There has been lots of birding activity at Presqu'ile Provincial Park in
the past week, with results that have generally satisfied everyone.
Perhaps the Ontario Field Ornithologists' outing to Presqu'ile
Provincial Park this Sunday will generate even more sightings of interest.
The main duck migration is still weeks away, but a few recent
observations include WOOD DUCKS (regular in the marsh), REDHEADS (a
continuing flock in Popham Bay), GREATER (flock of five in flight) and
LESSER SCAUP, LONG-TAILED DUCKS (a few off Owen Point), and COMMON and
RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS. Both HORNED and RED-NECKED GREBES have been
seen. A GREAT EGRET that was in the marsh this morning had a blue wing
tag but was too far for its numbers or letters to be read. A GREEN
HERON was seen yesterday. Apparently migrant raptors have included
NORTHERN HARRIERS, and SHARP-SHINNED, COOPER'S and BROAD-WINGED HAWKS as
well as an immature BALD EAGLE spotted at three different locations on
Sunday (presumably the same bird each time) and another (or the same
one) seen both yesterday and today near the lighthouse. COMMON
GALLINULES appeared on both Saturday and Sunday (two birds).
A good variety of shorebirds, including some rarities, frequented the
beach on the weekend, especially on Saturday, but there have been
progressively fewer each day since then. The highlights were an
AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER (up till Sunday), a WESTERN SANDPIPER (not seen
to my knowledge since Monday), a BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER on Friday and
Sunday, and a LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER on Saturday. More recently a GREATER
YELLOWLEGS, a RUDDY TURNSTONE, a PECTORAL SANDPIPER, and several BAIRD'S
SANDPIPERS have accompanied the more common species. A COMMON TERN on
Sunday was the first in several weeks. This is the season when
PARASITIC JAEGERS occasionally turn up at Presqu'ile.
A flock of 58 ROCK PIGEONS on Saturday was unusual in the Park. One of
the weekend campers saw a BARRED OWL. The fifteen RUBY-THROATED
HUMMINGBIRDS on Saturday were the most in the past week. Although there
are some anomalous August and September records of BLACK-BACKED
WOODPECKER at Presqu'ile, an anonymous report of the species on
September 7 and 8 of this year requires documentation by way of a rare
bird report. MERLINS have been seen several times this week. A
YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER on September 4 was noteworthy. Singles of
BROWN CREEPER, BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER, and AMERICAN PIPIT were also
seen. There has been a considerable movement of warblers of many
species through the Park. Flocks seldom stay long in one place. Thus
it was not possible to re-locate one that was described in a way that
suggested BLUE-WINGED WARBLER. SCARLET TANAGERS have also been on the move.
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. Visitors to Gull Island not using a
boat should be prepared to wade through water of unknown depth (not
allowing for waves) in which there
is often a swift current and a substrate that is somewhat uneven and
slippery. 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] <mailto:[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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