Only a few hard-core birders have visited Presqu'ile Provincial Park in
the past week, but some of their findings are of sufficient interest to
generate more visits despite what is generally regarded as a slow time
of year.
TUNDRA SWANS were still moving through the Park in small numbers from
Sunday till Tuesday. There are still large numbers of diving ducks,
among which were two CANVASBACKS on Sunday and SURF SCOTER, WHITE-WINGED
SCOTER, and BLACK SCOTER. Two groups of WILD TURKEYS were seen on
Tuesday (three birds and seven birds) and another three birds today, all
three groups being fairly widely separated. A RED-NECKED GREBE was near
the lighthouse on Tuesday. The following five shorebird species have
been present this week: a late BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER on Sunday;
SANDERLINGS as recently as today; DUNLINS by far the most numerous
species; WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER, one on Sunday and three today; a late
PECTORAL SANDPIPER on Tuesday, nine days earlier than the record late
date. A LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was on Owen Point on Tuesday, and at
least three RED-THROATED LOONS were in Popham Bay on the same day.
NORTHERN GANNETS show up irregularly on Lake Ontario in November,
including the only two fall records from Presqu'ile.
Most TURKEY VULTURES have departed, but one was still present today. A
NORTHERN HARRIER has been patrolling the offshore islands. The first
SNOWY OWL of the season was on Gull Island on Tuesday. RED-BELLIED and
PILEATED WOODPECKERS and COMMON RAVENS are no longer considered
uncommon in the Park; all three were seen this week, including three of
the latter over High Bluff Island. A flock of 13 EASTERN BLUEBIRDS flew
over on Tuesday. SNOW BUNTINGS are on Gull Island most of the time,
with 65 there on Sunday. It seems likely that the three WHITE-THROATED
SPARROWS seen this morning may stay for the winter, and possibly the 30
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS and five COMMON GRACKLES that have also been
lingering. What is less likely is that the male BALTIMORE ORIOLE first
discovered almost two weeks ago will also survive. It was rediscovered
on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. If it stays for another four
days, it will tie the record late date for Presqu'ile established four
years ago.
.
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. Visitors to Gull Island not using a
boat should be prepared to wade through water that is
knee-deep when it is absolutely calm; this does not take into account
any wave action. There
is often a swift current and a substrate that is somewhat uneven and
slippery. It should also be noted that, because duck hunting is given
priority on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, Gull Island,
High Bluff Island, Owen Point, and part of the calf pasture are not
available for bird-watching on those days. 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]>.
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Fred Helleiner
186 Bayshore Road
Brighton, Ontario
K0K 1H0
613-475-5309
If visiting, access via Presqu'ile Provincial Park
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