Judging from the paucity of recent entries in the book of bird sightings
at Presqu'ile Provincial Park, there have been few birders visiting the
Park this week. Thus there has been a corresponding diminution of bird
observations which can only partly be attributed to the fact that the
fall migration is winding down. Despite that, there have been a few
noteworthy sightings. The month of November often sees a surge of
visiting birders hoping to see one of the Presqu'ile specialties that
normally shows up during that month.
Waterfowl continue to be abundant in the marsh and the offshore
waters. Among others, a Tundra Swan was there on November 1, the first
of the season. Gadwalls are more plentiful than normal. A Northern
Pintail was in the marsh on October 31. A Canvasback was off the beach
on October 26. A Surf Scoter was in Presqu'ile Bay on October 30, and
White-winged Scoters are numerous, especially out in the open waters of
Lake Ontario. Long-tailed Ducks are becoming more plentiful each day.
Half a dozen Red-throated Loons were among the many Common Loons off
Beach 1 on October 26. A Red-necked Grebe was at Owen Point on November 1.
For the second consecutive week, an American Bittern was in the marsh
opposite the bird sightings board. A Turkey Vulture flew over Owen
Point on October 30 and another was sitting just off the point two days
later, perhaps attracted by all the avian corpses along the shore.
Northern Harriers, Red-tailed Hawks, and Merlins are the only other
raptors observed this week.
Among the seven species of shorebirds (mostly Sanderlings and Dunlins)
in the Park this week were a few lingering "peeps": a Least Sandpiper
on October 28, a White-rumped Sandpiper on November 1, and a Baird's
Sandpiper as recently as November 1. This is the month when Purple
Sandpipers regularly appear at Presqu'ile, most often around Gull Island
or Sebastopol Island. Look for them to arrive any day now.
Unlike the female Red-bellied Woodpecker that was spotted last week, the
bird that stopped briefly today at 186 Bayshore Road was a male, but it
flew off after consuming some of the bird food on a feeder. A Northern
Shrike was seen twice at the calf pasture, where that species has spent
the entire winter in the past. Anyone hoping to see the Carolina Wren
that has been present for over two months should watch the feeders at
186 Bayshore Road at dawn or at dusk, which is when it has been making
brief visits on a fairly regular basis. Most Ruby-crowned Kinglets have
left, but one was at the lighthouse today. At least a dozen Eastern
Bluebirds were at the west end of the day use (picnic) area today. A
few Yellow-rumped Warblers are the only members of that family still
being seen in the Park. Although only a few sparrows remain, there were
good numbers on High Bluff Island on October 30. Both Chipping Sparrow
and Field Sparrow were seen on October 31. One or two Lapland Longspurs
have been around Owen Point and Gull Island, usually with the scores of
Snow Buntings. Common Redpolls arrived on October 28 and have been seen
here and there since then. Over two dozen Pine Siskins have been
patrolling the eastern end of the peninsula, sometimes stopping at feeders.
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. It should be noted that, because
duck hunting is given priority on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and
Saturdays, Gull "Island", High Bluff Island, and part of the calf
pasture are not available for bird-watching on those days. Again this
year, birders and others have been permitted at Owen Point on hunting
days for the first few weeks of the hunting season. This afternoon a
duck blind was erected at Owen Point, so birders should exercise caution
in that area on hunting days until signs are erected restricting access
altogether.
Questions and comments about bird sightings at Presqu'ile may be
directed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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Fred Helleiner
186 Bayshore Road,
R.R. #4,
Brighton, Ontario, Canada, K0K 1H0
VOICE: (613) 475 5309
If visiting, access via Presqu'ile Provincial Park.
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