Any lingering doubts about the arrival of spring at Presqu'ile
Provincial Park have been erased in the past few days, as overdue
migrants of several species finally appeared, some in good numbers.
Most of the thousands of waterfowl are in Presqu'ile Bay and well seen
from the calf pasture, but among the many flocks of Canada Geese that
went overhead on March 27 were two flocks containing single Cackling
Geese. It is worth watching those flocks for Snow Geese, that
occasionally migrate with them. A Trumpeter Swan and a few Tundra Swans
were seen during the past week. About 20 Wood Ducks were seen in the
calf pasture area on March 25. Northern Shovelers first showed up
there on that date too, and three were still there on the following
day. A few Northern Pintails and Green-winged Teal have also been there.
The first two Red-throated Loons were in Popham Bay on March 24, and the
first Common Loon was in Presqu'ile Bay on March 27, along with two
Horned Grebes. The first five Double-crested Cormorants appeared on
March 27. For several days, Great Blue Herons have been standing on the
edge of the ice in Presqu'ile Bay, for lack of any better alternative
short of turning around and going back south. An Iceland Gull seen on
March 27 may prove to be the last of the season. The first Caspian
Terns will soon be showing up. Greater Yellowlegs may be the next
shorebird species to return to Presqu'ile, as one was seen outside the
Park today.
One of the elusive Barred Owls in Jobes' Woods was found this week. Two
Common Ravens apparently spent the night in the Park on March 23. They
were seen flying in from the mainland on that day and flying back to the
mainland on the following morning. One other was spotted on March 27.
One of the Carolina Wrens that has been present all winter can still be
heard in the mornings between 83 and 131 Bayshore Road. Bohemian
Waxwings and Cedar Waxwings were both in the Park this week, including a
flock of 35 of the former. Song Sparrows descended on Presqu'ile with a
vengeance last night and could be found in many places. Fox Sparrows
will likely be next to arrive. Eastern Meadowlarks and Brown-headed
Cowbirds have been seen on two separate days in the past week. Most of
the Common Redpolls frequenting the feeders at 186 Bayshore Road, as
well as the two Hoary Redpolls with them, disappeared after March 25,
but a few of the former are still present.
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,
Brighton, Ontario, Canada, K0K 1H0
VOICE: (613) 475 5309
If visiting, access via Presqu'ile Provincial Park.
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