Since Presqu'ile Provincial Park has been closed until today, there are
very few birds to report, not because the birds have been aware of the
closure but because birders have been staying away. In fact, the
absence of human traffic in some areas such as the flooded beach has
enabled large numbers of birds to become accustomed to that undisturbed
environment. This morning, slogging through muddy areas that were
recently under water allowed one birder to encroach on the margins of
what, it is hoped, will eventually become a beach again and to discover
numerous roosting ducks, gulls, and terns, as well as egrets.
Well over 50 adult MUTE SWANS were in Popham Bay this morning. The
absence of any evident juveniles may reflect the high water levels that
may have brought about nest failures. Both GADWALLS and NORTHERN
SHOVELERS were among several dozen MALLARDS occupying a sheltered pool
where beach 3 used to be. For the second consecutive week, a female
HOODED MERGANSER was observed flying over the north end of the marsh.
Again this week three or four BONAPARTE'S GULLS have been at the north
end of the beach, often sitting on the poles that, in a normal season,
would support volleyball nets. Close to 200 CASPIAN TERNS were loafing
off beach 2 this morning. A COMMON LOON was near the lighthouse
yesterday. A LEAST BITTERN has been frequenting the north-west corner
of the marsh, near the Park gate. In addition to the GREAT EGRETS that
can be seen on their nests on High Bluff Island, individuals are
regularly being seen around the mainland, including the three that were
at the edge of the erstwhile beaches 2 and 3 this morning. On Monday a
RED-TAILED HAWK was over the Park and two MERLINS were found along
Bayshore Road. Since many passerine birds are not visible in the
foliage at this time of year, it takes birders able to identify them by
ear in order to locate them. Now that the Park is open again, perhaps
some birders will detect unusual ones, like the PRAIRIE WARBLER that was
discovered that way on June 20, 2005.
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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