Last-minute plans are being finalized for the annual Warblers and
Whimbrels Weekend at Presqu'ile Provincial Park. The weather forecast
is good, but the foliage has advanced to the point where viewing
warblers in the canopy can be frustrating. Many birders visiting the
Park recently have found it worthwhile to visit the constructed wetland
a short distance outside the Park at the corner of Harbour Street and
Prince Edward Street (County Road 64) at the south-east corner of
Brighton, where shorebirds and other interesting birds can still be seen
despite the rapidly growing marsh vegetation. Among other things,
recent visits have produced Least Bittern, Virginia Rail, Sora, many
Common Moorhens, Sandhill Crane (overhead), up to three Solitary
Sandpipers, a dozen Short-billed Dowitchers, two female Wilson's
Phalaropes, sundry other shorebirds in good numbers, and a Great Horned
Owl hooting in broad daylight nearby.
Two Green Herons appeared briefly at the calf pasture on May 18. Also
there at the same time were two immature Trumpeter Swans that were
inexplicably consorting with a pair of Mute Swans. Small numbers of
eight species of dabbling ducks have been seen in the past week. An
American Wigeon, a Northern Pintail, and a Green-winged Teal were among
them. The most interesting duck of the week is a Harlequin Duck that
has been around since May 14, close in to shore west of Chatterton Point
between the Elmvale and Lakeside campgrounds.
Five species of raptors have been seen in the Park in the past week,
including an Osprey and a Peregrine Falcon. The latter bird, seen on
May 15 off Owen Point, was being chased by Common Terns. Close to a
dozen species of shorebirds have put in appearances at Presqu'ile in the
past week. Two Black-bellied Plovers were at Owen Point on May 12. A
bird fitting the description of a Wilson's Plover was seen on the beach
along the Owen Point trail on May 17 but disappeared before its identity
could be confirmed. The main passage of Whimbrels is not expected for
another week, but, given the right conditions, the vanguard could appear
any day now. Indeed, there was a report of a flock flying past the day
use area as early as May 14. A Ruddy Turnstone was present near Owen
Point for three consecutive days. The first Semipalmated Sandpiper of
the season was at beach 1 on May 18. A Short-billed Dowitcher was at
Owen Point on May 12 and 18.
Seven species of woodpeckers seen in the Park in the past week include
Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and a late Yellow-bellied
Sapsucker on May 16. A probable Alder Flycatcher was observed carefully
on the Owen Point trail on May 13. Both that species and Willow
Flycatcher should be listened for in that area in coming days. For the
second consecutive week, a Yellow-throated Vireo was seen at Presqu'ile,
this one in the lighthouse area on May 14. Philadelphia Vireos were
seen on May 13 and 18. Blue Jays have been migrating over the
lighthouse in good numbers early in the mornings. A Common Raven flew
over near the Park entrance on May 15. A Cliff Swallow was at the calf
pasture on two consecutive days. Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers have been
fairly easy to find in recent days. Among other thrushes in the Park, a
Gray-cheeked Thrush was seen on the Owen Point trail on May 17 and 18.
Most birders visiting Presqu'ile this week have concentrated their
efforts on finding warblers. On three different days, individual
observers have been able to find 20 or more species, not including the
hybrid Brewster's Warbler seen on May 13. A Blue-winged Warbler was
seen on May 12. There have been several sightings of Tennessee
Warblers, Northern Parulas, Cape May Warblers, Palm Warblers,
Bay-breasted Warblers, American Redstarts, Mourning Warblers, Wilson's
Warblers, and Canada Warblers, and single sightings of Blackpoll Warbler
and Cerulean Warbler. Scarlet Tanagers have also been fairly easy to find.
Clay-colored Sparrows are being found regularly along Atkins Lane. A
Lincoln's Sparrow was seen on May 17. A Dark-eyed Junco and a Pine
Siskin on May 13 were late. Although the migration of Orchard Orioles
appears to have slowed down, there still are a few around Presqu'ile,
the most reliable location being the feeders behind 83 Bayshore Road and
perhaps the spruce trees around Langton Avenue.
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.
