At least one birder finding over 100 species of birds in a single day
demonstrates what a good week this has been for birding at Presqu'ile
Provincial Park. Inevitably, several species that some would consider
to be rarities were in the Park in the past week.
A small group of BRANT were on Sebastopol Island on May 20. Two
different observers found a TRUMPETER SWAN in the marsh. A pair of
NORTHERN SHOVELERS has been frequenting the shores of Popham Bay, most
recently today. A few REDHEADS have also been there. A surprisingly
late male COMMON GOLDENEYE was there yesterday and a female HOODED
MERGANSER on May 21. A WILD TURKEY was heard on May 21. Up to five
RED-THROATED LOONS were in Popham Bay, three of which were closer to
shore than usual. None could be found today. A high count of 13 GREAT
EGRETS on High Bluff Island is down significantly from last year's
numbers. Other herons of interest were GREEN HERONS and BLACK-CROWNED
NIGHT-HERONS on both May 20 and May 22. Two COOPER'S HAWKS and a
BROAD-WINGED HAWK were the most interesting raptors. A remarkable
report of ten VIRGINIA RAILS is the only report of that species at
Presqu'ile this year despite many birders visiting potential habitat for
that species.
The shorebird migration reached a peak on Tuesday and Wednesday of this
week, with hundreds of individuals and fifteen species showing up - and
it is likely not over yet. The highlight and the main attraction for
many birders and many of the general public has been the continuing
presence of three banded PIPING PLOVERS on the beach. Since two of them
have shown signs that they might be breeding (which has not been
confirmed to have happened at Presqu'ile for 100 years), the Park has
wisely cordoned off the area most frequented by the birds and has
discouraged anyone from approaching even the roped off area. The first
WHIMBREL of the season was a lone individual on Gull Island on May 20.
Another flock flew over on May 22, and small numbers were present
yesterday. A RED KNOT was on Gull Island on Tuesday and three flew over
the beach that evening. Both sightings were of birds that were embedded
in flocks of hundreds of DUNLINS. A WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER was reported
yesterday. An estimated 100 CASPIAN TERNS were seen on Saturday. There
was an interesting report of two or three FORSTER'S TERNS, a species
that is quite rare at Presqu'ile.
By this date, BLACK-BILLED CUCKOOS have normally shown up but none has
been reported yet. GREAT HORNED OWLS are apparently regular on High
Bluff Island. A BARRED OWL was photographed in Newcastle woods not far
from the lighthouse. COMMON NIGHTHAWKS have been moving through the
eastern end of the Park for the past two evenings. EASTERN
WHIP-POOR-WILLS were heard at two widely separated parts of the Park. A
surprising number of RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS entertained visitors on the
weekend, perhaps as many as four, and another was still around
yesterday. One observer found a nest of RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS.
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS appear in small numbers in most years late in
May and may be expected in the coming week. WILLOW FLYCATCHERS are
already here. Two COMMON RAVENS were seen on Sunday and one was near
the lighthouse this morning. Three CLIFF SWALLOWS were among six
swallow species seen on Sunday. BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS were seen on two
different days. One observer found a female EASTERN BLUEBIRD near beach
2. Two GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSHES this morning were the first of the season.
The warbler migration has slowed down a bit but is far from over. Ten
species were in one small clump of trees this afternoon and a dozen or
more other species have been recorded in the past week. The highlights
were a LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH found in Jobes' woods on May 22,
GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLERS on May 19 and 26, and a BLUE-WINGED WARBLER on
May 22. Other rare warblers can still show up, as was the case five
years ago, when a HOODED WARBLER and a PROTHONOTARY WARBLER appeared on
May 28 and June 2, respectively. Interesting sparrow sightings in the
past week included CLAY-COLORED SPARROW, VESPER SPARROW, and LINCOLN'S
SPARROW. As is the case every year, ORCHARD ORIOLES are being seen in
several places.
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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