Despite the extreme cold of the past few days, which has limited, but
not eliminated, the amount of birding activity at Presqu'ile Provincial
Park, there is an increasing amount of bird song from a few species, and
some movement has occurred among birds that have been sedentary for weeks.
This morning there were at least two TRUMPETER SWANS and several TUNDRA
SWANS off Salt Point. REDHEADS have re-appeared today for the first
time in almost a week, but not yet in the numbers that can soon be
expected. Three WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS were off Salt Point today. During
the extreme cold weather, fog rising over the small areas of open water
made it impossible to see the male BARROW'S GOLDENEYE at the lighthouse,
but it has been easily visible both yesterday and today. An interesting
hybrid duck discovered at the lighthouse on January 25 has been present
on both days since then. It has obvious HOODED MERGANSER genes, but the
other part of its heritage is in dispute, some saying that its parentage
is BARROW'S GOLDENEYE while others attribute it to COMMON GOLDENEYE.
According to one source, the breeding range of the latter overlaps that
of the HOODED MERGANSER while that of the former does not.
On several days this week one or two BALD EAGLES have been within a
kilometre of the lighthouse. A fly-by ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was the only
other diurnal raptor seen this week. There have been at least four
BARRED OWL sightings in the past week. On January 26 a NORTHERN FLICKER
was at the feeder at the group campground parking lot. Two NORTHERN
SHRIKES were spotted on January 21. It may seem premature to be on the
lookout for newly returned HORNED LARKS, but in previous years early
migrants of that species have occurred in late January and early
February, but the long-range forecast is not promising. I am not aware
of any recent sightings of the BOREAL CHICKADEE that was present around
the middle of the month, but that may be a function of limited birder
activity combined with the bird's secretive habits. The CAROLINA WREN
is making more frequent appearances at the feeders at 186 Bayshore
Road. The RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD flock visiting feeders between 83 and
102 Bayshore Road has grown to about ten birds and has been augmented by
a COMMON GRACKLE on January 25 and two BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS. A PINE
SISKIN was among the AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES at 186 Bayshore Road on
January 23.
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/
