February is traditionally a slow month for birding at Presqu'ile
Provincial Park, as elsewhere, yet the open water in Presqu'ile Bay (as
long as it lasts) provides plenty of opportunities for observing waterfowl.
Two TRUMPETER SWANS were in Presqu'ile Bay on Monday and three GADWALLS
on Sunday. Most of the ducks in Presqu'ile Bay are REDHEADS and GREATER
SCAUP. This morning a layer of thin ice covered much of what had been
open water all week, precipitating a mass exodus of flock after flock of
those species as they headed out to the open water of the lake. By
noon, a westerly wind had dissipated most of the newly formed ice and
flocks of those birds began returning to feed. A smattering of
CANVASBACKS can usually be picked out with a scope from among the
thousands of ducks. Viewing is good from the calf pasture. Unless that
wind direction persists, the extreme cold predicted for the weekend may
again cause the bay to freeze over. Half a dozen other species of
diving ducks are also regular in the bay in smaller numbers, including
WHITE-WINGED SCOTER and COMMON and RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS. The first
HOODED MERGANSERS often show up later in February.
Two RUFFED GROUSE were observed budding at the calf pasture. There have
been no reports of BALD EAGLES or other raptors this week, but both
SNOWY and BARRED OWLS have been seen. Single PILEATED WOODPECKERS were
seen on one day and heard on another. Four COMMON RAVENS were feeding
on the ice of Presqu'ile Bay on Tuesday, and one was there on the next
day. Sightings of BROWN CREEPERS have been regular this winter, but
three found by two observers walking the roads were exceptional.
Probably the most surprising find of the week was a flock of 45 COMMON
REDPOLLS on Tuesday, a species that has been virtually absent all
winter. Perhaps they are a precursor of other finches arriving later in
the winter.
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 may need to wade through water that is knee-deep when calm and
is sometimes obscured by a layer of ice. They may also encounter a
slippery coating of ice on the rocks. Ice cleats are recommended.
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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