Up till last weekend, beach 3 at Presqu'ile Provincial Park was
definitely worth a visit, but human and avian disturbance has resulted
in reduced bird activity there. Probably the anticipated cold front of
the forthcoming weekend will bring the first significant surge of
passerine migrants.
Two vocal TRUMPETER SWANS, the first in months, flew over on August 1.
Three REDHEADS and a RED-BREASTED MERGANSER were on Gull Island on July
31. A PIED-BILLED GREBE in the marsh was accompanied by three young
ones on August 30. A BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO was heard on July 28. A
rather early BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER in full alternate plumage, the first
WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER of the season, and a SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER were
present on July 28. One of the STILT SANDPIPERS that had been present
for over two weeks was still present on July 29 but has not been seen
for at least four days. An adult GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL was on Gull
Island on July 29 and another of that species was on the beach two days
later. Since then, the numbers of gulls, terns, and especially
shorebirds have plummeted. In part this may be attributed to a MERLIN
(one of two seen in the past week) that flew past the beach and to a
PEREGRINE FALCON that made several unsuccessful passes at a BONAPARTE'S
GULL hiding in the willows (and ducking!) on the rather early date of
August 2.
Few land birds have been reported this week other than those which have
summered here, but it is not too early for an OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER or
a YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER to show up since there are late July records
for both species. A COMMON RAVEN was at the calf pasture on July 28.
BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS are normally seen regularly in summer at
Presqu'ile, but the one that appeared on July 30 was the first
encountered this year for about two months.
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
restrictedat this time of year to prevent disturbance to the colonial
nesting birds there. Birders are encouraged to record their
observations on the bird sightingsboard provided near the campground
office by The Friends of Presqu'ile Parkand 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: fhellei...@trentu.ca.
--
Fred Helleiner
186 Bayshore Road
Brighton, Ontario
K0K 1H0
613-475-5309
If visiting, access via Presqu'ile Provincial Park
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