Spring bird migration is proceeding at a normal pace at Presqu'ile
Provincial Park this year. The majority of the spring birds are ducks,
which will be the focus of the annual Waterfowl Weekend on March 19 and
20. If the ice margin continues to recede, conditions should be ideal
by that date.
Two TRUMPETER SWANS have been out in Presqu'ile Bay this week. Among
the ducks that have not been around all winter but have been seen this
week were GADWALLS, RING-NECKED DUCKS, and HOODED MERGANSERS, as well as
an AMERICAN COOT. There have been three sightings of single
WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, and three were seen this afternoon. The BARROW'S
GOLDENEYE that was present all winter has not been reported since March 7.
An adult BALD EAGLE scared up the ducks on March 9. Other raptors such
as AMERICAN KESTRELS may be showing up soon. BARRED OWLS were seen
three times in the past week.
The CAROLINA WREN at 186 Bayshore Road shows no sign of leaving. It is
debatable whether the GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS found today were here all
winter or are newly arrived. With so many AMERICAN ROBINS returning
this week, it would be worth watching for EASTERN BLUEBIRDS in the next
few days. The SONG SPARROW at 102 Bayshore Road was singing this
afternoon. At least one of the wintering WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS at 83
Bayshore Road has survived the winter. Although RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS
have been around all winter, there has been an influx of many males and
one female in the past few days. COMMON REDPOLLS have been abundant in
the past week, and at least one HOARY REDPOLL has been with them at 186
Bayshore Road for the past three days.
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.
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.
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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/
