Perhaps because of pre-Christmas commitments, few birders have been
visiting Presqu'ile Provincial Park in the past week, and consequently
the number and variety of bird sightings have been limited. Among them,
however, are a few that have been known to make birders twitch or
salivate, especially early winter specialties for which Presqu'ile is noted.
Three species of swans have been in Presqu'ile Bay since last week's
report, a single Trumpeter Swan and up to seven Tundra Swans. As long
as the hunting season continues (and hunters have been out in full
force), there are fewer ducks than one might expect. Among them have
been a few White-winged Scoters and at least one Hooded Merganser. By
this date last year there had already been two sightings of Harlequin
Ducks, a species that should be looked for in the days and weeks ahead.
A Horned Grebe was off Gull Island on December 2, a remnant of the large
flocks of a few weeks ago. American Coots will persist in Presqu'ile
Bay at least until it freezes over again. Two Purple Sandpipers, one of
the aforementioned Presqu'ile specialties, were on Gull Island on
November 30. Five Dunlins were also there two days later. About 100
Bonaparte's Gulls were at Beach 1 on December 1, and a few are also in
Presqu'ile Bay. Good looks were easily obtained of a Snowy Owl on Gull
Island that seems inclined to remain there indefinitely.
Two Northern Shrikes have been in the Park this week, one along the
entrance road (Presqu'ile Parkway) and the other at the calf pasture,
where it is seen on most days. On November 30, with the approach of a
storm, a mixed flock of Cedar Waxwings and American Robins was circling
over the lighthouse, apparently in migration mode. Since then both
species have been hard to find. Regrettably, the nine-day sojourn of a
Pine Warbler ended after November 27, perhaps as a result of predation
(or perhaps in response to the comment made in last week's report that
the bird might stay for the Christmas Bird Count). A few domestic cats
have been frequenting that area all fall. White-throated Sparrows were
still at 85 Bayshore Road on November 28 and may still be in that area.
Snow Buntings are still being seen around Gull Island. A female House
Sparrow paid a brief visit to a feeder at 186 Bayshore Road.
A consolation prize for a birder scanning the marsh in futility for
lingering ducks or other birds was the sight of an otter playing at the
edge of the reeds where there was a patch of open water.
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. Visitors to Gull Island should be
prepared to wade through shin-deep water in which there is often a swift
current and a substrate that is somewhat uneven. It should also be noted
that, because duck hunting is given priority on Mondays, Wednesdays,
Fridays, and Saturdays, Gull Island, High Bluff Island, Owen Point, 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,
Brighton, Ontario, Canada, K0K 1H0
VOICE: (613) 475 5309
If visiting, access via Presqu'ile Provincial Park.
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