Although the annual Waterfowl Viewing Festival at Presqu'ile Provincial
Park is still over four weeks away, the mild temperatures of the past
week have been accompanied by a huge influx of waterfowl. Other spring
birds can't be far behind, as long as the weather is favourable.
Among the thousands of ducks in Presqu'ile Bay are several dozen
Canvasbacks and a few hundred Redheads, larger numbers of both of those
species than we have seen since last spring. Most of the other ducks
are Greater Scaup. Two White-winged Scoters have been regular near Salt
Point. It would not be a surprise to see a Hooded Merganser within a
few days.
An immature Bald Eagle made several passes over the lighthouse on
February 6. The Red-tailed Hawk that has been wintering in the Park has
been seen this week in a number of locations. Ring-billed Gulls are not
back in "full force" but their numbers are already in the hundreds. A
Snowy Owl was sitting on the ice near the lighthouse for much of the day
on February 10. On the preceding day a Barred Owl was discovered in
Jobes' woods, the usual haunt of that species. For at least four
consecutive days, a Northern Shrike, apparently absent for a few weeks,
was back at the calf pasture.
Two Brown Creepers were on the same tree at 186 Bayshore Road on
February 7. A Golden-crowned Kinglet was seen on February 9. American
Robins have found plenty of exposed grass on which to forage. A dozen
Snow Buntings were on Gull Island on February 9. There are still plenty
of Common Redpolls and Pine Siskins at various feeders.
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. The ice between Owen Point and Gull
Island may be unsafe depending on recent wind and temperature
conditions. Beware of hidden ice patches.
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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ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
birding organization.
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For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
