There is almost nothing left of the spring bird migration at Presqu'ile
Provincial Park. That said, the variety of breeding birds in the Park
provides plenty of scope for finding interesting birds, some of which,
including some of this week's sightings, are uncommon in most other
parts of southern Ontario.
The ever-present MUTE SWANS have again produced their first cygnets of
the year, making it even more urgent that control measures be undertaken
for that invasive, albeit beautiful, species. A wing-tagged TRUMPETER
SWAN was in Popham Bay on May 31. Among the ducks seen this week whose
breeding status at Presqu'ile is "uncommon" or "rare" are AMERICAN
WIGEON and NORTHERN SHOVELER. REDHEADS and a single COMMON GOLDENEYE
were also seen. The nest of a COMMON LOON in the Park may be the first
ever. A LEAST BITTERN flew past the marsh boardwalk yesterday. On High
Bluff Island there are a few GREAT EGRETS that can be seen from certain
points on the mainland, presumably on their nests. OSPREY and MERLIN
have both been seen this week, and a PEREGRINE FALCON on June 1 was a
rather late record. A COMMON GALLINULE was seen in the marsh. Only
five species of migrant shorebirds were noted in the past week, and in
small and decreasing numbers. Nevertheless, sightings of late shorebirds
often continue well into June, including two records of AMERICAN
AVOCETS. A BONAPARTE'S GULL and a GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL on June 2
were late. A second ARCTIC TERN sighting was reported without any
details being provided.
The first BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO of the year was spotted yesterday, but as
yet there have been no reports of YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO. Four CHIMNEY
SWIFTS flew over Owen Point. RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS are regular
visitors at 83 Bayshore Road. Single OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS were seen
on two consecutive days, less than a kilometre apart, - perhaps the same
bird. On June 1, a record late date was established for BLUE-HEADED
VIREO. The two GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS are indicative of the diversity
of summer birds at Presqu'ile. Over a 5-year period, this species was
confirmed to be breeding at only six locations farther south in
Ontario. Likewise among warblers, only ten locations farther south in
Ontario had breeding NASHVILLE WARBLERS in that same period, yet one was
at Presqu'ile this week. Another warbler that was only heard this week
was either a BLUE-WINGED or a GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER. There was an
anonymous report of a HOODED WARBLER on May 31, but no details were
provided. Not unexpected this late in the season were the BLACKPOLL and
WILSON'S WARBLERS found this week. The CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS continue
in the calf pasture and may well be nesting there. ORCHARD ORIOLES are
a Presqu'ile specialty and can be seen almost every day. The PURPLE
FINCH on June 1 was also perhaps a breeding bird.
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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