Persistent northerly winds have delayed the arrival of many late April
birds at Presqu'ile Provincial Park. Nevertheless, birders have been
taking advantage of pleasant, if not ideal, birding conditions and have
been rewarded with a good selection of birds, reflecting the diversity
of habitats in the Park. The change in the wind that is predicted for
tonight and tomorrow may bring in a wave of migrants that have been
stalled for days.
One of Presqu'ile's specialty birds, the RED-THROATED LOON, can usually
be found in Popham Bay throughout April, but by the end of the month
their numbers diminish. Seven were there on April 24, but no more than
two were seen on any day since. GREAT EGRETS are also easier to find at
Presqu'ile than at many other locations in southern Ontario. Look for
them in the marsh or flying to and from High Bluff Island. With a scope
they can be seen on their nests on that island. A very late ICELAND GULL
was present on April 24 and 27, most recently on the eastern tip of Gull
Island. COMMON TERNS have been seen there and at the lighthouse this week.
Normally by this date RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS have put in an appearance
in the eastern end of the peninsula, but none has yet been reported.
Among several new arrivals on April 29 was a BLUE-HEADED VIREO. On
three consecutive days this week, a COMMON RAVEN was observed, leading
to speculation that it might be breeding in the Park. HOUSE WRENS, a
WOOD THRUSH, and several species of warblers returned within the past
two days. Among the latter were NASHVILLE, YELLOW, and PALM WARBLERS.
A COMMON YELLOWTHROAT was heard on the record early date of April 25,
but could not be located visually. Both VESPER and SAVANNAH SPARROWS
have been seen in the past week at the calf pasture. RUSTY BLACKBIRDS
have thinned out since last week, but two were still present this
morning at the lighthouse.
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. Access to the offshore islands is
restricted at this time of year to prevent disturbance to the colonial
nesting birds there. 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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