Not surprisingly, given the persistent northerly winds, evidence of
spring bird migration at Presqu'ile Provincial Park has been limited.
Ice conditions in Presqu'ile Bay have not been the deterrent to the
arrival of ducks that they often are at this time of year, most of those
ducks that are present having been wintering in the bay. Away from the
bird feeders in the Park and on Bayshore Road, land birds have been very
scarce.
An AMERICAN BLACK DUCK, the first since early January, was off Gull
Island on February 16. A few CANVASBACKS and a lone REDHEAD have been
easily seen every day from the government dock, and four more of the
latter flew in this morning, probably the vanguard of much larger
flocks. A SURF SCOTER was off the lighthouse on February 17, and
WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS have been regular there and elsewhere. Except for
Saturday and yesterday (when snow reduced visibility), the BARROW'S
GOLDENEYE has been seen every day for the past week.
On February 13, an adult BALD EAGLE flew over Presqu'ile Bay and a
NORTHERN HARRIER was at Gull Island today. A WILD TURKEY put in two
more appearances in the past week. ICELAND, LESSER BLACK-BACKED, and
GLAUCOUS GULLS have been seen this week off Gull Island, and one of the
latter was in Presqu'ile Bay today. A SNOWY OWL was perched on the ice
north of Gull Island on Tuesday. BARRED OWLS continue to be found with
little difficulty. People photographing them or simply enjoying the
sight have found PILEATED WOODPECKERS here and there as a bonus. This
morning an AMERICAN CROW, apparently migrating, flew past the
lighthouse. A COMMON RAVEN was at Owen Point on February 16. BROWN
CREEPERS and AMERICAN ROBINS have been seen several times this week near
the lighthouse. A few SNOW BUNTINGS are regular off Owen Point.
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 narrow channel between Owen
Point and Gull Island is normally ice-covered at this time of year, but
the ice, while appearing to be thick, might not support the weight of a
human. However, the water beneath the crust is only ankle-deep. The
surrounding shoreline can be very slippery. 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.
_______________________________________________
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
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