Birders have been attracted to Presqu'ile Provincial Park this week by
the continued presence of a bird that should be much farther south at
this time of year. Persistent winds with a westerly component have kept
some open water in Presqu'ile Bay even on the coldest days.
On Monday a swan that was either a TRUMPETER SWAN or a TUNDRA SWAN flew
past, and on Tuesday two of the former were swimming in a small patch of
open water at the calf pasture. Diving ducks have thinned out since a
week ago, but two CANVASBACKS were still present on January 2 and five
REDHEADS on January 4. Single WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS were seen on January
3 and 4. A BALD EAGLE was at the calf pasture on January 5 and four
were there this morning. A COOPER'S HAWK paid a visit to a feeder on
January 5. A GLAUCOUS GULL was in Presqu'ile Bay on January 6. SNOWY
OWLS and BARRED OWLS are being seen with some regularity, though the
latter are somewhat elusive.
A NORTHERN SHRIKE was at the calf pasture on two consecutive days.
COMMON RAVENS were seen on January 2 and 5. Three AMERICAN ROBINS were
seen on January 4. A small flock of SNOW BUNTINGS was on Gull Island on
January 2. The highlight of the week was/is a PINE WARBLER that was
first discovered and photographed on January 3 and has been in the same
location ever since: the bird feeder opposite the bird sightings board.
There is no previous record of that species at Presqu'ile between
November and March. Single WHITE-THROATED and WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS
continue to visit feeders at 83 and 85 Bayshore Road. A single
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD and a few COMMON GRACKLES continue to be seen in
that vicinity. COMMON REDPOLLS have been at Gull Island and at local
feeders, but a redpoll that has been a regular visitor to the feeders at
186 Bayshore Road has been variously identified as a COMMON REDPOLL and
a HOARY REDPOLL since it shows features of both species. One bird that
has not yet appeared at local feeders this winter but may be expected
soon is EVENING GROSBEAK, a species that is being seen regularly not far
away.
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” can walk
across
the gap from Owen Point without special footwear. Ice conditions may
make for slippery walking. 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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