The spring bird migration at Presqu'ile Provincial Park is effectively
over, but the variety of habitats in the Park provide opportunities for
productive birding throughout the summer. In particular, the
combination of southern species and those that normally breed farther
north is found in few other places in southern Ontario.
Hundreds of CANADA GEESE are gathered on the southern part of the
beach, where disturbance is limited. Two WOOD DUCKS were in the marsh
this morning. Two AMERICAN WIGEONS were at Gull Island yesterday.
Other lingering ducks include four REDHEADS (which commonly stay all
summer), a SCAUP off Sebastopol Island on June 10, two LONG-TAILED DUCKS
in Popham Bay, and a small number of RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS. After
staying for eight consecutive days, the RED-THROATED LOON reported last
week finally disappeared after Tuesday morning. GREAT BLUE HERONS and
GREAT EGRETS are seen on most days, and a BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON was
on Sebastopol Island yesterday.
TURKEY VULTURES are not known to breed at Presqu'ile but at least two
were rising from the trees yesterday morning. Two OSPREYS were near the
Park entrance today. On June 10, migrant shorebirds included a
SEMIPALMATED PLOVER, five SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS, and a DUNLIN, but the
latest was a single SEMIPALMATED PLOVER yesterday, probably the last
shorebird of the spring migration. A correction to last week's report
of a SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER with a flag on one leg: it was banded in
Suriname, not Argentina. From now on, any non-resident shorebirds could
just as easily be early fall migrants as late spring ones. Again today
an AMERICAN WOODCOCK was on the Owen Point trail. Single BONAPARTE'S
GULLS were seen twice at Owen Point. With the arrival of campers, the
possibility exists that someone will hear an EASTERN SCREECH-OWL, a
species that is fairly common outside the Park but rare at Presqu'ile,
where there is abundant apparently suitable habitat.
A RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER was at the lighthouse yesterday. One BLUE JAY
was still migrating over the lighthouse early this week. CEDAR WAXWINGS
have become more noticeable this week, including one flock of 23 birds.
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAKS are not uncommon summer residents in the forest
canopy at Presqu'ile, but a male singing near the lighthouse today was
unexpected. ORCHARD ORIOLES are fairly common in the Park at this time
of year, but recognizing their song is the easiest way to find them. A
PINE SISKIN, usually considered a winter bird, at a feeder on June 13
was a surprise.
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/
