While not yet at a complete halt, the spring bird migration at
Presqu'ile Provincial Park has slowed right down. With one or two
exceptions, the birds seen in the past week are species that should be
expected at the tail end of the migration.
Along the north shore of Gull Island there is usually a small gathering
of summering ducks. Those present this week have included GADWALLS,
AMERICAN WIGEONS, and NORTHERN SHOVELERS. A RUFFED GROUSE was observed
doing a distraction display, accompanied by "shrieking". There has been
no significant change among herons and their allies since last week,
which raises the question of whether LEAST BITTERNS have failed to
return to the marsh. The most obvious vestige of the spring migration
has been the observation of eight species of transient shorebirds, in
addition to the continuing presence of nesting PIPING PLOVERS and other
summer residents. Among them were up to 12 WHIMBRELS on May 27 (with
another heard flying over on the next morning), and five species as
recently as June 1, including a BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER, 15 or more
DUNLINS, and two SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHERS. Three BONAPARTE'S GULLS were
still present on May 31.
A BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO was calling yesterday. A YELLOW-BELLIED
FLYCATCHER on May 29 was the only one of that typically late-migrating
species found this spring. A COMMON RAVEN was near the lighthouse on
May 28, and an EASTERN BLUEBIRD was at the calf pasture on the same
day. The most notable warbler was a PRAIRIE WARBLER on May 29 that sang
three times before disappearing. That another was in the same location
in July of last year and one was not far away in late June 11 years ago
raises speculation that the species may breed in the Park. ORCHARD
ORIOLES are known to have nested at Presqu'ile and are being seen again
this year beyond their normal migration date.
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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