There is still plenty of open water around Presqu'ile Provincial Park,
and that has served to concentrate most of the waterfowl in Presqu'ile
Bay. Likewise, most of the land birds are now concentrated around the
various feeders in the Park and along Bayshore Road.
The annual assembly of Mute Swans has built up to over 260 birds, and
two Tundra Swans were among them on December 6. Two American Wigeons, a
few dozen Redheads, and a Ring-necked Duck were in Presqu'ile Bay on
December 6. A female Harlequin Duck was seen repeatedly in the vicinity
of the lighthouse on December 4. A few White-winged Scoters can usually
be found off the lighthouse. A few lingering Hooded Mergansers were
present this week, including four at Salt Point on December 6. A
Red-necked Grebe was in Presqu'ile Bay on December 4.
Only three species of raptors were found at Presqu'ile this week: Bald
Eagle, Sharp-shinned Hawk, and Red-tailed Hawk. Another eagle,
unidentified as to species, was seen today. Two Wild Turkeys flew over
the Park office. Although only two species of shorebirds were seen in
the Park this week, that is twice as many as one would expect in
December. The most surprising is a Ruddy Turnstone that was still seen
on Gull Island today. Although as many as five Purple Sandpipers were
on Gull Island as recently as December 4, only three could be found
there today. Footing is treacherous there since the ice storm on the
weekend. November 30 was the latest date on which Bonaparte's Gulls
were still observed. An Iceland Gull was among the Herring Gulls on the
ice of Presqu'ile Bay on December 6. Perhaps a Glaucous Gull will be
the next arrival.
For the first time in several weeks, not a single Northern Shrike was
reported in the past week. On the other hand, American Robins have
re-appeared after going into hiding for a while, and Hermit Thrushes
were spotted in two different parts of the Park on December 4 after a
hiatus of almost a month. The Carolina Wren continues to make daily
visits to the feeders at 186 Bayshore Road. The most frequent visits
are at dawn. Two American Pipits at Owen Point and Gull Island on
December 4 and 6 were very late.
A Swamp Sparrow and a White-throated Sparrow were at the Park office on
November 30. Snow Buntings have been seen in a few locations in the
south-western area of the Park. The Rusty Blackbird at 83 Bayshore Road
was still there on December 4, and a small group of Common Grackles has
been patronizing several feeders along Bayshore Road. Most of the crab
apples on the tree across the road from the government dock have been
consumed, with only the crimson stains remaining on the ground, but the
flock of Pine Grosbeaks that has been there for over a week (maximum of
22 birds) continues to visit in considerably reduced numbers. Small
numbers of Common Redpolls and American Goldfinches can sometimes be found.
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. It should be noted that, because
duck hunting is given priority on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and
Saturdays, Owen Point, Gull Peninsula, Sebastopol Island, High Bluff
Island, and part of the calf pasture are not available for bird-watching
on those days.
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.
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