The fall bird migration at Presqu'ile Provincial Park was in full swing
on the weekend, when dozens of birders were present to enjoy it. Since
then, a diminished number of birders (those who don't have to keep
working/school hours) are still finding lots of migrants representing
species normally found this late in the season.
The three TRUMPETER SWANS mentioned in previous reports continue to be
seen, with the two on and around Sebastopol Island being the most
reliable. More dabbling ducks have made their way into the marsh, where
at least five species have been seen from the camp office viewing deck.
(The adjacent sign restricting access does not apply to that deck.)
Most diving ducks, especially REDHEADS and GREATER SCAUP, as well as
HORNED GREBES, are far out in Popham Bay. WILD TURKEYS have been seen
again this week, with a high count of 12 on Sunday. On both Saturday
and Sunday, a late BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO was at Owen Point.
Among the shorebirds seen this week were AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVERS, RED
KNOT, BAIRD'S SANDPIPER, and WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER, as well as at least
eight other species. A LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL was still present on
Sunday, this time on High Bluff Island. The woodpile marsh continues to
provide good views of AMERICAN BITTERN (also seen today along the marsh
boardwalk) and GREEN HERON. One birder was surprised today to flush an
immature BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON from the edge of Gull Island. The
bird then posed for prolonged looks before flying off again. An OSPREY
seen today was rather late.
RED-BELLIED WOODPECKERS were seen at least twice. A PEREGRINE FALCON
flew over Gull Island on Sunday. While not quite a record, an EASTERN
KINGBIRD sighting on Saturday was very late. COMMON RAVENS are being
seen and heard almost every day, and one observer saw seven at once.
Both HORNED LARKS and AMERICAN PIPITS were on Gull Island today. A
HOUSE WREN put in a brief appearance yesterday. GRAY-CHEEKED and
SWAINSON'S THRUSHES are being seen here and there. Eight years ago on
October 2, a vagrant VARIED THRUSH was the only record of that species
from Presqu'ile. Warblers, including ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER, have been
fairly easy to find even after their onslaught on the weekend.
WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS, WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS, and DARK-EYED JUNCOES
also became prominent on the weekend and have been ever since. A RUSTY
BLACKBIRD was in the woodpile marsh on Sunday.
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 shin-deep,
not taking into account any wave action,.in which 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, Owen Point,
Gull Island,
High Bluff Island, 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: fhellei...@trentu.ca <mailto: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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