At Presqu'ile Provincial Park a rush of early spring migrants, both
aquatic and terrestrial, has brought in most of the expected species at
normal or extra early dates, as well as one that was truly phenomenally
early.
Flocks of CANADA GEESE have been passing overhead for several days. A
TUNDRA SWAN was seen on March 6 and a group of four was seen on the same
day as a TRUMPETER SWAN was heard. NORTHERN PINTAIL and HOODED
MERGANSER were among the waterfowl in Presqu'ile Bay. Birders are hoping
for a repeat occurrence of a HARLEQUIN DUCK, an individual of which
appeared last year on March 14, during the annual Waterfowl Weekend,
which this year is on March 19-20. A RUFFED GROUSE was flushed on March
6 and two were heard drumming on March 8. After staying in hiding for a
few weeks, the small flock of WILD TURKEYS at the calf pasture was seen
on March 5 (8 birds). BALD EAGLES are still being seen regularly, with a
high count of five on March 6. On March 8, the first AMERICAN COOT and
the first three KILLDEER were seen. There were two sightings of BARRED
OWL on March 6, one the result of chickadee scolding, and two SNOWY OWLS
were on Gull Island on the following day.
Both RED-BELLIED and PILEATED WOODPECKERS are being seen. At least one
COMMON RAVEN was present this week. Near Owen Point, four
GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLETS on March 7 and an incredibly early BROWN
THRASHER on March 4 were undoubtedly migrants, the latter being over a
month earlier than the previous record. A SONG SPARROW has been singing
from its favourite perch from last year for the past few days. There
was an intriguing report of an EVENING GROSBEAK on March 6, the only one
at Presqu'ile this winter. The HOUSE SPARROWS at 186 Bayshore Road have
been joined by a third individual.
//
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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