This being my last report of the year (a day later than promised), let
me wish all fellow birders a merry Christmas and a birdy new year, and
encourage you to spend some time birding in Presqu'ile Provincial Park
in 2015. For now, the birding is very much dependent on the willingness
of birds and birders to brave the highly variable weather conditions
that have prevailed over the past week. Despite that, one or two
unexpected birds have kept birders happy this week.
A male CANVASBACK that was near the lighthouse on the solstice is likely
still somewhere nearby, as are the couple of dozen REDHEADS that have
appeared in Presqu'ile Bay almost every second day. Most of the bay is
ice-free so the few WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS that are there keep appearing
in different places, most often near Salt Point. A RUFFED GROUSE was on
Paxton Drive on December 22. SNOWY OWLS have been seen regularly on the
beach, on Gull Island, on High Bluff Island, on the south shore near
Chatterton Point, on a duck blind in the marsh, and on the ice of
Presqu'ile Bay (when there is any). Single BARRED OWLS have been seen
several times along Paxton Drive.
A PILEATED WOODPECKER flew near "the fingers". Unlike previous winters,
there have been no RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER reports but they could well be
in the Park somewhere. A NORTHERN SHRIKE was at the calf pasture
yesterday. For the second consecutive week, a RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET was
found, this time on the trail near Owen Point. WHITE-THROATED and
WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS are being fed at 86, 85, and 83 Bayshore Road.
The flock of COMMON GRACKLES that has been wintering in the same
vicinity can usually be found, but the accompanying RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD
has not been reported since December 21. COMMON REDPOLLS, PINE SISKINS,
and AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES are appearing at feeders fairly regularly.
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. Visitors to Gull Island not using a
boat should be prepared to wade through water that is barely ankle-deep.
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] <mailto:[email protected]>.
--
Fred Helleiner
186 Bayshore Road
Brighton, Ontario
K0K 1H0
613-475-5309
If visiting, access via Presqu'ile Provincial Park
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