The variety of shorebirds at Owen Pt this morning was quite nice. About 80 birds were at the last viewing station (#7), in descending order - Least Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Sanderling, Baird's Sandpiper, Semipalmated Plover, Pectoral Sandpiper (3), Ruddy Turnstones (2), Lesser Yellowlegs (2), White-rumped Sandpiper (1) were all seen in good light at a distance of about 10 to 20 feet! The only draw-back was the gale-force winds which made using a scope impossible. Two Black-bellied Plover, one with a full black breast were seen at a greater distance. A Red Knot and Western Sandpiper were reported though I did not see them. Mallards and Green-winged Teal were also loafing on the beach.
Quite enjoyable, but that wind! To reach Presqu'ile Provincial Park, exit the 401 at exit # 509 (Hwy 30) at Brighton. Go south and follow the signs through town. 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. David Bree Natural Heritage Education (NHE) Leader Presqu'ile Provincial Park 328 Presqu'ile Parkway Brighton, ON K0K 1H0 Tel: (613) 475-4324 ext. 225 Fax: (613) 475-2209 _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
