With the exception of a few new, not unexpected, arrivals, the bird life
at Presqu'ile Provincial Park has not changed much in the past week, but
the number of waterfowl has increased noticeably as the ice continues to
move out of Presqu'ile Bay.
Those who like the gaudy plumage of male WOOD DUCKS would have enjoyed
the sight of a dozen or more (male and female) yesterday and today.
AMERICAN WIGEONS have been present for four of the past seven days,
raising hopes that a EURASIAN WIGEON might appear soon, as they have in
late March/early April in four of the past seven years. An anonymous
report of a BLUE-WINGED TEAL on March 22, while not a record early date,
is surprising given the prevailing ice conditions. Two GREEN-WINGED
TEAL, the first of the season, were at the calf pasture this afternoon.
Thousands of REDHEADS and GREATER SCAUP can be seen from the viewing
platform at the calf pasture, along with lesser numbers of fifteen other
duck species. The male and female RUDDY DUCK off the government dock
have been there for over a week, most recently this afternoon.
A RUFFED GROUSE was seen along Paxton Drive on March 20 and three others
were flushed on Tuesday in a different part of the Park. A long-staying
RED-THROATED LOON and two RED-NECKED GREBES were still off the
government dock this morning. The first TURKEY VULTURE of the season
flew over on March 24. Single adult and immature BALD EAGLES have been
seen this week. A MERLIN was seen on two consecutive days, as was an
AMERICAN WOODCOCK. On Monday, an ICELAND GULL put in an appearance.
A ROCK PIGEON near the lighthouse on Sunday was a surprise. This
morning and this afternoon there was a SNOWY OWL (a real one this time)
on the ice off the government dock. BARRED OWLS were seen twice this
week. Perhaps the biggest surprise was a very early NORTHERN FLICKER on
March 24. A NORTHERN SHRIKE at the calf pasture was seen on three
different days. COMMON RAVENS have become almost a daily sighting. The
WHITE-THROATED SPARROW that wintered at 83 and 85 Bayshore Road survived
past the vernal equinox. Two EASTERN MEADOWLARKS, the first of the
season, foraged on a lawn at 188 Bayshore Road in a snowstorm this
afternoon. A PURPLE FINCH on Monday was also the first of the season,
but the HOARY REDPOLLS at 83 and 186 Bayshore Road have been
sporadically present for weeks. A HOUSE SPARROW on Monday was an
unusual find for Presqu'ile.
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
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