One rare bird and several uncommon ones have livened up the birding
scene at Presqu'ile Provincial Park, and the influx of more common
species bodes well for the forthcoming Warblers and Whimbrels Weekend,
which begins on Saturday.
The male CANVASBACK that appeared in late April was still present on May
12 and 13, which is unusually late for that species. A late RING-NECKED
DUCK was also seen on May 13. After a run of five days, the male SURF
SCOTER that provided some killer looks and photographs was last seen on
May 13, when two WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS were also nearby. Four other SURF
SCOTERS were in a different location on May 13. A WILD TURKEY was seen
on May 14. Although the beach has virtually disappeared under record
high lake levels, a few shorebirds have appeared, mostly to the north of
the Park boundary but visible from within the Park. Notably, a
SEMIPALMATED PLOVER was present on May 14, and the PIPING PLOVER that
frequented the remnants of the beach from April 21 onward was last seen
on May 12 or 13. A lone WHIMBREL was just north of the Park boundary
this morning. A family of AMERICAN WOODCOCKS tried to avoid traffic
while crossing the road, with only partial success. SOLITARY SANDPIPERS
were seen on May 12 and 13. Six BONAPARTE'S GULLS were off the
lighthouse on May 12. All but one of the few ARCTIC TERN records from
Presqu'ile have been in the latter half of May. A RED-THROATED LOON was
still off the beach on May 12 and 13. A LEAST BITTERN did two fly-bys
off the campground office viewing platform yesterday. GREAT EGRETS
continue to be seen, both on their nests on High Bluff Island and at
foraging locations such as the calf pasture cove.
COOPER'S HAWKS, of which one was seen this week, are likely present
thoughout the breeding season but generally remain secretive. There was
at least one BARRED OWL sighting this week. Yesterday and today were
marked by RED-HEADED WOODPECKER sightings, of which there were five in
five different places, some of which may have been of the same bird.
RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS are being seen and heard almost every day. A
MERLIN flew past the lighthouse. Six flycatcher species seen this week
are the most this year. They include the first EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE and
WILLOW FLYCATCHER. A YELLOW-THROATED VIREO was seen on May 13. On at
least four of the last five days, BLUE JAYS have been migrating over the
lighthouse in good numbers. BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS are being seen
regularly near the lighthouse. Among the six thrush species seen this
week was an EASTERN BLUEBIRD. VEERY, GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH, and
SWAINSON'S THRUSH all appeared for the first time this spring. A
NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD was in the day use area on May 13. The CEDAR
WAXWINGS seen this morning are probably the vanguard of larger numbers
that normally arrive in late May. PURPLE FINCHES continue to be seen in
small numbers.
The big attraction at this time of year can be the warbler variety. The
24 species seen in the past week represent a normal mixture, but the one
prize sighting was anything but normal for the lucky three birders who
had a 30-second view of a WORM-EATING WARBLER, only the fifth record for
Presqu'ile. Others that pale in comparison but are still of interest
include a female GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER, several BLUE-WINGED WARBLERS,
and CAPE MAY and CANADA WARBLERS. CLAY-COLORED SPARROW, SAVANNAH
SPARROW, and LINCOLN'S SPARROW were all seen this week. SCARLET
TANAGERS have been moving through in the past few days. Other birds of
interest this week are INDIGO BUNTINGS, BOBOLINKS, and ORCHARD ORIOLES.
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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