A number of birders from various parts of Ontario have visited
Presqu'ile Provincial Park in the past week. As a result, there have
been more sightings of interest than usual for this time of year, both
on the offshore islands and at mainland feeders.
Over 150 MUTE SWANS were counted recently in Presqu'ile Bay, but many
more are expected after other bodies of water in the area freeze over.
A flock of 20 TUNDRA SWANS flew by on December 5, and a few others, as
well as a possible TRUMPETER SWAN, have been spotted with them. The
last day on which dabbling ducks were in the marsh before it froze over
was December 5, when there were still AMERICAN WIGEONS, AMERICAN BLACK
DUCKS, MALLARDS, and GREEN-WINGED TEALS. The flock of GREATER SCAUP
that gathers every year in Presqu'ile Bay has begun to appear, but the
significant numbers will likely await the end of the hunting season in
another ten days. WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS often frequent the waters around
the Salt Point lighthouse and are there again this week. Two or perhaps
three COMMON LOONS have also been in Presqu'ile Bay, at least up till
December 8. A PIED-BILLED GREBE was there on December 5 and a HORNED
GREBE on December 8 and 10. The most recent DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT
sighting was of two birds flying past the lighthouse on December 8.
A WILD TURKEY was feeding on berries at 115 Bayshore Road and its tracks
could be seen nearby after the first snowfall. On December 8, a group of
three RUFFED GROUSE was spotted by the roadside in the Park, with one of
them, presumably the male, spreading its tail for the benefit of either
the two observers or the two other birds. A flock of about 30 AMERICAN
COOTS off 38 Bayshore Road is likely to remain there until freeze-up. By
this date, shorebirds become more difficult to find, and on December 6
several birders came up empty in their search. Yet two days later,
there were a SANDERLING, three PURPLE SANDPIPERS, and two DUNLINS on the
offshore islands, and four PURPLE SANDPIPERS and a DUNLIN were still
there today. Two LITTLE GULLS were at the beach on December 5. There
still are a few BONAPARTE'S GULLS in Presqu'ile Bay and off Owen Point.
Surprisingly, no one has yet found a GLAUCOUS GULL at Presqu'ile this
season.
A SNOWY OWL was observed flying from Gull Island to High Bluff Island on
December 8. BARRED OWLS are still being seen in various places in the
Park, though some searching or luck is often required. A NORTHERN
SHRIKE was on the wire outside 52 Bayshore Road on December 7. A HORNED
LARK was on Gull Island on December 6 and 10. A BROWN CREEPER was at
the end of Bayshore Road on December 8. Two WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS
were at the feeder at 85 Bayshore Road on December 10. SNOW BUNTINGS
are usually easy to find on Gull Island. The most recent sighting of
the ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK at the group campground parking lot was on
December 9. Six RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS were at 85 Bayshore Road on
December 10, a COMMON GRACKLE was there on December 5, and a PINE SISKIN
on December 6.
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 not using a
boat should be prepared to wade through ankle-deep water that sometimes
has waves that reach the shins. With hip waders one can walk to
Sebastopol Island from Gull Island, but wading to High Bluff Island is
not possible. 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 until December 20. Birders
are encouraged to record their observations on the bird sightings board
provided near the campground office by The Friends of Presqu'ile Park
and to fill out a rare bird report for species not listed there.
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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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