Most of the birds at Presqu'ile Provincial Park in the past few days are
summer residents, but there has been a good number of shorebirds and
flycatchers, as well as one surprising rarity which would not normally
occur this far north and not normally this late in the spring.
The moult migration of CANADA GEESE has resulted in a surge of their
numbers, especially on the beach but also in flight. The next
generation of the beautiful but pestilent MUTE SWANS for which
Presqu'ile is noted has appeared, with numerous cygnets in evidence. A
few flocks of WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS have been migrating past the
peninsula this week. A male BUFFLEHEAD continues to be seen near 16 -
18 Bayshore Road. LEAST BITTERNS in the marsh and 26 GREAT EGRET nests
on High Bluff Island are the most interesting sightings of that family
in the past week. There were single sightings of MERLIN and WILD TURKEY
in the Park.
Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of shorebirds were on the beach and at Owen
Point on June 1, but most had moved on by today. There have been
surprisingly few BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS all spring, and none appeared
yesterday. Perhaps they are yet to come. WHIMBRELS were still present
on May 27 (16-20) and May 29 (2). The majority of the shorebirds now
are SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS. Among the estimated 90 RUDDY TURNSTONES at
Owen Point, Gull Island, and the beach on June 1 was a lone unbanded RED
KNOT, a species which also may still arrive in larger numbers. An
AMERICAN WOODCOCK was flushed on the Owen Point trail.
BARRED OWLS have been vocal all week. The only COMMON NIGHTHAWK and
CHIMNEY SWIFTS of the season to date were seen this week, a far cry from
their former numbers. RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS, being less vocal than a
month ago, have become harder to find. Among the numerous flycatchers
of various species that have been seen in the past week are the two
species that traditionally are among the latest spring migrants:
OLIVE-SIDED and YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHERS. Three other /Empidonax/
flycatchers (ALDER, WILLOW, LEAST) were also found this week. A few
PHILADELPHIA VIREOS were present on May 30, a rather late date. A
CAROLINA WREN was heard today, for the first time since mid-March. A
RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET on May 28 was rather late, but the numerous
BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS are summer residents in the Park. A GRAY-CHEEKED
THRUSH was seen on May 28.
The warbler migration, while much diminished from a week ago, produced
some nice surprises. At least one (perhaps two) GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER
was seen and photographed at the lighthouse on May 30, tying the record
late date for Presqu'ile. A CAPE MAY WARBLER on May 28 was also late.
Two CERULEAN WARBLERS were on High Bluff Island on May 26. The fourth
record of PROTHONOTARY WARBLER in the Park was established this morning
when a stunning and very cooperative male was seen by a good number of
observers and also photographed. Although it moved around the general
lighthouse area, it first appeared in the same birder's back yard as one
that was there three years ago. Finally, a HOODED WARBLER was heard and
briefly seen on May 28. Although PINE SISKINS seem at last to have
departed, there are still a few PURPLE FINCHES around.
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.
_______________________________________________
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/
