There have been more birders visiting Presqu'ile Provincial Park this
week than there have been all winter. It is not surprising, then, that
a good many interesting sightings were made.
The biggest flight of Canada Geese this spring occurred on April 1, with
thousands passing overhead, including one Cackling Goose. There were
still two Tundra Swans in Presqu'ile Bay today. The highlight of the
week was the discovery of at least one and possibly three Eurasian
Wigeons on April 2. The one male in Presqu'ile Bay was seen in good
light on the following day by a number of observers. In the past,
individuals of this species have lingered at Presqu'ile for long enough
to allow many people to see them. Four Northern Shovelers were also at
the calf pasture on April 3, but the first Blue-winged Teal has yet to
appear. A few Ruddy Ducks have been seen on several recent days near
Salt Point. Most of the other expected ducks can be found on any given
day with little difficulty, given good viewing conditions.
Three Red-throated Loons were in Popham Bay on Sunday and five Common
Loons were off the calf pasture this afternoon. There were at least two
Horned Grebes at the calf pasture today, in various plumages, which
caused some debate among the several observers as to whether one might
be an Eared Grebe, a species of which there was also a report. More
Double-crested Cormorants are appearing every day.
While Ospreys are showing up north of Presqu'ile, there has not yet
been a sighting here this spring. After several possible sightings of
Northern Goshawks in the woods over the past few weeks, there was one
clearly seen today. There is always the possibility that this species is
again nesting in the Park, as it did a few years ago. Two Merlins were
seen together on March 30. This species has also nested in the Park in
recent years.
Two flocks of Killdeer migrated past the peninsula on March 31, one
containing three birds and the other numbering a surprising ten
individuals. An American Woodcock was flushed near the lighthouse on
March 28 and another was strutting on the snow near the Owen Point trail
two days later.
A Northern Shrike was at the calf pasture on March 29. A Tree Swallow
seen on March 29 and three more on April 2 were fewer than one would
expect at this time of year. A Carolina Wren has put in a few vocal
appearances at the lighthouse, most recently on April 2. A Ruby-crowned
Kinglet was reported there on the same day. A few Common Redpolls are
still visiting the feeders at 186 Bayshore Road, accompanied from time
to time by a single Hoary Redpoll, most recently on April 3. A single
Pine Siskin was at the feeders at 83 Bayshore Road on March 29.
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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