Mid-summer is not usually an exciting time for birding, but at
Presqu'ile Provincial Park one can often find surprises even at this
time of year, and the past week has been no exception.
A Turkey Vulture near the Park entrance was the first of that species in
the Park since the spring migration. Among the ducks on Gull Island,
the Northern Pintail that has been there for many weeks was seen twice
in the past week. Both Common and Red-breasted Mergansers have been
seen in that area as well this week. The spring shorebird migration has
finally come to an end, and the first of the fall migrants, a Least
Sandpiper, was at Owen Point on June 26. Lesser Yellowlegs will likely
be next to return.
A late Bonaparte's Gull was at Owen Point on June 26, but the biggest
surprise was a Glaucous Gull there on June 25, probably the first summer
record at Presqu'ile for a bird that should have been in the Arctic at
that season.
Two Yellow-billed Cuckoos were again found at the calf pasture on June
24. A Winter Wren was singing beside Paxton Drive on June 23. Two
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were singing on June 26. Orchard Orioles are
probably present in several parts of the Park, but the only one noted
this week was at the calf pasture.
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.
