With the spring bird migration in full swing at Presqu'ile Provincial
Park, birders are finally welcoming new arrivals other than the
waterfowl that ushered in the season.
On March 31, the skies were full of migrating CANADA GEESE, by far the
largest movement of these birds this spring. No one has yet sighted any
SNOW GEESE, but the possibility exists that they may yet show up. The
invasive MUTE SWANS, bane of the marsh ecosystems, are again seeking
breeding sites in unfortunate numbers, leading to renewed calls for a
long overdue cull. The only other three swans seen in the past week,
either TUNDRA SWANS or TRUMPETER SWANS, were too distant to identify as
to species. Now that there is some open water in the marsh, dabbling
ducks have suddenly appeared in good numbers, including WOOD DUCKS,
AMERICAN WIGEONS, NORTHERN SHOVELER, NORTHERN PINTAILS, and GREEN-WINGED
TEAL among others. The usual diving ducks are also present, among them
more LESSER SCAUP, a few WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, plenty of HOODED
MERGANSERS, and up to five RUDDY DUCKS.
RUFFED GROUSE were seen on two different days. Six WILD TURKEYS were in
the calf pasture on Tuesday. The RED-THROATED LOON first seen on March
11 was still present on the weekend. Two COMMON LOONS were sighted this
week. PIED-BILLED, HORNED, and RED-NECKED GREBES are being seen on most
days. DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS are now a daily sighting. A GREAT BLUE
HERON was hiding in the marsh this afternoon. A report of a GREAT EGRET
from just outside the Park will surely be followed by many more of this
species, which breeds on High Bluff Island. Interesting raptors seen
this week include TURKEY VULTURE, BALD EAGLE, NORTHERN HARRIER, COOPER'S
HAWK, and ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK. A record early SANDHILL CRANE was heard on
March 28. AMERICAN WOODCOCKS have begun performing their crepuscular
displays. An ICELAND GULL was seen on March 27. The only owl of the
week was a BARRED OWL.
On March 31 a NORTHERN SHRIKE was still present. The first EASTERN
PHOEBES and TREE SWALLOW were seen this morning. There were COMMON
RAVEN sightings on two different days. A HOARY REDPOLL continues to
visit the feeders at 83 Bayshore Road.
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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