numerous in recent
days. Indigo Buntings and Orchard Orioles are appearing daily at the
lighthouse and elsewhere. Two male House Sparrows stopped briefly at a
feeder on May 8 and another was seen at a different feeder on the next day.
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]
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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.
