Now that February has arrived at Presqu'ile Provincial Park, birds are
on the move again. Though it can hardly be called more than the initial
stirrings of spring migration, the arrival of a few returning species
despite the nasty weather of recent days is encouraging to those of us
who have had enough of winter. The beginnings of bird song this week
are another harbinger of spring.
Tundra Swans have been easy to find in Presqu'ile Bay through most of
the past week. Two Gadwalls were there on February 4 and two American
Wigeons were at Gull Island the next day. At least eight, and possibly
as many as twelve, Northern Pintails also arrived on February 5.
Canvasbacks, Redheads, and White-winged Scoters, as well as more common
ducks, are constantly present in Presqu'ile Bay even when there are only
small patches of open water. Off Gull Island a female Harlequin Duck
was swimming with a small group of Greater Scaup on February 3, and two
days later another observer saw three ducks in flight that were probably
also that species.
An adult and an immature Bald Eagle flew over the Park on February 7, a
Northern Harrier was over High Bluff Island on February 3, and on each
of the next two days Rough-legged Hawks, the first of the season, were
flying over.
With flocks of Horned Larks appearing not far from Presqu'ile, there is
a good chance that they will soon be returning to the Park as well.
Black-capped Chickadees and House Finches have been in full song this
week. Every day except one for the past three weeks, the Carolina Wren
at 186 Bayshore Road has put in at least one appearance. A
Golden-crowned Kinglet was also seen along Bayshore Road, as were four
American Robins, doubtless over-wintering birds. A flock of 60 Bohemian
Waxwings with a few Cedar Waxwings was near the bird sightings board on
February 4, and later that day a flock of 90 of the former was near the
Park gate. A flock of eight Snow Buntings on the roadside at the calf
pasture on February 5 was clearly a newly returned group, unlike the
four that were at Gull Island two days earlier. A Common Grackle is a
daily visitor to the feeders at 186 Bayshore Road. On the other hand,
the flock of Common Redpolls and two Hoary Redpolls were there only on
one day this week.
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. Gull Island is no longer an island,
the connection to the mainland having been established several months ago.
Questions and comments about bird sightings at Presqu'ile may be
directed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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Fred Helleiner
186 Bayshore Road,
Brighton, Ontario, Canada, K0K 1H0
VOICE: (613) 475 5309
If visiting, access via Presqu'ile Provincial Park.
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