Fifty of the fifty-two species of birds seen at Presqu'ile Provincial
Park during the past week were recorded during the Christmas Bird Count
(CBC) on December 14, when six birders gave the peninsula and Gull
Island a thorough scouring. For such a small area (about five square
kilometres), the total count serves as testimony to their diligence.
A feature of the CBC is an attempt to put numbers to the flocks of water
birds, which resulted in counts of 427 individuals of each of Canada
Geese and Mute Swans, the latter a disturbingly high figure, which
demonstrates the need to bring that rapidly escalating population down
to a more ecologically sound level. In addition, there were two
Trumpeter Swans, one of which was released in neighbouring Prince Edward
County in 2006 (as determined by its numbered wing tag), and 23 Tundra
Swans. Also on the CBC, nine White-winged Scoters were the highest
number seen this month. A female Black Scoter was off Gull Island on
December 18. It is worth checking all the goldeneyes in the area in case
the Barrow's Goldeneye that was present for the past two winters should
re-appear. Hooded Mergansers were in Presqu'ile Bay on December 15 and
17. A Common Loon, the first in over two weeks, was flying around
Presqu'ile Bay on December 13 and 14.
Only one Bald Eagle was sighted since last week's report. Cooper's
Hawks were seen on December 14 and 18. A group of birders taking a
lunch break at a cottage during the CBC were treated to the sight of a
Northern Goshawk that perched on a nearby fence. A Rough-legged Hawk
also appeared on the CBC.
The only shorebirds of the week were two Purple Sandpipers on Gull
Island on December 14, that were not evident on December 18. The latest
Bonaparte's Gulls were three that flew past the lighthouse on December
15. Single Iceland Gulls were in Presqu'ile Bay on December 12 and 14,
and three Glaucous Gulls on Gull Island on the CBC were the highest
tally of that species this week. One observer on the CBC counted over
60 Great Black-backed Gulls, an unusually high figure.
Single Snowy Owls have been seen repeatedly on Gull Island and on the
ice of Presqu'ile Bay. A Barred Owl was found on the CBC. Northern
Shrikes have apparently established territories at three different
locations in the Park, all three of which were seen on December 18.
Younger birders, i.e., those who still hear high frequencies, should be
able to find Brown Creepers and Golden-crowned Kinglets, since three of
the former and 36 of the latter were counted on the CBC. Sparrows were
found in good numbers on the CBC, especially on Gull Island, which
yielded a Song Sparrow, a Swamp Sparrow, and an unprecedented (in
winter) five White-crowned Sparrows. White-throated Sparrows were at 83
Bayshore Road and elsewhere. In addition to the "resident" Snow
Buntings on Gull Island, several flocks have been flying west over
Presqu'ile Bay, apparently in migration. Three Common Grackles continue
to frequent the area around 83 Bayshore Road, where there are several
feeders. Three flocks of White-winged Crossbills were seen in the Park
in the past 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. Visitors to Gull Island should be
prepared to wade through knee-deep water in which there is often a swift
current and a substrate that is somewhat uneven. Hip waders are
essential, even when the water is calm, and are inadequate when the
water is rough. Most recently, the channel was ice-covered, but the
ice, while appearing to be thick, does not support the weight of a
human. The surrounding shoreline can be very slippery. It should also
be noted that, because duck hunting is given priority on Mondays,
Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, Gull Island, High Bluff Island,
Sebastopol Island, Owen Point, and part of the calf pasture are not
available for bird-watching on those days, at least until December 20.
Questions and comments about bird sightings at Presqu'ile may be
directed to: [email protected]. q
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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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