Shorebird habitat is excellent at Owen Point in Presqu'ile Provincial Park near Brighton, but the total number and number of shorebird species (7) that we saw today were lower than expected for this prime date in August. We saw about 60 juvenile Semipalmated Sandpipers, 40 juvenile Least Sandpipers, 3 molting adult Sanderlings, about 10 Semipalmated Plovers (adults and juveniles), an adult Ruddy Turnstone, a Killdeer and 2 Spotted Sandpipers. However, the shorebirds were tame allowing close views of intricate juvenile plumages. Shorebirding should improve over the next few weeks because the abundant decaying algae along the shoreline is full of fly larvae (a shorebird favourite) and because the water level on Lake Ontario normally continues to drop in August providing more muddy habitat.
Our best bird was a Red-throated Loon close to shore near lookout #1 on the Owen Point Trail. It was in poor condition with its feathers waterlogged, but it was diving regularly. See photos in link. http://www.jeaniron.ca/2014/rtloon.htm Photos of adult and juvenile Semipalmated Plovers http://www.jeaniron.ca/Shorebirds/2014/sepls.htm For information on Southbound Shorebirds see link. http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/articles.southboundshorebirds Directions: Exit Highway 401 to Brighton and follow signs south to the park. At the park gate (entry fee) ask for a park information guide with a map on back page that shows the Owen Point Trail. Jean Iron and Ron Pittaway Toronto ON _______________________________________________ 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
