The big attraction at Presqu'ile Provincial Park this week has been a
western bird that is not even recognized as a species in its own right,
but merely a sub-species of a common bird. Another western race of a
common bird was also sighted in the Park this week. Other than those
two sightings, most of this week's new migrants are what one would
expect at this time of year. Birders are getting impatient in
expectation of a major push of new arrivals.
With one notable exception, only remnants of the spring waterfowl
migration remain at Presqu'ile. No Canvasbacks or Redheads were
reported in the past week, and the Surf Scoter that was lingering near
Salt Point disappeared after April 28. The lone exception is the flock
of Ruddy Ducks off the government dock, which numbered 31 individuals on
April 27 and 29, but even that flock has had only three birds remaining
for the past two days. Just outside the Park, a Trumpeter Swan was seen
on April 30. Partly because of adverse viewing conditions (waves and
heat haze), only one Red-throated Loon was spotted in the past week, and
that was at the lighthouse on April 29. Similarly, Horned Grebes have
become fewer, and only one Red-necked Grebe was sighted (at Salt Point
on May 1).
Great Egrets were seen twice in the marsh this week. No Green Herons
have appeared yet. Normally by this date, Sebastopol Island is occupied
by several pairs of Black-crowned Night-Herons, but this year that has
not happened, the nesting site apparently being usurped by
Double-crested Cormorants. The only one of that heron species seen in
the Park this year was a single bird at the calf pasture on April 27.
An Osprey was observed diving for a fish in the marsh on April 29. The
most noteworthy raptor sightings were both over 83 Bayshore Road: a
Northern Goshawk on May 3 and a Peregrine Falcon on April 29. A Common
Moorhen was in the marsh on May 2. Common Terns have been seen at both
ends of Presqu'ile.
Red-bellied Woodpeckers are appearing daily at the lighthouse and at
nearby locations. Both a male and a female have been observed. Least
Flycatcher and Great Crested Flycatcher have arrived on schedule. The
Warbling Vireo at the lighthouse on May 1 appears to be a record early
date for Presqu'ile. The Blue Jay migration which occurs later this
month has just begun. Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers and Northern Mockingbirds
have both been seen twice this week.
A record early Golden-winged Warbler was near the lighthouse on April
30. An unconfirmed report of two Tennessee Warblers on May 1 would be
unprecedented at that early date. The highlight of the week was the
discovery at the lighthouse on April 27 of a male "Audubon's" Warbler,
the western race of Yellow-rumped Warbler, which was formerly considered
to be a distinct species. It was re-discovered on April 30 and has been
seen every day since then, though often only after lengthy searches.
Most sub-species are too difficult to identify to warrant inclusion in
these reports, but that one is unmistakable when seen well. Seven other
species of warbler seen in the Park this week represent only the
beginning of what, for many, is the biggest delight of spring. An early
Lincoln's Sparrow was at the lighthouse on May 1. A few White-crowned
Sparrows have also arrived, including one identified as an individual of
the "Gambel's" race. The appearance of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and a
Baltimore Oriole within the past two days reminds birders to be on the
lookout for Orchard Orioles, which always show up at Presqu'ile in early
May and stay to breed.
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.
