Although the peak of the spring land bird migration at Presqu'ile
Provincial Park normally occurs after the middle of May, there has been
enough activity in the past week to satisfy even the most jaded birder.
In particular, the most colourful species (warblers, orioles, tanagers,
etc.) have been streaming in for the past few days.
With the opening of the fishing season last weekend, the number of boats
in Presqu'ile Bay has caused most of the waterfowl to vacate that area.
Canada Geese have begun parading their goslings along the beach.
Gadwalls and Redheads can still be found in Popham Bay, and a handful of
Ruddy Ducks off the government dock appears reluctant to depart. A
Red-throated Loon was in Popham Bay on May 6. The time is ripe for the
elusive Least Bitterns to return to the marsh. The first Green Heron of
the year was at the calf pasture on May 9.
An adult Cooper's Hawk was very co-operative on two consecutive days
this week. Ruffed Grouse are drumming daily in various parts of the
Park. A Virginia Rail was found along the beach 2 access road. At
least one Common Moorhen has been spotted in the marsh this week.
Shorebirds have not yet made much of a showing, the only new arrivals
being Semipalmated Plover, Solitary Sandpiper, and Least Sandpiper.
The first sightings of both Chimney Swift and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
were on May 5. Red-bellied Woodpeckers are appearing daily near the
lighthouse. Of the five vireo species known to occur at Presqu'ile, the
only one not yet reported is Philadelphia Vireo. The Yellow-throated
Vireo seen on May 4 was one of the earliest on record at Presqu'ile. A
Common Raven was seen twice (May 5 and 8) at the lighthouse. On May 7,
the Carolina Wren was re-located between the Park store and the bird
sightings board. Twenty-five species of warblers, plus one hybrid, have
been seen in the Park during the past week, with as many as 20 being
found by one observer on a single day. The highlights include
Blue-winged Warbler, Golden-winged Warbler, "Brewster's Warbler", Cape
May Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, Hooded Warbler (a
male seen twice on May 10), and an early Canada Warbler on May 9.
Scarlet Tanagers are being sighted every day. A Clay-colored Sparrow
gave three observers great views on May 8 and another was heard on the
following morning. Lincoln's Sparrows were plentiful on May 9. A late
Dark-eyed Junco was still at 191 Bayshore Road on May 9 and 10. A
gynandromorphic Rose-breasted Grosbeak was among dozens of that species
now in the Park. Indigo Buntings are also present in good numbers. The
grosbeaks are in a tight race with Baltimore Orioles for the numerical
championship. Orchard Orioles have been present since May 6, and
several were seen today.
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]
--
--
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.
