This has been another good birding week at Presqu'ile Provincial Park,
with a steady stream of fall migrants passing through or over the Park.
One or two uncommon birds were among them.
Small numbers of diving ducks are beginning to gather in Popham Bay,
including an early BUFFLEHEAD on September 11 that was still there on
the following two days. Between now and the opening of the duck hunt on
September 25, their numbers are likely to continue building up, and a
few new species may be among them. Loons and grebes are also arriving,
with seven HORNED and three RED-NECKED GREBES noted in Popham Bay on
September 11 and 14, respectively. There has been an interesting mix of
herons and related birds in recent days, including a LEAST BITTERN
photographed at the calf pasture, a rather odd place for that species,
given the limited amount of cattails there. A GREEN HERON was found on
September 15.
Although Presqu'ile is not noted for its hawk migration, a good flight
occurred on September 10, including ten BALD EAGLES, close to 30
SHARP-SHINNED HAWKS, and a dozen or so BROAD-WINGED HAWKS, a species
which is uncommon at Presqu'ile. Surprisingly, a RED-SHOULDERED HAWK was
reported anonymously on September 12. One or two PEREGRINE FALCONS have
been seen around Gull Island on several recent days. Twice in the past
few days, a (the?) WILD TURKEY has been seen motoring along Bayshore
Road, apparently one of its favourite habitats.
Shorebirds are no longer present in the numbers of recent weeks, but the
variety continues to provide good birding, especially since some of
them, formerly inaccessible on Gull Island, are now within reach of
birders willing to wade out. BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS, AMERICAN
GOLDEN-PLOVERS, and WHIMBRELS are present every day, a RED KNOT has been
seen on several days, and a small flock of BAIRD'S SANDPIPERS has been
loitering at Owen Point, where less adventurous birders can see them
easily. Among "larids", the highlights of the week were a LESSER
BLACK-BACKED GULL on September 13 and a BLACK TERN on September 10.
CASPIAN and COMMON TERNS were still around in reduced numbers in the
past week.
A BARRED OWL and a RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER were among the resident birds
observed, and BLUE-HEADED, WARBLING, PHILADELPHIA, and RED-EYED VIREOS
were all seen in the past week. Two COMMON RAVENS flew over on
September 14. The first HORNED LARK of the season appeared on Gull
Island on September 14. BARN SWALLOWS were present until at least
September 13. The long-staying CAROLINA WREN at 83 Bayshore Road
continues to make its presence known from time to time. Both
GOLDEN-CROWNED and RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS, as well as a BLUE-GRAY
GNATCATCHER, have been seen this week. A VEERY and a WOOD THRUSH are
among the more interesting birds of the week. Soon EASTERN BLUEBIRDS
should be moving through the Park. All three regular members of the
"mimid" family were at 83 Bayshore Road on September 14, including the
first NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD seen at Presqu'ile in many months. Estimates
of the number of AMERICAN PIPITS at Owen Point and Gull Island have
varied from 20 to 40. Warblers are still trickling through. When the
masses of YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS arrive (probably within days), there
should be some ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS joining them. The influx of
sparrows of several species is also imminent. As well, LAPLAND
LONGSPURS often show up on Gull Island at about this date. RUSTY
BLACKBIRDS were in the marsh on September 15. A few BALTIMORE ORIOLES
(or the same one a few times) were spotted at the feeders at 83 Bayshore
Road between September 10 and 12.
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 knee-deep water in which there
is often a swift current and a substrate that is somewhat uneven and
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.
Questions and comments about bird sightings at Presqu'ile may be
directed to: [email protected].
--
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
birding organization.
Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list [email protected]
For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
