Spring bird migration at Presqu'ile Provincial Park continues to be on
the early side. The Waterfowl Viewing Festival in the coming weekend
will likely feature thousands of ducks, but they may not be in the
traditional locations because of the extensive open water.
Among the thousands of REDHEADS in Presqu'ile Bay there are several
dozen AMERICAN WIGEONS. Although it is a little early for EURASIAN
WIGEONS to appear, birders have been assiduously but unsuccessfully
scanning the flocks for that rare species and will likely continue to do
so in the days ahead. A female GREEN-WINGED TEAL was a consolation
prize. A female SURF SCOTER was spotted yesterday. A HORNED GREBE was
seen on two consecutive days near Salt Point. The first DOUBLE-CRESTED
CORMORANT of the year was perched on a rock off Gull Island this
morning, a record early date. Both TURKEY VULTURE and COOPER'S HAWK
flew over the Park this week. AMERICAN WOODCOCK have already begun
their crepuscular performance. A BARRED OWL was seen in Jobes' woods.
RED-BELLIED and PILEATED WOODPECKERS are present all year but are seen
only sporadically, including sightings this week. An adult shrike was
in the calf pasture on Friday, but it could not be established whether
it was a LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE or a NORTHERN SHRIKE, both of which are
possibilities at this time of year. There have been no sightings of the
latter at Presqu'ile since late fall. COMMON RAVENS were seen on two
different days. Two very early TREE SWALLOWS flew past the lighthouse
on Sunday. EASTERN MEADOWLARKS and BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS are among the
birds that have returned in the past week. One observer saw a flock of
15 or more COMMON REDPOLLS, and PINE SISKINS have been visiting a feeder
irregularly.
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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