With the spring bird migration virtually over, and with the consequent
lull in birder activity at Presqu'ile Provincial Park, noteworthy bird
sightings are limited. This report will highlight a few lingering birds
that do not normally stay this late into spring, as well as a few
species that are not uncommon at Presqu'ile but less common elsewhere in
eastern Ontario.
A few Common Loons can always be found out in Lake Ontario, often
calling to each other, especially when a light aircraft flies over.
Although Great Egrets have been nesting on High Bluff Island for the
past two months or so, they are now being seen more frequently on the
mainland. Along with the usual Gadwalls and American Wigeons around
Owen Point, a Northern Pintail and a Green-winged Teal were there on
June 13. A male and female scaup were off Gull Island on that day too.
A small flock of Long-tailed Ducks has been a regular presence for the
past ten days off the more easterly of the two day use areas. Two
Red-breasted Mergansers were on Owen Point on June 15.
A Merlin at the entrance to the "fingers" on June 9 was the only raptor
seen in the past week and the only one of that species in the Park in
over a month. Virginia Rails are beginning to emerge from the reeds and
appear in the open in the little marsh behind Owen Point where they put
on a good show in the late summer last year. Six of the shorebird
species seen in the past week from Owen Point are thought to be still on
migration: Semipalmated Plovers (two on most days), Ruddy Turnstones
(eleven on June 11 and one on June 13), Sanderlings (maximum of three),
Semipalmated Sandpipers (about ten on June 11 and one on June 13),
White-rumped Sandpipers (two on June 15), Dunlins (two on most days).
Four Bonaparte's Gulls were there on June 13.
A Yellow-billed Cuckoo was at the calf pasture on June 9. Seven Blue
Jays were still in migration past the lighthouse on the surprisingly
late date of June 10. Although the warbler migration has almost
certainly ended, the presence of a Prairie Warbler last year on June 20
indicates that there may still be some surprises. An Orchard Oriole at
the west end of the calf pasture on June 14 was in a location different
from where the species is regularly being seen recently.
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.
