Over 100 species of birds have been seen at Presqu'ile Provincial Park
in the past week, a clear indication that the fall migration is in full
swing. There has been lots of birding activity at Presqu'ile Provincial
Park, with results that have generally satisfied everyone. Perhaps the
Ontario Field Ornithologists' outing to Presqu'ile Provincial Park this
Sunday will generate even more sightings of interest, especially after
the predicted change in the weather.
The BRANT that was seen on two previous occasions this summer was
spotted again yesterday. Two TRUMPETER SWANS have been fairly regular
off Owen Point. Ducks have been present in somewhat increasing
numbers. Where one GREATER SCAUP has lingered for weeks, three were
seen yesterday. As well, COMMON MERGANSERS have re-appeared in three
different places. One of the biggest surprises was a flock of eleven
WILD TURKEYS, an adult with ten young. Someone saw a YELLOW-BILLED
CUCKOO on Sunday. A COMMON NIGHTHAWK was also seen on that day. COMMON
GALLINULES are easy to find in both the woodpile marsh and the marsh
along the causeway leading into the Park, where eleven birds were counted.
An AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER was on Gull Island on Friday. Otherwise, the
shorebird flock at Owen Point has remained fairly stable all week. In
addition to the commoner species, it has included one WHIMBREL late last
week, a STILT SANDPIPER on Sunday, a few BAIRD'S and PECTORAL
SANDPIPERS, and a WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER with an injured leg. As many
as three GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULLS are now being seen. AMERICAN BITTERN,
GREAT EGRETS, and GREEN HERON have all been seen on more than one
occasion. A BALD EAGLE was seen on two different days. COOPER'S HAWK,
RED-SHOULDERED HAWK, BROAD-WINGED HAWK, MERLIN, and PEREGRINE FALCON
have all been seen in the past week.
YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER and ALDER FLYCATCHER were among seven
flycatcher species in the Park. YELLOW-THROATED VIREO and PHILADELPHIA
VIREO were also seen. Single COMMON RAVENS were found twice. A
BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER was seen on Monday. Two GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSHES and
an AMERICAN PIPIT were the first of the season. Too many warbler
species (!) to be listed here, but a HOODED WARBLER seen briefly at the
lighthouse this afternoon was an interesting report. Several sparrow
species are summer residents at Presqu'ile, including a few
WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS that were seen twice this week, but migrants
such as WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS should soon be appearing.
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 until after September 10 to prevent disturbance to the
colonial nesting birds there. Visitors to Gull Island not using a
boat should be prepared to wade through knee-deep water (not allowing
for waves) in which there
is often a swift current and a substrate that is somewhat uneven and
slippery. Birders are encouraged to record theirobservations 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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