In many respects, the transition from spring to summer occurred at Presqu'ile Provincial Park during the past week. The trees in the forest had scarcely begun to leaf out a week ago and now have a fully developed canopy, which makes birders much more reliant on identifications based on vocalizations. The bird migration that was in full swing a week ago has slowed to a trickle.
A Green Heron, one of very few reported in the Park this spring, appeared on June 3 at the calf pasture, a favourite haunt of that species in previous summers. A moult migration of Canada Geese, presumably failed breeders heading for Hudson Bay, took place on several mornings in the past week, when moderately large flocks passed overhead. About 325 Brant flew past Owen Point on June 1. Several other interesting waterfowl have also appeared recently. A Gadwall was sitting on Gull Island on May 30. A drake Canvasback, first spotted on June 1 near the viewing platform opposite the bird sightings board, was subsequently seen on June 3 and 4 behind the cottages at 10-16 Bayshore Road. A female Redhead and a male Lesser Scaup were also in that vicinity on June 4. A White-winged Scoter was far out in Popham Bay off beach 1 on June 3. May 30 turned out to be the peak day for this spring's shorebird migration, with several thousand descending on the beaches and Gull Island. Among them were five Black-bellied Plovers (of which a few are still present almost every day), 16 American Golden-Plovers that stopped only very briefly on beach 1, two Whimbrels, and about 3,000 Dunlins. Other species that have been seen during the week include Ruddy Turnstones (almost every day, with a peak of 42 on June 1), Red Knots (also a daily occurrence, with a peak of 23 on June 3, including several colour-banded individuals), Sanderlings (up to 17 on June 1), one White-rumped Sandpiper (feeding regularly among the Semipalmated Sandpipers), and a Short-billed Dowitcher on June 1. An American Woodcock was seen at the entrance to the beach 3 access road. A Black-billed Cuckoo was heard at the calf pasture on June 2. The most recent Red-headed Woodpecker sighting was on May 30 at the lighthouse, where there was also a Northern Mockingbird, neither of which stayed around to be seen by others. A Yellow-bellied Flycatcher was seen on May 30, and Willow Flycatchers are regular along the Owen Point trail, which has ideal habitat for that species. The latest Philadelphia Vireo was seen on May 30, and a Red-breasted Nuthatch was among the migrant warblers near the lighthouse on June 2. Two Carolina Wrens have been making their presence known irregularly at the lighthouse and around 87 Bayshore Road. There was a flurry of late-migrating warblers at Presqu'ile on June 2, including 13 species. Figuring most prominently were Magnolia, Chestnut-sided, Blackburnian, Blackpoll, and Wilson's Warblers and American Redstarts. Others of interest were Black-throated Green, Bay-breasted, Black-and-white, Mourning, and Canada Warblers. On the preceding day, there was a late Yellow-rumped Warbler. A White-throated Sparrow continues to pay occasional visits to 186 Bayshore Road, and there was still a pair of Indigo Buntings near the lighthouse on June 2. A Bobolink has been frequenting the calf pasture, the only part of the Park which has suitable nesting habitat for that species. 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. Questions and comments about bird sightings at Presqu'ile may be directed to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- 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. Fred Helleiner <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
