The outer half of Presqu'ile Bay remains open and is a haven for a
variety of water birds. Other birds at Presqu'ile Provincial Park
include several species that do not always linger this far north in winter.
Along with the hundreds of MUTE SWANS, there were four TRUMPETER SWANS
and seven TUNDRA SWANS today. As often happens in mid-winter, the mild
spell that has just begun has been accompanied by an influx of a
thousand or more GREATER SCAUP and a smaller number of REDHEADS. The
male BARROW'S GOLDENEYE has been present continuously since December 8,
but it can take patience to find it, especially when there is a heavy
swell or when the bird is far out in the water or is diving frequently,
which it does most of the time.
A few BALD EAGLE sightings involving at least two different birds are
normal for this time of year. Two NORTHERN HARRIERS were at Gull
Island, and a COOPER'S HAWK was seen along Bayshore Road. A lone
AMERICAN COOT was at the edge of the ice on December 29. Despite the
best efforts of photographers and others, BARRED OWL sightings have been
scarce.
Observers spending a day in the Park stand a good chance of locating one
of the RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS that have been wintering at Presqu'ile.
PILEATED WOODPECKERS are also present but not always cooperative. There
have been two NORTHERN SHRIKE sightings in the past three days. COMMON
RAVENS have also re-appeared in the past three days. The CAROLINA WREN
at 186 Bayshore Road manages to stay hidden more often than not, but is
still a daily sighting. Two flocks of BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS have appeared
in the past three days, 30 at 187 Bayshore Road on December 28 and 50
just outside the Park gate, along with some CEDAR WAXWINGS, on December
29. The FOX SPARROW at 83 Bayshore Road was last seen on December 28.
Three WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS and a WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW have also been
at that address in recent days, as well as up to five RED-WINGED
BLACKBIRDS. COMMON REDPOLLS are appearing in increasing numbers.
Birders should be on the alert for a possible HOARY REDPOLL.
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 now ice-covered most of the time, but the ice,
while appearing to be thick, might not support the weight of a human.
However, the water beneath the crust, if there is any, 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.
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 [email protected]
For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
