This has been another week of typical early spring birding at Presqu'ile
Provincial Park. Some birds continue to arrive somewhat earlier than
expected, but no new records were set.
Except for GADWALLS and MALLARDS, most of the dabbling ducks have moved
on, but a NORTHERN SHOVELER was seen today. Other ducks have also
thinned out considerably, the most interesting one being an early SURF
SCOTER. HORNED GREBES are off the day use area and the lighthouse in
reasonable numbers, and RED-NECKED GREBES should be showing up there
soon. An AMERICAN BITTERN flew over the marsh yesterday. A
RED-SHOULDERED HAWK on April 2 and a MERLIN today were the most
interesting hawks. Three species of gallinaceous birds appeared in the
past week. A male RING-NECKED PHEASANT was on the wooded portion of the
marsh boardwalk trail on March 31, a RUFFED GROUSE was heard drumming,
and three WILD TURKEYS were seen on April 3. One of the latter flew
over Bayshore Road near the government dock, and the other two were in
the north-east corner of Jobes' woods, running to and fro across Paxton
Drive. Both WILSON'S SNIPE and AMERICAN WOODCOCKS were performing long
after sundown on April 1. The first BONAPARTE'S GULL of the season was
on April 1. A BARRED OWL was noted on March 30 and one was heard on
April 1.
A RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER was in Jobes' woods. A NORTHERN SHRIKE was
still present at the calf pasture today. On April 3, the first PURPLE
MARTIN and three BARN SWALLOWS were at the lighthouse. For the third
consecutive week, single individuals of HERMIT THRUSH and EASTERN
TOWHEE were located. The next new sparrow to arrive is expected to be
a FOX SPARROW, already overdue. PINE SISKINS continue to visit local
feeders.
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].
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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/
