Recent weather at Presqu'ile Provincial Park has discouraged the usual
amount of birder activity. Nevertheless, there have been sightings of
winter birds by hard-core birders that would justify a visit because of
the variety that can be seen.
MUTE SWANS remain at below normal levels. Two CANVASBACKS were seen on
Monday and four todaay. REDHEAD and GREATER SCAUP numbers have
increased dramatically in the past 24 hours. WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS are
most reliably seen around the Salt Point lighthouse. Six COMMON
MERGANSERS that have been missing for almost a month have returned. The
influx of ducks today raises hopes of finding the first HOODED MERGANSER
of the season. Among the birds that have been present in small numbers
all winter that have been seen again this week are WILD TURKEY, BALD
EAGLE, and COOPER'S HAWK. SNOWY OWLS have been seen in several parts of
the Park, including one in the day use area. A PILEATED WOODPECKER was
seen yesterday and a MERLIN on Sunday. COMMON RAVENS are seen on most
days. BROWN CREEPERS have been present all winter, and a group of three
appeared on Sunday, one of which was feeding on bacon fat that had been
smeared on the trunk of a tree. AMERICAN ROBINS, too, have been present
all winter but this week flocks of them have showed up in three widely
scattered parts of the Park in two of which they had not been noticed
previously. Several intrepid observers have made their way to Gull
Island, where a flock of SNOW BUNTINGS has been a reward. A
WHITE-THROATED SPARROW was again patronizing the feeders at 83 Bayshore
Road.
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 aware that the ice between Owen Point and the islandmay
or may not support the weight of a human. They may also encounter
aslippery coating of ice on the rocks. Ice cleats are recommended.
Birders are encouraged to record their observations on the bird
sightingsboard provided near the campground office by The Friends of
Presqu'ilePark 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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