A few new birds have arrived at Presqu`ile Provincial Park in the past week, but several more species that are normally back by this date have not yet been detected.
Thousands of CANADA GEESE passed overhead on Monday and Tuesday. No SNOW GEESE were found in those flocks, but scrutinizing further flocks might well pay off. A TRUMPETER SWAN and a few TUNDRA SWANS were present earlier in the week. There was an unconfirmed report of a BLUE-WINGED TEAL on the early date of March 23. Three female HARLEQUIN DUCKS flew past in the open lake on March 23 and a male was at Salt Point yesterday. A few DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS have returned and more will be expected soon. GREAT BLUE HERONS have resumed occupancy of their heronry on High Bluff Island. A TURKEY VULTURE flew over on March 25. BALD EAGLES have been seen on three different days, and one was sitting on a large stick nest on High Bluff Island. If that turns out to be an active nest, it will be the first at Presqu`ìle since the 1930`s. A SNOWY OWL was at Owen Point on March 24. A RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER was at the government dock, and a CAROLINA WREN was singing behind 83 Bayshore Road. A few CEDAR WAXWINGS were feeding under a juniper tree on Bayshore Road. The long-staying SAVANNAH SPARROW continues to be a daily, albeit sporadic, visitor under the feeders at 186 Bayshore Road. The first BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS showed up on March 24. 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]. Fred Helleiner 186 Bayshore Road Brighton, Ontario K0K 1H0 613-475-5309 If visiting, access via Presqu'ile Provincial Park _______________________________________________ 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/
