There has been relatively little birder activity at Presqu’ile Provincial Park in the past week, and consequently relatively few unexpected birds have been reported. That said, the richness of summer bird life in the Park provides plenty of scope for profitable birding.
WOOD DUCKS, GADWALLS, and MALLARDS are the only dabbling ducks found in the past week, but a male COMMON MERGANSER among the CANADA GEESE in Popham Bay was unusual. Both RUFFED GROUSE and WILD TURKEY were seen on June 11. At least one of the PIED-BILLED GREBE pairs in the marsh has had four “grebelings” (not to be confused with ducklings). GREAT EGRETS are a continuing feature of summer bird life at Presqu’ile. Two COMMON GALLINULES were in the marsh on June 10. The only migrant shorebirds this week were a RUDDY TURNSTONE on June 10 and five SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPERS and two DUNLINS on June 8. Ever mindful of the possibility of vagrants even in June, birders recall the record of a SANDWICH TERN that arrived at Presqu’ile in mid-June some years ago and stayed for almost two weeks. A June 4 sighting, along with photographs, of a newly hatched BARRED OWL sitting on a trail and its parent in the tree above has just come to light. One observer at 83 Bayshore Road found a BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO and two CHIMNEY SWIFTS on June 8. A YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER on June 10 was a further indication that the species breeds at Presqu’ile. There are apparently more PURPLE MARTINS than usual using the nest boxes at various locations on Bayshore Road. A BLACKPOLL WARBLER on June 6 was the only migrant warbler in the past week. On June 9 a CLAY-COLORED SPARROW, the highlight of the week, sang in plain view throughout the morning. Later in the day, a VESPER SPARROW was also there. ORCHARD ORIOLES can usually be heard singing here and there, or seen visiting 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]. 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 including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
