Partly because few birders have been active in Presqu'ile Provincial
Park in the past week, there are no new bird sightings to report since
last Thursday. That said, the breeding species for which the Park is
noted continue to be found, and the variety remains one of the features
of mid-summer birding at Presqu'ile.
Only four duck species have been noted in the past week: WOOD DUCK,
GADWALL, AMERICAN WIGEON, MALLARD. Some GREAT EGRETS remain on their
nests on High Bluff Island, as do OSPREYS on the lighthouse off Salt
Point. The BONAPARTE'S GULL that was on the beach on July 8 was there
again on July 10, and another was in Presqu'ile Bay this afternoon.
Although CASPIAN TERNS continue as a regular breeding bird on Gull
Island, there is some concern that their numbers are down from recent years.
A BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO was again found near the Owen Point trail parking
lot. While no one has reported any owls recently, campers are in a good
position to hear BARRED OWLS, which are year-round residents in the
Park. RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS have been visiting the feeders at 83
Bayshore Road. A MERLIN flew past a week ago. Again this week, a
BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER was heard near the lighthouse. Five WOOD THRUSHES
on one day could have been a family group. While warblers are difficult
to see at this time of year, the five species seen or heard this week
represent only some of the regular breeders at Presqu'ile. The feeders
at 83 Bayshore Road continue to be productive, with as many as three
ORCHARD ORIOLES and two PURPLE FINCHES appearing on a single day. The
most recent PINE SISKIN sighting was on July 10.
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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