Summery weather and a shortage of birders have combined to keep bird
observations at Presqu'ile Provincial Park somewhat static. A few newly
arrived migrant birds have served as appetizers for the anticipated
influx of warblers, shorebirds, and others.
Two HOODED MERGANSERS and a RED-BREASTED MERGANSER were on the east
shore of Gull Island on August 5. While GREAT EGRETS continue to be
visible on High Bluff Island, a few have appeared in the marsh and
elsewhere. An OSPREY, presumably one of the fledged young from a nearby
nest, remained perched on the peak of a roof on Bayshore Road for two
consecutive days this week, oblivious to the crowd of people watching
and photographing it from the ground and even from the roof, where the
children of the occupants sat almost within reach of the bird.
Shorebirds remain surprisingly scarce, the only migrants being up to
half a dozen SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS and single SEMIPALMATED and LEAST
SANDPIPERS. A GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL was on the beach on Monday and
this afternoon.
A ROCK PIGEON flew over this afternoon. Two BLACK-BILLED CUCKOOS were
heard today. One of the birds that pass through Presqu'ile in August is
the COMMON NIGHTHAWK. Loose flocks should be looked for at dusk over
the beach or near the eastern end of the peninsula. RED-BELLIED
WOODPECKERS, including a male, a female, and a young one, were regular
visitors at 83 Bayshore Road. Since WARBLING VIREOS have stopped
singing, the sighting of one today was the first in a few weeks. A
COMMON RAVEN was calling behind the beach dunes today. An early migrant
CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER was at 83 Bayshore Road today.
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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