Although the peak of the spring bird migration at Presqu'ile Provincial
Park normally occurs in the middle of May or a bit later, the past week
has met or exceeded expectations, both in terms of numbers and in terms
of variety. At least one rarity has added spice to the menu.
The BRANT migration got under way on May 4, with a flock of close to
twenty birds. Three were still present on the next day. Two flocks
numbering about 30 and 200 passed through on May 7, and another 50 or so
birds arrived today. When conditions are right, hundreds more can be
expected any day now. A surprising five NORTHERN SHOVELERS were at Gull
Island on May 7. Up to May 6, RED-THROATED LOONS were still being seen
in Popham Bay. At least thirty GREAT EGRET nests are on High Bluff
Island, some of which can be seen from the mainland with a scope.
A VIRGINIA RAIL was heard behind the woodpile marsh. In other years,
YELLOW RAILS have been heard in the marsh at this time of year, so local
birders might be checking that area at dusk. A few shorebirds have
begun to trickle in, mostly LEAST SANDPIPERS, but there have also been
sightings this week of SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, SANDERLING, SEMIPALMATED
SANDPIPER, and DUNLIN. A LITTLE GULL was with a flock of BONAPARTE'S
GULLS on May 6. The BARRED OWL that has been frequenting Newcastle
woods was seen in broad daylight yesterday.
The second CHIMNEY SWIFT of the year flew over this morning. In
addition to the resident RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS, one that was evidently
a migrant was seen near the Park entrance. The continued appearance of
two YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS suggests that they might be breeding in
the Park. The arrival of EASTERN WOOD-PEWEES on May 9 brings to five
the number of flycatcher species at Presqu'ile this spring. The only
two vireo species so far have been BLUE-HEADED, WARBLING, and RED-EYED
VIREOS. The BLUE JAY migration that can be observed on most late May
mornings at the lighthouse got going this week, especially on May 9,
when one flock contained 25 birds. The highlight of the week was a
TUFTED TITMOUSE found on May 5. As in most years, several BLUE-GRAY
GNATCATCHERS were seen this week. The only regular thrush still to
arrive is GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH. Two AMERICAN PIPITS flew over Owen Point
on May 4.
As in other parts of southern Ontario, warblers are a big attraction,
and twenty-five species plus one hybrid have been seen at Presqu'ile in
the past week. Here are some of the highlights: both BLUE-WINGED and
GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLERS were seen, as well as a BREWSTER'S hybrid; an
ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER on two successive days; more CAPE MAY WARBLERS
than usual, one observer having seen eight of them; many PALM WARBLERS,
including one of the "Yellow" subspecies; an early BLACKPOLL WARBLER;
several early MOURNING WARBLERS - two were reported on May 5 and singles
were seen on May 8; two early CANADA WARBLERS on May 8, another record
early date. SCARLET TANAGERS, always an attraction, are present on most
days.
A singing CLAY-COLORED SPARROW was at Owen Point on May 4. A VESPER
SPARROW at the calf pasture and a SAVANNAH SPARROW near the lighthouse
were in places where they are not often seen. The report of a LARK
SPARROW needs documentation with a rare bird report form, since there
have been only three previous records at Presqu'ile. LINCOLN'S SPARROWS
have been present for the past three days. A DARK-EYED JUNCO was still
present on May 8. BOBOLINKS and RUSTY BLACKBIRDS have been moving
through the Park in the past three days. ORCHARD ORIOLES have settled in
on several territories. PINE SISKINS that were still plentiful less
than a week ago were down to one for the past few days and not one was
reported today. A HOUSE SPARROW appeared at a local feeder.
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/
