Not surprisingly, given the summer-like temperatures, there has been a
rush of new spring bird arrivals at Presqu'ile Provincial Park, while
some of the earlier ones have moved on.
A massive CANADA GOOSE migration took place on the weekend. Among the
flocks were a few CACKLING GEESE: one on March 17, two on March 18, and
one on March 22. A flock of ten TUNDRA SWANS flew out of Presqu'ile Bay
on March 16. For only the third time in the past decade, not a single
EURASIAN WIGEON has showed up (yet) at Presqu'ile in spring, and since
most of the ducks have moved on, the likelihood of finding one this
spring seems slim, even though the average arrival date is later in
March. With the appearance of a male NORTHERN SHOVELER on March 20, the
only expected dabbling duck that has not yet arrived is BLUE-WINGED
TEAL. For most of the past week a flock of over twenty WHITE-WINGED
SCOTERS was near the lighthouse. A record early RED-THROATED LOON was
in Popham Bay on March 16, and further sightings have included five this
morning. Persistent fog has made it difficult on some days to know
whether the loons are present or not. DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS have
returned early this year, with up to six on March 18 and more since
then. Single GREAT EGRETS were seen on March 18 and 21, eclipsing the
previous early record of March 29.
A COOPER'S HAWK was heard on March 18 and a ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK was seen
on March 16. An anonymous report of a VIRGINIA RAIL on March 17 should
be documented for the Park records with a rare bird report, since it is
a month earlier than the previous early date. The first WILSON'S SNIPE
of the season on March 18 was also a record early date for the Park.
AMERICAN WOODCOCKS are plentiful now, including one flushed at the
lighthouse on March 22. The coming week should see the first
BONAPARTE'S GULLS and CASPIAN TERNS arriving.
A ROCK PIGEON on a rooftop was unusual at Presqu'ile. One observer who
was out before dawn heard three BARRED OWLS and a NORTHERN SAW-WHET
OWL. Two early BELTED KINGFISHERS were present on March 18. In
addition to the ever-present RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER at 83 Bayshore Road,
another was heard on two consecutive days in Jobes' woods, where the
species nested two years ago. NORTHERN FLICKERS, not normally present
this early, have been ubiquitous all week. EASTERN PHOEBES and TREE
SWALLOWS are also present in greater numbers than normal for this date.
The latest NORTHERN SHRIKE sighting was on March 17. A COMMON RAVEN was
heard near the bird sightings board. Two HORNED LARKS flew past Owen
Point this morning. CAROLINA WRENS have been heard in three different
places in the past week: the lighthouse, 83 Bayshore Road and vicinity,
and the "fingers". An anonymous report of a HOUSE WREN at the
lighthouse may have actually been one of those. There are now plenty of
WINTER WRENS throughout the wooded areas of the Park. GOLDEN-CROWNED
KINGLETS came in en masse on the weekend. A HERMIT THRUSH was reported
on March 16. A report of a SCARLET TANAGER on March 17 will need to be
documented. On the other hand, an EASTERN TOWHEE report, while
exceptionally early, does seem credible. The over-wintering SAVANNAH
SPARROW continues to be seen. An early SWAMP SPARROW was at the marsh
boardwalk on March 21. A late SNOW BUNTING was on the beach on March
17. A flock of 30 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS on March 16 was the largest
of the winter at Presqu'ile.
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/
