Good evening, Ontbirders: A string of recent summer weather likely contributed to the unusually low species count of 63 birds for our group of ~25 birders at Presqu'ile today, but the lack of quantity was compensated for by quality looks and quality sightings. The EARED GREBE that has been visible off of Owen Point for several days offered distant views at mid-morning and a juvenile LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER appeared at Owen Point shortly after a juvenile SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER flew in with 4 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS just prior to lunch. Other notable shorebirds of our 13 species for the day include one juvenile DUNLIN, 2 juvenile RUDDY TURNSTONES, 2 juvenile LEAST SANDPIPERS, ~6 molting adult WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS and ~15 SANDERLINGS. All shorebirds were seen at close range and in good light amidst appearances by a MERLIN, a PEREGRINE FALCON and a juvenile NORTHERN HARRIER.
Other raptors of note include a kettle of 10 TURKEY VULTURES above the Owen Point Trail parking lot mid-afternoon as well as 2 COOPER'S HAWKS and a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK at our beginning location around the Lighthouse Interpretive Centre. It was inititally thought that the presence of the two smaller accipiters around the lighthouse resulted in low songbird numbers there, but songbirds were challenging to find throughout the park all day. A brief early afternoon visit to the second tower of the Marsh Boardwalk afforded excellent views at ~30 WOOD DUCKS and then a surprise fly-by from a dark ibis that is almost assuredly the WHITE-FACED IBIS that has been seen recently in the park (including on Gull Island by others this morning) became the highlight of the day. Other notables from the day include a singing WARBLING VIREO and COMMON YELLOWTHROAT, vocalizing Gray Treefrogs, Spring Peepers and 1 Northern Leopard Frog, 11 butterfly species (including a Common Buckeye at Lookout # 1 on the Owen Point Trail) and many swarms of Black Saddlebags and darners. Many thanks to those who assisted with today's outing both before and during the day. Presqu'ile is well signed south of Highway 401 exit 509 (Brighton/Campbellford). Best wishes as migration and beautiful summer weather continue! The Shanahans _______________________________________________ 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/
