The unusual extent of open water in Presqu'ile Bay has provided
opportunities for observing waterfowl that are normally anticipated as
February progresses. Land birds remain concentrated around bird feeders.
CANADA GEESE have begun feeding on lawns and on Gull Island, which is
devoid of snow. Four TRUMPETER SWANS and three TUNDRA SWANS were
present on January 13, and two of the former were seen yesterday. With
the exception of a single MALLARD, dabbling ducks have not yet shown up
in Presqu'ile Bay. GADWALLS are often among the first to do so and
might appear before the end of this month. The large numbers of diving
ducks are mostly REDHEADS, GREATER SCAUP, LONG-TAILED DUCKS, and COMMON
GOLDENEYES. Among them a male CANVASBACK has been seen on four of the
last five days. One or two RING-NECKED DUCKS and LESSER SCAUP have also
been detected. WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS are generally near the lighthouse.
A female HOODED MERGANSER was at the calf pasture on January 13. A
RUFFED GROUSE was seen on Sunday, and the flock of WILD TURKEYS
continues to cross Bayshore Road periodically, but otherwise manages to
stay hidden. Two observers found an AMERICAN COOT off the government
dock on Sunday. Large flocks of HERRING GULLS rest on the remaining ice
of Presqu'ile Bay during the day. With a scope it has been possible to
pick out as many as three ICELAND GULLS, four GLAUCOUS GULLS, and up to
eight GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULLS.
Both adult and immature BALD EAGLES have been patrolling Presqu'ile Bay
all week. A SNOWY OWL was on Sebastopol Island on Sunday and on Gull
Island yesterday. PILEATED WOODPECKERS were seen in two different
locations. COMMON RAVENS were seen on two different days. The flock of
HORNED LARKS that has been wintering on Gull Island was still present
yesterday. A GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET near the lighthouse was at a
location where the species is not expected until late in March.
AMERICAN ROBINS usually winter at Presqu'ile but seldom in the numbers
seen this year (45 by one estimate and 30 by another). SNOW BUNTINGS
continue to be seen at Owen Point. The wintering WHITE-THROATED SPARROW
(perhaps two) at 83 Bayshore Road is easily seen feeding on the ground.
Locations within the Park are shown on a map at the back of a tabloid
that is available at the Park gate. Visitors to Gull Island (a few
metres of water
with a depth of a few centimetres separated it from Owen Point recently) may
encounter a slippery coating of ice on the rocks and drifts of snow
obscuring water below. Ice cleats are recommended.
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] <mailto:[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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