Presqu'ile Provincial Park remains firmly in the grip of winter and
shows little sign of being released. For most of the past week,
Presqu'ile Bay, which is normally hosting hundreds of newly arrived
ducks by this date, has remained almost totally frozen over. Only in
the past hour or two has a north-west wind begun to blow some of the ice
out into Lake Ontario and create some patches of open water. Thus even
the waterfowl, which in mid-February we expect to relieve the boredom of
looking at the same winter birds day after day, have not been able to
take on that responsibility.
This morning a group of several dozen GREATER SCAUP near the lighthouse
was the largest this month. An immature BALD EAGLE, seen there
yesterday and today, dispersed that flock. A RED-TAILED HAWK flew over
this morning. Three GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULLS huddled together on the
ice on Saturday. A BARRED OWL was photographed two days ago.
AMERICAN ROBINS were still in evidence yesterday. A flock of SNOW
BUNTINGS on the ice of Popham Bay yesterday, as well as two other flocks
seen by this observer outside the Park yesterday and one today, suggests
that a migration of that species may be under way. Observers should
check any such flocks for LAPLAND LONGSPURS. The PINE WARBLER at the
feeder near the camp office continues to delight birders. Two
WHITE-THROATED and one WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW are being well fed at 83
and 85 Bayshore Road. A RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD has made some appearances
at 40 Bayshore Road, and two COMMON GRACKLES keep showing up at 83/85
Bayshore Road. Where they stay the rest of the time is a mystery.
COMMON REDPOLLS have been regular visitors to the feeders at 186
Bayshore Road and were accompanied this afternoon by a HOARY REDPOLL.
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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