With only weeks to go until the major push of spring bird migration at
Presqu'ile Provincial Park, expectations of what to find this week have
not quite been met. On most days, there have been one or two newly
arrived species, but others that are due, like BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS,
are still being awaited, probably because of unfavourable weather
conditions that have influenced both birds and birders.
This morning at least two flocks of CANADA GEESE passed overhead, the
first in a month. A TRUMPETER SWAN was seen on April 20. A few other
waterfowl are still around, including GADWALLS, AMERICAN WIGEONS,
NORTHERN PINTAILS, GREEN-WINGED TEAL, CANVASBACK, REDHEADS, RING-NECKED
DUCKS, SCAUP, WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, and COMMON GOLDENEYES, among
others. Only a few RED-THROATED LOONS have been reported recently.
There were still HORNED GREBES in the lake a few days ago. GREAT EGRETS
and BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS can be seen every day on the offshore
islands. TURKEY VULTURES have been drifting past, and three were
foraging on the beach yesterday. A GREATER YELLOWLEGS and up to seven
DUNLINS have been seen on the beach. The only BARRED OWL was on April 22.
There is some evidence that RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS are nesting in front
of 75 Bayshore Road, and sightings continue in other parts of the Park.
PILEATED WOODPECKERS occur year-round throughout Presqu'ile, and have
been appearing almost daily around the eastern end of the peninsula.
All six of the SWALLOW species known to occur at Presqu'ile have been
present in the past week, most of them evidently foraging over open
water on the coldest days. HOUSE WRENS have been seen on each of the
past three days, and the first MARSH WREN of the season was on April
25. HERMIT THRUSHES are widespread on the forest trails. In addition
to abundant YELLOW-RUMPED and common PINE WARBLERS, a NASHVILLE WARBLER
and a few PALM WARBLERS have appeared. Surprisingly few EASTERN TOWHEES
and FOX SPARROWS have been reported this spring, and none in the past
week. A few RUSTY BLACKBIRDS were near the lighthouse on the weekend.
PURPLE FINCHES and PINE SISKINS are still present.
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/
