Not only has the fall bird migration at Presqu'ile Provincial Park got
into full swing, but the variety now includes a good many passerines to
complement the shorebirds that have held sway in recent weeks and
continue to provide excellent viewing opportunities.
For the second consecutive week, a BRANT was on the beach, this time
yesterday evening. The TRUMPETER SWAN that has been among the other
swans around Sebastopol Point for several weeks was still there this
morning, as was a GREATER SCAUP among the REDHEADS. A single
BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO was at the lighthouse on Sunday and a YELLOW-BILLED
CUCKOO was in Jobes' woods on Tuesday. Yesterday evening a CHIMNEY
SWIFT flew over. The observer who found a SORA yesterday probably got
to see the bird, since most vocalization has ceased for the season. At
least some of the COMMON GALLINULES that were hatched in the woodpile
marsh this summer are still there but fully grown.
Fifteen species of shorebirds and a hundred or more individuals have put
in an appearance in the past week at Owen Point, where they feed within
metres of the viewing area in habitat (algae flats) that is more natural
than in sewage lagoons. Some of the highlights include RUDDY TURNSTONE,
STILT SANDPIPER (one or two almost every day), BAIRD'S SANDPIPER
(several almost every day), WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER, PECTORAL SANDPIPER,
SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER, GREATER YELLOWLEGS. A GREEN HERON pretending to
be a shorebird has also been among them or nearby on most days. GREAT
EGRETS frequently fly past there. An adult BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON
flew over the marsh at dusk on Sunday.
A YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER was at the calf pasture. A MERLIN has been
making repeated passes over the shorebirds. The coming week will mark
the fourth anniversary of the discovery of a THICK-BILLED KINGBIRD,
which delighted many birders from far afield for a period of four days.
It now serves as a reminder that rare flycatchers from the west and
south-west do occasionally show up in southern Ontario in fall. A good
variety of warblers can be found on most days. At least fifteen species
have been seen, plus a good many more that got away before being
identified. The first two SCARLET TANAGERS of the season were at the
calf pasture yesterday.
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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