Today being the 33rd anniversary of the discovery of one of North
America's rarest birds at Presqu'ile Provincial Park (a Lesser
Sand-Plover), those of us with long memories have been out all week
looking for something to surpass that. No such luck, but lots of
consolation prizes. Minor surges of incoming migrants occurred on at
least two days.
With most of the ducks having left, even some fairly common species that
have been seen this week are worth noting: 3 NORTHERN PINTAILS today; a
male CANVASBACK on April 28 and 29 and May 3; two REDHEADS; four
RING-NECKED DUCKS; up to seven WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS; a HOODED MERGANSER
today. There have been two WILD TURKEY sightings. Two HORNED GREBES
were found today. The first RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD showed up
yesterday. In addition to continued observations of VIRGINIA RAILS and
a SORA in the marsh, two COMMON GALLINULES have also been present,
perhaps more visible than in other years because of the high water in
the marsh. Despite the limited amount of beach, there have been several
sightings of the lone PIPING PLOVER, including one today. Three DUNLINS
were present for two days, and two GREATER and one LESSER YELLOWLEGS
were present on one of those days. An ICELAND GULL was on the beach
this morning, and the first two COMMON TERNS also showed up today. A
LEAST BITTERN was calling in the south end of the marsh last Saturday,
eclipsing the previous early date for that species. The easiest place
to observe GREAT EGRETS these days is near the entrance to the marsh
boardwalk, where six were feeding this morning.
An immature BALD EAGLE, the first in several weeks, soared overhead on
May 2. The first PEREGRINE FALCON of the year appeared today. Most of
the other excitement of the past week has involved the return of many
passerine species, too many to enumerate. Among the highlights were
higher than usual numbers of BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHERS and a HERMIT THRUSH
(not unusual but one of only a very few of that species this spring, in
sharp contrast to other years). Thirteen warbler species, including an
early AMERICAN REDSTART on May 1 and NORTHERN PARULAS, have appeared in
the past week. The first BOBOLINK of the season was on High Bluff
Island on May 1, and another was seen today. A few RUSTY BLACKBIRDS
have been near the lighthouse for much of the week. Both ORCHARD
ORIOLES and BALTIMORE ORIOLES have been present since April 28.
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
restricted
at this time of year to prevent disturbance to the colonial nesting
birds there.
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: 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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