At Presqu'ile Provincial Park a surge of newly arrived migrant birds
last weekend and this morning made for some exciting birding. Although
there were no rarities reported, the bushes were alive with fairly
common birds in numbers not usually seen until early April.
More and more DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS are appearing every day. The
first OSPREY of the season was hovering over the marsh this morning. A
migrating NORTHERN HARRIER was observed on Saturday. Someone reported a
GREAT HORNED OWL, a species that has not been reliably identified at
Presqu'ile for many months and that should be engaged in breeding at
this date. BARRED OWLS, on the other hand, are a year-round presence
and breed in the Park, with at least two found this week. Two rather
early YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKERS were seen on March 29. A MERLIN
appeared on March 29. EASTERN PHOEBES are being seen almost daily since
last weekend. COMMON RAVENS continue to be seen and heard infrequently
(twice this week). If correctly identified, a PURPLE MARTIN reported on
March 29 would be a record early date. One observer counted nine BROWN
CREEPERS in one day. WINTER WRENS have begun singing. It is still
early for warblers to arrive, but there are March records, and this has
been an early spring so even those may be in the near-term forecast.
Single PURPLE FINCH and PINE SISKIN have been in the lighthouse area,
and the AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES are now well into molting into their
alternate plumage, showing varying patches and amounts of yellow.
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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