Most birds seen at Presqu'ile Provincial Park this week can be assumed
to have spent the summer here, and to have likely bred here. Birds
whose breeding grounds are farther north are the exception, and a few of
those have shown up this week. The origin of the prize bird of the past
week, however, is a mystery.
A TRUMPETER SWAN was embedded in a flock of MUTE SWANS in Popham Bay on
Tuesday. Ducks in that area have included well over a dozen GADWALLS,
three AMERICAN WIGEONS, a GREEN-WINGED TEAL, a flock of 20 REDHEADS, two
GREATER SCAUP, a WHITE-WINGED SCOTER, and COMMON and RED-BREASTED
MERGANSERS. Five GREAT BLUE HERONS flew over the calf pasture
together. GREAT EGRETS continue to be seen on High Bluff Island. A
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK and a MERLIN were the only hawks seen this week. A
flock of eleven "peeps" flew off the beach towards the islands last
Friday. Since Tuesday, there have been small numbers of SEMIPALMATED
PLOVERS and LEAST SANDPIPERS on the limited portion of the beach that
offers suitable habitat. An early migrant RUDDY TURNSTONE was on Gull
Island on Tuesday. An AMERICAN WOODCOCK was seen twice this week.
A cuckoo, unidentified as to species, was present this week. Three years
ago, a RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD that appeared on August 4 served as a reminder
that, even in mid-summer, rarities may appear at Presqu'ile.
RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS are regular visitors to the feeders at 83
Bayshore Road. Three PILEATED WOODPECKERS flew over the marsh boardwalk
together, and another three were together at the calf pasture
yesterday. The sighting of an OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER, a northern
breeder, on July 31 a few years ago suggests that the fall migration of
land birds is imminent. Two BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS were seen on
Tuesday. Unquestionably, the highlight of the past week was the
discovery of a PRAIRIE WARBLER that stayed around for the entire day on
July 24. It seems early for it to have been a migrant from further
north, so it raises the possibility that the species may actually have
bred undetected somewhere in the Park. There certainly is suitable
habitat, and the presence of a singing male in late June ten years ago
is also suggestive of breeding. An ORCHARD ORIOLE on July 27 was rather
late. PURPLE FINCHES and a HOUSE SPARROW have visited 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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