As usual, the diversity of habitats at Presqu'ile Provincial Park has
created a diversity of bird life, which makes the Park an attractive
place for birders trying to find as many species in a day as possible.
Large numbers of birders in the past week have found a good variety,
though the migration has begun to wind down in the past few days.
CANADA GEESE have been passing through Presqu'ile in good numbers this
week in their moult migration. A flock of ~75 BRANT flew past Owen
Point on May 19, nine were off Gull Island the next day, one was on
Sebastopol Island two days later, and one flew past the lighthouse this
evening. A WHITE-WINGED SCOTER was in Popham Bay on May 18 and 19. A
mass exodus of LONG-TAILED DUCKS over the weekend has left only the odd
bird remaining. Much the same, though more gradually, has occurred with
RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS. A late RED-THROATED LOON was in Popham Bay on
May 18. A few HORNED GREBES were still present on the weekend. GREAT
EGRETS continue to be seen daily.
A BALD EAGLE on May 20 was surprisingly late. MERLINS were seen on May
18 and 19. A SORA was heard in the pannes. Three BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS
flew over on May 19 and more are expected soon. The PIPING PLOVER
discovered last week was last seen on Friday. Only three WHIMBRELS were
seen in the past week, to the disappointment of many who had come to see
them. As with other shorebirds, there has been no major fallout of that
species yet. One of the latest birds to arrive in spring is the RED
KNOT, which generally appears towards the end of May or even later. A
WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER was on the beach on May 18. The only unusual
gulls were two BONAPARTE'S GULLS and a GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL, on May
18 and 22, respectively.
BLACK-BILLED CUCKOOS were found on at least three occasions. BARRED
OWLS have been vocal and visible at any time of day, both in Newcastle
woods and in Jobes' woods. A RED-HEADED WOODPECKER was heard on May
18. Both RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER and YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER are being
seen regularly at 83 Bayshore Road and may be nesting nearby. Both
ALDER and WILLOW FLYCATCHERS have been present but as yet no
YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER, another late migrant. A few PHILADELPHIA
VIREOS have been seen. A CLIFF SWALLOW was investigating a possible
nest site at 110 Bayshore Road, which would represent a first for
Presqu'ile if its interest led to nesting. A few BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS
were seen this week but for the first time in a few years no nest has
been found. A number of GRAY-CHEEKED and SWAINSON'S THRUSHES were seen
on May 19. There have been four NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD sightings in the
Park this week, three of which were likely the same bird. A
GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER on the Newcastle trail was in an unusual
location. Other warblers are now either late migrants or summer
residents. A LINCOLN'S SPARROW was seen on May 18. Two WHITE-CROWNED
SPARROWS were still lingering on May 23. ORCHARD ORIOLES are Presqu'ile
specialties and can be found in several parts of the Park. After an
absence of a week or two, at least two PINE SISKINS re-appeared at 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/
